ballet class – Page 2

Ballet Class with Dmitri Roudnev: Beginner/Intermediate level

August 22, 2013 by Ashley David

In this 54-minute DVD, Bolshoi-trained Roudnev leads his 12-year-old student Maggie through barre, center, and pointe work. As a set of exercises, the class is quite well constructed, but is offset by the DVD’s home-video production quality. Each exercise is demonstrated and explained by Roudnev, then demonstrated by Maggie with music from volume 11 of Roudnev’s Ballet Class music CD series.

Roudnev’s student demonstrates strengths consistent with classical Bolshoi-style training: a solid back and strong, straight legs: extremely deep demi-plie, and well-coordinated jump. Troublingly, however, he encourages the placement of the feet in 180-degree turnout whether or not the hips allow it. Similarly, the position of the leg a la seconde points directly side of the body, whether or not the hips permit the leg to open so far. For a body that possesses full rotation, such a stance is logical. In today’s democratic training landscape, however, where not every student’s body is “ideal”, the practice of developing turnout from the feet up seems questionable at best.

Roudnev’s method of developing pointe work features the practice of jumping off pointe without rolling through the feet for beginners. Here again we see in Maggie strong, straight legs and ankles (Roudnev reveals it’s only her fourth pointe lesson), but a lack of refinement in the use of the feet.

Roudnev’s class construction for the beginner lesson is sensible and thorough. His teaching manner is both nurturing and demanding. As a study tool for teachers, this disc is a look into Dmitri Roudnev’s method. Like any syllabus, teacher, or teaching tool, it has both value and limitations—aspects that are effective, and aspects less so. Ballet Class with Dmitri Roudnev: Beginning/Intermediate Level is available on Amazon.com and on Roudnev’s website, BalletMethod.com.

Christopher Hobson – Creating Music For Ballet Class

July 9, 2013 by 4dancers

We love talking with musicians that are involved with ballet–after all–the music is such a big part of it! Today we have Christopher Hobson with us to talk about his experience playing for dancers and making music for class…

How did you get involved in doing music for ballet class?

I originally started playing for contemporary dance. I suppose like most musicians, I got into this by accident! I was playing a jazz gig and got talking to somebody at the bar who said they liked what I was playing and would I be interested in auditioning for a job playing for contemporary dance. As I wasn’t working at the time I thought ‘why not’! When I started I didn’t know what the job entailed and was thrown in at the deep end.

After a couple of years of contemporary dance I moved cities and took a job with Elmhurst School for Dance, specialising in ballet! This was the first time I’d ever played for ballet and again it was a real learning experience and some of the great teachers who were in this institution at the time took me under their wing and took the time to explain to me just what was required when playing for ballet and what the differences were in terms of style, accompaniment and support between ballet and contemporary dance. Without this support from colleagues I doubt I would be where I am today. I was only 18 when I first entered a dance studio as a musician!

What is the most difficult thing about creating music for dance class?

You have to be able to be creative, 100% of the time! There is no time to sit on your reputation or relax – I believe that my job is to inspire the dancers who are in the class and if I do my job well it will enable the dancers to not only do their job well, but enjoy doing their job. This can be particularly difficult if you’ve been stuck in a recording studio for days, travelling from venue theatre to theatre or just if you’re slightly tired!

What is the most rewarding thing about making music for ballet class?

When playing live, I try to use music from as many different genres as possible – from baroque, classical, jazz standards, musical theatre and popular culture – also not forgetting the occasional improvisations! I love it when a particular melody I play reflects the movement of a dancer. From behind the piano you can see the smiles on dancers faces and that of the ballet master. This makes me feel like the movement and music are working as one – just as it does in a good performance.

Do you find your approach has changed at all over time? [Read more…]

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.

Adult Ballet Student: Tanya Stanyon

March 28, 2012 by 4dancers

Today we have an adult ballet student from the UK…Tanya Stanyon…

1. How did you first get involved with ballet and what attracted you to it as an adult?

I first started ballet at the age of 3; these classes quickly led on to Jazz, Tap and National dance. It was my Mum who sent me to class like most girls.

I have not really had a break from ballet since that age. At 16 I went to ballet school and I just carried on. I think as an adult there is more focus on fitness but for me, ballet is just part of life and routine.

2. How many classes are you currently taking per week?

I am currently taking one class per week, as well as monthly company classes with Chelmsford Ballet Company, although I hope to be able to take more at some point.

3. What do you see as your biggest challenge as an adult ballet student?

For me, the hardest thing I have found is trying to get back to the level I was before I had my son a year ago. I think I am very critical of myself and strive to be as good as I can.

4. What brings you the greatest joy as an adult ballet student?

Just to dance brings me the greatest joy, it’s like a little sanctuary away from normal everyday life.

5. Do you have any advice for other adult ballet students?

My advice to other adult ballet students would be to enjoy each class and to work full out where ever possible as this is such a fantastic way to keep in shape. Just live it and love it.

BIO: Tanya started dancing at the age of 3 years old and went on to study Tap, Jazz and National Dance. She became a Cecchetti Scholar at the age of 14 which enabled her to attend classes in London. During this time Tanya also became a member of the Chelmsford Ballet Company, performing in many shows as a junior member. Tanya also performed with National Youth Ballet, playing the role of Tom the Lad in Maid of the Marsh. At 16, Tanya was accepted at West Street School, Covent Garden where she went on to study for 3 years. Since then, Tanya has performed with Chelmsford Ballet Company in many of the lead roles in productions such as La Fille Mal Gardée, Coppélia, Paquita, and Les Sylphides amongst others. Tanya hung up her ballet shoes after performing the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty in 2009. Following the birth of her son Euan, Tanya has begun ballet classes again in 2012.

Adult Ballet Student: Lisa Blanchard

March 2, 2012 by 4dancers

With the focus on adult ballet this month, I thought it would be fun to highlight different voices from the large group of people out there who make up this demographic. The first is a student of my own, Lisa Blanchard…

1. How did you first get involved with ballet and what attracted you to it as an adult?

I first got involved with ballet when I took it as an elective during my freshman year of high school. As an adult, I joined your class because I was feeling stressed out and was looking for something interesting to do. I remembered how much I had enjoyed ballet back in high school and figured it would be a fun way to get some physical exercise as well.

2. How many classes are you currently taking per week?

I currently take one ballet class weekly. Occasionally, I will drop in to an open ballet class as a little treat.

3. What do you see as your biggest challenge as an adult ballet student?

My greatest challenge as an adult student is getting my mind and body to work together smoothly. I have to really concentrate on things that require the upper body and lower body to work independently like when changing arm positions during pas de cheval and petit battement!

4. What brings you the greatest joy as an adult ballet student?

Ballet gives me the unique feeling of being free and being empowered at the same time. That brings me tremendous joy.

5. Do you have any advice for other adult ballet students?

I’d advise the adult beginner to find an instructor who is really passionate about teaching ballet; otherwise, it might feel more like an exercise class. If you’re a visual learner, a good beginner’s book can be helpful. I liked “Ballet Basics” by Sandra Noll Hammond. Lastly, accept that it’s going to take a while to feel coordinated and strong, but if you’re committed to learning, you will be amazed at what you can do.

BIO: A native Chicagoan, Lisa Blanchard grew up on the Near West side, in the Taylor Street/UIC neighborhood.

After graduating from Robert Morris University, she entered the workforce as an administrative assistant in 1986, first at JMB Realty and later at the Leo Burnett Company, where she worked for over fifteen years.

In 2004, the happily married mother of two decided to leave the workforce, preferring instead to take on the great role of Director of Home Operations. She now lives in Oak Park, directing best-life scenarios for her family of four and immersing herself in most anything ballet-related.

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