Holiday Ballet Class Updates
*** EXPERIENCE THE EDUCATION ***
HAPPY NEW YEAR TUTU EACH OF YOU, NOW GIT YOUR BUTT BACK TUTU CLASS! K.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
Welcome to your biweekly, free, online connection to Kat's ballet class! With news, tips and information about all things ballet.
Holiday Ballet Class Updates
Yes, we do have New Year's Eve December 31 classes: Regular 10:30 class and noon pointe class....AND At 6pm, this class is open to all! We'll combine the evening classes into a single joint class at 6pm. That way we can all git safely home or to our party destination. Be there to join me and all your class buddies for the last "blow-out" of the year...woooo hoooo! The boss even let us have a double wide, Yes it's true we have 5A and 5B for New Years Eve 6PM Open level class. Woo hoo leapin into the New Year in the double wide studios!!!
Our regular schedule: Check here.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
* 10:30 Beginners Class
* 12 noon pointe
* 6pm Intermediate level
* 7:30 Beginners class
Saturday
* 4:30- 6:00 pm open all levels
* 6:15 pointe
Thursday & Sunday
* Private lessons only
*Note all Kat's private lessons are also currently scheduled for Sundays all day and Thursdays after 3pm, at the Circular Power Studios conveniently located at 850 7th ave Suite 305.
Tuesday
Kat's day off, please don't ask, you know I'm a workaholic and need one day completely off. Thanks.
ONGOING CLASS UPDATES
Kat's regular teaching schedule is here. Bookmark it so you don't forget. Click here to download a printable Ailey Extension Schedule!
All classes are held on a drop-in basis. Class includes the ballet barre, center work, stretching and across the floor ballet combinations, intermixed with performance tips and personal adjustments, corrections and coaching. Whether you are seeking a career, or dancing for fun and fitness, ballet class is a great way to tone up, increase circulation and stay in shape. Kat uses a specific unique syllabus derived from a combination of the American, Italian, and Russian syllabi's and offers several quality levels of instruction in classical ballet for you!
Join us now! KAT'S class updates at The Alvin Ailey School, the Largest dance facility in the country!! "Majestic" studios in the "Glass Palace" specifically designed for dancers, sprung floors, state-of-the-art acoustics and climate controlled.Classroom Confidential: TMI and Honorable Mentions
Nate happy b'day and what's this concert you'll be doing in Feb 08'? and tell us everything about the upcoming movie "jaFunK REvolution", git your butt tutu class-Yo listen up bro!...Ballet website interviewed Taylor. Stacey S. thanks for the pictures from Nashville where Rockettes rule, lol. Hope to see you back in class soon, we miss you. Great press and video....Woo hoo Coco #1 a real musical job!! It's King & I "at Carousel Dinner Theatre. Yeah!!!...Todd yep, the white guy, in the back, at the top right corner, who's face is chopped off, yep, that's Todd. Big time here he comes we adore your stoic chin shot, thanks for sharing!!...Thank you Chris D. and DRA for 19th annual 'Gypsy of the year' tickets, Arthur couldn't attend so I took Yaz and we had a grand time...Matt S half naked and the cast of the original West Side Story, experiencing history. Woo hoo $3,927,000.00 !!! oh yeah!!! Slide show will follow soon. Mary Frances, Francesca and all the Frank Rey showdancers from my hometown, Tampa will be visiting and in class till the 7th, welcome to Ailey ladies!
Tony @ Circular Power: Kat continues to cross train in gyrotonics several times per week to stay in top form and bring to you and your ballet classes a much broader perspective on physical training.
Andros on BALLET: He has the answers to all those HISTORICAL ballet questions you need tutu know.
*ATTENTION*: Friday Night Pas de Deux (PDD) club members rehearsals have begun for our performance showing February 24, Sunday--at the Ailey Studio's #5B, be at rehearsels so we can set and run the big group pieces, pas & solos. AND Don't forget to settle up your $15 per month, so you stay current with our treasurer Jimmy Bear Bob, Chris!!
Ballet terms:
Fouettes (strictly, fouettes ronds de jambe en tournant) are performed on point using a whipping movement of the working leg, which causes the dancer to turn. The fouette' was introduced into Russia in 1893 by Italian ballerina Pierina Legnani in Cinderella. On the first occasion the teenage Fokine was on stage as a pageboy. He got so carried away by Legnani's thirty-two fouettes that he forgot where he was and applauded. Not surpisingly he was severly reprimanded.
Quote of the week:
"When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things," Joe Namath--hall of fame quarterback....and a pretty good jumper. See photo, even with busted knees: here. Weekly Tips: Pointe, Health and Shopping
Health:
- Eat, drink and be healthy: Too much stimulation can easily lead to overeating. Remembering to be mindful will help you get more enjoyment out of each bite and notice when you've had enough. A little indulgence is natural at holiday parties. But get carried away and you'll end up bloated, tired, and bummed out. When you eat in moderation, your body and mind are happy. But when you eat too much, you overwhelm your digestive system, creating chaos in your belly and inviting unpleasant imbalances such as gas, weight gain, and depression. Take it slow and easy.
- Stretch-o-da-Month: Big toe pose (variation). This pose gently lengthens and strengthens even stubbornly tight hamstrings. Benefits: Calms the brain and helps relieve stress, anxiety and mild; Stretches the hamstrings and calves; Strengthens the thighs.
- Stretching tips: Here.
Shopping Deals:
- Book of the Month: "Diana Vishneva: Beauty in Motion,", THE BOOK. REGULAR PRICE: $200.00, plus shipping and handling.
- Bones Socks Go skinless with this amusing design and learn the real names for your big toe, shin bone and more. Knee length. $14.95
- Sharper Image ($10 off $100 from Nov 27 – Jan 31, 2008)
.
- Split sole ballet Slippers from China Price: $10.00
Performance Corner: Catch Your Fellow Students and More
If you have performance info you wanna share with your fellow classmates, please send it to kat_wildish@yahoo.com.
Dance on Camera Festival & Symposium: January 2 - 19, 2008: Various venues, New York City, NY. Two weeks of dance films, accopmanied by lectures and demonstrations.
Save the Date: Broadway "Teddy" Bears Auction 11 is February 17: The fur will fly as lot by lot is presented by a parade of Broadway celebrities introducing 40 one-of-a-kind BROADWAY BEARS - each dressed in original, handmade costumes representing some of the theater's most legendary performers and/or performances. Read about last year's and git ready keep checkin the Web site. Kat's Weekly Mailbag
Dearest Kat--I am snowed under with work before leaving for holidays, and so missed Monday class. I would have hugged you, wished you happy and restful holidays, and the best of success with your Nutcrackers. You are an artist with such a legacy and so much more to give and do. I am so grateful that you are in my life. You have sprinkled fairy dust wherever you go and enchanted, educated, and illuminated so many...and you always will. Love and best wishes,T.
Hi Kat, Re: The dog info about grapes and raisins - Also poison to dogs are chocolate and coffee. These things are true but they do enjoy a snack from a litter box without suffering any ill effects. Go figure. L.
What's New In 2008
Thank you for joining my e-mail family, the first place for the scoop on classes...and more. Expect class updates, feature pieces on ballet tips, training, nutrition, and what you should not have in your dance bag. I will make sure you are the first to know about class updates throughout 2008. And Finally....
Re've'rence:
Re've'rence:
Veteran Choreographer Michael Kidd 1919 - 2007, whose joyously athletic dances for ballet, Broadway and Hollywood delighted audiences for half a century.
American Ballet Theatre mourns the passing of Florence Pettan, a beloved symbol of stability for the company through five decades of behind-the-scenes support for the Artistic Director and the entire institution. Lucia Chase's original and only assistant during her 40 year tenure, and Coordinator for the Artistic Staff under Mikhail Baryshnikov, Jane Hermann and Kevin McKenzie, she provided a discreet and steady handling of virtually all the artistic planning. Florence became a caring friend to each and every person she worked with--artist and staff member alike. - Published in the New York Times on 12/26/2007
And finally.... try to take a few quiet moments for yourself, to focus on what makes the NEW YEAR beautiful for you | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Casting Call: Hot Auditions and Gigs Here
Check out the auditions from the last newsletter. Some are still open.
Dancers of all levels wanted! The Annette Hawkins Dance Ensemble is looking for dancers to fill company positions and to perform in the 4th annual "Dance Sistah, Dance" Festival. Dancers should be prepared to perform a 30-second routine (jazz, hip hop or African recommended) and several jazz technique exercises given by the choreographer. All auditions are done an individual basis in Chicago, so call 312-842-2401 or email Annettehawkinsdance@hotmail.comto schedule yours.
Columbia City Ballet will hold auditions for three performances (that will take place February 1-2) of it its upcoming production of Cleopatra on January 6. The auditions will be held at the Columbia Conservatory of Dance, 1545 Main Street in Columbia, SC. Male and female dancers ages 7 to 10 will be seen from 2 pm to 3 pm, and male and female dancers ages 11 and older will be seen from 3 pm to 4 pm. Dancers who have been on pointe for more than two years should bring pointe shoes. In addition, men are requested to wear a white leotard or plain white T-shirt with black tights and black shoes, or black tights with white socks and white shoes, and women should wear a black leotard, pink tights, light makeup and a performance-quality bun. There is an audition fee of $10. For more information, call Columbia City Ballet at 800-899-7408.
Vic DiMonda is choreographing Miss Saigon for Virginia Musical Theater! Production Dates: Jan 28 - Feb 17, 2008. Place Virginia Beach, VA
* Non-Union Auditions: Wed, Jan 2 10a-1p at the Ripley-Gierer Studios 520 Eighth Ave 16th Floor. (Be prepared to sing...the dance call is the next day at Equity but come and sing if you can make it. Vic will attend this audition in the morning and move to the Equity call in the afternoon.)
* EPA: Wed, Jan 2 9:30a - 5:30p, AEA Audition Center, West 46th Street 2nd Floor (Be prepared to sing an entire song. Vic will attend after 3pm.)
* Equity Chorus Call: Thurs, Jan 3 9a - 10:30a (male & female dancers), Thurs, Jan 3 10:30a - noon (male & female singers), AEA Audition Center West 46th Street 2nd FloorWorld News: Dance Across the Globe
Ballroom dancing gaining favor as next potential Olympic sport...This year's School of American Ballet Alumni Weekend will be held on Friday, February 8th and Saturday, February 9th, Yes Kat plans to attend!...A Conversation and Screening with Jock Soto: There is a special screening and Q & A with Jock Soto taking place at the New York State Theater on January 7, 2008 at 6:30 PM as part of the 36th Annual Dance on Camera Festival. Water Flowing Together is a 77 minute documentary of the life of SAB faculty member and former NYCB Principal Dancer, Jock Soto. Tickets are $7 each and can be purchased through New York City Ballet's web site....Recently retired prima ballerina Darcey Bussell will emigrate from Britain to Australia in search of a more environmentally and family friendly life in the New Year...Three Cuban ballet dancers defect...Class Acts: Paris Ballet Student Exhibitions...The Taskmaster Behind "The Nutcracker"...Thousands of young girls have seen Maria Kowroski dance with New York City Ballet...Heidi Thomas: 'Ballet Shoes saw me through'...La Scala and Bolshoi officials agreed to exchange music, ballet and operatic productions between Italy and Russia for three years....'BNP ballerina' ditches Cuban immigrant lover to marry far right councillor...Mikhail Baryshnikov in 'Beckett Shorts'...Yoga Booty Ballet? For Men Only: Julio Bocca
"Ole! Ole! Julio!" Throngs cheer Julio Bocca's last dance
It was an early morning in September 1986, when Julio first appeared for company class at ABT, I remember because I was also new to the company and had found my barre spot in the corner. No one else adjusted to accommodate him, now I'm glad I did, so he could warm up. Once Julio moved to the center and began to turn that first day on the job, everyone learned to accommodate him. I am honored to begin my retirement on the same day as Julio, of course with much less fan fare...K !
Also...Dance legend Fernando Bujones, the late artistic director of the Orlando Ballet, will be the subject of a new documentary by Cuban dancer--turned filmmaker Israel RodriguezThere will be more about this at their website soon, lovelypain.com. Ballerina of the Month: Diana Vishneva
Fun Stuff: Take a Break and Enjoy
'Flowers' choreography by Alvin Ailey...Free Bloch dancer posters to download...How many fruits and vegetables do you need?...Amazing painting...Rockin rollarblade lil gal.
IT'S A FACT! There are at least 110,000 pieces of "space junk" 1 cm or larger orbiting the Earth.
THIS MONTH IN DANCE HISTORY
January 2, 1934: The School of American Ballet opens at 637 Madison Avenue, New York City, with an enrollment of 32 pupils.
January 31, 1881: Anna Pavlova born. Pavlova came to South Africa in January of 1926. With her she brought a ballet dancer's magic to cast the spell of ballet over the country. And in January 23 1931: Anna Pavlova dies in The Hague
January 22, 1904: Birth of George Balanchine (Georgi Melitonovich Balanchivadze)
January 23, 1942: Fokine's last ballet, The Russian Soldier premiered at the Boston Opera House.
When the curtain at Radio City's Centre Theatre went up on January 11, 1940, those privileged enough to be in the audience watched history being made by ABT.
January 24, 1925: Maria Tallchief Paschen was born on an Indian reservation in Fairfax, Oklahoma.
January 15, 1895: The premiere of Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake took place on the stage of the Maryinsky (Mariinsky) Theatre in St. Petersburg.
January 18, 1825: The Bolshoi Theater built in Moscow was originally called the Imperial Bolshoi Theater of Moscow, inaugurated.
January 5, 1875: Paris Opera House built by Charles Garnier was opened.
January 16, 1973: Simba, history's largest male lion, died at Colchester Zoo in England, weighing weighed 826 pounds (375 kg).
January 12, 1808? (disputed date): Paul "the Great" Taglioni, born. Vienna, ballet choreographer.
January 14, 1890: The Sleeping Beauty ballet premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia.
January 10, 1893: Richard Drigo's ballet "Magic Flute" premieres, St Petersburg
January 11, 1940: Sergei Prokofiev's ballet Romeo & Juliet premieres in Leningrad.
JANUARY 27, 1948: Mikhail Baryshnikov, born (Ballet Dancer and Actor)
January 1, 1927: Maurice Bejart, born in France, ballet choreographer
January 8, 1935: Elvis Presley's Birthday.
January 21, 2008: Martin Luther King Day
January 27, 1756: Mozart's Birthday | | |
