Ramblings
Breaking Into A Career In Ballet
A few weeks ago I received this comment on my blog: “I love ballet but whenever I try to mention it to my parents they change the subject to school or soccer. I try to tell them that I am very passionate about dance but my family thinks that I cannot make a living out of dance. Can someone please give me some advice as to what to do I dont want my life to just pass by.” I really feel like this is an important topic to touch on. I know this reader is not alone when she brings up these concerns about her future. Many young dancers dream of making this life their careers but need to educate themselves and their families on the potential of a professional...
Read MoreBelieving in Classical Ballet
When one thinks of classical ballet, the works that may come to mind include Swan Lake (1877), Giselle (1841), Sleeping Beauty (1890), and The Nutcracker (1892). It is amazing to think that ballets created centuries ago, are still being performed around the world with the same music, story, and intention. There is no denying that these works are treasures left behind for us to enjoy, but with very distinct characters to portray and a specific time period to embrace, it the responsibility of the modern day dancers to make these classics believable to the audience. As one of my faithful readers has asked me, “Does the nowadays dancer believe in...
Read MoreThe Importance Of The Right Barre Spot.
One of my teachers would tell me that it is important to surround yourself with people who inspire you and radiate positive energy. This is a lesson that has not only proven true for me, but is a rule I live by. Every morning ballet dancers step into the studio for class, starting with exercises at the barre. You hear many stories about dancers being particular about where they stand at barre. Here is why I am. At Miami City Ballet, when we are in the studios, we stand in specific places, and when we are in the theater, the orientation of the barres change, thus changing where we stand. I enjoy my spot in the studio, as I am in the center of the room, I can see...
Read MoreBlack Swan: The Right Attention for the Ballet World?
The long anticipated Darren Aronofky thriller, “Black Swan” finally opened everywhere Friday. I can now say that I have experienced this film in all of it’s glory. In anticipation, I talked with the Miami City Ballet dancers who had already seen the movie. Surprisingly, I would say that everyone’s opinion was split down the middle. But here is how I see it. Natalie Portman as the White Swan. Natalie Portman gives a stunning performance playing a young dancer, Nina Sayers, who is cast as the Swan Queen in a new production of Swan Lake. The New York City based company’s director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) clearly loves...
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