4dancers – Page 191

Book Review: Gwendolyn, The Graceful Pig

March 10, 2010 by 4dancers

This charming kids book makes a great gift for a younger child (designed for ages 3 to 8). At 40 pages, there is plenty to look at, and the illustrations are darling.

The story is about Gwendolyn and her pig pal Omar and their pursuit of a dream. Gwendolyn longs to be a ballerina, while clumsy Omar is hoping to score a spot on the football team.

It’s a simple story, but one with an uplifting message of hope. Children have the chance to see that you can reach your dreams, and that hard work does indeed pay off.

I loved that the story appeals to both boys and girls–a surprise that made this book even more valuable. And since it’s a hardcover, it can stand the test of time when it comes to repeated readings.

This is a cute kids book that is great for little dancers, but the storyline is bigger than the dance classroom.

$15.95 / Picture Book / Hard Cover / 8.5 x 11
Author – David Ira Rottenberg
Illustrator – Lesley Anderson

Buy This Book

The History Of Ballet

March 9, 2010 by 4dancers

Many people who teach ballet don’t know much about the history of this art form. Here is a good resource from Northeastern University that provides some of the background–reaching all the way back to the courts of Renaissance Italy.

This site is definitely worth a quick read to brush up on the details if you plan on teaching. It is also a great primer for dancers who have not yet learned about the art form that they are practicing. I found it to be conscise, yet quite detailed.

Audition Notice: Ballet Arkansas

March 9, 2010 by 4dancers

Auditions for Ballet Arkansas, the only professional dance company in the state will be held on March 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Shuffles & Ballet II, 1521 Merrill Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72221. Dancers must be at least 18 years old with advanced ballet technique and performing experience; female dancers must dance on pointe. Other dance techniques and skills, such as partnering, jazz, modern, tumbling and hip-hop, will be considered during the selection process but at not required. A resume, references and dance pictures must be submitted at the audition. 36 week contract.

Teaching Tip: About Practicing At Home

March 8, 2010 by 4dancers

I have beginning students ask me what they can practice at home to improve their dancing. My usual answer is…nothing. As a new student (especially in ballet), doing steps at home can actually be a bad thing. If the student doesn’t understand technique, they can begin to develop bad habits which can be very hard to break.

This view may seem extreme, but I have found it is a good one to advocate. When students have some knowledge of technique it is fine to give suggestions for practice, but with a rank beginner it is better that they come to class and learn how to do the movements right first. Understand the theory behind things a bit before they try to do it on their own. In my opinion it would be better for them to double up and take two classes if they want to get more practice.

It’s something to think about if you are a new teacher, or if you have never taught beginning students. Be ready with an answer–you are sure to be asked.

Dance In The US: Dance Conservatory

March 7, 2010 by 4dancers

This week Dance in the US features Delaware…

Name: Dance Conservatory

Location: 522 Otis Drive in Tudor Industrial Park, Dover, DE, 19903

About: The Dance Conservatory is the official school of the Ballet Theatre of Dover, and it has been around for a quarter of a century. The pre-professional program has placed dancers in prestigious companies such as Los Angeles Ballet Theatre, Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Dutch National Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet.

The Director of the school is Teresa Emmons, a Julliard School graduate with a diverse background in both teaching and performing. In addition to the regular class offerings, the Dance Conservatory also offers an intensive summer training program for intermediate, advanced and pre-professional students.

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