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.
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