***Experience The Education***
Welcome to your free, MONTHLY, online connection to Ballet Class!
KAT'S Class Updates for the month of November:
November 1st Daylight Savings Time Ends at 2 a.m. Set your clocks back one hour!
The Ailey Extension - Real Classes for Real People. In the words of Artistic Director, Judith Jamison, "If you can get yourself in the door, you can take a class!"
The Ailey Studios Location:
at the Joan Weil Center for Dance
405 W. 55th Street (at 9th Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
212-405-9500
ONGOING CLASS UPDATES
Our regular class schedule: check here.
*Pointe Class Workshop
Winter Pointe Technique with Variation Classes @ The Ailey Extension
Open Level - Saturdays at 6:15-7:30pm
6 Weeks: November 7 – December 19, 2009
Sign up here.
(Nov. 28 class cancelled – instead please attend our Performing in New York Showcase see bellow) at The Ailey Citigroup Theater: 11/28 at 7pm, 11/29 at 4pm & 7pm – tickets here.)
Learn to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy just in time for the holidays! Pointe Technique Classes serve students at all levels of pointe work, from beginners in their first time up in the shoes to seasoned professionals maintaining fundamentals. Starting with an intense barre warm-up series to strengthen deep muscles in the legs and feet, the class progresses slowly to center practice to develop confidence and poise. Alignment and correct foot placement in the shoes are emphasized for a solid, healthy approach to pointe work. Please remember pointe shoes must be prepared properly with ribbons attached before class. Bring soft ballet shoes in case you are not ready for the entire hour up on your toes! Notes and professional performing tips will be shared during each lesson. We hope to continue our pointe classes beginning again in the new year, 2010.
*Showcase Performances: Our last production of this year's Performing in New York Showcases. We will have three performances: 11/28 @ 7pm & 11/29 @ 4 & 7pm (yes, Thanksgiving weekend!) in our state of the art Ailey Citigroup Theater. Mark your calendars and join us for this always wonderful weekend of dance with your favorite classmates and guest dancers!
Gentlemen, Knights, & Princes dance with their partners for the Dance of the Knights from Romeo & Juliet, and ladies, think of loveliness in the Waltz of the Hours from Coppelia.
***View clips from our last show, August 2009, here and here. Also view them on our Facebook fan page, here.
***Buy tickets to our November performances here.
*Wednesday November 18th: the main Ailey Company is home during the month of November, and we will only have to cancel one Intermediate Ballet class at 6pm only on 11/18. All other classes and rehearsals remain intact. Woo Hoo! Those of you this effects please join us for the 7:30 class. I'll be sure to have extra barres to accommodate you.
A Word (or more) from Kat
November Already? Clocks fall back an hour. Don't be late for morning class...Our 35th Annual October HALLOWEEN CLASS was held this past Saturday, Oct. 31, and our theme was Food and Drink. We had our celebrity impartial judges Harvey and Sharon Siegel, Joe & Rachel Townsend, and Scot Coopchick (takes $ bribes) and Lisa Edison in from Connecticut. Vladimir played his awesome scary music at times, and we did our yearly weirdo frightening combos: Halloween adagio & sorta ballet-ghoul-ish stuff, and the "grande lay on the floor allegro" along with the "shake it out" before awards. See TMI below for the winners, and be sure to check here for pictures coming soon.
Oh man, this was the best Halloween class ever in 35 years...Thanks for attending. Whatta wonderful class - you should have witnessed some of the funny stuff that went on this year. We charged into Sue Samuels' class upstairs and yelled and scared all her students on our annual "Halloween Run." Afterwards I took the judges out to dinner at Hanci (around the corner, 56th & 10th, just receiving a #24 for the highest rated Turkish restaurant in NYC - BYOB). We discussed themes for next year, including "Beach Volleyball," "Movie Stars," and "Vicars and Tarts." We will meet again in August to finalize the Theme for 2010. Lisa has agreed to prepare goodie bags for all the extra Categories and Scotty (the most bribe-able $ judge) wants to give his own award called the "Hottie." Sharon, the most SENIOR judge, wore her Halloween skeleton earrings (as usual) and hopes to award many more prizes next year. These judges love their jobs and take the responsibility very seriously! (I'm so proud of them) I have been informed that you can bribe each of them with trips to foreign lands and money. Sharon' s Swiss bank account is #4275391 for deposits at any time! Remember to look on our photo bucket page here Tuesday for many pictures of this event including the judging and also check out the Facebook Fan Page videos from our last show and other interesting stuff you should know about. It's been a great month and November looks to be even better. Stay healthy stay, in class, and thank your mother! K
Classroom Confidential: TMI and Honorable Mentions
November 2009 is Birthday month for the following dancers/classmates: Michiko Takemasa Toledo -4th; Sabrina Keller -4th, David Brien Hart -4th, Laura Cronk -5th; Sara Azzabi -6th, Phineas Newborn III -6th; Royce K. Zackery -7th; Milena Altman -7th; Cathy Rosenbluth -7th; Adam Lendermon -8th; Xin Yu (Kat's study partner at ABT) -8th, Christopher Davis -9th, Hanna Lisette de Vos -9th, Sherene Vismaya -9th, Libby Smith -9th; Kim Svenningsen -10th, Mary Hawley Dirig -11th, Jill Smeallie -11th, Darja Vertlieb -12th; Yuka Tanikawa -12th, Flavio Salazar -14th, Leila Dilmaghani -14th, Marcus Carter -15th, Molissa Fenley -15th, Tom Smith -17th, Mark Stuart Eckstein -18th, Kristina Staykova -19th, Mary Frances Granell -20th, Rachel Cahayla-Wynne -20th, Harvey S. (our Halloween judge) -22nd, Manwe Sauls-addison -22nd, Kelly P Williams -22nd, Liz Gottlieb -22nd, Allison Eguchi -22nd, Dana Loving Sparks -22, Kathleen Moore-Tovar -23, Mark Russo -24th, Samantha Harte -24th, Pierre Zoberman -25th, B Hori -25th, Rose Jacobsen -25th, Katherine Gibbons -25th, Goh Sipei -25th, Robyn Mann -26th (you scare me GF), Crystal Chapman -26th, Aqura Lacey -27th, Ali Pourfarrokh -27th, Ann Mackey -27th, Wendy Reo -28th, Yesid Lopez -29th, Elena Vazintaris -30th, Andrea White -30th, Richard Ye -30th. Happy Birthday tutu each of you this month. May your day be filled with special celebrations, special people, and the joy of dancing.
We had our annual Halloween class last night. Judges created additional categories because of the tremendous turn-out (lol). The winners (& runners up, and honorable mentions) of the special prizes and goodie bag gifts were:
Category: "Out There" – Winner: Josh with his Midsummer nights Dream costume. He stayed up all night to make it! Runner Up: Fortune Teller Bonnie with her scary painted on eyes (plus lashes) & crystal ball. Honorable Mention: Ray in his most incredible costume of the green fairy Absinthe and nice very nice shiny silver "hot" shorts.
Category: "Creative Food and Drink" – Winner: Alice/Taylor (missing Yaz) 3 for 1 Milk and Cookies carton. Wow! Nice work. Runner Up: Liz as Evian water. Wow! Everything was matching Evian Blue, even earrings (lub this). Honorable Mention: Jan, WOW! in the "apple tree," so lovely.
Category: "Delectable Edible" – Winner: Lauren as the Chinese take out with chopsticks…that stayed, even during pirouettes! Runner Up: Carmen Miranda. Woo hoo great costume and nicely presented. Honorable Mention: the cute lil "hot tamale Chile peppers" (one of my personal favzzz!) costume. Congrats to all our winners, runner ups, and honorable mentions!!!...
…See Kevin Adams and all the Rebecca Davis Dancers in this you tube clip of "Darfur"…Madison Cole is a garland girl and an angel (jr corp=) in Nutcracker this year…Bruno Lucchesi 's first Ernie Davis life size bronze sculpture monument in Elmira, New York, shown on TV: Click here…Erik & Anna (AKA Gus) Wedding pix, check here…Sophia Robbins' film "The Haunted Spirit" will Premiere at the Big Apple Film Festival Friday, November 6, 2009, 8:40pm, theatre 2, Tribeca Cinemas: 54 Varick Street, NYC. More info Arts to Grow. Public school children in the NY area ages 5-18 have a new role model to look up to. Woo Hoo Mark!...New Music and Rock Pixie Records Proudly Presents: Miriam Aziz "Tránsito."(yeah that's right, Miriam from morning class. You are at the barre with her) available from all major online music shops(amazon, i-tunes, play.com, ibs.it, alicemusic.fr etc)…Bretigne: some of you know that she wrote a book a while ago about the time she spent living in a Tokyo gaijin house. Well, she's finally published it (under her pen name) so everyone can read it! It is about the excitement of living in a strange land, of always feeling that you're on the edge of something tremendous, where the colors are brighter, the pain is deeper and the ecstasy is sweeter. It is about being wide awake in a world that is new. "Memoirs of a Gaijin" is available on Amazon here, and if you don't want to spend the $16.87, you can download it for free here.
*Quote of the month: "Look not back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around you in awareness."
-Ross Hersey (Please be aware of the dancers in class around you. They want to find room to dance also.)
*Andros on Ballet: Ballet and the Evil Empire. Mr A is a dear friend, teacher and mentor to Kat for over 25+?+ years now. He has the answers to all those ballet questions you need tutu know. Kat is always very honored to attend Mr A. classes when she can. It's a strong technique class injected with humor that only Mr. A can provide. At 85 years young he teaches class Monday thru Friday and plans to continue. Woooo Hooo Mr. A, you rock! Kat tries to have dinner with Mr. A at least once per month and discuss the finer pointes of ballet and life in general. His perspective is unique and cherished deeply. Recently Mr. A was diagnosed with Leukemia, and wants you to know he appreciates all the visits, emails, and good wishes he is receiving from our dance community. You can find Mr. A on Facebook and gusandros@gmail.com. Remember each class begins with the Mr. A flex foot combo...soon to be updated, and all those fast lil petite allegros that tick you off come from years of Mr. A inspirations! We love you Mr. A!!! Taylor's Tales
A column by our webmaster, Taylor.
This month marks my second season dancing in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular! We open in less than 2 weeks, and I'm SO excited (and immensely thankful) to be back on that incredible stage! You can read all about my adventures there and see pictures on my blog here, starting with my fun costume fittings and more! I'm also live-blogging a lot during tech week, here on Twitter. Kat's Monthly Mailbag
*Hi, Kat! I was just remembering my first ballet class with you was your Halloween class! I always watched the class and wanted to take it but didn't know how to start, so I though hiding behind costume and pretending I can't move because of the costume was a great way to ease into the class :) Letting out my secret I kept for 6 years -N. *Wow N 6yrs…lol!! Thanks for sharing, K
*Dear Kat, I've been meaning to reach out to you all year, and when I saw Taylor's list of 50 things we love about you, I was so moved (it was so right on!!) it was time to write you and say hello. I had a fast exit from New York - I know you come across many people- but I moved to San Diego. I've learned and experienced so many things that are uniquely and love-ably you, and because of your classes I continued to grow and evolve as a dancer, and I thank you for that…No one compares to you. You really are 1 in a million, and I miss you and your classes! I wish you and your students all the best with everything. Much love,G. *Dear G, Cannot even believe you are gone...thanks for your kind words. We miss you in class and it's good to know what happened. Please keep me posted and also let me know when you visit NYC again. Big hugs and best wishes tutu you and your hubby, K Monthly Tips: Stretching, Pointe, Health, & More
*Stretch-o-da-Month: November 2009: The Lying Basic Twist. This pose is soothing to the spine and neck. Doing this pose correctly warms and frees the lower back and hip, and increases strength & muscle tone in your midsection.
*Health Tips of the Month:
*When was the last time you ate chickpeas, navy beans, or black-eyed peas? Legumes are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available. They're good sources of protein and can be a healthy substitute for meat. If you have been thinking about alternative forms of protein, consider legumes. This category of vegetable includes beans, peas, peanuts, soybeans and lentils. Legumes may be small but they are packed with nutrition. According to Christine McKinney, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., health benefits of legumes include high-quality and low-fat protein, cholesterol- lowering soluble fiber, and nutrients such as iron, folate, and other B vitamins. This info is provide for us by Dennis Tan, General Manager Gold's Gym 54th St.
*When you stress out over a bad or a tough day of classes, the food you eat can make a difference. Up your Vitamin C intake, says Peggy Swistak, nutritionist for Pacific Northwest Ballet. Because the body produces adrenaline under stress, you use up more Vitamin C. Try adding strawberries to your yogurt, tomatoes to your salad, or throwing a bag of bell peppers sticks into your dance bag to snack on. In high-stress periods, make a point of cutting back on caffeinated foods and beverages. They send your heart racing and disrupt your sleep pattern. Don't try to reverse caffeine's effects with alcohol- it too can disrupt sleep. Swistak says that eating regularly (small high fiber, protein-rich meals) is a good way to keep energy levels high and blood sugar levels constant. Carbohydrates release serotonin, which calms the body down and proteins contain the amino tyrosine, which increases alertness. Eating frequently will curb cravings later in the day and help the body use the nutrients more easily. (Submitted from enewsletter@dancemagazine.com.)
*Anatomy: Of the 206 bones in the human body, One-quarter of the bones are in the feet, 26 bones, & CoCo #2 says 20 muscles...when in fact there are more than 100 muscles, tendons (fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones), and ligaments (fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones); and a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue Half of all your bones: Are in your hands and feet. The foot is an incredibly complex mechanism. The two largest bones in your feet carry most of your weight. Heel bone, and the talus, which lies between your heel bone and the bottom of your shinbone. Nineteen of the 26 bones in the foot are toe bones.
*Foot Hygiene: The foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands. It's the mixture of sweat and bacteria in our shoes and socks that makes feet smelly. Clean, dry feet can lower the risk of both foot odor and fungus infections. To keep your feet healthy:
-Examine your feet regularly. Wear comfortable shoes that fit
-Wash your feet daily with soap and lukewarm water, especially between the toes
-Trim your toenails straight across and not too short.
-Applying moisturizing lotion on the feet after bathing can alleviate dry skin.
-Foot pain is not normal at any age.
-Please do not slam your feet home to 5th position on degages...we talked about this!
And Finally...
Re've'rence:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of longtime School of American Ballet pianist, A. Katarina Batist. For 27 years, she accompanied countless classes at SAB, playing everything from Bach to the Beatles. Katarina died on Sunday, October 11, just shy of her 56th birthday. She is survived by her husband, Boris. Katarina was a treasured member of the SAB family and she and her music will be greatly missed. RIP | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Casting Call: Hot Auditions and Gigs Here
*The Bad Boys of Dance is seeking young male talent between the ages of 18-25. Dancers must be at least 5′6″ and have professional dance training and versatile dance styles. Please contact: badboysofdance@gmail.com
*OPEN CALL: AFTRA TV DANCER AUDITION –"VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW: 2009" (CBS)
CHOREOGRAPHER: JERMAINE BROWNE
Casting FEMALE dancers with the following credentials!
- Height requirement: You MUST be at least 5'7" or taller without shoes.
- Beautiful, Model looks and body types- All ethnicities
- TRAINED dancers proficient in ballet/jazz/street/hip-hop. - Come to audition prepared to dance in heels. Body conscious clothing showing legs! (no sweats or baggy clothing)
- Bring Headshot (and full body shot if possible) & Resume. Bring a paper with your name, social security number and measurements as follows:
Height,Weight, Bust, Waist, Hips, Sleeve Length, Inseam, Dress size
- This will be on an AFTRA contract (Group Dancers). Please do not come if you are unwilling to work for AFTRA scale, or are not legally allowed to work in the United States. Do not come if you will not be available for callbacks on Tuesday afternoon, November 10, or if you are unavailable at any time from November 16 to 19. Do not come if you do not meet the height requirements. OPEN CALL: Tuesday, November 10th 10:00 AM
AFTRA MEMBERS WILL BE SEEN FIRST (you MUST bring your card)
CHELSEA STUDIOS 151 West 26th Street (5th Floor) NYC
*Wayne McGregor/Random Dance is seeking 1 male or female dancer with strong classical and contemporary technique for freelance contracts in 2010. To apply, send resume, photo and cover letter to Odette Hughes, Auditions, Wayne McGregor/Random Dance, Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN. Application deadline is Friday, November 6, 2009. randomdance.org
*Liz Lerman is looking for dancers for a new work. An NYC audition will held on Nov. 21 at City Center. Be prepared to show your best performing, teaching, collaborating, inventing, listening, learning self. The company features dancers of diverse ages, but currently seeks younger dancers. Bring hard-copy resume and recent photo. You must register prior to audition by emailing Ben Wegman at bwegman@danceexchange.org. Please put "audition" in the subject line.
*Ballet Atlantic (in Connecticut )is looking for a 6'0" or taller Male dancer to dance Snow Pas and Lead Spanish! To partner advanced dancer 5'6" Performance weekend Dec.10th, 11th, & 12th
*Break The Floor Productions is starting a really new and exciting project and are looking for a few people to do office work for the next few months. Hours and days are VERY flexible. Email pic and resume to jobs@breakthefloor.com. Put "Part Time" in the subject header.
*Playbill On-Line's Casting and Job Listings
*Dance NYC audition listings
*Backstage Casting listings
*You can also search for dance auditions here
Kat's Klassifieds
This is a section of the newsletter for your classmates offering/needing services. Please note, these are not recommendations just announcements:
*R.E.A.L. Fitness & Nutrition™ is making it easier for people in NYC to find local fitness & nutrition resources that will help them live healthier lives. We have worked to find you special offers and promotions from local & national partners, developed a list of local events and profiles of expert coaches & practitioners who live and work in the NYC area.Become a R.E.A.L. Fitness Insider - Subscribe to our newsletters here and receive access to local deals & a listing of upcoming events near you that will help you live a healthier life. www.realfn.com Also check out the Experts page for your ballet professor.
*Dance Magazine's giving away three copies of the hit musical theater documentary Every Little Step. Win a copy of this riveting behind-the-scenes look at the casting and staging of the Chorus Line revival! Click here to enter.
*If you hear of anyone looking for an experienced Reiki Master practitioner, could you point them my way? I have 12 1/2 years experience, and lots of training. I'm a strong healer. Matthew Zimmerman m_zimmerman76@yahoo.com (917) 992-5365
*Hotel Room? Do you need a discounted Hotel stay? Use the Ailey Extension Name for your deep discount @ The Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th Street
*GYROTONIC® @ Circular Power Inc® NYC. First 2 PRIVATE intro session with a certified Gyrotonic teacher are $65 each. Buy a session for a friend or loved one or send to anyone who may be interested. Call or e-mail us 917 849 8569 info@circularpower.com
*Holidays are coming up quickly, what better gift than dance, book a private lesson for you and a friend, lock in holiday rates. Info http://www.katwildish.com/Classes/PrivateLessons.html">here
*Ballerina Project book is available website to learn more
Dancer of the Month: Hee Seo
Hee Seo, corps de ballet, American Ballet Theatre
*Behind the Scenes with Hee Seo
*Time Out NY
*Movmnt Mag
*ABT
*The Ballet Photography of Gene Schiavone
*Hee Seo wins at Prix de Lausanne!
Read all about each month's featured dancer here for all archives.
Performance Corner: Catch Your Fellow Students and More
*Dance is always happening at The Joyce. Be sure and see some performances this month.
*Monday November 2nd – New York City Center: Don't miss the chance to be in a theatre with over fifty of the top celebrities in the arts. Appearances by Mark Stuart Dance Theatre, New York City Ballet, Cedar Lake Ballet, Nicole Fosse, and many more.
Click herefor a discounted ticket offer. As a gendance Ambassador, Mark Stuart Dance Theatre would like to extend their amazing seat prices with you. America Dances: Career Transition for Dancers Anniversary Gala Performance by the full cast of Mark Stuart Dance Theatre. Presented by Rolex and with a star studded cast. Log onto NYCityCenter.org and use promotion code "5427." In the performing arts world, the Career Transition for Dancers Annual Gala is the one event you can't miss. Honoring Patrick Swayze, the evening will feature New York City Ballet's ASHLEY BOUDER & ANDREW VEYETTE, 4-time Emmy Award Winner VALERIE HARPER, Metropolitan Opera's SAMUEL RAMEY, Tony Award Winner ANN REINKING, American Ballet Theatre's ETHAN STIEFEL, Cedar Lake Ballet, and a full company performance by Mark Stuart Dance Theatre. Read More here.. IN PERSON:
Mention discount code "DME" at the City Center Box Office or Call CITYTIX at 212.581.1212 and use promotion code "DME"
*Rasta Thomas will be appearing with Lar Lubovitch Dance Company at City Center in New York on November 6, 2008. Visit www.citycenter.org for information and tickets
*See Kevin Adams and The Rebecca Davis Dance Company present Darfur, Saturday November 07, 2009 at 7:30 PM & 9:30PM Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 817 S. High Street, West Chester, PA. Info here.. All seats only $20.
*November 9, 2009: Dance Magazine Awards honoring Allegra Kent, Jason Samuels Smith, Ohad Naharin, & Sara Rudner, at Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th St. Call Rebecca at 646-459-4819 to buy your ticket today
*December 15, 2009 - January 3, 2010: Rasta Thomas' Rock the Ballet will make its New York Debut on December 15 at the Joyce Theater in New York City. Catch Rasta's extraordinary body and magnificent extension on the cover of the new fall Joyce brochure. The show, including fabulous video projected scenery by William Cusick, will play for three weeks over the holidays.! Tickets for Rock the Ballet make terrific gifts. For more information, visit www.joyce.org. The company is currently on tour in Europe where the Hamburger Abendblatt wrote…"The energy and joy of the group is simply contagious."
*West Coast Swing & Lindy Hop Event
Fri -Sun, Nov. 13-15, 2009 Hyannis, MA. Join Eric & Anna and the Swingshoes group http://swingshoes.net/Events/20091113to15-SNE.html">there.
*TICKETS ON SALE Now for ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
2009 New York City Center Season.
Tickets start at $25. Buy early for best availability! December 2nd - January 3rd. It's a celebration of Judith Jamison's 20th anniversary as Artistic Director that is packed with must-see events – including premieres by Ms. Jamison, Robert Battle, Ronald K. Brown and Matthew Rushing. The season showcases the vision and passion of Judith Jamison that have taken the Company to astounding new heights. Join her for a "Best of 20 Years" highlights program featuring popular ballets she has brought to or revived in the Ailey repertory, and a new production of her award-winning ballet Hymn, with special guest Anna Deavere Smith live onstage.
View the program schedule and purchase tickets here.Save 20% when you buy two or more performances.
*Gypsy of the Year takes place December 7 & 8 at The Palace Theater (Westside Story). Broadway @ 47th.
Shows are: Monday, December 7 at 4:30pm & Tuesday, December 8 at 2pm. (I'll be there for sure! -k) Purchase tickets here or call our office at 212- 840-0770 x. 268. Tickets start at $20.
*The Radio City Christmas Spectacular opens November 13, running through December 30. See Taylor and many other classmates perform this season. Tickets here.
*If you have performance info you wanna share with your fellow classmates, please send it to kat_wildish@yahoo.com.
Fun Stuff: Take a Break and Enjoy
THIS MONTH IN DANCE HISTORY
*Read all about each month's ballet history in the new dance history archives here.
BALLET TERMS
Temps de poisson (we visited this movement last month in Grand Allegro: Sissonne, failli, assemble', and will work with it some more this month, possibly adding it to our petite allegro combos): Fish step or movement. This is a form of soubresaut in which the dancer jumps with the back arched. The legs, which are well extended, are behind and held together with the pointed feet crossed so as to represent a fish's tail. Also known as "pas de poisson," "sissonne soubresaut" and "temps colle" (adhering/glued movement).
These excerpts are provided here for you from the "Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet" by G. Grant. A reference book you should have in your library!
AND FINALLY...
DID YOU MISS A NEWLETTER?? Check our archives of past newsletters online here. Please be certain to add kat@katwildish.com to safe senders list so you'll see it in the inbox.
| | |
