abt – Page 3

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…]

Back To Ballet: How To Re-Enter The Classroom

April 20, 2011 by 4dancers

As many of you already know, I teach a ballet class for adults. There are quite a few places out there that have classes for returning students–but they are not all created equal. Some are very serious, while others are more geared toward getting fit. (Mine is somewhere in the middle.)

As an adult, there are some things you’ll want to consider if you are going to take a ballet class. Finding the right match can be a bit challenging, but it pays off to do a little groundwork before signing up. Here are some tips that should help:

Observe a class if possible. Watching a class is the best way to see if you will enjoy it. If you can’t do that, see if you can try one class out before signing up for a session.
Talk to the instructor. Ask him/her about their philosophy regarding the class. What they tell you will help you evaluate whether or not you are on the same page.
Ask for recommendations. Do you know anyone who has taken an adult ballet class in the area? If so, inquire as to what their experience was. Would they go back? How difficult was it?
Check the dress code. At this stage of the game you may or may not be up for wearing tights and a leotard. In either case, you’ll want to know what people typically wear to class to see if you’ll be comfortable.
Ask about the flooring. A floor that is designed specifically for dance is crucial for protecting your body–and even more so as you age.

Once you find a good fit in terms of a studio, there are a few other things to keep in mind as well. If you haven’t taken class in some time, you may find your body uncooperative at first. In order to get back in the groove safely, take some of these suggestions into consideration–depending on your current fitness level:

Think about just doing the barre for a week or two. Ease back in and do it with the support of the barre. Just make sure to keep the teacher informed if you will be leaving prior to the end of class.
Stretch. Then stretch some more. You don’t have to wait for class to begin. Start now. You’ll thank yourself.
Brush up on terminology. Things may sound vaguely familiar, yet elude you for a bit at first. Refreshing yourself on the terms can be a confidence builder. Try ABT’s Dance Dictionary online to jump-start your memory.
Join with a friend. You can support and encourage each other through the tough times.
Talk with the instructor prior to class. Let them know where you are at in terms of your current fitness level and prior dance training. Also, be sure to communicate with them about any injuries you have.
Get to the studio early and warm up well. This can help prevent injuries.

Going back to ballet class after a long while away can be intimidating, but it can also be a lot of fun. Hopefully some of these suggestions will help you navigate your re-entry seamlessly.

If you are a teacher or someone who has returned to ballet class after a break–feel free to share any tips you might have!

Post Curtain Chat with Sean Stewart

October 15, 2010 by Matthew Powell

This month on Post Curtain Chat we have Sean Stewart, dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Sean’s casual, “tell-it-like-it-is” mentality and heart of gold make him a refreshing guy to be around, and on a personal note, he is a wonderful friend of mine! He has led a remarkably diverse career – from his beginnings as a competition dancer, to training at the Paris Opera Ballet School and dancing a varied rep with ABT, this seasoned dancer has seemingly seen and done it all. In this edition of Post Curtain Chat, Sean talks of life in New York City, and schools me on the importance of not throwing around the word “Vegan” too casually!

1. ABT has a quite a lengthy break in the summer after finishing their season at the Met. I know you did some guest work and traveling with your time. What were you up to?

Yeah, this year we had 3 months off and I decided to take full advantage. First, I did a show with John Mark Owen at Jacob’s Pillow. We stayed in this gorgeous log cabin in the mountains, so that’s where I kicked off my vacay. After that, I went to stay at a friend’s lakehouse in Virginia. Then I used some miles to fly to Mount Shasta in Northern California and then to Hawaii. It was a good summer… And thank God for frequent flyer miles!

2. What was your most memorable spot in Hawaii?

I really got into the town of Hale’iwa…SO cute! I also went to this waterfall in Wameia where I was able to swim up and go underneath…incredible!

Want to visit Hale’iwa? Click here!

3. You were a vegan before veganism became popular. Since you’re a pro on the subject, can you tell us a few of your favorite vegan spots in New York?

You have to be careful when throwing around the “Vegan” title, as some people take it very seriously, which I completely respect. I’m not really a Vegan. I just follow a diet comprised of mostly raw plant foods, which excludes animal foods. I do drink wine, which can use animal products in the refining and clarifying process. With that said, I really like the restaurant Counter in the East Village. Angelica’s Kitchen has a few really good items. Peace Food in the Upper East Side is also pretty yummy. Apparently, S’MAC has a Vegan mac and cheese that I’ve never tried. Pure Food and Wine and Quintessence are two “raw food” restaurants that I have frequented as well. There are so many now! I kind of live in the Mecca of Vegan/Vegetarian dining, which I love!

Click here to check out Angelica’s Kitchen in the East Village!

4. I’ve heard from many ABT dancers that the Met Season can be exhausting because of it’s numerous performances over a small period of time. Once a show is finished do you like to go out to unwind? Or would you rather go straight home to your bed?

Toward the beginning of the season, I try to be very responsible because I have to make it through 8 weeks of performing 6 days a week, while rehearsing all day long (after taking daily ballet class). I’ll usually take a taxi straight home after the show and go to bed. Toward the end, I loosen up a bit, especially if I don’t have anything too taxing to dance.

5. You’ve now lived in New York City for 17 years. As I’m sure you know, it can be a challenging place to live for a number of reasons. Can you offer any advice for those who sometimes feel they are being eaten alive by the big city?

I had a very hard time adjusting to the city when I first came here. It’s an amazing city, with everything to offer. I knew that from the moment I got here. I was overwhelmed and exhausted though, as I was going to high school as well as working with a ballet company. Eventually, I found “my” NYC. I like to stay in the village mostly. It it feels more calm to me, but it still retains the youthful energy of the city. When I’m uptown, I’ll take a moment to head into Central Park and recharge my battery. Also, get plenty of sleep! You don’t have to do everything that NYC has to offer!

6. The East Village is one of the hottest neighborhoods in New York right now. As an East Villager yourself, do you have any favorite places to hang down there?

I grew up mostly in the east village, so it really feels like home to me. I never know where anyone goes out there. Lately, I’ve been dropping into Shoolbred’s and Ninth Ward, both have very cool vibes.

Click here to check out Shoolbred’s in the East Village!

7. Finally, give us three words that describe who you are as a dancer, and three words that describe who you are once the curtain has closed.

I’m giving you six words that describe me both in dance and in life: analytical, cerebral, ironic, intuitive, controlled, unpredictable.

Born in Mt. Holly, New Jersey and raised in Vacaville, California, Sean Stewart joined American Ballet Theatre as a member of the corps de ballet in 1997. He began dancing at the age of 10 with Lisa Clark, started ballet at 12 with Yanina Cywinska, and went on to study at Joffrey II and the Paris Opera Ballet School. He participated in summer programs for The Joffrey Ballet in San Antonio and the Bolshoi Ballet at Vail.

Stewart left ABT in 2002. He has performed as a guest artist with the Washington Ballet, Ballet NY, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Atlanta Ballet and Chamber Dance Project. Stewart was an original cast member in the Old Globe’s production of Twyla Tharp’s The Times, They Are A Changin’.

Stewart rejoined American Ballet Theatre in January 2008.

In addition to various corps roles in all of ABT’s full-length ballets, Stewart’s roles with the Company include Lankendem in Le Corsaire, the Nutcracker-Prince in The Nutcracker, Benno in Swan Lake and roles in Airs, Black Tuesday, Citizen, Cruel World, The Elements, Marimba, One of Three, Sinfoniettaand Stepping Stones. Stewart created roles in Everything Doesn’t Happen at Once, Gong and Known by Heart.

To see Sean and the rest of ABT perform, visit www.abt.org.

Also, look for ABT’s brand new Nutcracker by Alexei Ratmansky this holiday season at the Brooklyn Academy of Music!

9 Questions With…Rhodie Jorgenson

June 22, 2010 by 4dancers

Today’s “10 Questions With…” is actually 9, but Rhodie Jorgenson makes for an interesting read…

She is another person who 4dancers is featuring from the 2010 International Ballet Competition. Enjoy!

1. What is your dance background?

I trained in New York City at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. I also performed with the ABT.

2. How did you wind up getting involved with the USA IBC Dance School?

In 1998, I was a coach for Rasta Thomas and Adrienne Canterna. In 2002, I was invited to be on the faculty. That year, I also coached Ashley Canterna and Danny Tidwell. In 2006 and 2010, I am again on the faculty.

Rhodie Jorgenson

3. What is the experience like for you?

It is wonderful! I am so happy to be here and grateful to be part of this extraordinary event.

4. What do you think the experience is like for the students?

It has to be wonderful and exciting. So many classes are taught by enthusiastic teachers who love dance and want to share. And then, they get to watch all of the beautiful competitors! What an inspiration!

5. What is unique about this schooling?

Watching the USA IBC of course! It is the most outstanding ballet competition in the country.

6. Who attends this program?

The students are age 12-23. There are 260 students from many parts of the country. The students are placed in 7 different levels.

7. What are some of the instructors like?

The faculty is all men and women who want to share their knowledge and love for dance. I find the teachers very positive and still very eager to learn.

8. What would you say the value is of this program in particular?

The value is being surrounded by dance excellence in a supportive, nurturing environment.

9. What is next for you?

I teach full time at Maryland Youth Ballet. This summer, I am also guest teaching in Long Island, New York and in Delaware. And—I’ll go to the ocean!!!

Bio: Rhodie Jorgerson received her training at the School of American Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre School. She danced professionally with ABT, as well as the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and in summer stock musicals on stage, TV and film. She is currently on the faculty of the prestigious Maryland Youth Ballet. She is D.C. Children’s Ballet Mistress for the Joffrey Ballet, where she has set children’s roles for their Nutcracker since 1992. This year, she is also assuming the same role for the Pennsylvania Ballet’s presentation of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, at Kennedy Center. In June 2010, she will return for the third time to be dance school faculty for the USA IBC in Jackson, Mississippi. She has coached gold and silver medal winners at the International Ballet Competitions in Jackson, Mississippi and Varna, Bulgaria.

Dance In The US: Connecticut Concert Ballet

February 28, 2010 by 4dancers

From Colorado, we move on to the state of Connecticut for our series on Dance in the US…

Name: Connecticut Concert Ballet

Location: (Two locations)

280 Garden Grove Rd., Manchester, CT 06040 and 599 Matianuck Ave., Windsor, CT 06095

About: Founded in 1973, this school has over 200 students who have been accepted into programs at places such as American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet and Ballet Austin, among others. Opportunities for students outside the CCB classroom include The Nutcracker and a Spring Performance, both of which take place each year.

The school includes the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE^® National Training Curriculum in Primary through Level 3. These classes are taught by ABT^® Certified Teacher, Wendy Fish-Lawrence, who is also one of the Artistic Directors of Connecticut Concert Ballet. The other Artistic Director is David Lawrence who has been involved with The Ruth Page Dance Foundation in Chicago, Ballet Pacifica and The Orange County Performing Arts Academy, among other prestigious dance organizations.

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