California DanceArts Blog

NEW! Dynamo Dance Camp!

July 6 - July 22
August 3 - August 20
Tues & Thurs 4:00-6:00pm

Children who are planning to attend summer school or other activities can still enjoy dance camp! This after-school camp will keep young dancers moving all summer long!

Offering:
Try out new styles of dancing and make improvments with year-round training to become a Dance Dynamo! Each 2-hour camp day features Ballet classes with alternating Jazz and Hip Hop dance.

Great for students wishing to graduate from Pre-Ballet or students who are at CDA's Level 1. Meets Tuesday & Thursday 4:00-6:00pm.

  Click Here for Full Details

Join Us this Weekend!

California Dance Arts' Annual Open House

* Demonstrations * Concerts * Special Performances * Priority Fall Registration*

June 11, 12 & 13

At California DanceArts Studios, Student Demonstrations will be conducted onFriday, June 11 at 6:00pm and Saturday, June 12 at 10:00am and at 1:00pm

It's already time for our Spring Demonstrations!! Our students have worked so hard this year, and we are all very proud of them. It is so exciting to see how much each student has progressed through the year! We look forward to seeing you there.

Demonstrations will be held on Friday, June 11 at 6:00pm, and Saturday, June 12 at 10:00am and 1:00pm. Since the demonstrations are being conducted by class, please feel free to call the studio at 818-790-7924to confirm the schedule. Since seating is extremely limited, students are only allowed up to 3 guests, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please RSVP at 818-790-7924 with the event date and time you wish to attend.

Don't Miss California Contemporary Youth Ballet up close and personal in Concert: 

DanceScapes

Please plan to join us, as our troupe of young dancers tackles pieces that are a mix of classical and unique, traditional and avant-garde, sentimental and fun!  

Saturday, June 12 at 6:30pm                                 

Sunday, June 13 at 2:30pm 

Tickets: Adults $18 / Students $15
Limited Seating

Priority Fall Pre-Registration For Current California DanceArts Students Only!

Offering our current students the first choice of classes before we open class registration to the general public!

Priority registration for our current students has begun and will continue through June 13. Don't be caught on a waiting list for classes!

 

Backstage With California Contemporary Ballet's Laura Smith Mauldin

Back Stage with California Contemporary Ballet gives you an inside look into what it's like to be part of this remarkable company, and the lives of the dancers who make up the ensemble.  This week, we get up close and personal with CCB's Laura Smith Mauldin.

Hometown:  Fountain Valley, CA

Favorite Dancer (living or dead): Moira Shearer (Best ballerina of her time in my opinion)

What made you decide to start taking dance classes?

My mother could never get me to hold still as a kid, so she enrolled me in dance classes at age 6.  I've been hooked ever since.

Any moments, events,  films or performances that inspired you to pursue dance as a career?

Working with Jodie Gates on the re-staging of William Forsythe's "Artifact Suite" definitely gave me a sense of accomplishment.  The fact that I was cast by Jodie made me think  that I really had a chance to be a professional dancer.   

Where did you train?  Any memorable teachers or programs?

I trained at the University of California, Irvine, Moorpark College and California Dance Theater.  While at CDT, I loved taking class from Stanley Holden.  He kept me coming back to dance class while I was busy as a competitive ice skater. 

What’s your favorite style of dance to perform?       

Ballet!  It's what comes most naturally to me; I love the elegance and the grace.  Although, I also love to do things that are strong and dynamic too, such as modern dance or modern-ballet-fusion. 

What do you feel is the biggest challenge of being a dancer in Los Angeles?         

California is so big that it adds a new challenge because everything is so spread out.  You could have gigs in places that are two hours away in opposite directions, not like New York where everything is so close.  And the traffic-- Oi Vey! 

When did you join CCB?       

I did a dance festival with CCB in January 2009, but officially joined CCB in the summer of 2009.

What has been your favorite piece to perform with CCB?       

Playing the role of Gerda in last December's production of "The Snow Queen" was by far the most fun.  I got to be onstage the whole time and I loved her range if emotions: happy, worried, frustrated, defensive, and above all determined.  Gerda and I merged personalities very easily.  

Right: Laura partnered by Filip Stanek in The Snow Queen.

"Predea" is probably the most challenging piece and there is definitely a love/hate relationship there...It's a fantastic piece, but it kills me!   

Why do you dance?  What keeps you going with it?

I dance because I love it.  I love moving and performing.  I get excited over any performance whether it's at the Pasadena Civic Center or in a mall somewhere.  I just love to dance for people.       

Where do you see yourself in five years?   

I could be anywhere in five years.  I could be a mom, I could be in culinary school, I could be dancing for CCB, I could be teaching....any combination of any of those things is possible!      

Any advice for young dancers just starting out?    

If you love it, go for it!  Don't ever let anyone tell you you can't dance.  But make sure it's always fun, it's supposed to be fun!

Do you have any pre-performance rituals or superstitions when you’re backstage? 

I like to be quiet in my own mind right before I dance.  I visualize my choreography and go through the emotions of the piece in my head.  I definitely practice anything that is tricky for me before-hand.  And I always make sure I take off my jewelry! 

Meet all the members of CCB each week here on the CDA blog and for upcoming performances and more information visit CCB's website.

CCYB's "DanceScapes"

Saturday June 12 @ 6:30pm and Sunday June 13 @ 2:30
Don’t Miss! California Contemporary Youth Ballet
Up Close and Personal in Concert
“DanceScapes”

Come see as our troupe of ten young dancers tackle pieces that are at once classical and unique, traditional and avant-garde, sentimental and fun!

As a company, CCYBallet breaks through the boundaries of classical ballet and presents a show that is fresh, new, and incredibly inspiring. Featuring the works of Harald Lander, CCYBallet co-directors Jaclyn Stryker and Heather Toner, and California Contemporary Ballet Artistic Director, Erin Holt, “DanceScapes” promises to engage and excite all who see it!

Showcasing the talent and diligent work of CCYBallet, "DanceScapes" manages to invoke hope, convey dreams and the capture the beauty of ballet in this one-of-a-kind production that simply can’t be missed!

Presented at California DanceArts Studio-Theater
4490 Cornishon Ave
La Canada Ca. 91011 

Saturday June 12 at 6:30pm
Sunday June 13 at 2:30.
Limited Seating.

Admission: Adult- $18 Child- $15

CCB "Uncaged"

Get your tickets now for California Contemporary Ballet's new show, Uncaged.  Featuring the premiere of five new choreographed works by Erin Holt and her dancers, revealing the nature of the human condition.

Joined in Concert by Three Top L.A. Companies!
Djanbazian Dance Company
Kenneth Walker Dance Project
Hart Pulse Dance Company

CCBallet- Uncaged will feature two new works created to the musical compositions of Mr.Dwight Mikkelsen and Lighting Design by Bosco Flanagan.

July 17, 2010 at 7:00pm

Admission:
Advanced Tickets-Child / Seniors $20 Adults $25 (Ends 4pm 7/17)
At Door- Child $25 Adults $30
DRC discount at child rates when calling 818-790-7924.
(Please note that tickets for this event will be available at the
door two hours prior to showtime.)

Concert Location:
Glendale Community College
Performing Arts Theater
1500 North Verdugo Road,
Glendale, Ca. 91208

About CCBallet
California Contemporary Ballet (CCBallet), established by Erin Holt, the company’s visionary choreographer and Artistic Director, is one of Southern California’s burgeoning dance companies. CCBallet offers self produced concerts featuring the original innovative choreography by Ms. Holt as well as renowned guest choreographers and distinguished visiting artists. Their performances highlight CCBallet’s career dancers, embellished by beautiful handmade costumes, sets and lighting design. The company often presents the works of original music by guest and resident composers.

California Contemporary Ballet To Perform At La Lupa Italian Cultural Arts Festival

California Contemporary Ballet, serving as the non-profit fiscal sponsor of La Lupa Italian Cultural Arts Festival, will perform in the Festival's Teatro Programme May 16.

La Lupa Italian Cultural Arts Festival is a two-day, non-profit arts festival designed to broaden and enrich the LA community by increasing audience exposure to contemporary Italian and Italian-American art, culture and heritage.

California Contemporary Ballet, (CCBallet) is proud to be a non-profit fiscal sponsor of the La Lupa Italian Cultural Arts Festival. Founded in and dedicated to the art of classical and contemporary dance, the mission of CCBallet, is to educate and provide inspired theatrical experiences for dancers, the community and Southern California.

LA LUPA FEST is honored that CCBallet has chosen to be their official non-profit fiscal sponsor and is excited that CCBallet will also be performing in their Theatrical Teatro Programme. The LA LUPA FEST's Teatro Programme will be held Saturday, May 15, from 8:00-11:00pm and Sunday, May 16, from 7:00-10:00pm. Tickets are $20.00 at the door and $15, if purchased in advance (online purchase). Children under 10 are free. Tickets can be purchased at www.lalupafest.eventbrite.com.

Back Stage with CCB's Ryan Morrison

Back Stage with California Contemporary Ballet gives you an inside look into what it's like to be part of this remarkable company, and the lives of the dancers who make up the ensemble.  This week, we get up close and personal with CCB's Ryan Morrison.

Hometown:  Pasadena, CA

Favorite Dancer (living or dead): Angel Corella

What made you decide to start taking dance classes?

My mother thought I had too much energy, and she always loved dancing so she enrolled me in classes when I was seven and I've been dancing ever since.

Any moments, events,  films or performances that inspired you to pursue dance as a career?

I find it's not one performance or another.  When I watch dance it makes me want to get up and join in.  So pursuing dance as a career made sense.     

Where did you train?  Any memorable teachers or programs?

California Dance Arts is where I have done the majority of my training.  But I have also danced at a few different camps over the years, giving me the opportunity to travel and train in Salzburg and the Czech Republic.

What’s your favorite style of dance to perform?       

I don't have a favorite particular style.  I would have to say my favorite thing to perform is something with a storyline.  I really enjoy acting as well as dancing, so putting them together is super fun. 

What do you feel is the biggest challenge of being a dancer in Los Angeles?         

How little opportunity there is for work.  Most dance in L.A. is back-up, booty-shaking or hip hop.  Ballet just isn't very popular in L.A. 

When did you join CCB?       

I joined CCB when I was nine as a junior member, back when it was called "Dance Street Performers."  And I've stuck with 'em while the company evolved from a group of young kids to a professional dance company.

What has been your favorite piece to perform with CCB?    

Although it was murder, I think Blind Journey is still one of my favs.      

{Ryan with fellow company member Jaclyn Stryker in Quintessence}

Why do you dance?  What keeps you going with it?

Girls...no, just kidding!  There is a certain amount of communication you can deliver using your whole body which you can't do in the other arts.  Being able to do that (communicate) to an audience is one of the best feelings.  I guess performing is what keeps me going.       

Where do you see yourself in five years?   

I don't really know, hopefully still dancing.     

Any advice for young dancers just starting out?    

Well for guys...STRETCH!  Flexibility is one of the hardest things to achieve the older you get.   

Do you have any pre-performance rituals or superstitions when you’re backstage? 

Well, if I am partnering I like to do all of my warm-ups with the person I am working with and I have to listen to some jamming music to get me pumped up. 

Meet all the members of CCB each week here on the CDA blog and for upcoming performances and more information visit CCB's website.

The Value of Summer Workshops for Children

Dance Essentials

Often students move one whole level by attending summer workshops. The reason our Dancers Delight Workshop for children is successful at developing such improvements for our students is the daily training and exposure to a variety of dance styles (ballet, jazz, acrobatics, folk dance, hip hop etc..) while really honing in on basics. Yes. To learn to read you have to really know your ABC's, but to become a dance artist you have to know basics that are essential to all styles of dancing....I'm talking about  ( i ) the ability to learn and remember choreography,( ii ) the ability to improvise,( iii) use dramatic skills and emotion correctly and ( vi ) use of rhythm and musicality.

Teaching these areas of dance study for children is pretty unique to California DanceArts. Usually the concentration is mostly on physical technique. But physical technical skills is only one aspect of artistry. The interesting thing is that when training is approached from this perspective, greater abilities of physical technical skills follow. These Dance Essentials, as we call the area of study,  is very fun to learn, particularly when taught in a way that is creative.  At California DanceArts we teach these Dance Essential skills in our classes year round, but we are certainly able to work on them to a much greater degree during summer workshops. I believe that students who really understand these Dance Essentials obviously become better artists with greater understanding. Not to mention that children who engage in learning these skills become more out-going, creative, self confident and develop sweeping increased abilities to communicate to an audience. No matter the student's age, your child can really gain a sense of artistry and performance skills. In a real sense , young child prodigies can be created in this manner.

Value of Learning to Choreograph

Not only does this workshop really boost students skill level, but children work along-side like minded students who share a love and desire to express themselves through dance. In reality, students get the opportunity to live and breathe dancing, like the "older" dancers...like pro dancers in a company,  and work on huge projects within a group. Projects such as producing their own show  to be presented at the end of the workshop! That's right. Its "THEIR" show. The group of students in the workshop elect a theme for the show, they create dances for the show and even decide the order of the dances to be presented and how to introduce each dance. Working on group choreography is a huge endeavor as there are basic rules students learn about choreography...simple rules that they can understand and apply even at their young age.  Students learn to work out choreography problems and how to solve them by working with each other. As a choreographer and director, I enjoying seeing students increase their creativity and this is what I find most valuable about the program. As a teacher, I see kids grow up before my eyes as they learn to take care of each other... take responsibility as a group member, develop better communication and problem solving skills. 

No limits with Inspiration

I'm not bragging when I mention that many of our current dancers in our professional performing company, California Contemporary Ballet, grew up attending Dancers Delight Workshop every single summer. Ryan Morrison who performed as the Prince in our Snow Queen ballet, never missed a Dancers Delight Workshop as a young dancer at our school. He still attends the summer workshops offered for advanced dancers. Jaclyn Stryker danced the role of the Enchantress in the Snow Queen this past winter and she too grew up on Dancers Delight.

I point this out because these career dancers are examples of how inspired young dancers can become when given daily training, responsibility and high expectations.  Instructed in a creative and encouraging method, there is no limit to the potential of a young dancer once inspired. Coupled with high expectations and rewards such as dance games children love to play and an occasional video of a great prima ballerina from history, this is a fun workshop...a Dancer's Delight! Honestly, wouldn't YOU have loved to attend this workshop when you were a kid? 

Please see all the information regarding the Dancers Delight Workshop Here:  http://www.caldancearts.com/pages/333/Dancers_Delight.htm

Spaces in the workshop are already filling up! There are less then 12 spaces available! (Talk about exclusive instruction!)  Some of our workshops are already Full! 

(The photo to the right is of an 8 year old summer student in her costume for the show at the end of the workshop. This young girl grew up to become a teacher at our school for a time and a professional ballerina.) 

Enroll by May 1st and receive 10% off while spaces in the workshop last!  Spaces won't last, so enroll now!  The discount is available when you register with deposit online or in person.
Contact us by calling 818-790-7924

Aerial Ballet

An impressive and necessary training in a "Cirque du Soleil" dominated world of dance and Circus Arts is the art of Aerial Ballet.

Learn specific positions and motions while working with silk scarves and hoops as you dance high in the sky. Working 10-20 ft in the air, you will be "Aerial" on your very first lesson. Utilizing our unique facilities featuring big open spaces and high ceilings, California DanceArts is the only school in our immediate area currently offering an Aerial Ballet program. 

 

The phenomenal instructor, Rachel Bowman, has a background in classical ballet, gymnastics, trapeze and adagio work, making her a sought after performer in the Corporate Entertainment Arena in Australia. Her strength, flexibility and hard working attitude came to the attention of elite gymnast and NICA trainer Chris Mayhew. Rachel engaged in intensive training with Chris in adagio work for over a year developing highly technical skill set in acrobatic lifts and balances.

Rachel began her training in aerial work in 2003, and in 2004, began performing as an aerialist and partner. Rachel has performed at several prestigious Events most recently at Crown Casino for KPMG and Racing Victoria.  As you can imagine, Rachel's classes are extremely popular so sign up today and make California Dance Arts’ Aerial Ballet classes part of your weekly dance training!

Aerial Ballet is held Wednesdays at 4:00pm.

Why Dance?

By Erin Holt

At some point dance becomes a way of life for your health and happiness. It becomes an expression of all that you are and all that you can become. Most of our great dance stars have confessed to a strong drive beginning at a very young age and it sustains them throughout their lifetime. It seems that once the dance bug has got ya, you are hooked for life. 

Dance is a discipline. It requires many daily hours and often many years to become truly proficient. There is a standard and a technique which done correctly gives the dancer more tools of expression and even more ability to cause a response in his audience. As a result of such hard work, students gain a work ethic and self discipline not commonly achieved by regular education alone. Each level of technical expertise comes with its own rewards. As with any skill, it can be very exciting as you see your self improving and getting closer to the ideal. Learning a new step is fun and finally being able to perform that trick and showing it off is very rewarding. 

For these reasons and more, I became a specialist in dance education. Not everyone was born with choreography in his head like I was. Not everyone can be as dedicated or as committed to a single subject that demands such grueling physical strength or stress on the body. But I have also learned that it is human nature to rock and sway to the beat of a good tune. As long as man has been upon the earth he has also had two hands to clap together and two feet to stomp. Even the most reluctant eventually break into a smile while dancing. The freedom of the movement and the creating of time and space are why the young and old love to dance.