FOR SALE – Page 6

CD Review: Music For Ballet Class 2, Ayumi Hirusaki

August 6, 2010 by 4dancers

Name: Music For Ballet Class 2, Ayumi Hirusaki

Review: Truthfully, I might have considered buying this CD just for the cover art. The lovely picture of a ballerina at the barre is as engaging as the music within.

This CD features Ayumi Hirusaki, the main pianist at the National Opera of Tokyo, and it is the second of two CDs designed specifically for ballet class. (The first is simply “Music For Ballet Class“.)

There are arrangements of music from composers such as Gershwin, Minkus, Prokopiev and Joplin here, and the variety helps keep things interesting. Hirusaki also includes improvisations on the CD. Once you hear the music, there can be little doubt that she is an accomplished musician.

If you are wondering what the music sounds like, you can listen to short samples of the music on this CD on the Mediaphorie website to see if it would work for your class. (One of the nice things about the web is the days of buying a CD without having any idea what is on it are pretty much over.)

The barre is a pretty straightforward one, and the centre tracks offer music for tendus, an adagio, allegro and more. The music here is probably too “grown up” for a children’s class, but would work well for higher levels or adult ballet classes. I’ve used it in my class and the students enjoyed it–it offers a break from the typical “routine” barre music that is out there.

It’s nice to have options, and this is a good CD to have in your rotation.

Review: Tune In And Turn Out Volume VIII

July 12, 2010 by 4dancers

Name: Behind Barres Presents: Tune in and Turn Out, Volume VIII

Much like the other CD that I thought could have been a disaster (but was actually quite good) Under the Palms, the thought of teaching a ballet class with an album full of TV theme songs made me a little more than nervous. Once again, I didn’t have to worry…

This fun CD offers up some wonderful music from television shows such as The Munsters, The Flintstones, The Odd Couple and even I Love Lucy. Before I played the tracks, I couldn’t imagine how this might be pretty, but it really is. Although the melodies are the same, the tunes have been expertly arranged so that they are appropriate for the dance classroom (thanks again to Judy Rice and Paul Lewis). I think that students will be amused and entertained listening to the music and matching the songs to the show.

This is a wonderful CD to use as a change of pace to bring a little freshness to the studio environment. After all, who says you can’t have a little fun in ballet class? Tracks are all on the shorter side, so it is probably a good album for beginners, or to use mixed in with another CD for kicks. Adult students are probably the best audience for this, as many of the theme songs are from older TV shows, such as I Dream of Jeanie and the theme from the Carol Burnett Show.

I probably never would have chosen a CD like this for fear that it would be campy and silly, but I would have missed out on a really interesting compilation of music. My students loved it–and to me, that’s what it is all about.

Disclosure

Dance Teacher Press

June 28, 2010 by 4dancers

1. What is your dance background, and how did the idea for Dance Teacher Press come about?

I began taking ballet in the 1960’s. Since then I have always been taking and or teaching ballet. After years of teaching I organized all of my notes on my computer. My notebook became an indispensible tool for class planning. I used my own notebook so much I thought that other ballet teachers would like it too. Hence The Ballet Combination Book became my first publication and Dance Teacher Press was born.

Janet Jerger from Dance Teacher Press

2. What types of products do you carry?

Dance Teacher Press has a variety of educational and fun teaching tools for dancers. Books for students and teachers, posters, coloring sheets, flashcards, banners, wallpaper, and gifts.

3. What is unique about the things you offer your customers?

My products teach the terminology needed in dance, and reinforce positive characteristics such as hard work and discipline.

4. What are your most popular items?

Ballet Step by Step – an illustrated ballet dictionary for students, The Ballet Combination Book, Reproducible Ballet Coloring Sheets, and the Ballet Essentials Poster Sets have been my most popular.

5. Who should consider shopping at Dance Teacher Press?

Anyone needing some new ideas for stimulating students to learn, enjoy, and progress in dance.

Advertising disclosure

Review: Behind Barres, Volume 1 (Revised)

April 14, 2010 by 4dancers

The CD: Behind Barres, Volume 1 (Revised)

The Details: Over an hour of ballet class music, 25 tracks. This revised CD has doubled the length of nine of the musical selections for the centre work.

The Review: The excellent pairing of Judy Rice and Paul Lewisteam up again for another wonderful ballet class CD featuring selections by Tchaikovsky, Delibes, Minkus and various others. The tracks are infused with emotion and Lewis once again delivers a top-notch performance; although one would expect nothing less from this accomplished ballet accompanist.

The 25-track listing includes a full barre that is suitable for any level class. Centre music is varied and offers petit, medium and grand allegro as well as an adage and pirourette selections. Sample tracks can be heard on the website, including tendu and a medium allegro. It’s a good sampling of what the album has, so if you are interested, be sure and have a listen.

This CD is a good investment since it can be used for all levels and the track lengths are long enough to used in advanced classes. If you are looking for dramatic arrangements, this is also a great pick–many of the selections are very moving. (For something lighter, take a look at Under The Palms.)

Disclosure

Terrific Ballet T-Shirts!

April 12, 2010 by 4dancers

David Hunter from Ballet For Men has a line of ballet t-shirts that are pretty terrific…

To check them out, click on the graphic to the right and browse…

Dance t-shirts make a great gift, and Hunter will be adding to them over time, so be sure and keep checking back for more! You won’t find these shirts anywhere else. (I really love the one with the pointe shoes!)

Disclosure – Affiliate & Ad Info

Copyright Notice