It is officially Fall here in Calgary and our classes are in full swing. Last week Absolute Dance hosted "Bring a Friend to Class" week and it was a lot of fun to see the dancers show off their skills in the studio and invite their friends in to see how they spend their time after school. Hopefully our special guests left having had a little exercise and a lot of fun.
Preparations for Wizard of Oz are also well under way. All classes have learned most, if not all, of their first scene in the production. Even though it is a ballet, it is fun to see how surprised kids become when they see how we figure out ways to tell the story through movement. It is not uncommon to hear at least 1 person ask, "this is ballet?" We are using a blend of music from the movie and musical which makes for a really catchy soundtrack. Our Holiday Productions aim not only to show technical skills, but also to entertain even the youngest of audience members. The most senior classes in the production have now had four years experience in doing productions of this kind and last week they slipped into their character/acting roles like it was old hat. It was impressive to see how far they have come not only in their dancing but in their ability to very quickly figure out how their character was going to move, how they should fill "down time" in scenes where they are not given specific choreography, and contribute ideas to find signature movements to suit each character. It was also fun to talk to the littlest group of Munchkins and attempt to explain the story of Dorothy to them. They may have not gotten all the details but as things start to come together it will start to make sense. It is always such a fun process!
Parents and dancers please keep in mind that we will be hosting a silent auction during our December 1st show day with all proceeds going to support a local charity. Auctions will take place before each show and will open one hour prior. We will hold three performances at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. It is not too early to start gathering items for this event. Last year we raised a record $4350.00, all of which went to support the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. Let's work together to top that amount!
Way back when, it was very common for parents to put their child in dance not only to learn the art form but also to learn discipline and etiquette. Although times have changed and dance may be part of the routine more for fun and fitness, Absolute Dance is still adamant about teaching dancers behavioral skills that will extend beyond the studio. Our teachers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and are encouraged to remind students of the little things that show respect for their instructors, peers and art form.
Here a few things for dancers to keep in mind when participating in class:
- Be a clever dancer. Upon entering the studio be quick about getting your shoes on. If the class has not yet started, warm up by reviewing elements or combinations from the previous class.
- Be properly attired for class! Not only will you look and feel the part, teachers will be better able to assist you when they can see what you are doing.
- If you are late for class wait until the music has paused before entering the room. When you do go in be mindful to make as few interruptions as possible. A quick apology for being late after the class has finished is always appreciated by the teacher.
- If you are in a dance class, you are there to dance! Get into the habit of repeating a movement after you or the class has been given a correction. It is one thing for you to understand a correction in your mind, but another to understand it in your body. If the instructor is giving time for individual practice and has not given specific corrections to you, listen to what she/he is saying to other students and make those corrections on yourself.
- There are always times in a class where something is being discussed and it is not appropriate to dance but rather stop to listen. Don't allow yourself to hang off the barres - practice your stationary posture! Stand with weight equal on both feet and be sure not to hold your arms in a way that could interpreted as a poor attitude.
- Yawning, looking at the clock or asking how much time is left in class are considered bad manners.
- Always raise your hand before asking or answering a question. Be mindful of the time of the teacher and students in the class and remember to keep questions focused only on what is being discussed in class.
- Watch your fellow dancers and learn from their successes or challenges.
- Do not comment on your peers technique. That is the job of the teacher. Do not be afraid to tell one of your peers if you thought they did something well.
- Always finish each class with a bow or curtsey and a thank you to the teacher. The teacher will also thank the dancers.
As we venture into October we'd like to take a moment to acknowledge Stephanie Rha, our Student of the Month! Stephanie started the year off with a great attitude and a lot of determination. She has had great focus in all of her classes. With her great work skills she is sure to make some wonderful improvements in her dancing this year. Keep it up Stephanie!
Absolute Dance would also like to wish all parents and dancers a Happy Thanksgiving. The studio will be closed from Friday, October 11th to Monday, October 14th. All classes will resume on Tuesday, October 15th. Enjoy an extra long weekend and a few days of relaxation.
Until next time!
Sincerely,
Madame Jete
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Friday, 6 September 2013
Our Best Feet Forward
After a very busy summer Absolute Dance is pleased to welcome all returning and new students through its doors. We couldn't be more excited about entering into our sixteenth season!
Summertime offered a change of schedule with some rest but also many opportunities for our students to participate in camps, dance intensives and a chance to learn from visiting teachers from Ontario. Many of our ballet students started pointe work for the first time and trained for RAD exams, while some of our competitive students got an early start into learning their choreography for competition. There's nothing like having a leg up on the busy year that lies ahead. Our dance camps were bursting at the seams with over 110 participants over the course of two weeks. It was truly great to see enthusiasm for dance continue through the summer months.
What makes September so exciting is to see not only the physical changes in our students (they always come back taller!) but also the excitement and anticipation they have when they return ready to embrace the challenges of the year ahead. Even with our returning 4 year olds there is an air of confidence they feel when they come back to the familiar walls of the studio. There's definitely something about getting back into the swing of things that fills everyone with a renewed energy. Look out everyone! Starting now its full steam ahead!
Our new dance year means that rehearsals start for our latest and greatest Holiday Production. This has become a tradition at Absolute Dance and will be the fifth year that dancers have performed a full-scale ballet production in December. This year we are so excited to be doing The Wizard of Oz. Originally a novel and then a musical, The Wizard of Oz has never been done as a ballet on a professional scale. The staff and dancers at Absolute Dance are eager to go where no one has gone before and see how they can make the story of Dorothy and Toto come to life in a classical form. You can bet that you will see all your favorite characters and hear the familiar (and catchy) tunes, but we will be finding ways to develop characters and move through the plot using only the language of dance. Participating in the Holiday Productions are a great way not only for students to learn choreography in a short period of time, but also see what it takes to use movement as a means to tell a story. It's a great opportunity to get involved in the studio and for dancers of different ages and levels to dance together on stage. Registration for the Holiday Production classes will stay open until rehearsals begin. Don't miss your chance to be a part of a fantastic new production!
As a teacher, I always like to approach the new dance year with a few resolutions in mind. I also like to ask my students what their goals are for the season. Well this year I will still encourage everyone to come up with one or two personal goals as far as technique and class work goes but I would also like to invite dancers to find ways to expose themselves to as much art and culture as possible. This year, I want to find ways to foster creativity in my students in the hopes that they will become more aware and expressive in their performance. What does this mean? Well we can start by watching as much dance as possible. Nowadays this could not be any easier thanks to Youtube and televised dance series. The city of Calgary also happens to have a lot going on in dance for the 2013/14 season. Check out the line up for The Alberta Ballet and Decidedly Jazz. There are also smaller dance companies in the city like En Corps Dance Collective that are continuously taking new works to the stage. Absolute Dance will always post dance workshop opportunities which are also great opportunities to learn from new teachers.
Building a creative dancer does not stop at attending and participating in dance opportunities. Listen to music, go to art galleries and theatre productions. Attend the symphony or make a painting. Learn how to play an instrument. Write a poem or write or perform in a play. Take voice or acting lessons. Watch musicals. These are all ways that our dancers can start to connect the dots between various art forms, develop a wider appreciation and take what they gain from this exposure and apply it to their skills in the studio and on stage. In the studio, the teachers at Absolute Dance will continue to deliver classes that not only cover steps but also educate our students in the music and history that make the study of dance so much more than just fancy footwork.
Once again we wish all new and returning students a warm welcome and are so excited about the learning and achievements that the coming year holds. Here's to another season of artistry, expression, and fun!
Sincerely,
Madame Jete
Summertime offered a change of schedule with some rest but also many opportunities for our students to participate in camps, dance intensives and a chance to learn from visiting teachers from Ontario. Many of our ballet students started pointe work for the first time and trained for RAD exams, while some of our competitive students got an early start into learning their choreography for competition. There's nothing like having a leg up on the busy year that lies ahead. Our dance camps were bursting at the seams with over 110 participants over the course of two weeks. It was truly great to see enthusiasm for dance continue through the summer months.
What makes September so exciting is to see not only the physical changes in our students (they always come back taller!) but also the excitement and anticipation they have when they return ready to embrace the challenges of the year ahead. Even with our returning 4 year olds there is an air of confidence they feel when they come back to the familiar walls of the studio. There's definitely something about getting back into the swing of things that fills everyone with a renewed energy. Look out everyone! Starting now its full steam ahead!
Our new dance year means that rehearsals start for our latest and greatest Holiday Production. This has become a tradition at Absolute Dance and will be the fifth year that dancers have performed a full-scale ballet production in December. This year we are so excited to be doing The Wizard of Oz. Originally a novel and then a musical, The Wizard of Oz has never been done as a ballet on a professional scale. The staff and dancers at Absolute Dance are eager to go where no one has gone before and see how they can make the story of Dorothy and Toto come to life in a classical form. You can bet that you will see all your favorite characters and hear the familiar (and catchy) tunes, but we will be finding ways to develop characters and move through the plot using only the language of dance. Participating in the Holiday Productions are a great way not only for students to learn choreography in a short period of time, but also see what it takes to use movement as a means to tell a story. It's a great opportunity to get involved in the studio and for dancers of different ages and levels to dance together on stage. Registration for the Holiday Production classes will stay open until rehearsals begin. Don't miss your chance to be a part of a fantastic new production!
As a teacher, I always like to approach the new dance year with a few resolutions in mind. I also like to ask my students what their goals are for the season. Well this year I will still encourage everyone to come up with one or two personal goals as far as technique and class work goes but I would also like to invite dancers to find ways to expose themselves to as much art and culture as possible. This year, I want to find ways to foster creativity in my students in the hopes that they will become more aware and expressive in their performance. What does this mean? Well we can start by watching as much dance as possible. Nowadays this could not be any easier thanks to Youtube and televised dance series. The city of Calgary also happens to have a lot going on in dance for the 2013/14 season. Check out the line up for The Alberta Ballet and Decidedly Jazz. There are also smaller dance companies in the city like En Corps Dance Collective that are continuously taking new works to the stage. Absolute Dance will always post dance workshop opportunities which are also great opportunities to learn from new teachers.
Building a creative dancer does not stop at attending and participating in dance opportunities. Listen to music, go to art galleries and theatre productions. Attend the symphony or make a painting. Learn how to play an instrument. Write a poem or write or perform in a play. Take voice or acting lessons. Watch musicals. These are all ways that our dancers can start to connect the dots between various art forms, develop a wider appreciation and take what they gain from this exposure and apply it to their skills in the studio and on stage. In the studio, the teachers at Absolute Dance will continue to deliver classes that not only cover steps but also educate our students in the music and history that make the study of dance so much more than just fancy footwork.
Once again we wish all new and returning students a warm welcome and are so excited about the learning and achievements that the coming year holds. Here's to another season of artistry, expression, and fun!
Sincerely,
Madame Jete
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