***Experience The Education***
Welcome to your free, MONTHLY, online connection to Ballet Class!
KAT'S Class Updates for the month of May:
We will be OPEN for classes Memorial Day Monday May 25, 2009: 10:30 morning class and 3pm holiday class!
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 Variations:
The Pointe/Variations Course with Kat Wildish serves students at all levels of pointe technique, 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 work and variation practice. A different piece of classical repertoire will be taught and coached over the 4-week period. Alignment and correct foot placement in the shoes are emphasized for a solid, healthy approach to pointe work. Kat's signature hands-on teaching style ensures all students receive personal attention to reach their pointe goals
Yes you can participate in soft shoes and learn the variation along with foot exercises to develop a better point. Any classes you have remaining on your Pointe class card can be transferred at the value remaining to this course.
Session 1A: La Bayadere variation
May 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2009 Wednesdays 12noon – 1:15pm
*This workshop is subject to a minimum of 12 participants. To date, we have only had 5 people signed up. So you know what to do! Sign up here!
Session 1B: May 9,16,23 & 30 Saturdays 6:15 - 7:30
*Special Guest artist appearance May 30th TBA
*Pointe Variations Session 2: Don Quixote Kitri variation (Fans will be available during class or bring your own) June 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2009 Saturdays 6:15pm – 7:30pm. This workshop is subject to a minimum of 12 participants.
*Guest teaching pointe classes in NYC in May, the next 4 Monday's. Contact Debra Legano at debdancer612@aol.com or call her at 212-933-4270 or 917-697-0491 for complete details.
Summer
*July 19-26: Kat will be guest teaching in Tampa, FL
*July 27-31: Kat will be guest teaching in Chester, NJ
*Early August: three days upstate guest teaching Oneonta, NY
*Our New York Adult Summer Performance Workshop will begin August 10 2009. Rehearsals will be the entire month, 3 days per week (M & W 9:15 -10:30PM; Sat 2-4pm) culminating in three performances August 29th @ 7PM, August 30th @ 4 & 7 PM in our state of the art Ailey Citigroup Theater.
Ladies & Princes we will be attempting the "Kingdom of the Shades" scene from the classical ballet "La Bayadere," and also a male variation will be set as a group for our Princes.
*Kat Wildish Performing in New York FULL Intensive
A 3-week ballet intensive culminating in a professionally produced showcase at the Ailey Citigroup Theater in NYC. Held in midtown Manhattan, the workshop will include 30+ classes with acclaimed ballet teacher Kat Wildish at the Alvin Ailey Extension Program. With just 15 hours of rehearsal time outside of technique class, participants will prepare for a performance of classical repertoire in a real New York theater. Learn, refine, practice, and perform in the month of August! The flexible schedule includes morning and/or night classes, so visitors can enjoy New York in the summer or continue their daily duties. RECESSION SPECIAL: it's the most affordable intensive in the city this year!
***Kat Wildish Summer Performing Workshop - w/classes
Includes classes, rehearsals and performance participation. Register here.
***Kat Wildish Summer Performing REHEARSAL Workshop - ONLY!
For rehearsals and performance participation. Does not include the price of classes. Register here.
*September '09 will begin our last production of this year and run through November 22. 12 weeks of rehearsal, one night per week 9:15-10:30PM. We will have three performances: 11/21 @ 7pm & 11/22 @ 4 & 7pm in our state of the art Ailey Citigroup Theater.
Now remember if you are not sure you want to participate, come to a few rehearsals and see. It's a lot of work & dedication for all involved preparing for these productions and learning your part. Yuka Kawazu is our ballet mistress and assistant rehearsal director again for both of these performance workshops. She is available to help you personally during each rehearsal.
A Word (or more) from Kat
*As most of you know, I haven't really had any time for a vacation in a very long time. Arthur's mom, my favorite Mother-in-law, is turning 90 yrs old on May 30th. We are going to jet down to Fort Lauderdale the 27th – 31st this month. I hope to return refreshed and renewed. We will try to plan a proper vacation hopefully early September. I'm feeling that Italy misses me very much...LOL!
*If you personally have an idea for a special workshop or class you'd like to see offered at the Ailey Extension please contact our director Yvette Campbell, or her assistant Gina lee (glee@alvinailey.org). They love to here from you.
*Check out private my lesson listing at Teach Street and new page on my website here.
*Okay, I cannot tell you how awesome the Ailey 2 company is. I was honored to be invited by the Director Sylvia Waters (who also takes our classes) this past weekend here in the Ailey Citigroup Theater. The first piece on the program was "The External Knot" choreographed by Troy Powell in 2007. I totally was in awe of the beauty of these dancers that the music didn't matter. I just cannot express my delight in the strength, versatility and artistry of these young performers. Yes you can bet whenever they are here I'll be seeing them, and you should also.
*Now many of you know I am a great believer in cross-training for your most efficient dance body. Besides Gyrotonics several times per week (see Circular Power in Klassifieds below) I adore Ashtanga Yoga. Yes! I'll be in class here @ the Ailey Extension
Sundays AND NOW (starting May 21) Thursdays @ 5pm both days! The teacher is Irini, and she rocks! Come join me for Astanga Yoga along with your ballet!
Classroom Confidential: TMI and Honorable Mentions
for the following dancers/classmates: 01: Marie-France L (Kat's collegue at ABT) ; 04: Eric N.; 10: Francis Patrelle.; 12: Hillary R. Christina S., Marty S, Vanessa Byard (BDC); 13: Jose F (Akiko's hubby & Arthur's friend) & Rebecca D; 14: DAN DA MAN WOOD (Barbz husband); 15: Ivory McK & Sue Samuels; 16: Malaika A. S. & Philip G. (Kat's collegue at ABT); 17: Brian W & Eriko Wed 07 Ann & Ray Terry C B'day; 18: Tuan N; 20: Katy Lucid; 21: Grace M. C-M; 22: Allie P; 26: Carl Ace (who never checks in, last we heard he was dancing in Sarasota ballet); 27: Gene C (who does extraordinary things to help the fight against Cancer) & Maria S; 28: Kim U-I (Kat's friend whom she's never met); 30: Matthew N.
Okay Jan L says we may wanna try out some of these moves from James…See GIO P staring in the new Clearasil Promo…Franco B submitted: Covent Garden ballet dancers have been lifting their legs higher and higher…Jun M's Lindy Hop teacher, Frankie Manning, was to turn 95yrs this May (see Reverance below). People all around the world were recording their renditions of the traditionally a tap dance routine called Shim Sham Shimmy to present to him. Here's a version including Jun. My deepest sympathies for your loss!...Todd C H worked on a show called "Party Down" for the Starz network. His episode (the third one) he plays an officer/stripper. Yep, imagine that!... Those are Taylor's feet, yes!...Andy T will be a part of Strip For A Cure the 9th downtown as a dancer and stage kitten. oooh la la!...Sculptural Pursuit Magazine Cover Summer 2009 Issue features a wonderful article (It is 9 pages long) about Bruno L, artist extraordinaire. Wow! Many of you know Bruno did done a lovely sculpture of Kat in 2005…Got something you want to contribute? Tell Taylor after class, or drop us a line at the the Website.
*Quote of the month: "Four things you can't recover:
The stone…….after the throw.
The word……..after it's said.
The occasion...after it's missed.
The time..........after it's gone."
*Andros: BALLET IN AMERICA, WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW?
Taylor's Tales
A column by our webmaster, Taylor.
Off Center
"One of the tutu'd dancers on stage--a 20 year old dancer-writer-energy packet named Taylor--has a sprightly blog that I regularly 'check in on'...and she files her own report w/pics on the festivities, so scroll away!" -Vanity Fair
Keep up with all my "Taylor's Tales" thoughts and writing on dance on my blog, Off Center.
Recent headlines include: Ailey II Repertory Favorites, More on Met Auditions, Blogger Meetup & Rioult Review, Take 2: TAKE Dance, The Critic Conundrum, and A Bite into NYCB. Suggestions for things to write about? Let me know! Kat's Monthly Mailbag
*Hi Kat ,your facebook fan page (see here) is visible to anyone, including non-facebook users. So anyone on the internet can see the videos from the last performance. Regards G. --Thanks G, That's great!!!K.
*Ciao Kat, Thank you very much for this wonderful newsletter. I will take advantage of it. I should be in New York soon and I will take class with you again. I am getting ready for fantastic projects (Miami's "Here and Now" at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts! 2nd time around, first time collaborative)! I will keep you posted, perhaps you can mention it in your newsletter. Warm Regards, B
*Hi Kat! How are doing well "post-show"! I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything. Being a part of the show really meant a lot to me and I am already excited and looking forward to the next show, when I'll be stronger and back in the practice of dancing after some years away. I feel so lucky to have found you as a teacher and I just want to say I appreciate all that you do to help us be better dancers. THANK YOU! See you soon! xoxo,S.
*Dear Kat, I can never thank you enough for the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful performance. Your dedication and hard work allowed us to move one step up yet again and I was absolutely thrilled to be able to dance in the theater! For students like me, this is our only opportunity to realize our dream to be on stage, so it makes our showcase extra special. I look forward to continuing to work with you to improve and be able to take advantage of our fantastic showcases! Thank you with all my heart,A.
Monthly Tips: Stretching, Pointe, Health, & More
*Stretch-o-da-Month: May 2009: Cat Cow Stretches & Exercises for the Lower Back. Start on your hands and knees in a "tabletop" position. Make sure your knees are set directly below your hips and your wrists, elbows and shoulders are in line and perpendicular to the floor.
*Pointe Tips of the Month:
Inspire's new, Silly Putty-like product called Shoe Goo is the start of a new way of looking at, or wearing, pointe shoe pads. The putty material molds to the foot and shoe, allowing all the toes to bear weight equally, reducing strain on longer toes. It feels a bit like dancing on marshmallows. A dancer who prefers more padding will most likely find Shoe Goo is a good bet for increased comfort and fewer injuries to the toes, yet it can be a bit difficult to "feel the floor."
Want to try it for yourself? Enter out contest to win a free tub of Shoe Goo at www.pointemagazine.com…Okay I haven't tried it yet but hey, lets keep an open mind.
*Also thanks to an ingeniously simple product from Bunheads, your pointe shoe ribbons coming loose will be one less thing to worry about. Knot Keepers keep your ribbons tucked away seamlessly! (#BH360, 24 per package, suggested retail $4.50)
And Finally...
Re've'rence:
*The world famous Russian ballerina Ekaterina Maksimova dies unexpectedly at 70 this past Monday night. The theater said Maximova 1939-2009 died at home and no cause of death was immediately determined. She had been working as a ballet coach and was not known to be suffering from ill health. Maximova spent all her artistic life in the Bolshoi Theatre mostly dancing in pas de deux with her husband Vladimir Vasiliev. Maximova's dancing career at the Bolshoi spanned 30 years, from 1958 to 1988. She possessed an easy, elastic jump, had prompt-accurate rotation, natural grace and softness of lines. Her dance was both elegant and a demonstration of technical expertise.
*Frankie Manning, original Lindy Hopper and indisputable master (May 26, 1914 - Apr 27, 2009). He was a kind and generous soul who could light up a room with his smile. He will be greatly missed. Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to "Frankie Manning Fund" in his honor: P.O. Box 980581, Houston, TX 77098
*Rosalin Ricci Relyea, 64
*Prima ballerina and avid teacher Eva Evdokimova passed away April 3 at age 60.
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Casting Call: Hot Auditions and Gigs Here
*The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is seeking dancers. Dancers must be proficient in jazz and ballet; pointe work is a plus. Auditions for dancers will be held Monday, May 4 at 2 pm for females and 5 pm for males.
*Nacre Dance Company in Albany, NY, is looking for 8-10 dancers with strong modern training to perform in a reconstruction of Anna Sokolow's Session for Six from July 6-August 13. Auditions will be held 10am - 12pm Saturday, May 9th at The Arts Center of the Capital Region.
*Ballet Theatre of Ohio seeks male and female dancers with strong partnering skills. Offering 24 weeks of work with health insurance. For more information, call 330-688-6065 or email mprusa@ballettheatreohio.org.
*Playbill On-Line's Casting and Job Listings
*Dance NYC audition listings
*Backstage Casting listingsKat's Klassifieds
This is a section of the newsletter for your classmates offering/needing services. Please note, these are not reccomendations just announcements:
*Cozy Manhattan studio apt available for rent this summer. Literally steps to Lincoln Center, short walk to Ailey, Central Park, & all studios, fully furnished, private bathroom, air conditioning, 2nd floor elevator building, available July 10 – August 10. Contact Taylor at taylorjgordon@gmail.com now!
*Maria K: Apt to rent, it's the second floor in a 2 family house it is a 3 bedroom so you would be sharing with 2 other people. It would be 950 for the master bedroom and private bathroom so no need to share! That includes all utilities and cable, central AC and your own private terrace. Washer and dryer/dishwasher in apt. Fully furnished. Available May 28th-July 1st and August 7th-Sept.6th they can contact me at Mkaernita@aol.com or on my cell 347-424-2971.
*APARTMENT FOR RENT! -From Tony Vincent aps@tonyvincent.com : we need to have someone take over our lease...Ft. Washington & 179th St. in the trendy area of Washington Heights. it's only 1-block south on the A-train(express). the building is newly renovated and has great neighbors). one block north of the apartment is a great wine shop, grocery & market, several dry cleaners, restaurants, a UPS store, shoe/leather repair, etc.
*Hello from edie -theatrelady2000@nyc.rr.com MY PLACE IS AVAILABLE longer or shorter periods- between april 30 and may 30 ANYONE KNOW INTERESTED FRIENDS? GIVE A HOLLER I CAN BE REACHED AT 1212 787 6225 OR 1646 710 0733
*Vegan ballet slippers cynthiakingdance@aol.com. 718-437-0101 Cynthia is so kind to have given me two pair to try. Try them yourself. Ivan has!
*If you want individual dance pix and /or headshots, be sure to contact Arthur and reserve a time for a photo shoot at a very special "Kat's Student price"…one of your many perks in attending classes all year.
*Looking for cross training? Check out www.CircularPower.com, for professional gyrotonics training. I try and work out there at least 3 hours per week. That is also the studio I hold most all my private lessons in. Tony the Master trainer and owner has a special discounted price for all my students on their first visits. Call or email Circular Power to arrange a session now!
*Need Nutritional and supplement advice? Go see Roy Alexander, Mgr Vitamin Shoppe 931 8th Ave (@ 55th/ Hood) 212-582-8965, nutritional supplement adviser for Kat. Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 9-9, Sunday 11-6. or email him at : store350@vitaminshoppe.com
*Dancers Responding to Aids: When AIDS is stopped we will dance for joy. Until then we will dance for Life! Become a dancer responding with action. Make a difference, a donation of as little as one dollar can make a difference in a dancers life. For more info and to make a secure online donation visit here
Dancer of the Month
Ekaterina Maksimova (Yekaterina Maximova)
1939-2009.
See Reverance below. Take some time out of your busy day to watch some of these clips. There is no more beautiful example of pure classical artistry than Maximova. R.I.P
*Galatea - Ekaterina Maksimova and Maris Liepa
*Ekaterina Maksimova (as a boy) & Elena Balueva are dancing Tango! Leningrad,1979
*Don Quixote
*DQ fouettes
*Romeo & Juliet 1974 @ 35yrs
*documentary 1986
*Slavic Dance
*La Traviata di F. Zeffirelli
*1982 Sleeping Beauty Variation
* Teatro colon Nov.1980
*Russian movie "Fouette"
and another here
*Rehearsing Anyuta with Ulanova 1981
*Guesting @Varna Ballet Competition 1994
*The Stone Flower
*Cinderella 1991 with the Kremlin Ballet
*Sugar Plum Fairy 1957 & 1978
*so young and so nice! (1953 Maximova is on the left.)
*Katya & Volodya Youngsters in Paris
*Gala 50 Years at the Bolshoi Theatre 2008
Read all about each month's featured dancer here for all archives.
Performance Corner: Catch Your Fellow Students and More
*Ailey at the Apollo May 5t , an annual fundraising event for The Ailey School's Scholarship Fund, which underwrites tuition for young dancers who would otherwise be unable to afford training. This event also supports Ailey's Arts In Education and Community Programs which use dance to develop the self-esteem, creative expression and critical thinking skills of more than 100,000 young people. Your vital support enables Ailey to bring dance to students everywhere. Please call 212-405-9031.
*Mandy EB will be performing in a staged reading of a new play, Back Home by Raymond J. Barry, Monday, May 4th 6:30pm, June Havoc Theater-312 West 36th Street
*ABT: Children Go For Free Offer For each full price adult a child age 4 -17 may attend for free for our May 25th matinee performance. We also have group sales tickets starting as low as $15.00 - $20.00 if any of the teachers, students or parents is interested in attending any of our other performances at a discount rate. ABT also has a 18 to 29 Club, where students In that age range can purchase orchestra seats for $30.00 in a three subscription series ($30.00 per ticket)
If you have any questions, please contact Cathryn Marlowe, cmarlowe@abt.org at (212) 477 -3030 ext. 1064.
*See Elizabeth R & 15 other dancers in:
Princeton University Ballet's Formal Debut Spring Concert. It's first full-length performance is May 7-9th at 8pm. Tickets for the general public will be on sale at Frist Campus Center lcrosen@princeton.edu
*Strip for a Cure, Saturday, May 9th. See Andy T perform as dancer and stage kitten. The Firehouse is two blocks south of Canal on Lafayette 87 Lafayette St Corner of White St N,R,Q,6 to Canal ST
*Miami Dance Festival Thru- May 10, 2009
A six-week celebration with seven dance companies presenting a dynamic schedule of diverse international dance styles and festival events.
*Ballet Russes Festival and Conference Boston May 16 - 23, 2009 Featuring dance, music, visual art, cinema, and other happenings inspired by the genius of Diaghilev's creative team and the extraordinary figure of the impresario himself.
*Riffs, Rants, and Ramblings on the Current State of Popular Cultural Affairs...and Our Own Mortality! Marty S & At Hand Theatre Company is proud to present its third annual spring fundraiser! Over 35 artists participate in this fun, variety style evening that focuses on new one act plays, peppered with dance, song, and comedy.
Death By Pop!
Friday, May 08, 2009 through Sunday, May 10, 2009
Tickets here.
*Saturday May 16th, 2009 1-7pm Dance Parade!28th Street down Broadway to 14th St to Thompson Square par : DanceFest to begin at 3pm
*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
*CLASS PICTURES: FUN PICTURES MANY HAVE BEEN ASKING ABOUT. Be sure to scroll down.
*Jump that rope
*A Danny's Warehouse First! just received a great assortment of fun hats to spruce up you recitals, and the prices are terrific! $3.00-$10.00 See here. 800-552-5385
*Visit www.dancedistributors.com & Don't miss blowout sale prices on dance essentials, for a limited time only.
*Ricardo: Check this out YO!! Rain scene from the Step Up 2: The Streets
*Interested in dance and technology? Join the meetup!
*Are you on Twitter yet? Follow fellow dance folks!
*Go ahead and laugh: "Dance Flick" comes out later this month.
THIS MONTH IN DANCE HISTORY
*Read all about May's ballet history here.
*Read all about each month's ballet history here for all archives.
BALLET TERMS
Passe'. Passed. This is an auxiliary movement in which the foot of the working leg passes the knee of the supporting leg from one position to another (as, for example, in developpe passe en avant) or one leg passes the other in the air (as in jete passe en avant) or one foot is picked up and passes in the back or in the front of the supporting leg( as in chasse passe)
Retire. Withdrawn.
Raccourci. shortened
Jarret Ham (bend of the knee)
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!
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