Offbeat Ballerina Has Moved!

READ MORE AT WWW.OFFBEATBALLERINA.COM

Photo by Andrew Grant

My mom will tell you that I danced my way into the world. With summersaults and backing out booty first, it seems I was born to be a mover and shaker. As I child, I didn’t want to dance; I had to dance! I remember begging my parents to sign me up for dance classes, and finally, at seven, I started my first ballet class. Even today I can remember the moment I stepped out of the wings and onto the stage with the warm lights. I was going to be a dancer.

As I grew, my training continued. Although I had the heart, the dance world was a tough place. I had always dreamed of someday being the Black Swan, but my desire to be a classical ballet dancer were smashed at age sixteen. Apparently being 5’2”, with tibial torsion (not so perfect turnout), and “fat potential” will hinder your chances of being a ballerina. Because of this, I was demoted from a pre-professional ballet training program.

Oh heck! Who wants to dance fairy tales all their life anyways! After a stint of feeling bad, hating dance, and being downright miserable, my mom talked me into taking dance classes at the local college through the post-secondary options program. Basically I was a high school student who took college classes. Once I started dancing again, it didn’t take long for my passion to come back.

After graduating high school, I was immediately offered a job dancing with a contemporary ballet company while teaching and going to The Ohio State University full time. (Yup, I was crazy… but I loved it!) I graduated OSU with a BFA and landed a job with a modern dance company, Repertory Dance Theatre. It was there that I learned what Arts in Education was all about. From then on I knew I needed to spread my love of dance to anyone and everyone.

Following RDT, I danced as a “rent-a-dancer” and for several pick-up companies, got certified in Pilates, taught, and learned more about the business side of dance as an arts administrator. I pride myself for knowing how to unclog a toilet, creating syllabi, and even building business strategies. I’m basically a “jack-of-all-trades” in the dance world, and all I want to do is continue learning and educating all things about dance.

The dance world is full of trials, successes, politics, heartache, and passion. We all strive for perfection and acceptance. Not going to lie… sometimes it gets to you. Through many years of my love-hate relationship of dance, I’ve finally realized my imperfections are what makes me unique and perfect in my own way… I’m the Offbeat Ballerina, and I’mperfect!

Please share your creative projects, chat, read, and spread your love of dance with me at www.offbeatballerina.com. Got a story to tell? Submit your story to offbeatballerina@gmail.com.

UDMA = Sugar & Bruno

Over the weekend I attended UDMA, United Dance Merchants of America. If you’re a dance instructor, I’m sure you know all about this resource fair and costume show. If your not familiar, UDMA it’s very much a dancer / instructor / shoppers dream. As you enter the double doors to the hall, the energy is high with fantastic dance music pumping over the speakers. From one end to the other, rows of vendors bring the pages of every costume catalog to life. Not only did I walk out with a lot of free swag, but I picked out costumes for all of my classes for this years dance concert! 

Along with a lot of useful information one of my most favorite finds was Sugar & Bruno. I’ve seen their brand in the media but, this was the first time I saw it live and could check out the quality. As someone who has spent most of my life in tights and leotards I only shop by touch.... so if it doesn’t feel comfy; I’m not buying. Sugar & Bruno did not disappoint. In fact, I found myself driving back the following day to purchase another t-shirt and some accessories. Their clothing line is trendy and inspired by some of the leading dancers and choreographers of our time. Unlike most dance shirts, I will actually wear them. Pictured below are some of my favorite finds. 

Great Dancers Racerback

Keltie Dance Phrase Bracelet - "Dance Like Everyone's Watching"Stacey Bird Lace Twisted V-Neck

Ballet Legs Button

Keltie Oversized Plié Tendu Relevé Tee

Like what you see? Check out their online store. CLICK HERE!

JOFFREY BALLET LAUNCHES A NATIONAL CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL CHOREOGRAPHERS OF COLOR AWARD

Joffrey Academy of Dance (clipped to polyvore.com)

 

The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, announces a national call for artists to submit applications for the Joffrey’s Second Annual Choreographers of Color Award. The goal of the Award is to recognize promising young choreographers of color whose diverse perspective will ignite creativity in the form of original works of dance.  The deadline for application is October 1, 2011 and winners will be notified by November 1, 2011.

Three selected choreographers will be given a minimum of 30 rehearsal hours to set their pieces on the Joffrey Academy Trainees.  Each winning choreographer will also receive a $2,500 stipend and an opportunity to work directly with Joffrey Artistic Director, Ashley C. Wheater, and Academy Artistic Directors, Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik.  Choreographers whose permanent residence is more than 100 miles from Joffrey Tower will be provided with accommodations for the duration of a two-week residency.  The completed new works will be performed at various venues throughout the 2011-2012 academic year, including the Joffrey Tower and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.  Last year’s Choreographers of Color Award winners were Francisco Aviña and Amy E. Hall.

Choreography created for the Joffrey Academy Trainees must be original work developed by the applicant.  The finished piece must be a minimum of 10 minutes and maximum of 12 minutes long.  To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.  International students are excluded, as are foreign nationals who hold citizenship with countries other than the U.S., unless they are naturalized or permanent residents.

To apply, interested choreographers must submit the following by mail:  a DVD with a five-minute or less excerpt of their choreography with a brief written description; a letter of intent describing their interest in the competition and the kind of work they will create; a headshot and curriculum vitae with three references; and, a general application, which can be found online at joffrey.org/choreographersofcolor.  There is no submission fee.  Materials can be mailed to:  The Joffrey Ballet, Attn: Choreographers of Color Competition Selection Committee, 10 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL, 60601.

About the Academy Trainees of the Joffrey Ballet 

Students are selected to participate in the Trainee Program by invitation from The Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director, Ashley C. Wheater, and Academy Artistic Directors, Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik.  The Trainee Program is a rigorous two-year program in which students train in ballet and other dance disciplines.  Graduates from this program have been accepted into ballet companies around the world, including The Joffrey Ballet, the Berlin Staatsballet and BalletMet.  Trainees rehearse and perform classical and contemporary works from The Joffrey Ballet’s extensive repertoire and have the opportunity to work with world-renowned guest choreographers.  The Academy of Dance opened in January of 2009 and received the 2010 Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding School Award.

For more information on the Academy Trainees of the Joffrey Ballet, or other programs at the Academy of Dance, Official School of the Joffrey Ballet, please visit joffrey.org/academy

Written by: Eric Eatherly & Beth Silverman

A Short Break

Hello Loyal Readers!

I'll be taking a short break from writing because I'm training for a new job (tell you about it soon), preparing for three weeks of dance concerts, and taking a much needed vacation. You can expect more articles and blog entries in July. Hope you all have a wonderful spring!

Keep on dancing and learning!

Miss Alissa 

National Dance Week Interview

For the past month I've been planning the National Dance Week events where I work, The School of Perfroming Arts. Last week I was interviewed by one of the local papers. Check out the artical below!

National Dance Week Encourages Exercise

By Nicki Anderson For The Sun Apr 13, 2011 2:27AM

OK, Naperville, put on your dancing shoes, or sneakers, and lace up for National Dance Week, which is coming to Naperville the week of April 22 through May 1.

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or love the idea of “movin’ to the groovin,’” The School of Performing Arts in Naperville will kick off National Dance Week with Dancin’ Down the Street. Throughout the week, the 5th Avenue Station school will offer a variety of classes for all levels and ages.

National Dance week started in 1981, when a group of dance-related organizations made it their mission to bring more awareness that dance is an art form and part of American culture. Eventually, the United Dance Merchants of America made a commitment to grow National Dance Week. Since then, dance legends such as Gregory Hines, Paula Abdul, and Chicago’s own dance celebrity Gus Giordano have been spokespersons for the week. Thanks to volunteers, including The School of Performing Arts, the mission of exposing and introducing as many people as possible to the enjoyment and benefits of dance is growing.

“We hold the title of an official 2011 National Dance Week representative,” said Alissa Baird, marketing director of The School of Performing Arts. “We are committed to sharing our love of dance and its benefits to our community, and hope the NDW will soon become a recognized event in Naperville.”

All of the events during NDW at The School of Performing Arts are open to the public. The school will be hosting free dance classes, parent and student enrichment, and community classes, including a Mommy and Me class at Lululemon.

As one who dabbled in choreography years ago, I know dance not only is an art form and form of expression, but it also can be an incredible workout. Look at the health improvements of the contestants on “Dancing with the Stars.” They all talk about the improvements in health and weight since they started dancing. And the best part of dancing? There is no age requirement — it’s an all-inclusive activity. For older adults, dance strengthens the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

“Depending on the style of dance you choose to pursue, you can gain strength, flexibility, and improve your cardiovascular system,” Baird said.

The School of Performing Arts believes anyone and everyone can dance. Even those who haven’t danced since their wedding day might be cajoled into participating. The classes are for all ages and levels, including students with special needs.

“With the growing rate of child obesity, depression and diabetes, dance, when practiced regularly, can curb these conditions,” Baird said. “Dance class is a unique form of exercise, because it raises your heart rate through expressive movement, and it raises endorphins, giving students a feeling of well-being.”

Parents can see changes in their children, too.

“Parents often approach me with gratitude for the impact of dance on their child,” said Sasha Vargas, the school’s dance department director. “From the strength of proper posture to the growth of self-confidence in a doubting child, transformations have been made through dance.”

According to their website, “The School of Performing Arts offers a diverse curriculum, taught by professional artists, which fosters creativity, builds self-esteem and develops students’ lifelong love for the arts.”

To learn more, visit www.schoolofperformingarts.com or www.nationaldanceweek.org.

Contact Nicki Anderson at nicki@realityfitness.com.

In Celebration of National Dance Week, April 22 through May 1, The School of Performing Arts invites the public to dance down the sidewalks of downtown Naperville on April 23. Interested dancers should meet at 4 p.m. on the west end of 5th Avenue Station, 200E 5th Ave. Shown here is dancer Danielle Fattore. | Photo courtesy of Matt Glavin