For dancers, dance teachers, and those who love dance. – Page 111 – A website for dancers, dance teachers and others interested in dance

The Russians Are Coming: Moscow Ballet’s Version Of The Nutcracker

November 26, 2012 by 4dancers

by Vicki Crain

ballerina in nutcracker — Karyna Shatkovskaya

Without a Sugar Plum in sight, on Sunday, December 2^nd, the Moscow Ballet brings the Great Russian Nutcracker to Rosemont’s Akoo Theatre. The touring company hit North America for a 73-city marathon of performances crossing the U.S. and Canada earlier this month. This version of the Nutcracker story differs from the one traditionally seen in the Midwest. The iconic Tchaikovsky score remains, but instead of traveling to the Land of Sweets in Act II, the lead character, Masha, is escorted by Father Christmas and the Snow Maiden to the Land of Peace and Harmony where Masha turns into the Dove of Peace and is honored by emissaries from around the world.

Karyna Shatkovskaya, 28, will be dancing the lead role of Masha (aka. Clara/Maria). She has won numerous awards including the Second International Ballet Competition (IBC), Kharkov Ballet Competition- at the age of 9 – and the Third International Children and Youth Classical Dance Competition. She’s been dancing with the Moscow Ballet since 2011. 4dancers spoke with Shatkovskaya briefly over the phone, via soloist/Audition Director Svetlana, who served as interpreter. Both dancers admit the touring schedule is difficult, frequently leaving immediately post-performance and sometimes taking up to nine hours to get to the next venue.

the nutcracker ballet — Karyna Shatkovskaya

Even though Shatkovskaya has been performing the lead role in The Nutcracker for years (she debuted as Maria in the Odessa National Opera and Ballet in 2002), she still enjoys it simply because she loves dancing. After warming up in an hour-long class with the company, she likes to get some alone time to calm down and prepare emotionally. No pictures before the show is her only superstition. Joining her on stage will be local kids dancing the parts of Party children, mice, snowflakes, angels and butterflies. Interesting things to look for in this production are three-dimensional, hand-painted backdrops and large handcrafted puppets designed by Russian puppet master Valentin Federov.

For ticket information, visit www.nutcracker.com

BIO: Vicki Crain is the voice behind Rogue Ballerina, an excellent blog that covers the Chicago-area dance scene. Check out her site for interviews, previews, reviews and more, and follow her on Twitter at @rogueballerina

Ovation TV’s “Battle Of The Nutcrackers”

November 25, 2012 by 4dancers

Are you ready to be the judge?

Join Ovation TV for the 6th annual Battle of the Nutcrackers to vote for your favorite version and the chance to win a $500 online shopping spree! Each Sunday between now and Christmas Ovation will show a different version of this holiday classic, and you can pick the one you like best after comparing and contrasting them all…

Here’s a peek at what’s to come:

If you are interested in seeing all the show times and more details, visit OvationTV. This is a great opportunity for dancers to discuss different interpretations of the holiday classic, or for families to gather around the television and see the range of possibilities when it comes to the ballet.

It’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday evening and get into the holiday mood!

We’ll be covering this on our Facebook page and sharing on Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled!

4dancers receives compensation for promotion of Battle of the Nutcrackers.

Dance Hairstsyle: The Re-re Twist

November 23, 2012 by 4dancers

the re-re twist dance hairstyle — The Re-re Twist

We’ve never featured anything quite like this on 4dancers, but when I saw the Facebook picture of this hairstyle, I had to get in touch with the dancer(s) that were responsible for bringing it to my attention and see if they would be willing to share…

Many thanks to Lissa Smith and Emilie Leriche from Hubbard Street 2 for taking the time to break down this cool hairstyle, named appropriately the “Re-re Twist”.

Emilie came up with the idea for this particular look and Lissa was kind enough to serve as the model…

I thought this would be a fun style to wear for performance, class–or even for a night out on the town…hopefully you’ll enjoy it too! Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below. And now…the details…

Step 1:

Part hair far to chosen side, and at the base of your crown switch back to a center part. This will help create more even braids.

Step 2:

Under-braid (essentially like French braiding, but rather than folding each section over each other, fold them underneath), making sure to keep each braid as far from the center of your head as possible, this will help the final effect of the “do.”

Repeat on other side…

(Side note: Starting each braid as close to forehead as possible will also enhance the final look.)

Step 3:

Create a bun with the smaller of the two braids (this will be the one closest to the side upon which you parted your hair), making sure to twist hair in toward the center of your head rather that out. Pin securely into place.

Step 4:

Take remaining braid and twist across head and around the bun. This braid should ultimately end up twisting in the opposite direction.

That’s it!

Thanks again to Lissa and Emilie for taking the time to really break this down for us–much appreciated!

robyn mineko-william, lissa smith, emilie leriche — Emilie Leriche (far left, hair style creator) and Lissa Smith (far right, hair model) at HS2’s performance in Bethesda, MD before going on stage to perform Robyn Mineko-William’s “Recall.”

Let us know what you think below!

Student Spotlight: Julio Sierra

November 21, 2012 by 4dancers

Yesterday we featured dancer Jamie Sierra, and today we have his twin brother, Julio…

1. Can you tell readers how you became involved with dance?

I’ve always wanted to study ballet when I was younger but never tried to do so because of financial issues. This is until my mother called a local dance studio in our city and I received an amazing opportunity from the artistic director, Francisco Gella, to study at Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance under a scholarship. I immediately started dancing during the last week of August 2011. Taking my first ballet class at Nuevo, I can honestly say I instantly fell love with the art. I now train for at least 22 hours a week at Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance taking as much ballet I can take. I’ve also joined their pre-professional performance company in August 2012.

2. What do you find you like best about dance class?

The thing about taking classes is you can never learn too much, that there is always room for improvement. Especially since I’ve only just started dancing, classes are the best way to try out new things that will work best for your body.

3. What is the hardest part about dance for you?

Learning different styles of dance. Trying to switch gears from classes like Ballet to Hip Hop is the most difficult thing for me. Ballet feels so pure and elegant that when I try to do Hip Hop it constantly throws me off. Hitting hard beats and the fast choreography confuses me a lot. Also the musicality of it is so different. I played an instrument and I listen to a lot of classical music so it makes it a bit easier for me to count to Ballet music, while Hip Hop can be so random that I often won’t hear the beats as clearly.

4. What advice would you give to other dancers?

When I first started dancing, I noticed how amazing others were so I paid close attention to them. Aside from learning from my teachers, I also learned from my peers. However, I started to get discouraged because of the fact that I started to compare myself to others who were far ahead of me. The only advice I can give to dancers is try not to compare yourself to others. Every dancer is different and worrying how others are doing does not benefit you in any way. Focus on what you’re learning, improve on what you do best, and work on your weaknesses. You should always pay close attention to your peers and get as much from them as you can, but never compare yourself to others who may or may not be better.

5. How has dance changed your life?

Dance has only entered my life recently, but has changed almost every aspect of it. I believe that dance is my escape, it is a way for me to truly express the way I feel. It has changed the smallest detail about me, like from the way I think and to what clothes I wear. Without dance, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It has turned me into a better person and has only been a positive influence in my life. Dance is my passion. It is my love and my dream. If I wasn’t dancing now, I would be truly lost. I believe that dance has found me and is leading me to a better path.

Bio: My name is Julio Sierra and I am 17 years old. I am from Chino Hills, California attending my junior year in Chino Hills High School. I am a conservatory and pre-professional company member at Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance.

Student Spotlight: Jaime Sierra

November 20, 2012 by 4dancers

This next student spotlight is a bit unusual in that it will have two parts…you see, the featured dancer has a twin who also dances. Tune in for his post tomorrow! In the meantime, here’s Jamie Sierra:

Well, when I was little, as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved dancing. I would dance to any song that I heard. But in later years I started playing sports and sort of just forgot dancing. But I realized that I was missing something. Although I love sports, dancing was my passion. So I started dancing in 8th grade. I learned to break dance with some friends. Even though it was on and off I still danced. And later on I started taking dance class from Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance. I changed my whole style of dancing. I went from only breaking to a variety of dance styles.

2. What do you find best about dance class?

What I really love about dance classes are that you can learn so much from each class. Making yourself more diverse and learning different techniques, just expanding your knowledge in dancing itself.

3. What is the hardest part of dance for you ?

The hardest part about dancing for me, would probably be all the stretching and flexibility. I’m not as flexible as my twin. But I’m trying my best to get there.

4. What advice would you give to other dancers?

My only advice to dancers out there is remember the first time you danced; that it was fun; remember how you felt when you first danced. Even though it’s hard work and sometimes stressful, you can inspire those in the future when you’re a great dancer. So remember to have fun with it!

5. How has dance change your life?

Dancing has changed my life in many ways. It helps me through to all my hard times; even though I’m only 17 there’s been a lot of stress. It made me a better person and has helped me make friends. I’ve had friends before but I now have more friends that I can connect with. Dancing changed a whole lot of stuff in my life. In every single part of me, dancing changed me from my limbs to my heart itself. I wouldn’t be the person I am now without it.

Bio: I am Jaime Sierra and I am 17 years of age. I love to play sports, instruments but most of all dancing. Dancing is my passion and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I dance at Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance

. And my dream is to be a successful dancer someday.

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