4teachers – Page 16

Interview with Trinette Singleton from the Joffrey

December 6, 2011 by 4dancers

Today we have a special feature for 4dancers readers..an interview with Trinette Singleton from the Joffrey. One of the company’s well-known ballerinas, Singleton appeared in the multi-media ballet, Astarte, created on her by her mentor, Robert Joffrey. She was also the first dancer to ever appear on the cover of a national news magazine – Time. Later, she went on to become Ballet Mistress for the Joffrey.

Listen to her reminisce about her career here, and enjoy!

Interview with Trinette Singleton from the Joffrey

If you are interested in learning more about the Joffrey and its history, be sure and keep tabs on the new documentary, Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, slated for release in 2012. More on that soon….

Review: Every Step You Take by Jock Soto

December 5, 2011 by 4dancers

by Catherine L. Tully

I’m fascinated by the lives of dancers. Even though I was one, I can never seem to get past the fact that each of us has such a distinctly different path–and a totally unique perspective on what it is like to live this life.

Because of that, I was excited to read Every Step You Take, a memoir written by Jock Soto (with Leslie Marshall). After all, this is a man that I grew up watching in the ballet world. Soto was a principal dancer with NYCB when he retired at the age of 40, and this book begins with the end of his career on stage. A peek inside the thoughts and fears that swirl around one’s head when the final performance looms, I thought it was a great opener.

Where, I thought, will this book go from here? [Read more…]

Review: Variations by Lisa Harris

November 23, 2011 by 4dancers

This is a CD by the well-known ballet pianist, Lisa Harris. Variations features some unique tracks, adapted for piano, including:

Seasons/Elton John

History of Us/Indigo Girls

Save the Best for Last/Waldmen

‘Til There Was You/Willson

The Rose/Midler

Piano Man/Joel

And many others, including classical composers, Tchiakovsky and Delibes. Played expertly by Harris, there are tracks for both barre (19) and centre (20). If you are looking for a ballet class music CD with lots of variety, this is it.

The music here can be used for classes at all levels. I’m sure adults would appreciate the selections, but the music would work for any age group. If you haven’t heard Ms. Harris play before, know that she has plenty of experience–and many other CDs to choose from, as well as digital downloads available. Look for more reviews of her music on 4dancers soon.

Visit her site for more information and for samples of the music.

Review: “Dancing Keys” by Gill Civil

November 16, 2011 by 4dancers

This is one of two ballet class music CDs by Gill Civil. Keep an eye out for the other review, coming up soon.

“Dancing Keys” has 28 tracks–all original works that were played and composed by Civil. I really do love the original ballet class music CDs. I think it adds another level of artistry to the class environment to use compositions that were created with this particular dance form in mind. Adapted pieces are fine–and many people like them. I just prefer original work.

I believe this would be a perfect CD for an adult ballet class or beginner/intermediate class. The music is clear and metered, and the selection is good. The reason I wouldn’t use it for an advanced ballet class is because the barre is on the short side. Other than that, it is appropriate. Tracks are of adequate length–neither too short, nor too long.

The centre music is plentiful, with tracks that include sautes, allegro, waltz, gavotte and adage. I found the music inspiring and beautiful. I think it is such a challenge to come up with tracks that have heart in them, and Civil is able to do so. She has quite a background in the field, having played for schools and companies in New Zealand, Canada and Australia–she’s no newbie to this type of music and it shows.

If you would like to hear samples of the music on “Dancing Keys” or if you want to purchase a CD to use for teaching, visit her website.

Review: Ballet Studio Inspirations, Volume Two

November 12, 2011 by 4dancers

Yet another lovely CD by Richard Maddock. By now, it should be no surprise.

Ballet Studio Inspirations, Volume Two is a terrific CD, appropriate for more advanced classes in my opinion. The music is stunning, but a more expert ear is required to find the music here–it is perfect for honing musicality as a dancer at a higher level—something I believe is very important. While not every track is challenging this way, I do think that younger, more inexperienced dancers may find some of the music difficult to follow.

The other reason I would recommend this CD for higher level classes is the fact that there are plenty of choices for the instructor. There are 45 original compositions for barre and centre here, with some designed specifically with pointe in mind–although they can be used for other exercises as well.

There are 12 tracks for the regular barre and six more for the pointe barre. The centre features music for port de bras, petit allegro, grand allegro and more. The pointe section of the centre has an additional eight tracks.

This CD would make a fine addition to any ballet teacher/studio’s collection. Hear samples and more at Maddock’s website–and if you need digital downloads, he offers those as well.

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