To The Pointe

Many young dancers dream of the day that they can finally buy their first pair of pointe shoes and go up on pointe.  And while it is a very exciting moment in any dancer's life, going on pointe is not something that can be rushed into.  It takes strength, placement and technique that is vital to a dancer's future and well-being. 

Here is an account from a former California Dance Arts mother, who helped her daughter understand the "pointe" of waiting for pointe shoes!

 

When Can I Go On Pointe?

by Marti Marshall

My daughter really wants to be a Classical Ballerina. She used to pester me about going on pointe.

I started receiving opinions from other mothers who's children were already on Pointe, one such parent from a different dance school had an 8 year old daughter who was already on pointe.

This was contrary to all I had been told so far, so I decided to do some research into what it would take for my daughter to be able to achieve this dream, yet not injure her body.

While I was in Florida at the beginning of 1995, I read several books about ballet to find out how I could best help my daughter achieve her goals. A friend of mine, who had been a ballerina, had received the "New Edition Dancing; the all-in-one guide for dancers, teachers and parents," by Ellen Jacob, and she recommended it to me. So I picked up a copy and devoured it.

Here is a quote on the subject of when to allow a child to go on pointe:

"One of the worst things you can do is allow a little girl to dance on her toes before she is ready. A child who is too young simply does not have sufficient muscular development or training to withstand the rigors of pointe work. Children's eagerness to perform tricks on their toes, backed up by incompetent teachers, unfortunately makes premature pointe work all too common. Under these circumstances toe dancing can be awfully risky. The strain on the body can damage the soft tissue around the bones of the feet and knees, resulting in painfully enlarged joints, or it can cause injury to the lower spine.

To make matters worse, the stiffened blocks and large supporting boxes of modern-day pointe shoes enable virtually anyone to stand on her toes. In the past it was the dancer, and not the shoe, that had to do it. The dancer ought to be able to lift her body out of the pointe shoes by the use of strong stomach, groin, leg and foot muscles; she shouldn't be leaning on them for support .... To discourage the practice of putting little girls on toe too early, Capezio Ballet Makers and other shoe manufacturers have stopped making children's pointe shoes under size thirteen.

It is generally agreed that toe dancing should begin no earlier than the age of ten, and only after two full years of prior daily training. Children new to pointe work should be carefully supervised, and they should hold on to the barre for support for at least a year."

Well, this was very good technical data, but I wanted more. While at the bookstore, my daughter found another book that gave me more data. The book is "The Pointe Book; Shoes, Training & Technique" by Janice Barringer and Sarah Schlesinger. This book gets into how pointe shoes are made and the structure of the foot and more. There is also more information about our topic.

"It is entirely possible that some students may never 'be ready' to go on pointe. If a teacher takes the course of least resistance and allows such a student to go on pointe, using the excuse that she will only find another teacher who will put her 'up,' that teacher is overlooking his or her responsibility for the student's current and future physical health.

For this reason, it is important for teachers to develop strong rapport with parents. Once parents have confidence in a teacher's judgment, they are more likely to understand a thoroughly explained and scientifically supported discussion of why their child should not be placed on pointe."

With this information and many talks with my daughters ballet teacher at California DanceArts, my daughter decided to wait for a while and just continue doing what she was doing, which is getting her basics in and her technique down.

At California DanceArts there are several teen age girls beginning pointe training and some who are quite accomplished and have been on pointe for several years. Erin gives her students special strengthening exercises for the feet and legs that gear dancers up for pointe work beginning in Level 3. Consideration of pointe work is given in Level 4. Students are placed on pointe only after careful qualifications of strength and flexibility have been achieved.

 

 

Posted via web from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

Audition this Saturday for an Amazing Summer!

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For an unforgettable summer dance experience, choose to participate in classes, workshops or intensive programs being offered at California DanceArts during Summer 2010. We have made available a full array of programs for every level and age of dancer.

Enroll for Summer NOW! Los Angeles International Ballet Intensive:  July 5 - 24

Audition Class February 27th at Noon

This intensive program for intermediate and advanced dancers provides new opportunities, growth and development for students passionate about dance, who are willing to have new creative experiences, who value discipline and are eager to work with our faculty of internationally renowned guest Instructors. Whether you are in need of extra attention to get to the next level in your training, interested in pursuing a career or enhancing your career, our encouraging faculty and renowned teachers specialize in helping you gain technical improvement and performance artistry.

Offering:

• Curriculum based on fundamentals of classical and contemporary ballet, with specific instruction in turns, jumps, Pointe, variations, pas de deux and supplementary training in conditioning and MPT (Placement Technique).
• Modern dance and Dance Essentials™, a program designed to help to enhance dancer’s choreographic learning skills, improvisation, musicality and performance skills.
• New! An Aerial Ballet Workshop! Learn to fly and dance in the air, using silk scarves!
  Students will be exposed to a repertoire of classic and original choreography by Erin Holt, Director of California DanceArts and California Contemporary Ballet.
• Learn new works by guest choreographers to be performed at the end of the intensive.
• Additional Choreography Workshop is offered to dancers who wish to create their own dances or participate in the choreography of fellow students.

Audition class for the LA Int'l Ballet Intensive will be held at California DanceArts
this coming  Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 12:00 noon
Alternative audition class Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 12:00 noon  

Posted via web from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

February Student of the Month: Jacob Bonham

This month, we would like you to meet Jacob Bonham, age 13, who has been a student at California  DanceArts for the past six years, studying ballet year-round.

When asked about his dance studies at CDA, Jacob says that all of the teachers work very hard to encourage every student to do their very best.  He enjoys working alongside fellow students who are dedicated to learning dance. Jacob says, “It’s also a great place to meet new people.”

He has danced in California Contemporary Ballet’s production of “The Snow Queen”, having performed the role of Gypsy Boy for the past six seasons. This year, he added a new role to his repertoire, performing the role of Brother Reindeer.

Jacob is a member of California Contemporary Ballet’s youth company. He says, “I really enjoy being a part of the youth company because I get to work with the older dancers who treat me like an equal, experience rehearsals, and I get to learn how to prepare for a show. It also gives me goals to aim for in my ballet classes which then help to put better polish on my stage dancing. My dancing gives me a good reason to do well in school and makes me productive.”

Jacob is also an actor who was recently featured in a community theater production of Cheaper by the Dozen. He plans to become an actor and believes that dance will help his acting career. Inspired, Jacob also hopes to eventually become a member of California Contemporary Ballet as a professional dancer.

Posted via web from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

Competition: What's Healthy, What's Not

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By Erin Holt

 A little competition can be a healthy and a fun thing. In our boys class, for instance, there is quite a lot of this healthy competition. This is a class of about 12 boys. They often compete to see who can jump the highest, who can do it the fastest, who can do it with one hand, who's got the coolest or hardest trick. This class is one of our most fun in which to particpate as well as to observe. Sometimes, this class reminds me of a dance war. This is a dance that originated with tap dancers where two or more people compete or try to outdo each other with harder and harder steps. Simple moves that are performed well are just as respected as more complicated ones. This friendly form of dance competition is occationally used in jazz dance and I've seen it in hip hop or street dance. Although not too common, one of my own favorite ballet teachers would promote a dance war in his ballet class from time to time. The great thing with dance war as with my boys class, is that everyone has a good time and you leave with a little more respect for the other guy. In our ballet program, students are encouraged to clap for fellow students that do a really great job on a step or combinations of steps. This is healthy competition that help students attain self-confidence and to set goals for themselves. It can really get students moving. I've seen many students surprise themselves with their own achievements once they decided to do it. Sometimes the impetus for these achievements is some friendly competition. When competition is healthy, it is friendly. It's fun. It's about being excited to learn a new step and it's about respecting your friends and being excited for them when they learn something new.

Competition can easily turn serious and become unhealthy. I had a young student not long ago, who gave me a whole list of reasons why she was jealous of her long time dance buddy. Though somewhat natural, her competitive nature was becoming unhealthy and causing her much upset and a possible ruin to a great friendship. Of course this student was handled quite swiftly on this point and now enjoys much success. Phrases from students like, "I'll never be as good as Jill," indicate more losses then successes and should be brought to the instructors attention to be handled. Jealously, lack of confidence and even a lack of friendships can result from unhealthy attitudes about competition. To be perfectly honest (I hesitate here because I'm bound to hit a bit too close to home) I often find that it's the parent that is more competitive than the child. Children are familiar with friendly competition. They play board games, computer games and games at school. What is healthy competition if it's not just another game?

Adults, on the other hand, have been fighting for the paycheck, the raise and for the job. In business, we SLAM the competition and claim that, "It's not personal, it's business". We want to make more, be better, move faster and do everything in our power to achieve our dreams and goals NOW. Sometimes, the same goes for the way we feel about our children. We each feel that our own child is the best and should be the best. We may be able to see that she/he needs improvement, but it's quite hard to accept when your child falls behind or when another student of similar age and ability jumps ahead. When your child doesn't make the audition, the level or grade, she may break your heart with her cries and complaints, but she will recover from the loss a lot faster than you probably will. When competition becomes serious, it's important that parents and teachers encourage and help students understand their own responsibility toward the game without encouraging any of your own competitiveness. Encourage a love of learning and a respect of talent in others. Don't get into agreement with all your child's complaints, but do make sure that the student is studying or doing classes and activities that he enjoys and that those activities are being taught to him in a professional and formal way he can really understand, without experiencing too many losses. 

Parents and teachers can validate and reward students for learning that new step or making the next level. Make a big deal about it. Be sure to take pictures at the performances and bring flowers or take her out to dinner after the show. Make sure your child knows how proud you are of his/her abilities and help your child feel special and talented all on his own merit.

Posted via web from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

La Canada Dance School Hosts Visit by World Famous Ballerinas

California DanceArts Hosts Visit by Gina Ness and Evelyn Cisneros, Both From the San Francisco Ballet

Gina Ness with student Kelsey Glidewell

La Canada: California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com ), a long-established dance academy in La Canada, recently hosted a visit by Gina Ness, former soloist and principal dancer, and Evelyn Cisneros, a world-renowned Prima Ballerina, both of whom had illustrious careers with the San Francisco Ballet. Ballet hopefuls from the Foothill communities and surrounding Los Angeles areas were given a great treat with each woman conducting master classes and group discussions at California DanceArts. 

This rare opportunity, was designed to offer intensive training and enlighten aspiring young ballet students to potential career opportunities in dance. 

Both Ms. Ness and Ms. Cisneros were at the height of their professional careers during their respective tenures with the San Francisco Ballet in the mid-1970’s. Ms. Ness enjoyed a career with the San Francisco Company that spanned 13 years, and she shared with her students her experiences as a performer with the company, including revealing previously unheard stories about the company’s directors and choreographers, much to the delight of the students. 

Ms. Cisneros was equally inspiring as she described her extraordinary experiences touring the world both as a company member and as a guest artist, performing the works of world-famous choreographers. As former fellow company members and long-time friends, the two stars even revealed stories about each other. 

Crystal Fernandez, 17, of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, and Kelsey Glidewell, 16, of La Cañada High School, both were excited to attend the program and each acknowledged being inspired by the experience. As developing dance students, they agreed that this was the ultimate opportunity, being allowed to study with these two ballet stars and to hear their personal accounts of ballet history. 

Evelyn Cisneros instructing students

Both Fernandez and Glidewell have decided to continue their dance training in college, following graduation from high school. In fact, Ms. Fernandez is scheduled to begin auditions to secure placement in several different college dance departments. She admits to being a bit nervous about her upcoming auditions, but adds, “I’m glad I got the opportunity to have this kind of experience at this time to help me prepare”.

Erin Holt, California DanceArts Director stated “Our biggest joy is seeing how students use the information and experiences we provide to accomplish their dreams”.

Since1987, California DanceArts has been dedicated to the purpose of grooming and nurturing the talents of beginning to serious career dance students. The school has established a reputation as a career preparatory school for dancers transitioning to the professional level. Its current location in beautiful La Canada is nestled among several schools and recreational facilities. The school provides three large studio spaces featuring sprung floors designed to prevent injury, 20-foot high ceilings geared for unobstructed jumping, wall mirrors and air conditioning. Director Erin Holt also runs California Contemporary Ballet, a dance troupe that puts on several original ballet productions per year, including the Snow Queen (http://www.snowqueenballet.com ), an original ballet with an original music score. This show is put on every December and recently completed its 12th season. California DanceArts also is putting on several dance intensive workshops for various levels in summer 2010, and more on these can be seen at http://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 .

Posted via web from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

A Little Technique Goes a Long Way....

At California Dance Arts, we are committed to providing the highest quality of dance training for all ages.  Dance should be an enriching part of your or your child's life, and should be fun, it should be a release, and a great form of exercise. 

But beyond the sheer joy of dance and an appreciation for the arts, we at California Dance Arts also strive to ensure our young dancers to have proper technique and alignment, regardless of where dance takes them in the future.  It's crucial for dancers to have proper strength, along with substantial flexibility to allow them the fullest potential and to help prevent injury.  The fundamentals of ballet are the best tools to embedding this strong technique and lasting principles.  

Now of course, this can't magically happen overnight, it takes perseverance and practice, which is why California Dance Arts offers ballet classes everyday, and in a variety of age groups and skill levels to be sure there's one that's right for you or your young dancer.  Additionally our MPT class, based on the teachings of Yehuda Maor, is designed specifically for intermediate and advanced level ballet dancers and focuses on the dancers' placement, creating a core center that is strong, balanced and solid.  

The technique and skills we provide are intended to stay with our dancers for years to come and should help them achieve their goals in dance whether it be dancing with a ballet company, dancing on Broadway, dancing in college, or just dancing for fun!  Take a look at our schedule of classes and get your dancer on the road to superior technique, strength and fun!     

Posted via web from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

A Little Technique Goes a Long Way....

<p style="text-align: justify;">At California Dance Arts, we are committed to providing the highest quality of dance training for all ages.&nbsp; Dance should be an enriching part of your or your child's life, and should be fun, it should be a release, and a great form of exercise.&nbsp; </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But beyond the sheer joy of dance and an appreciation for the arts, we at California Dance Arts also strive to ensure our young dancers to have proper technique and alignment, regardless of where dance takes them in the future.&nbsp; It's crucial for dancers to have proper strength, along with substantial flexibility to allow them the fullest potential and to help prevent injury.&nbsp; The fundamentals of ballet are the best tools to embedding this strong technique and lasting principles.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now of course, this can't magically happen overnight, it takes perseverance and practice, which is why California Dance Arts offers ballet classes everyday, and in a variety of age groups and skill levels to be sure there's one that's right for you or your young dancer.&nbsp; Additionally our MPT class, based on the teachings of <span class="bodytext">Yehuda Maor, is designed specifically for intermediate and
advanced </span> <span class="bodytext">level ballet dancers and focuses on the
dancers' placement, creating a core center that is strong, balance</span><span class="bodytext">d
and solid.</span> &nbsp; </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The technique and skills we provide are intended to stay with our dancers for years to come and should help them achieve their goals in dance whether it be dancing with a ballet company, dancing on Broadway, dancing in college, or just dancing for fun!&nbsp; Take a look at our schedule of classes and get your dancer on the road to superior technique, strength and fun! &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; </p>

Posted via web from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog