The Ballet Bible

Arabesques and extensions

Are there any specific stretches I can do to improve my arabesques (as in getting them higher) and my extensions. I want to be able to do high extensions and hold them there.

Westside Ballet Company

Westside Ballet is the pre-professional training company for Los Angeles Ballet. Performing is a critical component of a dancer’s training. For more than three decades, Westside Ballet’s Nutcracker has earned the reputation of being one of the best in Southern California. Despite the professional quality of the production, Westside Ballet is first and foremost a training company with dancers cast in roles which challenge them – not simply those best suited to their strengths. Westside offers students the opportunity to dance a wide range of roles.

In addition to 8 to 10 performances of the Nutcracker, Westside also produces an annual spring show which may feature a full-length story ballet such as Sleeping Beauty or Coppelia, but usually is a mixed bill with selections from ballets like Giselle, Don Quixote, Paquita and Raymonda. In 2003, as part of the centennial celebration of George Balanchine’s birth, Westside Ballet presented a mostly Balanchine program including Serenade, Stars and Stripes, Harlequinade and Valse Fantaisie.

Westside Ballet Company, a nonprofit organization, is one of the nation’s premier ballet training companies. This pre-professional company was created by Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire in 1970 to provide the promising young dancers of the Westside School of Ballet the performance opportunities that are so vital to their growth. The Santa Monica, California-based company now comprises approximately 150 dancers, ages 8 to 18.
 
Classes for All Ages and Levels
Westside School of Ballet offers training in classical ballet for all ages and levels of dancers. Adult classes are held on weekdays (primarily in the mornings and evenings) and on weekends (Sunday as well as Saturday). Children’s classes (including junior and pre-professional classes) are offered mainly after school, in the early evening, and on Saturday mornings.

About Westside School of Ballet
Westside School of Ballet in Santa Monica is dedicated to excellence in training and the development of the student as an artist. Every year since the school’s founding in 1967, its students have been awarded scholarships with major ballet company schools and summer programs. This achievement is a result of the exceptional training by teachers with broad experience performing with professional companies all over the world. An important part of student training is the study of the classics and the opportunity to perform.

Alumni of Westside School of Ballet dance with many professional companies, including Los Angeles Ballet, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, San Francisco Ballet, Houston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Sacramento Ballet and Kansas City Ballet.

In 2005, Los Angeles Magazine chose Westside School of Ballet as the best in Los Angeles.

Westside School of Ballet is the official school of Los Angeles Ballet.

Please note: The name Westside Ballet is used informally to refer to two separate organizations: Westside Ballet Company, a non-profit 403C, and Westside School of Ballet. Yvonne Mounsey is director of both the company and the school, but they are separate legal and financial entities.

California Ballet Company

From its inception in 1968, California Ballet Company has been a fertile ground for the re-staging of the demanding classics and for the creation of its own trail-blazing works. Later on, the CBC bestowed on emerging young choreographers, many from San Diego, an opportunity to create and to develop through the company their own personal dance statements. In addition, the CBC has influenced, nurtured and enriched the lives of generations of committed dancers – artist, many of whom are now performing on four continents.

Furthermore, unusual for a US company this size, from very early on, the CBC began to acquire a distinct international profile. Later on, the CBC became a ballet ambassador, as it shared, gave and received artistic knowledge and hospitality, at home, south of the border and as far away as Romania, Russia and Georgia.

Finally, throughout this thirty-five year saga, the company enriched the area and also found a supportive echo in its California native soil, which has cherished this jewel enduring in its midst.

Director Maxine Mahon began recreating full length classics in 1971. Charles Bennett, longtime Associate Director, contributed several signature works, works based on San Diego’s historical and Spanish roots as well as children’s ballets. Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski produced a beautiful rendition of Swan Lake (1997) and others. In addition, CBC has enriched its repertoire with interesting contributions by CBC dancers and teachers.

In 1972, the foundation for the Company was laid in the California Ballet School. It is here that the directors and senior performing members of the company act as dance instructors in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. After more than three decades, the company is proud to recognize alumni in New York and other American cities, in Austria, Canada, Norway, South Africa and the Philippines.

In 1974, Company members Marlene Jones and Douglas Hevenor participated in the Seventh International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria where Bennett garnered second place for Albinoni Adagio. The Romanian Government invited Mahon as the first American dancer educator to teach, choreograph and lecture throughout Romania. Jones and Hevenor received special performance prizes at the ’76 First Tokyo World Ballet Concours. Bennett received a gold medal. CBC also participated in competitions in Varna, Bulgaria/’78, Jackson, Mississippi/’86, Helsinki, Finland/’91 and Jackson, Mississippi/’94.

In 1976-77, Oleg Danovsky and Marius Zirra came to San Diego to teach and choreograph. CBC made ballet history with Stanislav Issaev (Moscow Classical Ballet) coming to guest in ‘86-’87. This was the first appearance of a major Soviet ballet star with American ballerinas. In ‘88-’89 two Soviet choreographers and two pairs of Soviet stars worked with CBC. In ’90, CBC hosted Pisarev and Dorfeyeva for the US-Russian Art Festival and hosted an evening for the Bolshoi School.

In 1989 and ’91 respectively, CBC students Calvin Kitten, Karla Navarrete and Jennifer Curry studied in Tbilisi, Georgia. CBC has performed in Tijuana, Mexico, and at the Summer Festival of San Lois Potosi. Dancers from Mexico are continually invited to perform with CBC, enhancing many productions. Since 1995, the company has made annual tours of the Western United States with its popular production of The Nutcracker, and has been accepted into the California Arts Council’s prestigious Performing Arts Touring and Presenting Program.

Mahon has choreographed for Starlight Opera and SD Opera productions, with whom CBC dancers regularly perform. In addition, Mahon’s desire to bring awareness of dance to the public has led to the creation of a successful series of lecture programs. Funding has been provided by grants from the California Arts Council including an Exemplary Arts in Education Grant, the National Endowment for the Arts and CETA. The Company currently enjoys support from the City of SD Commission for Arts and Culture and the SD County Enhancement Program.

The CBC is a miracle of the vision and determination of its indomitable founder Maxine Mahon, and the fire which she transmitted to her collaborators, which has molded them into the shining institution which is today the multi-faceted California Ballet Company of San Diego.

Founded in 1968, the California Ballet School is among the largest professionally staffed schools of dance on the West Coast. Their faculty have impressive performance backgrounds and have danced with many of the most prestigious companies in the country, including New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Many of the School’s graduates have gone on to professional careers in dance with companies nationwide.

Maxine Mahon, Faculty Principal, has carefully guided the artistic and administrative development of the School into a fully professional school of dance. Under her hand, California Ballet School maintains successful pre-professional and apprentice programs that provide the caliber of training, technique, style, and environment needed for the most talented students to enter the world of professional dance.

In addition to training in classical ballet, the School offers a diverse curriculum that includes jazz, tap, body mechanics, Spanish dancing, and dance-related workshops in make-up, mime, and production. Special classes for young children emphasize rhythm, movement, and creative expression. Classes for adults provide excellent dance training in a more recreational atmosphere. The School has a comprehensive Tuition Assistance Program that includes merit scholarship, financial need, and student and/or parent work-study programs. Applications for tuition assistance consideration are available upon request.

The state-of-the-art Main Centre in Kearny Mesa is also home to the professional company, giving students the opportunity to observe professional dancers at work. The School also maintains branch facilities in El Cajon, Pacific Beach and La Mesa.

Ballet Bible

I’m wondering if The Ballet Bible is still in the market for $47? If not, is there going to be a 3rd edition of The Ballet Bible?

Switching Studios

I do ballet, tap, jazz, and modern and am switching to a different studio in the fall with more prestige and more qualified teachers. The only problem is (and I know the point is to dance, not to socialize) I know everyone where I am right now, and everyone will know everyone at my new place, and I’m afraid I won’t feel accepted by my classmates.

Milwaukee Ballet

The Milwaukee Ballet School is now and has been one of the premiere dance schools in the Midwest for over 30 years. Since its founding in 1975, the Milwaukee Ballet School has maintained a curriculum and faculty ranked among the best in the nation. As a proven training ground for professional dancers, Milwaukee Ballet School proudly lists many of its former alumni among the ranks of professional dance companies worldwide.
The mission of the Milwaukee Ballet School is to offer children and adults of all ages a variety of courses designed to provide a complete education in classical dance. Whether in pursuit of a professional career or simply deriving the joys and physical benefits of a dance class, students are offered a graduated system of study to satisfy any skill level.

Pre-professional students have the opportunity to develop the skills, experience, and discipline which are necessary foundations for a professional career. The School has professionally experienced teaching staff and live piano accompaniment in all ballet classes. The curriculum is supplemented by visiting guest teachers, and various consultants offer lectures on dance related topics throughout the year, adding further to the students’ education.

The Milwaukee Ballet School offers the finest dance training in an encouraging and professional atmosphere. Milwaukee Ballet School supports the growth of classical ballet by maintaining the highest standards and by nurturing the talent of every student. The Milwaukee Ballet School accepts all eligible students of all races, national, religious, or ethnic origins.

Live Music
The interaction between the dancer and the music is a special relationship that must be carefully nurtured. The Milwaukee Ballet School is proud to use live music for all ballet classes. An excellent staff of pianists is trained to meet the special demands required for ballet accompaniment. Live music is one of the fine features that has brought the Milwaukee Ballet School to national prominence.

Performance Opportunities
Students of the Milwaukee Ballet School have several opportunities to exhibit their talents. The school presents a spring showcase every two years that involves all students from the Children’s and Student Divisions. The next showcase will be in the spring of 2008. Many productions of the Milwaukee Ballet require the skills of the students, most notably, “The Nutcracker.” Adults from the Open Division are also invited to perform walk-on roles in performances. Various other, less formal events are offered throughout the year to allow family and friends the opportunity to view the progress of the students.

Milwaukee Ballet’s Department of Education
Milwaukee Ballet is reaching out — to you! They have expanded their educational and outreach programming to reach even more people through the beauty and magic of ballet. Now you can request innovative programs for your school or community center. Milwaukee Ballet’s new Department of Education wants to ensure that everyone has a chance to experience the arts and learn about ballet, be it about “Don Quixote” or pointe shoes. Their programs reach out to people who might not know that ballet really is for them — they will strive to make these programs accessible, affordable and in English and Spanish when applicable.

Milwaukee Ballet II
The MBII Program was created in 1978 to nurture and develop dancers with the technical skills and artistry required for a professional career as a dancer. The curriculum is based on the artistic vision of the Milwaukee Ballet organization and provides the training needed to bridge the gap between student and professional through performing opportunities with the Milwaukee Ballet Company as well as performances created specifically for MBII. MBII also provides the majority of the outreach programs for the Milwaukee Ballet. MBII dancers are selected during the MBS Summer Intensive Program.

Continental Ballet Company

Established in 1988 by Riet Velthuisen, a former dancer with the Dutch National Ballet, the Continental Ballet Company presents professional classical ballet performances and outreach programs in the suburban Twin Cities area and throughout Minnesota.  The Company’s mission is to provide opportunities for children and families to experience the art of classical ballet through performances, classes and community activities.  Continental Ballet Company was founded on the belief that dance as an art is an exquisite and valuable discipline to be fostered and shared with their community.

Continental Ballet Company has both a professional performing company and a school of ballet. 

Registration
Students are required to pay an annual registration fee. Most students will register in the fall and continue their classes through June.   They do accept new students throughout the year.   Staff will assist students in determining which classes are appropriate for their age and ability.   
 
Structure
Continental Ballet Company is dedicated to the proper education in the art of classical ballet.  The emphasis is on technique rather than memorization of routines.  There is repetition but there is also original choreography in each class.  A student recital is offered in the middle of June but it is kept simple and short
  
Toe Shoes
While all little girls are anxious to dance “en pointe”, to train on pointe too soon can do very serious damage to students’ knees, ankles and back.  Generally, a student should be 12 years old with two or more years of classical ballet training before beginning on toe.

Facility
Dance students need to have a good floor on which to train.  Linoleum, tile or concrete are too hard of a surface for dancing.   Their studio has a special suspended dance floor and is properly equipped with barres and mirrors.   It is a spacious and beautiful studio.

Dress Code
For girls, black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes.  For boys, black tights and white tee shirt, ballet shoes.

Atmosphere
While the students work hard in class, they want this to be a pleasant and affordable experience for students and their families.   There is an opportunity for students to see the progression of ballet from studio to rehearsal to stage.  In addition to providing excellent training, they are fostering an understanding and appreciation of the art of dance.

Gaynor Minden Shoes

I’ve got a pair of GMs. They are great, but the only problem is that whenever I do a deep plie or a grand plie, the heel starts to slip off. Should I buy Heel Grippers of sew elastics?

Any tips?

Los Angeles Ballet

Los Angeles Ballet’s original production of The Nutcracker reflects the city in which it is based. It introduced the first of many seasons of ballet made fresh, alluring, and entertaining. With choreography by Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary and set design by LA designer and illustrator Catherine Kanner, the production is the first to honor the company’s mission to establish an artistic collaboration that invites all genres to participate. Choreographers, composers, dancers, musicians, and set, costume and lighting designers, come together in Los Angeles Ballet for a new era of performing arts innovation.

Los Angeles Ballet’s upcoming Spring and Summer 2007 programs present the classics of George Balanchine and August Bournonville, and look for Los Angeles Ballet’s announcement of its next step in the development of homegrown artist collaborations.

This is your Los Angeles Ballet, built upon the foundation of the acclaimed Westside School of Ballet, and the only permanent Southern California showcase for the gifted dancers who learned their art here. Now, the one missing gem in the city’s cultural crown has finally arrived, and Los Angeles sheds its distinction as the only major city in the world without a professional ballet company to call its own.

World-class dance has come home to Los Angeles.

Westside School of Ballet is the official school of Los Angeles Ballet. For more than forty years under the loving and exacting direction of Yvonne Mounsey, Westside School of Ballet has consistently produced some of the world’s finest dancers, perusing the artistic rosters of New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, to name a few. Here, professionalism, passion and talent have thrived. The highest standards of classical ballet have molded the school’s sought-after young dancers, who in addition to their technical training perform full-length ballets and mixed repertory programs with the affiliated Westside Ballet. Now, these talented young artists will no longer need to leave Los Angeles to pursue professional ballet careers.

Fouetté en tournant

I would be the happiest person in the world if I could learn a Fouetté en tournant turns. My dance studio dose not take beginning dancers seriously at all. I feel like they think I can never make it to company or pointe. I asked if I could learn this turn and they said no :* ( i think i could learn to do it as a beginning dancer.)

Help me please