Los Angeles Dance Company Setting Its Stage for This Blend of Dance Influences
Los Angeles, CA: California Contemporary Ballet (http://www.ctyballet.org), will premier Saudade this summer, an original dance presentation. Three performances only will be held, June 10th, 11th and 12th at the California DanceArts Theatre in La Canada, CA.
Saudade (pronounced sow-da-jee) is a Portuguese word which describes a nostalgic longing or loss for experiences, all of which trigger the senses to make one live again.
Created by Erin Holt, the Company’s Artistic Director, the ballet will be performed to music by Gabriel Fauré, and features dancers from the California Contemporary Ballet in their 3rd year performing together as a professional dance company. The Company will be joined by members of the California Contemporary Youth Ballet as they perform excerpts from “Paquita” under the direction of Lynn Bryson Pittenger, former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet.
Ms. Holt stated “It is always an honor to be presenting new ideas in the highest artistic forms to the Los Angeles area. Saudade is an exciting new dance, with a number of different influences and styles in combination, and the dancers really bring it to life. We’re very pleased to share it this year on the California DanceArts Theatre stage.”
Dedicated to the art of classical and contemporary dance, California Contemporary Ballet (CCBallet) was formed by Erin Holt in 1997. As Southern California’s break-through performing arts company, California Contemporary Ballet has been invited to perform in a number of local organizations, including the Pasadena Dance Festival 2009, the Celebrate Dance Festival 2009 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, the premiere of Katie Cassidy’s first record single in Studio City, among others; and international organizations such as the Prague International Ballet in Ostrava, Czech Republic. CCBallet is located in La Canada, CA. More information about the company can be found at http://ctyballet.org/pages/271/California_Contemporary_Ballet.html
Back By Popular Demand, The Fairy Tale Ballet For Young Tots Returns This Summer To Los Angeles
La Canada, CA: California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com) has announced that it will continue its Fairy Tale Ballet program this summer 2011. The program will be done in two 3-week sessions, July 11-July 27 and August 1-17, and will be open to young dancers between the ages of 3 to 7.
The program was started several years ago to inspire young and upcoming dancers to take an early start in dance and get their first experience with the aesthetic of dance. The program features a different fairy tale each day, with the students first listening to the story and then dancing it out, complete with props to make the experience as imaginative as possible. The classes are small, limited to 8 students only per period, ensuring that individual attention and a personalized atmosphere is maintained. The instructors are professionals who specialize in working with younger dancers.
Erin Holt, Founder and Director of California DanceArts, stated: “The Fairy Tale Ballet is a very unique experience by comparison to other summer programs. Imagine being able to create a new world, the ones your parents read to you at night before you went to bed, through the beautiful art form of dance. Our mission is to make a positive, profound contribution in the lives of our students by providing progressive dance education of the highest caliber, and that’s what we’re pleased to give to the youngest generation of dancers.”
Since 1987, California DanceArts has been dedicated to the purpose of grooming and nurturing the talents of beginning to serious career dance students. Its current location in beautiful La Canada is among several schools and recreational facilities. More information on California DanceArts 2010 summer dance workshops can be seen at www.danceallsummerworkshops.com. The school’s blog can be seen at http://caldancearts.typepad.com. For more information about California DanceArts and the programs offered by the school, call 818-790-7924, or visit the school online at www.caldancearts.com.
California DanceArts Prepares for Its Upcoming Intensive Youth Dance Workshop
La Canada, CA: California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com), in preparation of its summer calendar of dance workshops, is holding auditions for the Youth Ballet Intensive. Up to 12 young dancers will be chosen to participate in the intensive training program. Auditions are being held every Saturday at the California DanceArts main dance studio. The program is intended for the young (9-12 years) intermediate student of dance education.
The program is a “Ballet Intensive”, and as such features not only traditional ballet instruction from instructors who are youth specialists, but also includes instruction in pre-pointe preparation, MPT (Placement Technique), modern & jazz dance, stretching, Aerial Ballet, choreography and Dance Essentials™ (improvisation, musicality, performance skills, etc.). Dancers are selected based on experience and training up to an intermediate level at California DanceArts or similar training level from other previous training.
Erin Holt, Director for California DanceArts, stated the following: “We strongly recommend that a student seeking a professional level of ability continue to develop their knowledge and technique of dance. The summer is an excellent time to focus on one’s advancement in dance instruction intensively, and the Youth Ballet Intensive provides an encouraging yet challenging environment that can bring out the best in a dancer’s ability. Not only is it a lot of fun, there is a great feeling of accomplishment that comes from the concentrated instruction, especially when seeing the results in resuming their dance instruction in the fall.”
Since 1987, California DanceArts has been dedicated to the purpose of grooming and nurturing the talents of beginning to serious career dance students. Its current location in beautiful La Canada is among several schools and recreational facilities. More information on California DanceArts 2010 summer dance workshops can be seen at www.danceallsummerworkshops.com. The school’s blog can be seen at http://caldancearts.typepad.com. For more information about California DanceArts and the programs offered by the school, call 818-790-7924, or visit the school online at www.caldancearts.com.
Los Angeles Dance Studio Offers Summer Programs To Fit Needs Of Students Of All Ages
La Canada, CA: California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com) has just completed its lineup of dance intensives and workshops for summer 2011. Aimed at a wide variety of dancers at all levels, they include the Los Angeles International Ballet Intensive, the Youth Ballet Intensive, the Dancers Delight Day Camp and the Fairy Tale Ballet program. Auditions are being held on Saturdays at the studio.
The various programs are arranged from the beginning levels to the very advanced. The Fairy Tale Ballet program is for the child who will be getting their first experience with dance. The Dancers Delight Day Camp is similarly for the very new student. The Youth Ballet Intensive is for the serious student of dance at an intermediate level. The Los Angeles International Ballet Intensive is for those students seeking professional careers in dance.
Erin Holt, Founder and Director of California DanceArts, stated, “Summer is a great time for dancing. And summer dance camps are a great way for dancers of any age to make the most of their time during the summer. Whether a young person is at an intermediate or advanced level and is a serious dance student or if they are dancing for the first time, an intensive summer dance program with a reputable dance school can provide a real boost in their growth and development.”
Since 1987, California DanceArts has been dedicated to the purpose of grooming and nurturing the talents of beginning to serious career dance students. Its current location in beautiful La Canada is among several schools and recreational facilities. More information on California DanceArts 2010 summer dance workshops can be seen at www.danceallsummerworkshops.com. The school’s blog can be seen at http://caldancearts.typepad.com. For more information about California DanceArts and the programs offered by the school, call 818-790-7924, or visit the school online at www.caldancearts.com.
Los Angeles Dance Academy Prepares Again to Host the Prestigious International Dance Event
LOS ANGELES: Three adjoined dance studios located in La Canada, north of downtown LA, are going through final preparations for the Los Angeles International Ballet Intensive, hosted by California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com). This year’s program begins on July 5th and goes until July 23rd, with attending students also being given the opportunity to attend the Global Ballet Workshop in the Czech Republic. Limited attendance has been stipulated, and auditions are already in progress for the Intensive.
The three week Intensive will cover a curriculum of dance education spanning classical and contemporary ballet, pointe, variations, Pas de duex, conditioning and MPT (Maor Placement Technique) and Aerial Ballet, with the final day culminating in a performance by the dancers. The instructors this year have danced with such companies as the New York City Ballet, the Saravejo in Yugoslavia and the Laine Theatre Arts in England; and dancers will also receive instruction from California DanceArts’ Founder and Director, Ms. Erin Holt.
Ms. Holt stated the following: “We’re very pleased to again be hosting the Los Angeles Ballet Intensive for serious students this summer, and we extend a warm welcome to those instructors rejoining the Intensive as well as those joining us for the first time. It is truly a whole different class of program, a rigorous and exacting experience that is unforgettable. Most dancers who have reached this level are already looking to prepare for a career in dance, and the Intensive provides both the level of technical mastery needed and the diverse opportunities for dancers ready for the international stage. It is our privilege to present this year’s Los Angeles International Ballet Intensive.”
Since 1987, California DanceArts has been dedicated to the purpose of grooming and nurturing the talents of beginning to serious career dance students. Its current location in beautiful La Canada is among several schools and recreational facilities. More information on California DanceArts 2010 summer dance workshops can be seen at www.danceallsummerworkshops.com. The school’s blog can be seen at http://caldancearts.typepad.com. For more information about California DanceArts and the programs offered by the school, call 818-790-7924, or visit the school online at www.caldancearts.com.
California DanceArts Announces the Return of Its Versatile and Fun Summer Program
La Canada, CA: California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com) professional dance studio located just north of Los Angeles in La Canada CA, has unveiled its Summer 2011 line-up of programs, and is happy to announce the return of the Dancers Delight dance camp. The program is open to all ages, no audition required, starting July 25th to August 5th and running a second session from August 8th to August 19th.
The Dancers Delight dance workshop features a wide variety of dance styles throughout the program, such as traditional Ballet as well as Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap and more. Dancers will have a chance to develop rhythm, coordination, dramatic skills, performance abilities and basic dance education; they can even participate in the camp’s Choreography Workshop where they can choreograph their very own dances. A few optional field trips include ice skating or live performances.
Erin Holt, Director of California DanceArts, stated: “This program above all others really introduces a young person to the fun of dance. There are so many different avenues that dance can be used to create aesthetic and exhilarating new ideas, and we really hope to introduce the new dancer to them with our Dancers Delight program. Many of the professional dancers training at California DanceArts got their start in our summer dance camp, and we hope to be able to give your child the same opportunity.”
Since 1987, California DanceArts has been dedicated to the purpose of grooming and nurturing the talents of beginning to serious career dance students. Its current location in beautiful La Canada is among several schools and recreational facilities. More information on California DanceArts 2010 summer dance workshops can be seen at www.danceallsummerworkshops.com. The school’s blog can be seen at http://caldancearts.typepad.com. For more information about California DanceArts and the programs offered by the school, call 818-790-7924, or visit the school online at www.caldancearts.com.
Summer is a great time for dancing. And summer dance camps are a great way for dancers of all ages to make the most of their time during the summer.
With so many options for summer programs being offered, does it really matter which program your child will ultimately choose? Yes, it most certainly does.
Ballet Intensive Programs (For Intermediate and Advanced Dancers)
If a young person at an intermediate or advance level is a serious dance student, an intensive summer dance program with a reputable dance school can provide a real boost in their growth and development. Advanced programs are available that have intensive, full-time schedules for 2-6 weeks, which immerse students in many different aspects of dance training, giving the student valuable discipline and new, creative experiences.
California DanceArts has a curriculum that is based in classical & contemporary ballet but also covers specific instruction (at appropriate levels) in different aspects of dance, such as, turns, jumps, Pointe, variations, Pas de deux, modern dance, improvisation, and performance skills.
The program should limit the number of students in the class, so that the dancers can get personal attention from the instructors. They won’t get much individual help or recognition from dance programs that fill up with 30 or 40 students. Providing that the program is designed to give personal attention to the students, a quality faculty can find the source of any trouble areas in a dancer’s technique and performance. Students can then use their valuable summer months to learn how to overcome issues in their dance training while making the most of their assets. Sometimes smaller programs offer more bang for your buck.
Find a program that features renowned guest instructors, as the student can then be exposed to new methods and dance styles from an experienced professional that they may not always get during their normal dance training. Check to see who the instructors are and research their background. Look for teachers with the experience to help the student gain technical improvement and performance artistry.
While most dance or ballet company’s no longer use their summer programs to recruit dancers for positions within their ranks, good experience can be provided by guest choreographers who are setting repertory for the summer project.
An Intensive program is good for a student who wants to focus on moving into the next level in their training, or for a dancer that wants to prepare for a career in dance or enhance their skills in an existing career. Most summer programs hold auditions which is also part of the learning experience. Don’t be intimidated by the audition process and don’t worry if you don’t get into a program. Use the audition process as a learning tool. Finding the right program that will challenge and provide a degree of personal attention is more important than attending one just because you were accepted.
California DanceArts Los International Ballet Intensive stresses these points in and we have put together a comprehensive program that brings real benefit to an intermediate or advanced dancer’s training.
Summer Dance Camps (For Younger Students)
For younger students who just enjoy dancing or are looking for a summer dance experience to help improve their skills, there are dance camps one can find in most major cities.
Instructors who are specialists in working with younger dancers can provide students with new challenges but in a nurturing environment, making sure students understand the concepts and instructions. When children are really learning and grasping the material, the camp is more fun!
Programs can be found that are perfect for the beginner and intermediate dancer of any age--that are enjoyable for both children and older beginners. Even most teenagers can enjoy the variety of dance styles offered within programs like this. By grouping students of similar ability, and creating teams or pairs of students, classes can be exciting and enjoyable for a wide range of ages.
Beginner to intermediate dance camps should offer students daily classes of ballet and also be filled with creative methods for developing coordination, rhythm, dramatic skills, learning choreography, improvisation, performance abilities and more. Jazz dance, hip-hop, tap dancing, folk dancing and many other styles of dance can make these programs an ideal introduction to dancing or means for improving vital and fundamental skills.
California DanceArts’ Dancer’s Delight Dance Camp is a fun and nurturing program for either introducing a child to dance or adding to the training of an already budding ballerina.
You can visit us at http://www.caldancearts.com for more information on our full lineup of summer programs or call us at 818-790-7924.
Who can forget Juliet Prowse during the 1970’s L’eggs™ pantyhose commercials? At least once every hour or so, she would fly across our televisions, showing off an amazing pair of endlessly long, unbelievably shapely legs! As I sat stock-still with my eyes riveted on the television screen, I watched her give a quick kick of her high-heeled foot and her stockinged leg, extending well beyond her beautiful red head. She would then casually smile and say, with all sincerity, “As a dancer, my legs are my fortune!”
Wow… those words have stayed with me, even today! I never doubted that those legs really were worth a fortune! With both of my parents sitting beside me (and naturally, as my father sat, completely bug-eyed, I’m sure), I clearly remember that we discussed the practice of insuring the body parts of certain actresses. We were all convinced that Juliet’s legs were undoubtedly insured for a king’s ransom! As a young lady who had a driving ambition to dance, it was my greatest hope that my legs might someday become my fortune too!
Well, Juliet has me beat in both fortune and legs…however, one should never give up hope! The quest to have beautiful legs is one that I think most women share. Most men would surely agree that it’s a sad day when a woman packs away her mini-skirts! By the same token, it’s also a bit scary for any woman over 40 years of age to see that L’eggs™ pantyhose have become a thing of the past! Yep, that’s right…today, all the sexy ladies are showing off their bare naked legs! Of course, it’s not just legs that a woman aught not to neglect…it’s the belly and arms too! After all, the mini-skirt always looked best when paired with a halter top! By the way, ladies, according to her biographies, Juliet Prowse started studying ballet and jazz at the age of four. Her dance training is precisely what kept her looking so great…so great, in fact, that I estimate Juliet was over 40 years old when she made those L’eggs™ commercials. It’s quite possible that she was even older than my mother was at the time, but Mom never looked quite like that (“Ouch…sorry, Mom”).
The fact of the matter is that if you want to look like that, you’ve got to get into a dance class! There are so many forms of dance-craze classes available today, but in all honesty, you’ll have greater, more long-lasting results if you simply enroll in a few good ballet and jazz classes at least a couple nights each week. Ballet, in particular, is really great for shaping the legs and jazz can do wonders for your booty. It goes without saying that work, kids, husband and all of your other obligations are important. However, I find that women are still putting themselves last on the list and in so doing, they are giving up their valuable female “ass-ets”! Frankly, after a full day of teaching dance classes, I feel dog-tired and lazy, so I hear ya, sister! And, after the kids have grown and left the nest (and the mini-skirts have long since been donated to Goodwill), you may find that you simply have no interest in maintaining a good body image. No one likes to confront it at that stage and it just seems easier to let it all go, while making a point of never looking at yourself in a mirror.
Sadly, Juliet Prowse was only 59 years old when she passed away, so the world was robbed of a remarkably beautiful feminine inspiration, but…we are still living! We still have the opportunity to kick up our high heels and to become the Juliet Prowse’s of our generation. Let’s decide together that we won’t give up and that we WILL be sexy in our mini-skirts, even if it’s hard…even if it kills us.
So with all of that said, you absolutely must join me as I return to mini-skirt shape! That’s right…even in my profession, I’ve slacked off a bit and I need to get back to what I call my “hey baby” weight. You can celebrate with me when I’m ready (my qualifier, my loop hole!) and when I dare to wear a mini-skirt again. Heck, let’s get in shape together and we can all wear our mini-skirts for the ultimate girls’ night-out party! (Or not, you can all laugh at me in my mini skirt!) But first, you must decide to leave work just a little early once or twice a week, or leave the kids at home with dad (or bring the kids with you, since they can watch or do homework). Let’s ALL get back to our “hey baby“ weight, thin our thighs, get rid of the chicken arms…we’ve got work to do, so let’s get going!
Join me Tuesday morning 9:15-10:15ish Floor Barre: An amazing ballet class performed while lying on the floor! LOL! Doesn’t that sound easy? Well, it’s not! Floor barre helps you find your core abdominals and what dancers call “center”, while tightening and toning your LEGS, BELLY and HIPS. Beginners, dancers, returning dancers, recovering dancers…it’s all good!
Tuesday evening Ballet Class 6:00-7:00pm: Nothing like a good ballet class to work those LEGS and entire body! Beginners, dancers, returning dancers, recovering dancers… it’s all good!
My friend Malinda teaches Jazz classes on Monday & Friday morning 8:30-10:30am and Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm. Great for working that booty and so much more!
You may also enjoy our Boogie Booty Ballet class Thursday morning at 9:00am, taught by Lisa! LOL! It sounds like a riot. Talk about legs and arms…I mean, she looks amazing! This class combines elements of ballet, jazz and workout dance. Trust me…whatever she does in her class, we should do it since it’s obviously what she does to keep in such amazing shape! I haven’t had a chance to take this class yet, but there’s no time like the present, especially if I’ve just committed to wearing a mini-skirt again…OMG! What have I done?
Erin Holt is the director of California DanceArts in La Cañada, California, where she has dedicated her life to dance education through curriculum development, dance instruction, productions and choreography. She is also the choreographer and artistic director of her performing company, California Contemporary Ballet. Together with her ski bum of a husband, she has raised their daughter and is also affectionately considered “mom” by many of her students, both past and present.
Ms. Sarah Spina is a professional ballet dancer with numerous credits to her name that, during her career, performed the demanding role of the Princess in California Contemporary Ballet’s annual Snow Queen Ballet. Now the mother of two beautiful young children, she has created a blog, writing about life with her family and about the joys and responsibilities of raising her daughters.
On the subject of discipline, she writes, “Discipline is not a bad word. One of the most important things you can instill in your child is discipline. When most people hear the word discipline, they think ‘punishment.’ That form of discipline is only the 3rd definition in the dictionary. The first definition is, ‘training to act in accordance with rules,’ and the second is, ‘activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training.’”
When enrolling a child in an activity such as dance or music, many parents forget that these “activities” are also considered “disciplines of the arts”. While dance, drama, music and painting should be fun, there should also be an expectation that the student will eventually make improvements in his or her skills and abilities. In ballet, for instance, there are specific exercises that dance students typically perform at the start of class, and class ends with yet a different set of exercises followed by an articulated “thank you” to the teacher. In addition, there are rules for dress and hair style, the proper stance at the ballet barre and while standing in a line with other students and there are other general but well-established rules of good behavior. Likewise, there are specific methods and techniques for holding a paint brush when executing a piece of artwork, or a musical instrument when attempting to achieve a clear sound.
Good habits are developed by going through the structured routine of each class where students progress from level to increasingly difficult level. In the field of dance, for example, a dancer learns that by diligently and repeatedly executing a particular series of exercises, he or she soon develops the skill necessary to perform more technically demanding moves. They also discover that there are techniques for jumping high into the air, turning gracefully, and holding positions that require physical agility and strength. These students soon discover that by maintaining a disciplined approach to their chosen field of study and by practicing the methods and techniques of the art with dedication, improvements will naturally follow.
As a professional dancer, Ms. Spina knows how important discipline is in the field of the arts. She herself has been trained to understand that the rules matter. She has carried her dance discipline beyond the dance studio to create a successful life. She now builds discipline into the daily structure of her family.
“The word discipline is a positive one in our house. The girls are not scared of it. They don’t associate it with punishment. Discipline to them is following a routine, getting their work done, practicing their ‘disciplines,’ such as dance, cheer, reading, math, etc. Practice is a discipline. By teaching them at a young age that hard work is in fact good for them, that they will be smarter, or better at something with a little discipline each day, I am setting them up for success in every area of their lives.”
Creating discipline in life is a matter of developing good habits. If you simply establish specific times for waking up, doing homework, developing manners at the dinner table, while also initiating rituals such as the recitation of prayers before bed or preparing and getting organized for the next day, one can easily see that a well-organized, thoughtful daily regimen will go a long way in creating and developing good life skills.
Disciplines of the arts are really the building blocks of life. Art allows its participants to build self-esteem, self-discipline and goal-oriented behavior which is important for every aspect of life.
In an address to the Council of Elementary Principals meeting in Boston, MA, Public Schools Chairman Eric Oddleifson made a passionate plea for the arts in education saying, “Children with training in the arts do much better in school than other kids, in many different ways.”
Mr. Oddleifson announced that per the College Entrance Examination Board, students who studied arts and music scored significantly higher than the national average on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Students who had participated in acting/play production, music performance and appreciation, dance, drama appreciation, and art history, scored an average of 31 to 50 points higher for the math and verbal sections. The Board also stated that students with long-term arts study (four years or more) tend to score significantly higher on the SAT than those with less coursework in the arts.
Mr. Oddleifson says, “Additionally, not only do children learn the 3 R's better and faster, but they behave differently. I have been curious to find out why, because training in the arts is seen to be extra-curricular, not related to the serious business of educating our kids, and suitable only for those with talent. Our research indicates that many benefits are derived from study in the arts. The arts develop constructive habits of discipline, and mind.”
Mr. Oddleifson suggests "If we are ever to see the day when high standards in all academic subjects, including the arts, are not only met but exceeded by most, if not all, of our children, the way-and indeed perhaps the only way-to get there is through the arts. The adoption of this suggestion will require a radical shift-a contextual change-not only in how we view children, and our teaching relationship with them, but also in how we learn, and even how we view the arts themselves. Viewing the arts not as finished product but as a search for high quality which is available to all, regardless of talent; by recongnizing that the arts provide necessary 'tools' for thinking which are unavailable elsewhere; and in understanding that a quality education requires bringing heart and hand into balance with head, we quickly conclude that high educational standards simply cannot be met by most of our children without the arts."
As public schools continue to cut funding for the arts, thereby providing little or no serious arts education, there are a limited number of private organizations—music, dance and art schools—that work tirelessly to fill the void created by public education. However, even these private enterprises may be suffering economically and as a result; the focus of some of the programs offered by these establishments has shifted. Rather than being concerned with the idea of offering instruction in a disciplined art form, they are more inclined to promote programs that can provide recreational and social benefits to children.
Parents with a serious commitment to arts education should look for programs run by instructors who offer quality professional experience and who are prepared to instruct their students in the discipline of their chosen art. Does the arts program enforce a dress code? Are students allowed to talk or chew gum during class? Has the school’s Directors instituted a structured curriculum that is followed by instructors in each class? These are some things for which one should look.
While enrolled in a well-established, highly regarded school of art, children learn to understand how important it is to work diligently toward every goal they establish. Study in a good arts program develops a solid foundation, enabling the student to cope with the pressures that he or she faces throughout childhood, thereby imparting the skills necessary to make the successful transition to adulthood.
Parents like Ms. Spina are wise to provide their children with exposure to the disciplines of the arts while also reinforcing the value of discipline at home. Sarah states, “When my girls get older and school gets much harder, and dance (or whatever other discipline they choose to pursue) isn’t so fun anymore because ‘it’s so hard,’ or ‘it hurts,’ they will hopefully be disciplined enough to weather the storm and come out on the other side without quitting. Discipline is setting a goal and reaching it, not giving up when something gets hard, learning the feeling of success and continuing to practice to get better, because while you can never be perfect, you can always get closer to it.”
From the Bible, Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The discipline and training you instill in your child now will determine the type of adult they will become.
by Erin Holt
Erin Holt is the Artistic Director of California DanceArts, a career preparatory school which boasts over two hundred students. Her choreography is featured through the works of her company, California Contemporary Ballet.
Don’t be a Dance Nomad! Once you have found a school that provides a home for your dance ambitions and endeavors, it is essential to commit to the program and schedule of classes that are offered. Improvements are made by a commitment to continuous training on a weekly and even daily basis within a structured environment and method.
While “branching out” or “bouncing” from one school to another and visiting a variety of teachers can be exciting, ones inability to commit to a schools program can lead to a decrease in dance development. In other words, a dancer is attaining too many different teaching styles, atmospheres or techniques to be able to make notable development or continuous improvements. Too many different teaching styles prove to be significantly disruptive to one’s training.
A good dance school usually provides a syllabus that should work in a coordinated base for most of the classes and programs offered, providing a united training experience. The teaching faculty comes to know and understand each student’s strengths and weaknesses while gaining a clear understanding as to how to help each student achieve their goals. Don’t let a change of teacher disrupt your training within the program. Most good schools are able to quickly provide another good teacher (perhaps even another member of the faculty) who is familiar with the method that you are training and who can deliver your classes with the same level of care you have come to know. If the director of the school is also a qualified, experienced teacher he/she can pass along intimate knowledge regarding each student’s training experience, difficulties and assets so that you do not lose any momentum.
There are few instructors that float from studio to studio working in one location for short periods of time before moving to the next location. While following a single teacher from one location to the next may seem like the “loyal” thing to do, it may not always be the best choice for furthering your training and accomplishing your goals. Most teachers enjoy working in a coordinated effort as part of a team of quality instructors within a good school. Experienced teachers know that it takes such a team as well as dedication to a method or syllabus to produce good dancers.
Changing to a new dance school requires an investment of time to adjust to the new surroundings and new methods. New faculties require time to discover how to help the student best. During this adjustment period, the student may lack significant advancements. When new students come to California DanceArts from other schools we always inquire. We want to be sure that the student has given the matter significant consideration and that they understand the drawbacks to undertaking such a change. Be wary of the uncaring approach to training that does not ensure students have considered these issues and options carefully.
Choosing the right dance school is not always easy. Look for a school that will provide a lot of individual attention. A good school will offer a good curriculum of ballet as a base which is supplemented with quality programs of varied styles and is delivered by a faculty of highly skilled instructors. Choose a school that offers facilities with good floors to protect your joints and bones. You may want to consider if the school customer services. Consider if the school offers quality performance opportunities. Does the school have a dance company or performing troupe available to students and will it offers enough challenge as students advance? You might be wise to take the time to view a performance and looks at the school’s “products” before making any decisions. Viewing the quality of a school’s students in performance is a good way to determine if the school’s offerings are sufficient for your needs and expectations.
premier Saudade this summer, an original dance presentation. Three performances only will be held, June 10th, 11th and 12th at the California DanceArts Theatre in La Canada, CA.
Erin Holt, Founder and Director of California DanceArts, stated, “Summer is a great time for dancing. And summer dance camps are a great way for dancers of 
Discipline –Not a Bad Word
On the subject of discipline, she writes, “Discipline is not a bad word. One of the most important things you can instill in your child is discipline. When most people hear the word discipline, they think ‘punishment.’ That form of discipline is only the 3rd definition in the dictionary. The first definition is, ‘training to act in accordance with rules,’ and the second is, ‘activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training.’”
When enrolling a child in an activity such as dance or music, many parents forget that these “activities” are also considered “disciplines of the arts”. While dance, drama, music and painting should be fun, there should also be an expectation that the student will eventually make improvements in his or her skills and abilities. In ballet, for instance, there are specific exercises that dance students typically perform at the start of class, and class ends with yet a different set of exercises followed by an articulated “thank you” to the teacher. In addition, there are rules for dress and hair style, the proper stance at the ballet barre and while standing in a line with other students and there are other general but well-established rules of good behavior. Likewise, there are specific methods and techniques for holding a paint brush when executing a piece of artwork, or a musical instrument when attempting to achieve a clear sound.
Good habits are developed by going through the structured routine of each class where students progress from level to increasingly difficult level. In the field of dance, for example, a dancer learns that by diligently and repeatedly executing a particular series of exercises, he or she soon develops the skill necessary to perform more technically demanding moves. They also discover that there are techniques for jumping high into the air, turning gracefully, and holding positions that require physical agility and strength. These students soon discover that by maintaining a disciplined approach to their chosen field of study and by practicing the methods and techniques of the art with dedication, improvements will naturally follow.
As a professional dancer, Ms. Spina knows how important discipline is in the field of the arts. She herself has been trained to understand that the rules matter. She has carried her dance discipline beyond the dance studio to create a successful life. She now builds discipline into the daily structure of her family.
“The word discipline is a positive one in our house. The girls are not scared of it. They don’t associate it with punishment. Discipline to them is following a routine, getting their work done, practicing their ‘disciplines,’ such as dance, cheer, reading, math, etc. Practice is a discipline. By teaching them at a young age that hard work is in fact good for them, that they will be smarter, or better at something with a little discipline each day, I am setting them up for success in every area of their lives.”
Creating discipline in life is a matter of developing good habits. If you simply establish specific times for waking up, doing homework, developing manners at the dinner table, while also initiating rituals such as the recitation of prayers before bed or preparing and getting organized for the next day, one can easily see that a well-organized, thoughtful daily regimen will go a long way in creating and developing good life skills.
Disciplines of the arts are really the building blocks of life. Art allows its participants to build self-esteem, self-discipline and goal-oriented behavior which is important for every aspect of life.
In an address to the Council of Elementary Principals meeting in Boston, MA, Public Schools Chairman Eric Oddleifson made a passionate plea for the arts in education saying, “Children with training in the arts do much better in school than other kids, in many different ways.”
Mr. Oddleifson announced that per the College Entrance Examination Board, students who studied arts and music scored significantly higher than the national average on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Students who had participated in acting/play production, music performance and appreciation, dance, drama appreciation, and art history, scored an average of 31 to 50 points higher for the math and verbal sections. The Board also stated that students with long-term arts study (four years or more) tend to score significantly higher on the SAT than those with less coursework in the arts.
Mr. Oddleifson says, “Additionally, not only do children learn the 3 R's better and faster, but they behave differently. I have been curious to find out why, because training in the arts is seen to be extra-curricular, not related to the serious business of educating our kids, and suitable only for those with talent. Our research indicates that many benefits are derived from study in the arts. The arts develop constructive habits of discipline, and mind.”
Mr. Oddleifson suggests "If we are ever to see the day when high standards in all academic subjects, including the arts, are not only met but exceeded by most, if not all, of our children, the way-and indeed perhaps the only way-to get there is through the arts. The adoption of this suggestion will require a radical shift-a contextual change-not only in how we view children, and our teaching relationship with them, but also in how we learn, and even how we view the arts themselves. Viewing the arts not as finished product but as a search for high quality which is available to all, regardless of talent; by recongnizing that the arts provide necessary 'tools' for thinking which are unavailable elsewhere; and in understanding that a quality education requires bringing heart and hand into balance with head, we quickly conclude that high educational standards simply cannot be met by most of our children without the arts."
As public schools continue to cut funding for the arts, thereby providing little or no serious arts education, there are a limited number of private organizations—music, dance and art schools—that work tirelessly to fill the void created by public education. However, even these private enterprises may be suffering economically and as a result; the focus of some of the programs offered by these establishments has shifted. Rather than being concerned with the idea of offering instruction in a disciplined art form, they are more inclined to promote programs that can provide recreational and social benefits to children.
Parents with a serious commitment to arts education should look for programs run by instructors who offer quality professional experience and who are prepared to instruct their students in the discipline of their chosen art. Does the arts program enforce a dress code? Are students allowed to talk or chew gum during class? Has the school’s Directors instituted a structured curriculum that is followed by instructors in each class? These are some things for which one should look.
While enrolled in a well-established, highly regarded school of art, children learn to understand how important it is to work diligently toward every goal they establish. Study in a good arts program develops a solid foundation, enabling the student to cope with the pressures that he or she faces throughout childhood, thereby imparting the skills necessary to make the successful transition to adulthood.
Parents like Ms. Spina are wise to provide their children with exposure to the disciplines of the arts while also reinforcing the value of discipline at home. Sarah states, “When my girls get older and school gets much harder, and dance (or whatever other discipline they choose to pursue) isn’t so fun anymore because ‘it’s so hard,’ or ‘it hurts,’ they will hopefully be disciplined enough to weather the storm and come out on the other side without quitting. Discipline is setting a goal and reaching it, not giving up when something gets hard, learning the feeling of success and continuing to practice to get better, because while you can never be perfect, you can always get closer to it.”
From the Bible, Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The discipline and training you instill in your child now will determine the type of adult they will become.
by Erin Holt
Erin Holt is the Artistic Director of California DanceArts, a career preparatory school which boasts over two hundred students. Her choreography is featured through the works of her company, California Contemporary Ballet.
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