...Ballet Business...

I know, I know and I'm really sorry I haven't been blogging lately! Like many other bloggers, its hard to find things to write about when you are just taking normal classes at your studio. Somehow though, somehow I will make it up to you by some amazing upcoming post that will blow your mind!!! Till then take a look at these amazing photos that are a part of the Ballerina Project. These photos are stunning and really express the true beauty of the ballet art form.
Tutu for now!
-*B@LLET*

Oh man ever since I watched Kate Jablonski's videos on Dance Media, I have been obsessed with her choreography! Kate is such an amazing choreographer with her movements and accents. Her dancers are very very talented as well! So just to spread my obsession, (hehe) here is the link to her YouTube site . Definitely check it out!
P.S.
Watch the dance Grief, it is by far my favorite Kate Jablonski dance. I even started crying while watching it, it is really such a beautiful and moving piece!
Tutu for now!
-*B@LLET*

Good luck to all the ballerinas out there traveling to summer intensives! Work hard!!!
Tutu for now!
-*B@LLET*

Okay its time for a new look ! I'm trying to figure out some new stuff so come back in a day or two and let me know what you think :)
Tutu for now!
-*B@LLET*

The school year as wound up bringing on a new season for dance! Summer is a great time for many young ballerinas to advance in their dancing by going to summer intensives. This year I have signed up for a summer intensive myself. I am so excited to be going! Yesterday, as I was talking about summer my friend mentioned how last year when she went to Ballet West's summer intensive, her tendinitis in her achilles started to act up again. I have tendinitis in my achilles as well so this is some advice she gave me. She said the faculty at Ballet West said its not always the hard floors at a summer intensive that cause tendinitis but the sidewalks. My friend explained that walking to and from buildings to her classes on the sidewalks really fired up her achilles so if possible, take a bus or subway as much as you can! Keep in mind to get off your feet as much as possible when not dancing!
Tutu for now!
-*B@LLET*

Its that time of year... during the season right after fall and into winter, I always get this feeling about ballet. Something about the weather makes me feel peaceful and I absolutely love being inside a warm studio doing what I love most when its cold outside. This year my ballet school is performing Carnival of the Animals. The music and choreography is fabulous! I have noticed that as I get older I have gained more respect from my teachers. Both see me with a brighter potential than as the scrawny elementary kid coming to ballet class because my mom signed me up. Now I am in every dance possible and an understudy for senior solos. That leads to what I want to talk about... being an understudy. Sure every dancer would rather be the actual performer than just an understudy but few dancers see the benefits. It can be hard but try to remind yourself that many professional principle dancers have also been understudies. I have realized that being an understudy has really shaped me into a better dancer. My teacher realizes that I have potential and is pushing me to become better. Never get depressed about being an understudy; instead take full responsibility by....
1. Arriving early before rehearsal time to be fully stretched out.
2. Taking the dancer's corrections and applying them to you. Also look for the compliments the dancer receives. Obviously this is something your teacher likes in the dance. Apply these corrections/compliments to yourself, it really shows improvement.
4. DON'T MARK!!!!! This is extremely important, as an understudy don't mark in the corner. Actually practice full out so you will be ready to perform at any time if necessary.
5. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher what you need to work on in the dance. I have done this many times just asking her what I need to work on to improve the solo.
6. Be positive and don't compare yourself to others :)
7. Realize that being an understudy gives you the benefits of learning new choreography! This helps open new doors and develop you into a better dancer. Even if you are a understudy now doesn't always mean you will be next time.
8. Learning new choreography can help you improve your technique.
9. Being a understudy broadens your horizons and prepare you for more advance ballet classes.
10. Most importantly it shows your teacher that you are dedicated and she can rely on you!

Keep up the good work and don't let yourself get discouraged!!!
Tutu for now!
-*B@LLET*