California DanceArts Blog

California Contemporary Ballet Announces Fundraising Campaign for Summer Performance of “Thumbelina”

Local Ballet Company Soon to Premiere Latest Production; Requests Support from Patrons of the Arts

La Cañada, CA — Aerin Holt of California Contemporary Ballet (www.CalBallet.com), the originator of the celebrated ballet “The Snow Queen, has initiated a campaign on the www.Indiegogo.com web site to raise funds for the upcoming June 29 premiere of their newest major original ballet production of “Thumbelina.”

Ms. Holt, who first adapted Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of “The Snow Queen” into a highly successful seasonal ballet fifteen years ago, felt it was time to create a new ballet for her company—and it was only fitting that the inspiration sprang from the same classic source. When she mentioned the ballet to her friend Mikkelsen, a prolific classical composer, she was surprised and delighted with his immediate enthusiasm for the idea. He began work at once on compositions, and Ms. Holt admitted herself “delighted with his musical interpretations.”

The surprises continued when she received an offer from a family member to make the large flowers using scrap metal from his property in New Mexico. A series of conversations ensued about the design of the set pieces, ultimately leading to the creation of ten-foot tall flowers, five-foot toadstools, and the famous tulip from which Thumbelina is born. The newly-designed tulip will operate by means of a hydraulic system, enabling its petals to open at the appropriate moment. To crown the bright reality of Ms. Holt's dreamed-of set, these expensive pieces were offered as a donation, giving Ms. Holt the impetus needed to go forward with her production immediately.

In an effort to secure additional much-needed financial support for the ballet, the Company is working on a broad fundraising campaign. “Expenses for a production like this are considerably greater than many people recognize,” says Ms. Holt. “Theater costs, sets, costumes, promotion—it all adds up to much more than you might expect.” To help in funding all these costs, the Company has established a donation page where anyone may make a donation:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-production-of-thumbelina-by-california-contemporary-ballet

Jaclyn Stryker, the star in the upcoming premiere of the Thumbelina ballet received her core dance training from Ms. Holt's dance academy and tells us, “It's been Aerin's dream to create this ballet for as far back as I can remember. She made it sound fantastic, and I wanted to be a part of it. I'm very happy that the time for it has finally come!”

“Thumbelina” by California Contemporary Ballet Los Angeles premieres at Glendale Community College (1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA) on June 29th at 7:30 PM, and on June 30th at 2:00 PM. To donate in support of the production, visit
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-production-of-thumbelina-by-california-contemporary-ballet

Tickets are $20–$30 at http://calballet.com/tickets/. Group tickets are also available.

California Contemporary Ballet Announces Premiere of New Spring Time Production “Thumbelina”

Local Ballet Company Presents New Original Performance in Glendale, Featuring Local Professional and Amateur Talent

La Cañada, CA — Aerin Holt of California Contemporary Ballet (www.CalBallet.com), the originator of the popular ballet “The Snow Queen,” has created a production she has long dreamed of: a full-length ballet adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s story “Thumbelina.” Jaclyn Stryker, a professional dancer and resident of La Crescenta, stars in the title role.

Featuring original choreography by Aerin Holt and an original musical score by composer and orchestrator Dwight Bernard Mikkelsen, the performance will be premiering in Glendale on June 29th and 30th. “Thumbelina” ballet, like “The Snow Queen,” is a classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the author of such immortal fables as “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” and “The Ugly Duckling.”

Having produced the popular seasonal piece “The Snow Queen” for fifteen consecutive years, Ms. Holt felt it was time to create a new ballet for her company. “Thumbelina is a story that I've thought about for a long time,” she says. “I had a certain ideal for the music, and I envisioned a set with oversized flowers and toadstools that would create a world in which my dancers could appear tiny—the size of your thumb.”

Jaclyn Stryker warms up in a corner of the studio, quietly wincing at the pain from a sore muscle in her hip. But, continues to extend her right foot high above her head and stretching it around into an arabesque. Ms. Stryker, a resident of La Crescenta, has recently returned to her roots in Los Angeles’ foothill communities from San Francisco, where she performed with several professional dance companies.

The star of the piece, Ms. Stryker, who received her core dance training from California Dance Arts and who has danced already in many original roles under Aerin Holt's artistic direction, has often heard Ms. Holt speak about creating a ballet adapted from Andersen’s story of Thumbelina. “It's been Aerin's dream to create this ballet for as long as I can remember,” says Ms. Stryker. “She made it sound fantastic and I wanted to be a part of it.”

When Ms. Holt first spoke of the idea to friend and prolific classical composer Dwight Bernard Mikkelsen of Lakeview Terrace, Mikkelsen loved the idea, and immediately began composing music in earnest. “I was very impressed with his musical interpretations,” says Holt.

Ms. Holt is largely responsible for the ballet's choreography, but she was delighted to collaborate with Lynn Bryson Pittenger on certain sections of the ballet, very much including the delivery of the final scene: Thumbelina's arrival at the Vale of the Fairies. This is the scene in which Holt plans to create the essence of a fairy world. Thanks to donations and volunteer contributions of work and materials, the sets will indeed include ten foot tall flowers, some five foot toadstools, and the famous tulip from which Thumbelina is born—which will actually open its petals to release her onto the stage.

“The story of Thumbelina is certainly a child's fairy tale,” maintains Holt. “However, through quality music, choreography and dancing, it can be told with depth and emotion so adults can appreciate it as well.” With a melding of contemporary dance, classical ballet and aerial arts, this performance is an excellent choice for the entire family.

“Thumbelina” by California Contemporary Ballet Los Angeles premieres at Glendale Community College (1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA) on June 29th at 7:30 PM, and on June 30th at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20–$30 at www.CalBallet.com. Group tickets are also available.

Brand New Production by California Contemporary Ballet - Thumbelina!

California Contemporary Ballet is pleased to announce our newest ballet, Thumbelina, a full-length ballet based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, with original choreography by Aerin Holt and original music by Dwight Mikklesen.

California DanceArts encourages all students and dancers to participate in, and take advantage of, this new opportunity. If you had the good fortune of participating in CCB's The Snow Queen ballet this past December, then you know what a joy it is for both young and mature dancers to take part in such a production.  As you will soon discover, our Thumbelina will present dancers with yet another rewarding performance opportunity.

Illustration by CapturedbyKC. Some rights reserved.

Audtions for Thumbelina will be this
Friday & Saturday, Feb 1-2, 2013
(Auditions for principal roles Thur, Feb 7)

The original ballet, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, will be presented by
California Contemporary Ballet June 28-30th at Glendale Community College Theater.

Click here to see video from our
previous production, The Snow Queen.

Auditions to be held at:
California DanceArts
4490 Cornishon Ave
La Canada, CA 91011

Auditioning children must be currently enrolled in weekly ballet classes and must bring a recommendation from their current instructor. 
(CCB is a non-profit organization that is separate from the California DanceArts School. CDA School is not responsible for casting any of the roles, and CCB is not obligated to cast children from CDA. CCB encourages dancers from all L.A. area dance schools to audition.)

Friday Feb 1st at 6:00pm (Sign-in @ 5pm) Auditions for Young Dancers
Young Chorus are girls and boys UNDER 11 years of age.

Young Chorus will perform one or more of the following roles:

* Dew Drops (no taller than 44 inches) - Children must be able to skip well to be cast in any role.

* Young Fairies, Mice
* Potential roles for a few children (no taller than 4ft, 11in)

Saturday Feb 2nd at 2:00pm (sign in @ 1:00pm) Aerial & Gymnast Auditions
Open to dancers, gymnasts, aerialists

* Fairies and Beetles

Saturday Feb 2nd at 3:00pm (sign in @ 2:00pm) Auditions for Older Dancers 11+ yrs
Older Chorus Dancers (boys and girls)

May be cast as any of the following potential roles:

* Fairies, Butterflies, Mice, Beetles, Trees, Water & Swamp Grass Dancers

Members of California Contemporary Youth Ballet will perform multiple older chorus roles. We are looking for new members for our company and additional dancers for certain roles.

Thursday, Feb 7th - Auditions for Principal Roles
CCB & CCYB Members should attend

We are seeking professional & pre-professional men & women ballet and contemporary dancers to fill Principal, Soloist and Lead roles. Pointe & partnering required. Salary based on experience. Send photo and résumé either by e-mail, U.S. mail or FAX to:

[email protected]
California Contemporary Ballet
4490 Cornishon Ave #6
La Canada, CA 91011
FAX: 501-641-7117
PH: 818-790-7924

Potential solo and principal roles include:
Thumbelina, Mother, Prince Fairy, Toad(s), The Butterfly, The Beetle, The Mole,
The Field Mouse, The Swallow, The King and Queen Fairy, The Fairy of Hopefulness,
The Fairy of Resourcefulness, The Fairy of Faithfulness, The Fairy of Accomplishment,
The Fairy of Confidence, and a trio of Flower Fairies.

ALL dancers at all auditions should bring photo, résumé, $5 audition fee (not required for professional dancers), dance attire and ballet or Pointe shoes. Everyone will audition in groups. Please arrive early for sign-In.

For audition information
call (818) 790-7924

or visit us at:
www.calballet.com    
www.caldancearts.com 

CalDanceArts.com: Decisions, Decisions--Choosing A Summer Dance Program

by Erin Holt

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.

So, do you show off your “Legs?”

 

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.

Join us at our Dance-A-Thon!

California Contemporary Ballet has, over the years, played a significant role in contributing to the cultural enrichment of our communities. Please allow us to continue these endeavors by pledging your support today.  Friends and family can donate per every minute you can dance. Now, the only question is how much can you raise? How long can you dance?

 

In an effort to raise funds for the 2010 production of the Snow Queen, the California Contemporary Ballet would like to invite you to its annual Dance-A-Thon which will be held at

 The Haunted California DanceArts

4490 Cornishon Ave                                                    

La Canada CA 91011

                                                                                                 

 

On Friday, October 22 at spooky 5:30 pm

 

Join us for a spook-tacular Halloween themed event, full of tricks and treats. Ghouls and goblins of all ages are welcome. Costumes are encouraged as we will be holding a TERROR-IFIC costume contest with awards and prizes.

 

Join our Boo-Bash for music, treats, and an all around dance ‘till you drop fun time!

 

California Contemporary Ballet sincerely appreciates the generosity of its patrons. On the behalf of our performers, thank you for your consideration. Our party is brewing! We hope to see you all, from the smallest of pumpkins to the scariest of monsters at our frightfully fun Dance-A-Thon.

Human Nature "Uncaged"

When one thinks of a night at the ballet, images of ethereal ballerinas dressed in white, handsome princes and sleeping beauties usually come to mind.  And while that's all very well and good, California Contemporary Ballet offers something a bit different  from the typical ballet production with their upcoming show, "Uncaged."  This show is truly ballet redefined and is a must see for everyone! 

“Uncaged” will feature new choreographed works by Erin Holt,  each revealing the nature of the human condition.   And CCB will be joined in concert by three other top Los Angeles dance companies--Djanbazian Dance Company, Kenneth Walker Dance Project and Hart Pulse Dance Company.

“Uncaged” represents some of CCBallet's boldest and most provocative works to date, featuring CCBallet dancers Ryan Morrison, Heather Toner, Jacklyn Stryker, Nicolos Zerman, Alyssa Thompson and Laura Mauldin.

It's an exciting new show and CCB is particularly pleased to collaborate with its talented guest companies to bring you what promises to be a remarkable performance."

July 17, 2010 at 7:00pm

Glendale Community College
Performing Arts Theater
1500 North Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208

Admission:
Advanced Tickets: Child / Seniors $20  Adults $25 
At Door: Child $25 / Adults $30
(DRC discount at child rates.)

Attend This Event

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!

 

California Contemporary Youth Ballet Presents Summer Performance

La Canada-Based Youth Dance Company to Perform ‘DanceScapes’

La Canada, CA: California Contemporary Youth Ballet (http://www.caldancearts.com) will be performing their annual Spring ballet concert for the public as they present ‘DanceScapes’, Saturday, June 12 & 13 at the California DanceArts Studio-Theater in La Canada.

Showcasing the ten-member troupe of young dance students, the show features the works of Harald Lander, former choreographer and artistic director of the Royal Danish Ballet, and by CCYB co-Directors Jaclyn Stryker and Heather Toner, and California Contemporary Ballet Artistic Director Erin Holt. ‘DanceScapes’ is a montage of dance numbers that are a mix of classical and unique, traditional and avant-garde, sentimental and fun dance moods and styles.

Erin Holt states “As a company, CCYB breaks through the boundaries of classical ballet and presents a show that is fresh, new, and incredibly inspiring. ‘DanceScapes’ promises to engage and excite all who see it.”

The CCYBallet production of ‘DanceScapes’ will be June 12^th at 6:30pm and Sunday, June 13^th at 3:30pm. Tickets are $15.00 for students and $18.00 for adults. Tickets can be ordered online at www.caldancearts.com. For more information call 818-790-7924.

California Contemporary Youth Ballet, which is the youth division of California Contemporary Ballet (http://www.ctyballet.org), provides an artistic training ground for young dancers. CCYBallet members perform in many community-based events and annually in their own concert held during the Spring season. Members of the youth company are invited to participate in California Contemporary Ballet productions alongside career company members in the annual Snow Queen Ballet (www.snowqueenballet.com), performed each December. Partnered with California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com), young CCYBallet dancers attend the California DanceArts Career Preparatory Training Program, which is designed to fulfill the artistic needs of serious dance students who seek opportunities that will eventually permit them to make the transition from a pre-professional to a professional dancer career. More information on California DanceArts 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.