ballerina – Page 5

10 Questions With…Alexsandra Meijer

November 28, 2011 by 4dancers

Today I’m excited to announce 4dancers new partnership with Ballet San Jose. Much like our relationship with the Joffrey, in the coming months you will see interviews with various dancers from this amazing California ballet company, and today is our first…please welcome Alexsandra Meijer…

BalletSJ_TheToreador_Meijer — Alexsandra Meijer

1. How did you become involved with dance?

I suppose you could say my mother has always loved dancing. Even in her sixties she loves to salsa. So when my parents made us kids participate in all sorts of after school activities of course dancing was among them. My father thought that ballet was an excellent form of discipline, and he hoped that we would learn to move with grace outside the studio. It wasn’t until I discovered ballet’s athleticism, musicality and story telling that I started to understand its beauty.

2. What are you currently doing in the field?
I am dancing as a Principal with Ballet San Jose.

3. Would you share a special moment from your career with readers?

Without a doubt the greatest moments in my career are linked to roles like Swanilda and Odette/Odile, however one of my most cherished moments on stage didn’t involve being the lead in the ballet let alone my face even being seen. It was a little known ballet by the late SFB director Lew Christensen, named Il Destratto. Towards the middle of the ballet the lights suddenly go out and the stage is left completely dark. As Haydn’s music continues, slowly a pair of arms consisting of only an upper torso eerily emerges floating in midair. Some of the audience gasps while others giggle at this unexpected twist. Then shockingly a pair of legs bourrée from the wings on the other side of stage completely void of an upper body. As we perform a sort of “Dueling Banjos” pas de deux assisted magically by our men dressed all in black, as not to be seen, the audience starts to chuckle. Now, I have performed in many comedies in my time on the stage, and as always when the audience starts to crack up I know my timing is right and it brings a lightness to my heart. However what I could never have imagined was the intensity and roar of pure, whole-hearted, gut wrenching, explosive laughter that swept the audience. As I sailed offstage upside down in the splits, I couldn’t contain this infectious laughter. I was truly grinning ear to ear and it was at this moment that I felt that I had caught a glimmer of what comedians like Dave Chappell and Dane Cook must truly experience.

4. What is the best advice you have ever received from a teacher or mentor regarding dance? [Read more…]

Dance Channel TV Presents: An Interview With Patricia Neary

March 14, 2011 by 4dancers

Today we have something special for 4dancers readers–an interview with Balanchine ballerina Patricia Neary. This comes to us courtesy of Dance Channel TV – a wonderful resource for those who love dance.

Dance Channel TV interviewed her with the help of Lewis Segal. Ms. Neary is the dancer for whom Balanchine created “Rubies”. In part one of a two part series, Pat recalls her experience working with Mr. B in the 1960s:

Dance Channel TV is an online network devoted entirely to dance. We produce original video programming, covering numerous styles of dance through news casts, human interest stories, unique series and entertainment features. Our mission is to establish a worldwide TV station that will inspire, educate, engage and connect viewers through the universal language of dance. We are here to build a community for dancers, companies and supporters of dance and, by doing so, give back to the world of dance and ensure that the art of dance continues to thrive now and for generations to come.

10 Questions With…Violeta Angelova, Ballerina

February 19, 2010 by 4dancers

Today we have a special treat for 4dancers readers…an interview with Violeta Angelova…a young, and very talented ballerina…

1. Tell me a bit about your background in ballet.

I spent substantial time in the Vaganova training, then the Western school and am now immersed in American ballet.

2. What are you currently doing?

Right now I perform for The Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

3. Can you share some advice for those who want to be a professional dancer?

Dancing is a commitment. And there is a difference between the lives of professionals in ballet and the lives of professionals in competitive dance for example. In any case it is hard work, so make sure you know what you want and what you are getting into.

4. One thing I noticed about you is that you have a very creative spirit. Do you think that adds something special to your performances as a dancer, and if so, how?

It depends on the role or style I am dancing. Some parts allow more room for flair than others. I have been told I surprised people by elements I add. But I can’t really see myself so I can’t give more definitive answer here.

An intelligent mind is indispensable to any artist. Especially if one is to enrich or challenge the audience. With dance you also need your body to facilitate your vision.

5. What is the high point of your career so far?

Carrying a show or meeting the President could qualify. But it was realizing that I have to follow what is within me and should not hide that I am different.

6. Can you tell me about any challenges that you have faced in dance and what you have done to overcome them?

I am an imperfect perfectionist. I cope with that every day.

7. What does your warm-up consist of before a performance?

Usually it’s half an hour to an hour of warm-up exercises plus another hour for hair, make-up and shoes preparation.

8. Can you share five items you can’t live without on tour?

Pointe shoes, underpants, water. Can’t live without them, hehe..

I like to be comfortable when traveling, so I take things. Sometimes situations have you go without the elements you enjoy. For me foam roller, foot roller, heating pad in winter, tea even in summer and iPod – these are all on the list.

9. You recently launched “The Vio Shop“. What does it have and how did that idea come about?

The idea just came to me. It was a while back and originally I dismissed it. Right now in the shop we have the “Angel” tutu, first model of the Viotard, gifts, among them posters. We might add more things in the future.

10. What is next for you?

Dancing, reading and hopefully spending more time on and showing original works.

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