October 24, 2014

Beginner Danseur Profile: Don Wilson

barre

This week’s profile is of Don Wilson, one of my classmates at Philly Dance Fitness who started at our studio 6 months ago. Read more about him below:

When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

6 months ago I began taking Beginner 1 at Philly Dance Fitness.

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

No, but wish I had!

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

There are SO many reasons… For starters, I love to dance! Working at a desk most days, it’s nice to have a fun form of exercise. We men also tend to be a little too stiff in our general movements, so another goal was to move more fluidly and gracefully in everyday life. With only the reasons above, any dance probably would have been great but there’s just something about ballet that’s therapeutic. It’s so graceful, requires so much strength and concentration that it’s impossible to be thinking about problems at work or home when taking the class or practicing at home.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Adult Ballerinas, Ballerina Profiles, Ballet, Interviews Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment
September 26, 2014

Ballerina Profile: Deborah Novak

NOVAK BALLET

Deborah Novak returned to ballet over ten years ago at the age of 47 after having danced ballet professionally until the age of 23. Read her incredible story below!

When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

I returned to ballet in the fall of 2003 at age 47.

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

In 1960, I began to study ballet at age 5. I danced throughout my high school years with the Jebedon Ballet theatre, a local company in Huntington, West Virginia. For college, I went to NYU, where I studied with Nenette Charisse, and also at the American Ballet Theatre, with teachers such as Leon Danelion, Patricia Wilde, and Madame Swoboda. After college, I danced professionally in national touring companies, regional theatre, and summer stock, playing such roles as Maria in West Side Story. I danced until 1978 and stopped when I was 23. Funny, I saw that many of my friends quit ballet at the same time.

 Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

I was at the gym one day, listening to that horrible pounding music they play, watching the stupid daytime sit-coms on the TV bank, and it suddenly hit me that I can do better than this. I was trained as an artist, and I might as well do something artistic. So I went to one of the Nautilus machines, used it as a barre, and began a slow developpe a la seconde. And then it happened: I saw that I could still do it. I let go of the “barre” and guess what . . . I balanced. Was it a perfect developpe? Far from it. But my extension was still there and my placement was still there.

Where do you take classes?

I’m currently with the Charleston Ballet in Charleston, WV, but I am cast as the “Russian Dancer” in the Huntington Dance Theatre’s 2014 Nutcracker. Here, I am working with choreographer Robert Royce, and taking his company class with numerous 16 year-olds.

What is your favorite part about ballet?

Believe it or not, I enjoy barre-work. I love to work on my body, developing fine motor-control, getting in touch with little-used muscles, and improving my technique. Barre-work is like a journey into the self. I’m constantly checking my body, and trying to discover what I need to do to get better. On another point, what I love about ballet is melding movement to music. I feel that music has been de-emphasized in much contemporary dance–indeed, many choreographers can’t even read a score. But in ballet, the music still holds a primary place. And I love moving to classical music.

What is your least favorite part?

My least favorite part is what most people love: performance. I have done over 1000 productions (not just dance, but theatre, film, and television), and I’m not thrilled by putting on a tutu and a tiara. I’ve been there and done that. I do, however, enjoy rehearsing and developing a role in order to make it my own.

Who/What is your ballet inspiration?

About 3 years ago, I directed a PBS documentary entitled STEVEN CARAS: SEE THEM DANCE. This program, which won an Emmy, centered on Mr. Caras, a former New York City Ballet dancer who became a world famous dance photographer. In the course of doing this show, I interviewed many of the Golden Age Balanchine dancers, such as Jacques d’Amboise, Patricia McBride, Kay Mazzo, Peter Martins, among many others. These were the dancers I grew up with in the 1960s, and this group is my inspiration to this day.

What motivates you to keep dancing?

I have worked in the performing arts for many years, and I feel that I have something to say in dance. Since I know the balletic vocabulary and am a musician as well, I would like to try my hand at choreography.

Do you take any other dance classes?

No, I only take ballet classes. The so-called Modern or Contemporary vocabulary only appeals to me insofar as it is applied to a basic ballet technique. (I do, however, cross-train with yoga.)

What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

I love college football. On Saturday afternoons, after morning classes, I park myself in front of the TV and switch channels from game to game. Interestingly enough, many of the girls in my company are football fans as well. When we are backstage in our pointe shoes, I get a kick out of the big burly stage hands, who can’t believe we’re talking about a quarterback’s completion percentage.

What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?

For a person returning to ballet, I recommend going very slowly. Don’t try to do what you did at 16. Ease back into it. You will get a number of aches and pains, but nothing that can’t be overcome with a little physical therapy and TLC. If you are just starting out as an adult, you must have enormous patience with yourself. At each class, find one thing that you did very well. It might be a simple port de bras, but that’s fine. Just try to master one element and focus on what you did very well.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to encourage adults to take ballet. The rewards are great: anything from taking the fatty deposits off your thighs to working at a high level of artistic expression. Get a good teacher, who knows balletic technique, and go to class as often as you can.

Do you have a blog?

No, but since I’m 60 years old now, and still dancing on pointe, I’m considering it. Some very interesting situations have developed with the 16 year olds I dance with, and I think others might find it interesting, and perhaps, amusing.

 

Filed Under: Ballerina Profiles, Interviews Tagged With: , , , , , Leave a Comment
September 20, 2014

Q and A with Nancy Lorenz, Author of the Strength of Ballerinas

Strength_of_Ballerinas_blog_tour

I was given the lovely opportunity to do a Q and A with the author of The Strength of Ballerinas, Nancy Lorenz, who is also a fellow adult ballerina! The book came out earlier this month, and you can learn more about it here and enter a chance to win it at the end of this post!

Why did you start ballet?

When I was younger, like many kids, I wanted to wear the pretty tutus. Then, later when I started to train more seriously, I still wanted to wear the tulle, but I wanted to dance to that glorious music too.  For me, there is an immense pull between the image of the graceful ballerina, the dance, the music, and the art that comes together so well in ballet.  The interpretation of the music to movement to audience is what makes it so magical.

When did you start taking classes?

I had a late start.  I took my first classes when I was four, but then not again until I was twelve.  I was unable to continue, but took it up again, at age sixteen and a half.  I started seriously studying too late to try for an apprentice program, or audition for a company.  I went to New York to study acting and dance, and I picked up my ballet training again.  I was in dance heaven there, and really loved the New York classes, as they were very professional.

What is your favorite part about ballet?

I love the drama of it all – especially the tragic ballets.  While I also love the happier dances, the folk ballets, and the shorter works, I think that the “white ballets” with their tragic themes bring us out of our normal lives, and into a world that enraptures, mesmerizes, and entertains us for a few hours.  It is an escape where we can suspend belief, and fall headlong into the story.

It’s the combination of the dramatic moments, again coupled with the crescendos of the music, as well as with the sweet violin that conveys the more tender moments that pull us toward the art.  Swan Lake, Giselle, Les Sylphlides are my favorites.

Least favorite part?

Sore feet.  Lack of stamina. It’s a continual perfectionism to remember to turn out, hold my hands just so, and point!

My character, Kendra, in The Strength of Ballerinas, tries to “maintain lift, land light as a feather, and stretch the jump.”  She thinks about all of these things at one time, yet makes it look effortless and graceful – a difficult task. Add some “star quality” and you have quite a tall order!

The prima’s do it; however, comparing yourself to the most elite performers makes you feel that you fall short. Everyone, though, you must remember, is a different performer, with different personalities, unusual presentations….  Every dancer has his or her own special set of qualities to offer.

What is your book, The Strength of Ballerinas, about?

Overall, the book is about having a voice in your own life.  It is about being able to accomplish something, despite an obstacle, and the way to do that is through determination, and, an immense love of your art.

Kendra Sutton is a ballerina with a clear path into an Apprentice program of a big company, but when fate deals her a different path, she must fight with all her might to get back to New York and to a placement in Manhattan Dance.  Does she do it?  You’ll have to read the book to find out!

Who should read it?

The book is YA – that’s for young adults, aged 12 through 18; however, I think that the idea of aspiring to be a ballerina is something that is pretty basic for females.  I can definitely see twenty-something’s reading it also (and I wouldn’t be surprised if a mom or two snuck in to read it, secretly admitting that they too always wanted to be a ballet dancer!  Adults of all ages, I think can relate.)

Even if you don’t like ballet (and many girls don’t) this book is about dreams, overcoming obstacles, and finding your own path in life.  Whether you are an actor, writer, musician, science major, or star athlete, you still need dedication. This book is about dedication, and discovering the cost of getting there.

How does your own personal ballet (and life) journey relate to your novel?

Because my training was not constant, I understand the angst of completing training to get somewhere.  I know what it’s like to have a goal, and not have the opportunity at hand.  Even with uninterrupted training, many dancers’ goals are thwarted, due to injury, proximity to a good ballet school, emotional and financial support, ability…. The list can go on and on.  Determination really kicks in to keep your eye on the goal though, no matter how long it takes.  I think I conveyed some of my personal journey in my character, Kendra.

What advice would you give to others looking to start ballet?

Well, even though I still take ballet three times a week, including pointe class, I work as a college adjunct professor in my day job.  As I say in my bio, my advice is for dancers to go out and read and learn more about the world.

Learn about other historical eras, and see how the clothing, culture, politics, customs, and time periods affected the way people behaved and moved.  After all, ballet companies perform many “period pieces,” and wouldn’t it be nice to know the etiquette of the era to bring back to your art?

For instance, how do you let a gentleman take your arm, as you walk into a dinner party?  How does wearing a longer skirt affect your movements onstage?   Which curtsy is appropriate for a ballet, set in the 19th century? The 18th?   It’s called, “style.”  You see it in the first act of  The Nutcracker; in Frederick Ashton’s, A Month in the Country.

 If you’re set to perform the sixteenth century lovers, Romeo and Juliet, you’ll have to follow the protocol of the era in dress and etiquette as well.  What’s the difference between a pavane, a Quadrille, and a waltz?

This is a long answer, I realize; however, I know that all of you out there know ballet.  You’ve got the pirouettes, arabesques and lifts.  My advice would be to learn more, by reading, or watching historical movies in order to bring knowledge back into your art!

Overall, I think that ballet is a zenith of art, as it contains music, drama, and dance.  We are so lucky to be able to participate in this art that inspires, moves, and elevates civilization itself.

I love ballet.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Adult Ballerinas, Ballet, Interviews Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment
August 27, 2014

Ballet Instructor Profile: Megan Berryhill

Me Contemporary Position HoldThis week’s profile is of Megan Berryhill, who runs BalléNess, where ballet meets fitness in an online dance studio, allowing dancers to dance and work out from the convenience of their own home.

How long have you been dancing?

I’ve been dancing for 25 years.

Why do you dance ballet?

My husband and I were talking about this last night. (He is not a dancer). He asked me what is it about dance that I love and I said “first, if I didn’t do ballet my body would hurt. I will never stop. I can tell even after one day. My body tells me. “ The second reason I like to dance, specifically ballet, it gives you a creative outlet to let go of tension, energy, and emotions but in a controlled way.

Who/What inspires you to dance?

My students. All of my students definitely are inspiration to continue dancing and teaching. Another inspiration is music. Music always inspires me to dance. I find it difficult to listen to music and not have choreography forming in my head.

How long have you taught ballet?

I’ve taught ballet for ten years.

Where do you teach ballet?

I am originally from Pennsylvania and have taught in VA, OH, PA and NYC, but I currently am living in Baku, Azerbaijan. I teach ballet here but also online. With my lifestyle of traveling to different countries I wanted a way to continue teaching and keep training students that I have taught in person. So now I own an online dance studio at balleness.com and I teach the classes live and in real time. It’s great. I currently teach ballet to students all over the United States, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Qatar, Ukraine, Belgium and Turkey. It’s also a good outlet for dancers that want private lessons or for adults that do not have the confidence to enroll at a ballet studio. I have some dancers that I have never met in person and I have watched them improve their ballet vocabulary and technique and we both feel that we know each other; but we have never met! It’s awesome.

Who do you teach (ages, gender, level, etc.)?

I teach 3 year olds through 103 year olds. All ages and all levels.

What other types of dance do you teach (if any)?

I teach BalléNess (which is a ballet based fitness class for adults), contemporary, modern, pointe, jazz, beginner hip-hop, and beginner tap.

Why do you teach ballet?

I love to teach ballet. Watching students grow and improve from your training is so rewarding and what is better than getting rewarded for teaching your passion?

What is your favorite ballet step to teach and why?

For the young dancers I love teaching pas de chat. Doing passe’s over and over in parallel and then turn out is just fun. Like marching, but jumping. And then acting as a cat with them to do the pas de chat. I really don’t know why I love it, I just do.

For adults, my favorite ballet step to teach is a super simple step: chaine and pique turns. When I show them adults are always intimidated and think they could NEVER turn as fast, and in a straight line like I did. And then after some practicing and training, boom! They always successfully perform chaine and pique turns. And then it is that smile they all get and relief that they did it! They actually did it.

What advice/tips would you give to adults who want to begin ballet for the first time/adults starting ballet again?

Don’t be too hard on yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. Often we become frustrated and hard on ourselves if our leg can’t get as high as the person standing at the barre next to us, or we can’t figure out how on earth that petite allegro combination goes…get over it. You came to ballet class for practice and repetition, and with that and your instrument you will get there.

You can contact Megan by email(admin@balleness.com), on Facebook and Twitter!

Filed Under: Ballerina Profiles, Instructors, Interviews Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment
August 18, 2014

Beginner Ballerina Profile: Mel Wong

Mel Battements

Mel Wong has been invited to study Contemporary Dance at the prestigious conservatoire Trinity Laban in London, so she’s running a fundraising campaign to help pay for it. She’s also trying to set the world record for most consecutive grand battements!

Learn more in my interview with her below!

When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

I took my first ballet class as an adult in Easter 2011.

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

I didn’t have any formal classical ballet classes as a child, but my jazz and musical theatre teachers would incorporate elements of ballet into their classes. I completed vocational training in dance and performing arts to BTEC National Diploma level, but due to a mental illness and life circumstances I never got the opportunity at the ‘right’ age to complete my training and start a professional career.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

There were a few factors that made me decide to take up ballet as an adult, the first one being that for all my life I craved the opportunity to study classical ballet and after achieving a number of goals as a semi-professional athlete I worked up the courage to walk into my first ballet class. After I recovered from my illness I threw myself into training and competing as a martial artist, believing that I was no longer young enough or thin enough to go back to dance. But when I watched a UK company (the Northern Ballet) perform ‘Cleopatra’ something inside me just released and I felt the need to pursue dance training again.

Why are you running a fundraising campaign to support your dancing?

I have been invited to study Contemporary Dance at the prestigious conservatoire Trinity Laban in London, but it is very expensive and I am having to fund it alone since I have no relatives that I can rely on to support me in my studies. My age (I am 31) means that I am not eligible for dance scholarships, which I find incredibly unfair, and I am also not eligible for government support due to the internally-verified status of the course that I have been invited onto.

I have set up a fundraising campaign (http://www.gofundme.com/skydancerfund) to try and reach others out there in the world who understand my situation and want to see a dancer who doesn’t fit the mould in terms of age or ‘classical’ body shape achieve their ambitions. For any dancer pursuing full-time training is hard work, but I am ready to work! All my life I have been pursuing a dream to dance, choreograph and perform professionally and my experiences up until now have really prepared me for this opportunity and have given me the focus needed to knuckle down, complete my training and achieve my long term professional goals.

What is your ultimate goal with it?

When my training is complete my ultimate goal is to form my own artistic dance theatre company, which will give performance opportunities to other dancers like me who don’t meet set ‘standards’. I aim to create my own movement language, which will fuse classical ballet with more contemporary movement forms and martial arts to really push physical boundaries. I want to say something very clear with my work, I aim to show how male and female dancers can be equally strong and vulnerable and really showcase how beautiful and breathtaking dynamic bodies can be.

Where do you take classes?

I take as many open classes as my current finances allow studying ballet at my local dance studio – Hype Dance Company – three times a week and taking extra classes with the Northern Ballet.

What is your favorite part about ballet?

Ballet is so all-consuming, it requires total dedication and you can’t cheat or fake any elements of it. As a complete form of physical training, ballet develops the body in ways that other movement forms don’t encouraging strength, precision and expansion (which are things that I love). As an art form it is so versatile and offers so much room for expression and freedom, when I dance ballet I believe that I can really pour my soul and my heart into my physical movements. It facilitates so much more than jazz or contemporary styles.

What is your least favorite part?

I don’t have a least favourite part of the art or movement language itself, but I do have issues with the way that ballet is sometimes presented as an elitist privilege. Dancing ballet professionally is something that isn’t available to every human being on this earth, but that’s true of any gift or talent, and I don’t believe people who aren’t the ‘right’ colour, shape, age or gender should be automatically excluded from trying it. Yes, some professional companies will always require a certain aesthetic, but there is room in this art form for a variety of dancers provided they have something to contribute.

Who/What is your ballet inspiration?

I’ve been inspired by so many dancers throughout my life. As a youngster I idolized the glamourous stars of the 20thCentury – Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, Natalia Makarova – and as I grew older I fell in love with Sylvie Guillem, Alessandra Ferri, Darcey Bussell and Nicholas le Riche. Now I would say my main inspirations are the dancers who are surpassing what’s expected of them and the way that they move, so Guillem remains an inspiration as does Natalia Osipova, Tamara Rojo, Junor Souza and Marianela Nunez. And I wouldn’t be where I am today without my ballet teacher Emily Talks!

What motivates you to keep dancing?

I’m alive so that’s motivation enough for me! Seriously, dance is my life, it inhabits every moment to the point of obsession.

Do you take any other dance classes?

I have take as professional an approach as I can manage with the resources that have been available to me so in addition to ballet class 3-4 times a week, jazz and contemporary classes a few times a week and also daily practice in Yoga and Pilates.

What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

Aside from reading, watching movies and socializing with friends, I use a lot of my spare time outside of class for conditioning. So I attend Pilates and Yoga classes and one-to-ones regularly, and also work out at the gym to maintain my fitness.

What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?

For anyone who is thinking of starting ballet you really just have to do it, don’t put barriers in the way of yourself. So what if you don’t have legs like Sylvie Guillem, you still have value as an individual dancer and ballet might just be the right art form for you. For anyone who’s just started ballet I would say stick with it, be as interested as possible in everything that you do in class, use YouTube to learn from the ballet legends and masters and never lose your beginners’ mindset!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Before I head off to dance school I am planning to set a new world record for the total number of continuous grand battements (the current record is 1,199!). I am fundraising for the record attempt with a Kickstarter page:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1671982406/world-record-attempt-grand-battements and I hope to raise enough money so that I can make charitable donations to the Cats Protection League and MacMillan Cancer Care.

Do you have a blog?

I have a website: www.skydancermel.com where I blog about dance, movement, mental health and anything else that springs to mind! I also have a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MelSkydancer and Twitter account https://twitter.com/MelMAOW.

Filed Under: Adult Ballerinas, Ballerina Profiles, Interviews Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment