New Mexico Set Designer Will Display Artwork at Premiere of Springtime Ballet “Thumbelina”

California Contemporary Ballet Delighted to Host After-Performance Displays of Miniaturized Set Pieces

La Canada, CA — Kurt Bowker, a New Mexico artist and owner of Advanced Concept Group, has created several large set pieces for the upcoming premiere of California Contemporary Ballet's (http://www.CalBallet.com) new springtime production “Thumbelina” on June 29 and 30. And he will be displaying beautiful, functional display art in the lobby after the show.

With the use of a huge trailer, Kurt Bowker is packing up 10ft metal flowers and 5ft metal toadstools that will be featured onstage in the ballet, along with several works he also has prepared for display and sale in the lobby at Glendale Community College Theater, June 29 & 30. He will also pack up his four year old daughter, Kyrah, who will appear in the ballet as a Dew Drop. They will travel from Moriarty, New Mexico where Mr. Bowker lives on a large horse ranch and will arrive in La Canada this week. 

The performance of “Thumbelina” will be filled with his colorful flowers. Adapted from the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this new ballet will tell the story of the thumb size girl, Thumbelina, who is born from a tulip and undergoes various adventures in her quest for love. Set pieces are designed large in order to make the cast appear small, and will include beautiful flowers & toadstools made of painted sheet metal.

Bowker, a general contractor who has performed a variety of jobs for his community, discovered that he could use the scrap metal on his property that was left over from odd jobs to create many different types of functional and display art of all size. Mr. Bowker states, “Creating art has been a sideline until Aerin Holt asked if I could make huge flowers and toadstools for her ballet.” Bowker's daughter appeared in Ms. Holt's ballet of Snow Queen last December. “After seeing that production, I was excited to be involved with a new creative endeavor collaborating with Aerin. For the past several months, I’ve not been getting much sleep. It’s been a big project to design, weld and shape all these over-sized toadstools and flowers.”

Mr. Bowker has also built the large metal Tulip that will open (with use of hydraulics) to reveal the tiny Thumbelina (aka, Jaclyn Stryker who will perform the role). He notes, “The upside of using sets made of metal is that Thumbelina will be able to slide down a flower petal to get to the dance floor and some of the fairies will be able to sit on leaves of the tall flowers.” Mr. Bowker is as excited as anyone to see his creations on stage with the dancers. Once Bowker delivers these giant beauties his work won’t be done as he directs the crew on the use of the sets backstage during the show.

Lead choreographer and art director Aerin Holt says, “We are very excited about working with Kurt’s creations. This ballet will be a melding of contemporary dance, classical ballet and aerial arts, and a perfect choice for the entire family.” A further description of the ballet can be found at http://goo.gl/D2eVQ

For more information about Kurt Browker and his company, visit http://advanceconceptgroup.com/ His sheet metal sculptures will be on display at the premiere of “Thumbelina” by California Contemporary Ballet, which will be 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 http://www.CalBallet.com/tickets. Group tickets are also available.

Local Sculptor Will Display Artwork at Premiere of Springtime Ballet “Thumbelina”

California Contemporary Ballet Delighted to Host After-Performance Display of Nature-Themed Ceramic Creations

Los Angeles, CA — Anne Tryba, a La Cañada artist and professional designer, will be displaying her beautiful ceramic flower sculptures at the upcoming premiere of California Contemporary Ballet's (http://www.CalBallet.com) new springtime production “Thumbelina.”

Drawing from more than 20 years experience as a graphic designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, Anne Tryba has had a passionate focus on clay forms for the last decade. The fruits—or the “flowers”—of her work will be available for viewing and for purchase at the opening performance of “Thumbelina,” coming at the end of this month.

“My experience as a professional designer has influenced the expression of the art I create for my own pleasure, but when I am working on a piece of sculpture, there is an inner and extremely personal urge that directs my hand,” says Ms. Tryba. “My experimentation with unique textures on different types of clay, combined with under- and over-glazes, allows me to create an endless variety of surface decoration. My current floral garden sculptures can be attributed to a love of nature, as well as lots of trial and error with techniques. Combining the various pieces is like assembling a colorful puzzle. I hope you find the results as delightful as I do!”

The performance of “Thumbelina” will not be without its own colorful flowers. Adapted from the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this new ballet will tell the story of the thumb size girl, Thumbelina, who is born from a tulip and undergoes various adventures in her quest for love. Set pieces are designed for fairies (scaled to human size) and will include beautiful flowers & toadstools made of painted sheet metal. Lead choreographer and art director Aerin Holt says, “The piece will be a melding of contemporary dance, classical ballet and aerial arts, and a perfect choice for the entire family.” A further description of the ballet can be found at http://goo.gl/D2eVQ

For more information about Anne Tryba and her artwork, visit http://www.annetryba.com/. Her floral ceramic sculptures will be on display at the premiere of “Thumbelina” by California Contemporary Ballet, which will be 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 http://www.CalBallet.com. Group tickets are also available.

The Music and Dance Behind Thumbelina

By FRANZ A.D. MORALES
Published in Pasadena Now: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 | 12:11 PM

We took some time with Dwight Mikkelsen and Jaclyn Stryker to talk about their life and work experiences

If the heart of a ballet is the music, the lifeblood are the dancers. We take some time to have a chat with composer Dwight Mikkelsen and dancer Jaclyn Stryker to get an inside look on the people behind California Contemporary Ballet’s Thumbelina.

The Musician

“I like classical music. That’s the first music I ever started writing and I’ve never stopped and I keep doing and doing it,” says Mikkelsen. “I’m also a writer. I have a book that’s coming out in July, in the middle of July,” he adds.

Mikkelsen’s book is called Freedom’s Rush and it’s about his travels throughout the Western half of the United States on a motorcycle. But making music is who he is.

Mikkelsen has been working with Aerin Holt, the Company’s Artistic Director, since “I think two or three years ago,” says Mikkelsen. The dynamic between Holt and Mikkelsen is one brought on by years of friendship, and is evident in how the two work together.

“If she has an idea, it’s clear when she can let me take off with it. And sometimes I’m not quite sure about something and so I just let Erin take off with it,” says Mikkelsen.

With the Company’s latest production, Thumbelina, Mikkelsen says his job is to write and record the music. “I decided on an orchestra; 9 woodwinds, 11 brass, 2 percussions, and 2 harps and strings. So I just kept it with that, and it’s been a bit of a challenge not having a piano but honestly, piano doesn’t really belong in an orchestra,” he says.

Mikkelsen is handling both the writing/composing and recording aspects of the ballet, and as a result, he isn’t getting much sleep. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love what he does.

“It’s just the nature of that kind of work when you’re orchestrating, arranging and even copying, it’s always last minute. you’re merely totally restless when you do something. That’s part of the gig. If sleep is that important to you, you need to find another line of work,” says Mikkelsen.

“I like to have fun, I just like to have a good time, that’s why we’re doing it and having a good time doing it. Sometimes you have a good time playing pool and drinking beer and then when you get to work it’s sort of boring. I like to have fun doing the music, that’s what I like to do,” adds Mikkelsen.

The Dancer

Jaclyn Stryker is the lead dancer in Thumbelina. To appreciate the art, sometimes it’s necessary to understand the artist.
Dancing is in Stryker’s blood. She tells us: “I started dancing when I was about five, 20-plus years. I started dancing with Aerin (Holt) at California DanceArts when I was about 9 and I grew up with her in her school and then also I graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and so I was dancing for both her and that school during high school.”

After getting a bachelor’s degree for Fine Arts and Dance at UC Santa Barbara, Stryker returned to join Holt and California Contemporary Ballet, dancing with the company for two years until she “moved up to San Francisco and danced professionally with Mark Foehringer Dance Project and Napoles Ballet Theater,” says Stryker.

Stryker talks about her lead role as Thumbelina, saying “It’s been wonderful. Since I was younger, Aerin always talked about wanting to do a big production of Thumbelina and so when she contacted me back in February, it was an opportunity to get back into working with her again.”

When asked of the working relationship between Holt and Mikkelsen, Stryker says both “have a really great collaboration going and they’re very open to adjusting things that may not be working for the other person which is really nice because the end result is going to be exactly what they wanted it to be.”

The Show

Mikkelsen and Stryker have their own views about the production of course, with one looking at things from a musician’s standpoint while the other as a dancer.

Mikkelsen says, “I think this ballet is very unique. It’s just unique. It’s going to be a sound phenomenon. Once I record this stuff, I’m going to have it mastered and with the back tracks and the story itself; it’s unique, it’s never been done before.”

Stryker, on the other hand, says, “It’s all very, very grand. So it’s fun. Thumbelina meets all these different animals and characters so it’s definitely action-packed throughout.”

Mikkelsen adds, “Thumbelina has been done before but it’s a ballet on a grand scale. It’s over 90 minutes of music. And as I said, in these days, doing 90 minutes of music with no piano that alone is great; it makes it unique. No rhythm section, no guitars, no electricity, no electronics.”

When asked about her favorite scene, Stryker tell us, “I love the scene with the beetles. All these dancers are up on this large apparatus and it just looks like this huge swarm of beetles and I’m kind of getting thrown all over the place and covered with these different beetle characters. It’s just a very fast-paced, fun, exciting number in the show that kind of shows some different elements other than just dance.”

Thumbelina will be performed at Glendale Community College at 1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale and show dates will be on June 29th at 7:30 pm, and June 30th at 2:00 pm.

Tickets are available at $20 to $30 and can be purchased at www.calballet.com. Group tickets are also available.

To learn more about California Contemporary Ballet, you can visit www.calballet.com or call (818) 790-7924.

A Thumbs-Up Spring-time Ballet Production

By FRANZ A.D. MORALES
Published in Pasadena Now: Tuesday, June 4, 2013 | 12:55 PM

On June 29 and 30, California Contemporary Ballet will perform Thumbelina, a classic fairy-tale adapted for ballet that will endear kids and adults alike

Kick off the Spring season with a dose of fairy dust, as California Contemporary Ballet performs Thumbelina at Glendale Community College this June 29 and 30. Adding to the company’s tradition of performing Hans Christian Andersen classics, California Contemporary Ballet’s adaptation of Thumbelina is designed to appeal to both young and adult audiences.

“We perform two big productions a year. Our biggest production is the Snow Queen Ballet which we perform every December at Glendale Community College and then we deliver a spring show, featuring members of our professional company, which is normally a much smaller production, and usually features choreography that is experimental and contemporary,” says Aerin Holt, the Company’s Artistic Director.

“This year, we decided on a spring performance that would provide opportunities for our professional dancers to perform the principal characters within the story and cast members of our Youth Company in supporting roles. Students from the associated school, California DanceArts were given the opportunity to audition for roles and some of the children were cast in roles of Dew Drops and Younger Fairies. We found that the young dancers really benefit from working along-side more experienced dancers.” Holt explains.

“What’s a story about Fairies without young children,” she adds.

Just because the story is about a diminutive fairy, does not mean the production will be. Holt also tells us that aside from her direction, the production also utilizes the talents of guest choreographer, Lynn Bryson Pittenger.

“She’s working on certain areas of the ballet and that’s going really well and she’s great to work with,” says Holt.

Ballet fans will notice that Thumbelina is not your typical ballet production. Far from the usual Romeo & Juliet or Nutcracker Suite performances, the Company decided to be a little more adventurous. Why choose Thumbelina?

“Thumbelina is a story that I always felt would make a great ballet. As a young dance student, I often daydreamed about Thumbelina dancing in her giant tulip. I envisioned huge flowers and toadstools but was unsure how I would be able to develop all that I envisioned on stage. Through the years of creating choreography and directing ballets my ideas have evolved. Dwight agreed to compose the music and volunteers came forward to create the huge set pieces. The time is right and everything has come together nicely,” says Holt.

In the spirit of the ever popular Cirque du Soleil culture, Holt tells us, “in Thumbelina, we have an aerialist who performs as the spider and it’s very exciting to see her perform on her net. It’s also challenging as she performs 20 feet in the air.”

Many might think that Thumbelina will be geared towards younger audiences, but Holt tells us otherwise.

“The more I’m working it, the more I really, really love how it’s developing. Together with the choreography that we are developing and with Dwight’s music that he’s producing for us and the talents that we have on the stage, this is a really cool ballet,” she says.

Holt also adds that the production will “utilize a lot of different dance styles as well as the viewpoint, the perspective of a tiny little dancer and making my entire company look like little tiny people, and I think that’s exciting. It will be a show that both children and adults will enjoy.”

Tickets are $20 to $30 and can be purchased at www.calballet.com. Group tickets are also available for purchase.

Glendale Community College is located as 1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale and show dates will be on June 29th at 7:30 pm, and June 30th at 2:00 pm.

To learn more about California Contemporary Ballet, you can visit www.calballet.com or call (818) 790-7924.

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 to Show Special Retrospective Video of 14 Years of “The Snow Queen”

LA CANADA, CA: In celebration of their 15 years presenting “The Snow Queen,” California Contemporary Ballet (http://www.calballet.com) will be releasing a short video to be seen just prior to the performances of the ballet on December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The video will document the progression of the ballet over the course of the past 14 years.

The show’s producers hope that the video will capture some of the past costumes, sets, cast members and memorable moments. In addition to being the ballet's composer, Randall Michael Tobin is producing the retrospective video. Mr. Tobin has also produced many of the past yearly videos for “The Snow Queen.”

Holt says, "We decided that since we have been doing this show for 15 years, and since the show really has evolved from the early days to today, that it would great to show a retrospective video so people could see some of the great moments and how the show has changed. Mr. Tobin's contributions to our company and to ‘The Snow Queen’ have been immense. I trust his commitment to high standards and excellence. Creating this project with him has been a great creative journey." 

The video will be seen just prior to the show’s opening curtain and audiences are encouraged to arrive early so that they are certain not to miss it.

“The Snow Queen” will appear at the Glendale Community College Theater on Friday, December 21 at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 22 at 2:00pm and Sunday, December 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets in advance: $20-$25 At Door: $25-$30 Discounts available for groups. Tickets are available at http://www.SnowQueenBallet.com or http://www.CalBallet.com or by calling 818-790-7924.

Posted via email from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

15th Anniversary of California Contemporary Ballet's "The Snow Queen" Seasonal Extravaganza

Local Ballet Company Presents Performance in Glendale, Featuring Local Professional and Amateur Talent in a Festive Display of Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Aerial Arts, and Gymnastics

La Cañada, CA: California Contemporary Ballet (http://www.CalBallet.com and http://www.SnowQueenBallet.com) will present the 15th anniversary showing of the original ballet “The Snow Queen,” with three shows on December 21st, 22nd and 23rd. The ballet, first shown in 1998, is the brainchild of Artistic Director Aerin Holt and composer Randall Michael Tobin, and is based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

For 15 years, Aerin Holt has served as Artistic Director of this holiday classic. With sold-out performances each year, Ms. Holt and her Company might be inclined to wax nostalgic, but they show no signs of slowing down. Instead, they are gearing up for a dazzling anniversary extravaganza to mark their 15th season at the Glendale Community College Theater, with an evening performance at 7:30pm on December 21st, and matinees at 2:00pm on December 22nd and 23rd.

In 2007, Holt took her dance company, California Contemporary Ballet, which had previously been a youth company, and converted it into a professional dance company with professional dancers. Together with its existing youth company members, the performing troupe put together an artfully integrated cast for “The Snow Queen” comprised of professional and youth talent to fill the principal roles of the ballet.

Each year since then, the professional company dancers are supported by dancers, actors and gymnasts from the community in chorus roles, resulting in a 65-member cast from Los Angeles and the local communities of Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, and Pasadena.

This year, “The Snow Queen” will feature new professional talent performing the starring roles including Lauren Farrell (from Burbank), who was personally selected by Holt to perform the title role of the Snow Queen.

In an effort to keep the show fresh, Holt continually changes many of the roles and conducts auditions every season. “In fifteen years, we’ve had fifteen casts,” Holt boasts. She also enjoys reworking the choreography to fit the talent of her cast members. While The Snow Queen may be touted as a ballet, Ms. Holt infuses each performance with classical and contemporary dance styles that weave together the classic winter-time tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Further changes to the production have included the introduction of aerial arts, where “creatures” resembling wolves, panthers, leopards and other wild animals perform on hanging silk scarves as the Snow Queen delicately balances 40 feet in the air on a hanging hoop. Indeed, Ms. Farrell finds the aerial aspect of her role to be challenging. A trained ballerina, Farrell is getting a crash course in aerial ballet. “I’m really excited and look forward to performing aerial. An opportunity to learn and to perform a role like this is exciting”.

Also featured in this year’s production is Lissa Farrington (La Crescenta), as she skillfully blends dance and gymnastics in the role of The Crow. Dancer Julia Houser (La Cañada Flintridge), and a long-time member of the youth company, will be featured in the role as Gypsy Girl, a role that requires both dance and gymnastic skills. A seasoned aerialist, Houser is also featured on the aerial scarves and is seen performing many dazzling moves before falling in a death-defying drop, catching herself mere inches from the floor. Holt adds, “It was always my intention to integrate circus arts into the ballet, thereby creating an atmosphere of the fantastic."

Holt set out to create a new ballet tradition and the Company’s 15-year evolution is living proof of her success. A cursory search of the internet reveals that the Snow Queen has grown in popularity as more companies appear to be producing the story as either a ballet or play. Holt firmly maintains that her Company blazed a trail by being the first to adapt the story for ballet, and it has evolved into an annual December production much like the Nutcracker. California Contemporary Ballet’s Snow Queen has become a community favorite for the holidays and offers a seasonal, family-friendly alternative to the myriad of Nutcracker productions, at affordable ticket rates.

The Snow Queen will appear at the Glendale Community College Theater on Friday, December 21 at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 22 at 2:00pm and Sunday, December 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets in advance: $20-$25 At Door: $25-$30 Discounts available for groups. Tickets are available at http://www.SnowQueenBallet.com or http://www.CalBallet.com or by calling 818-790-7924.

Posted via email from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

California Dance Arts News for April

Lasting Memories Of Your Favorite Dancer!
Snow Queen Prints Available for Purchase!

Beautiful photos were taken during last year's production of The Snow Queen—performance shots, rehearsals, backstage shots—by Kathy Hanson Photography and are now available for purchase!

Hundreds of photos of the 2011 Snow Queen cast are available. You can order prints in various sizes and formats—small, large, glossy, matte, framed, canvas, etc. You can even get t-shirts, mugs, playing cards, etc with the images of your child or favorite Snow Queen cast members!

View the colorful, professional-quality photos at these links:

http://khanson.smugmug.com/Other/Performance/20893492_SGxNVP
http://khanson.smugmug.com/Other/Dress-Rehearsal-at-GCC/20874238_zCTj2X
http://khanson.smugmug.com/Other/Ballet-Portraits/20908732_kx8h7q
http://khanson.smugmug.com/Other/Dance-Class/20793684_gxjxJF

Add your choices to your cart and choose the format. Prices will vary depending on size, format, etc.

If you have any questions about ordering, contact California DanceArts at info@caldancearts.com or contact Kathy Hanson Photography at kathy@kathyhansonphotography.com

 

Summer Intensive Auditions - April 14, 2012

Auditions will be held again for California DanceArts:
Youth Ballet Intensive
Sat. April 14 at 9:30am
(Level 1 and Level 2 students may audition)

Los Angeles Int'l Ballet Intensive
Sat. April 14 at 12:00pm
(Level 3 and above may audition)

 

Ballet Basics: How To Make A Ballet Bun

It is part of good traditional ballet training to learn to create a proper ballet bun and to learn to do it quickly.

California DanceArts requires all students to have their hair fastened securely out of the face and off of the neck. Young ladies should have nice pretty ballet buns in class just as they must have for performances. It is a matter of creating good habits for performance and giving dancers the opportunity to work without the distraction of hair in the face and eyes. Some movements are thrown off by the weight of the hair when it is loose.

Although not acceptable for performances, occasionally when you are really in a bind-- running late to class or mom is away and dad is left to handle the bun making, for instance--there are handy “Bear Claw” clips that can be purchased at any drug store. By twisting the hair up as described above and securing it with the ‘Bear Claw,’ the bun is made fast and secure without bobby pins.

Here's how to make a good bun:

Brush your hair; make sure that there are no tangles.

Pull back into a ponytail using a comb or brush to remove the bumps. If necessary, spray the hair with a quick-drying hairspray (an inexpensive brand is okay). You have already used a comb or brush to remove the lumps, so now you can use hairspray (optional, depends on the style of your hair) to smooth with your hand all of those wisps up and into the bun.

Put an extra rubber band around your ponytail, just for extra security. It is important to have a strong foundation for your bun so it doesn't fall down.

Separate hair into 2 equal sections.

Take one half and twist the whole strand together, tightly.

Tightly wind the strand of hair around the ponytail holder, as if curling around it, not over it. You should probably use heavy-duty hairpins such as Scunci Bobby Pins to hold up your hair. They are about $2.00 for 18. Most people find that an actual hair pin versus a bobby pin can hold their hair better. You will want to get the thicker kind, especially if you have thick or curly hair, because the thin ones are easily bent out of shape.

Securely fasten the hair. You can do this by putting a bobby pin in like your bun like it was a clock. 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock. If the first half of your bun feels a little shaky, put more bobby pins in where desired.

Repeat these same steps for the second half of your ponytail.

For extra security, cover your bun with a hair net that matches your hair color. (Hint: If you have blonde hair, don't use the gray hair net because then your bun looks purple. If you're a brunette, don't use the blonde hair net because then you have a lighter bun than the rest of your hair and that gives you the air of being unprofessional and/or colorblind.)

If there are any wispies, or frizzies, lightly spray with hairspray, all over.

There are a lot of videos on the internet that show this process and additional tricks to help you. Just do an internet search for “Ballet Bun”.

Posted via email from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

International Ballet Intensive Hosted Again By California DanceArts

Los Angeles Dance School To Host Intensives For Experienced And Youth Dancers

LOS ANGELES, CA: California DanceArts, (http://www.caldancearts.com) will be holding auditions for its Los Angeles International Ballet Intensive and its Youth Ballet Intensive on April 14th for the 2012 Intensives. Auditions will be held at the main studio in La Canada, located in the midst of Los Angeles. The intensive will take place in July, running from the 9th to the 28th, and attending students will get the chance to literally go global, by taking advantage of opportunities to attend foreign dance programs through the Global Ballet Workshops. Limited attendance only.

The advanced curriculum of the Los Angeles International Ballet Intensive has brought it much acclaim, including from such organizations as the Ostrava Ballet in Prague. It has also garnered an international teaching faculty with instructors hailing from such companies as the Laine Theatre Arts in England, the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. The curriculum will include classical ballet, contemporary, pointe, special conditioning and placement classes and even aerial ballet, culminating in a performance by the students. In addition to the above international faculty, dancers will, of course, receive instruction from California DanceArts founder and artistic director, Ms. Erin Holt.

A Youth Ballet Intensive will be hosted as well in the Los Angeles studio of California DanceArts. Students at an intermediate level (the approximate age group is 9-12) will be able to hone their skills in such traditional fields as classical ballet, pointe preparation, and conditioning, but also in more varied themes such as modern, jazz, improve, and aerial. Unique in the program is a Choreography Workshop where young dancers can begin to learn to not follow choreography but create it themselves.

Ms. Holt stated: “As we draw closer to the beginning of our Intensives, we are very much looking forward to the opportunity to present dance in its most aesthetic form this summer. We believe that dancers need to stay in top condition the year round and nowhere is that more important than when young dancers are nearing a professional state. We hope to provide diverse new experiences to these dancers while bringing their skills in dance to entirely new levels.”

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 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 http://www.caldancearts.com.

Posted via email from California DanceArts's Posterous Blog

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING!

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING!

A heavy snow storm is expected to hit Glendale, California THIS WEEKEND. The wrath of the Snow Queen (Alyssa Thompson) is great and mighty, and the weather center announced today that we may be in for one of the longest-running storms in history, lasting many years!

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Snow Queen is under the alluring spell of a mystical and magical mirror that was created by an Evil Sorceress (Kayla Stepanian). The storm will begin with tiny delicate snowflakes, gathering momentum before the flooding begins to overtake the River (performed by California Contemporary Youth Ballet). We predict that the floods will be very strong and we advise the Enchantress (Amanda Hart) to protect her garden and to take extra care of the delicate Rose (Ellery Bute).

Flights are restricted to the north and any aircraft and particularly birds, such as The Crow (Zsolt Banki) and his Sweetheart (Holly Pace), are advised to remain grounded until show time. To the northeast, below-zero temperatures may cause widespread mischief, and any gypsy man, Gypsy Woman (Kayla Stepanian) or Gypsy Girl (Julia Houser) should take cover. There is also much concern about Forest Nymphs (Monika Beuzet) and forest creatures, particularly the smaller delicate animals. However, many of the ferocious Wolves, Panthers and Bears are well-clothed, and they should prove strong enough to adapt to such conditions.

While travel advisories are in place, animals such as our Reindeer (Zsolt Banki and Holly Pace) certainly will not be affected by the cold and experts agree that such animals provide good protection and ideal companionship if forced to travel during the storm. There is much discussion in the village regarding sightings of two Guardian Angels--the Angel of Guidance (Kate Bonham) and the Angel of Enlightenment (Ellie Peterson). Fearing the storm, many are praying that the Guradian Angels will find a way to protect the entire village and deliver us all from the storm as soon as possible.

While taking steps to secure the castle, the Prince (Nick Zerman) and Princess (Isabella Bunting) are rumored to be optimistic that the storm will avoid the area... since the sun always shines at the castle. The royal couple has already sent invitations to all of their constituents throughout the countryside to take cover at the castle, just in case any townsfolk need a safe haven. Invitations delivered personally by the Coachman (Alex Cordebard) include a celebration, once the storm breaks. 

During the storm, Randy Tobin's newly enhanced musical composition will provide dramatic thunder bolts, while we hope Erin Holt's choreography will deliver enough magic and love between our new sweethearts, Gerda (Kelinda White) and Kai (Rob Westin) , enabling them to brave through and eventually defeat the storm. We all know that the power of love is very strong and can defeat anything.

Don't miss The Snow Queen 2011!

Presented by California Contemporary Ballet

Performed at Glendale Community College
1500 N. Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208

December 16 at 7:30pm
December 17 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
December 18 at 2:00pm

Tickets can be purchased at www.snowqueenballet.com. Tickets purchased in advance: $25 for adults, $20 for child; tickets purchase at the door: $30 for adults, $25 for child. Group rates available. For more information, call California DanceArts 818-790-7924 or visit www.calballet.com.

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The 14th Seasonal Presentation of California Contemporary Ballet’s The Snow Queen

Once upon a time, there was a wicked magician. He fashioned a mirror with the power to make all that was good and beautiful reflect in the mirror as mean and wicked.

Alas, the unthinkable happened…the mirror was shattered into a million tiny pieces, swept up by the wind, and then spread throughout the land, affecting the unsuspecting townsfolk. The Snow Queen, creator of the winter wind and snow, was also profoundly affected as the tiny slivers of mirror lodged into her very soul. Dark times soon followed….

Welcome to California Contemporary Ballet’s The Snow Queen!

Embark on an incredible journey of two dear friends, Kai and Gerda. Discover fascinating characters as the classic tale is brought to life. Meet the Enchantress, Gypsy Girl, Gypsy Boy, Crows, and enjoy the beautiful dance of the Prince and Princess, performing a grand pas de deux. Follow Gerda as she experiences perilous obstacles, and in the end, rejoice in the celebration of a town freed at last from the mirror’s evil spell. Open yourself to the world of the Snow Queen who reverses the old tragedy and brings tears of joy to an entire village!

Performed with the power and passion of California Contemporary Ballet, it's an extraordinary blend of aerial arts, gymnastics, and a rich variety of classical ballet and contemporary dance that spin the emotional story to its surprising and delightful conclusion.

Brought to life by the creative vision of the company's Artistic Director and choreographer, Erin Holt, The Snow Queen Ballet is presented with an original, moving musical score by Randall Michael Tobin.

Los Angeles Times raves,“California Contemporary Ballet's show stands out… Only, it’s not the “Nutcracker.” It’s “The Snow Queen.” Adios Sugar Plum Fairy. Bienvenidos, er … Queeny.”

Now in its 14th season, The Snow Queen has become the newest ballet tradition. Its seasonal performances already a hit with audiences, California Contemporary Ballet’s version of this Hans Christian Andersen tale of goodness versus evil has become a wintertime classic with which you will surely fall in love.

Performances are Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm; Saturday, December 17 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, December 18 at 2:00pm at the Glendale Community College Theater (1500 N. Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208). Tickets can be purchased at www.snowqueenballet.com. Advance tickets: $25 adults/$20 children; At the door: $30 adults/$25 children. Group rates available. For more information, call California DanceArts 818-790-7924.

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Winter Is Coming: California Contemporary Ballet Presents The Snow Queen

What people are saying...

Los Angeles Times raves,“California Contemporary Ballet's show stands out…Only, it’s not the “Nutcracker.” It’s “The Snow Queen.” “Adios Sugar Plum Fairy. Bienvenidos, er … Queeny.”

The Snow Queen was enthralling! It was delicious, technically spellbinding, a holiday miracle of beauty for the senses and the soul! I've attended each and every year's ballet, but this year topped them all! What was already perfect was retained but the improvements were truly icing on the cake. The music is gorgeous, the dancing took my breath away. Christmas doesn't start until we see The Snow Queen! --C.W.

I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed the show. The professionalism of the company is awesome. No one holds back, from the tiniest Snowflake to the most mature Snow Queen. I loved the character Gerda's performance. She was totally alive, like a light throughout...not one dull spot, always creating the essence of the character, always glowing. The Prince and Princess set a standard of excellence in classical technique that rivals the best of companies in the world. --A.P.

Experience the magic of the Snow Queen, the creator of winter wind and snow. Based on the original story by Hans Christian Andersen, this wintertime tale can’t be missed!

Bring the entire family to experience the adventures of young Gerda as she persists to save her best friend Kai. Meet the Enchantress, Gypsy Girl, Gypsy Boy, Crows and enjoy the Prince and Princess as they perform a grand pas de deux. Open yourself to the world of the Snow Queen as she reverses an old tragedy and brings tears of joy to an entire village.

With an extraordinary blend of Aerial arts, gymnastics and a rich variety of classical ballet and contemporary dance that spin the emotional story to its surprising and delightful conclusion--from the most distinguished Princess to the tiniest Snowflake, the 2011 cast performs with power and passion.

The Snow Queen, now in its 14th season, has become the newest ballet tradition. Allow California Contemporary Ballet to give you a memorable and moving experience as they take you on a journey and transform you to the inner realm of The Snow Queen.

California Contemporary Ballet Presents “The Snow Queen” Ballet’s 14th Season

Isabella Bunting of Glendale, CA Performs Lead Role Of Princess; Guest Performer from Hungary Added To Cast

La Cañada, CA (November 25, 2011) The series of rehearsals for California Contemporary Ballet’s “The Snow Queen” Ballet (www.snowqueenballet.com) have been underway for over five hours, and for Isabella Bunting of Glendale, her most challenging rehearsal of the day lays ahead of her. When director Erin Holt enters the rehearsal studio, Bunting dutifully ties her Pointe shoe ribbons and tests her weight while balancing on her toes. With flaming red hair and a presence that suggests a level of maturity well beyond her thirteen years, Bunting is about to perform one of the most challenging roles in the ballet, a delightful holiday favorite performed to sold-out audiences in Glendale for the past thirteen years. This year’s Snow Queen performances will be on December 16, 17, and 18 at the Glendale Community College Theater.

The role of Princess is normally performed by one of the professional ballerinas employed by the Company each year. In fact, many advanced and professional-level dancers auditioned for the coveted role this year. However, Holt explains, “Since this is an original ballet with new choreography, we usually teach the role to a professional just as we would to a student. Isabella is working hard and proving that she can handle the challenging role. She is light and she works extremely well with her partner Nick."

Reprising the role of Prince for a second year to Isabella’s Princess is Nicholas Zerman of Altadena. He effortlessly lifts Bunting high above his head in a spin and then gently places her back onto her toes. “It’s a difficult lift, but we’ll get it”, he says with a wide grin.

As the production’s choreographer and Artistic Director, Holt has faced many challenges during the 14-year run of the ballet at Glendale Community College. Many professional dancers seek out opportunities to perform in the myriad of Nutcracker productions, rather than face the challenges of learning new choreography required for an original ballet. After all, most Nutcracker variations are an integral part of the training curriculum offered in ballet schools around the nation, so good ballet dancers are already familiar with many sections of the Nutcracker before ever stepping into rehearsal. This certainly makes rehearsals faster for the dancer and easier for a director to produce.

However, this previous familiarity is clearly not the case for any dancer who chooses to audition for “The Snow Queen,” where all of the choreography is new and the roles are unknown. Holt states “Some dancers are intimidated by the vast amount of new material they have to learn and some dancers just don’t feel they have the time to dedicate to the learning process”. Still, Holt boasts that the Company gets plenty of interest from professional talent looking for new opportunities. “We offer dancers the rare opportunity to be involved with something new.”

This year joining the cast is professional dancer, Zsolt Banki recently arrived in California from Hungary, where he was a graduate of the Hungarian Dance Academy and was voted Best Hungarian Dancer in 2007. He was the lead choreographer for the popular show “So You Think You Can Dance”, which actually originated in Hungary. This season, he joins “The Snow Queen” performing the principal roles of Reindeer and the Crow. He will also be seen as a gypsy. States Mr. Banki “I enjoy living in Los Angeles very much and am learning a great deal about American culture. I particularly like the California Contemporary Ballet’s version of “The Snow Queen”, as it is a very popular story in Hungary.” Mr. Banki will appear in all four performances.

Since its inception, California Contemporary Ballet has attempted to plant the seeds of a new tradition by integrating a cast of professional career talent with well trained, pre-professional dancers from the Company’s youth division.

With a beautiful original musical score composed by Randall Michael Tobin and set against a beloved Hans Christian Andersen story, audiences have the chance to meet a young girl and boy with lessons to learn, exotic creatures performing aerial ballet, gymnastic gypsies, forest animals such as reindeer and crows, and magical characters such as an enchantress and guardian angel. With a supporting chorus that includes an array of characters, from snowflakes and rivers, to flowers and trees, the cast numbers a total of 60 performers.

Bunting admits that she was initially apprehensive about her new role. However, once she dedicated herself to the challenge, she became determined. While watching the couple rehearse, Holt observed, “It was important to them that they be cast together. They wanted to impress and make it happen. They earned their roles”.

Recognizing that the roles of Prince and Princess are so demanding, Bunting and Zerman have committed to daily rehearsals until the opening of the show in mid-December. Holt decided to follow a precedent established by a well-known choreographer. George Balanchine was famous for challenging his young, talented dancers, as evidenced in his famous “Baby Ballerinas”, when he thrust young teenagers into the performing spotlight. This has only added fuel to Holt’s enthusiasm. “There is something truly impressive about a thirteen year old who can handle such difficult professional level choreography.”

“The Snow Queen” by California Contemporary Ballet will be performed at Glendale Community College on Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm; Saturday, December 17 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, December 18 at 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.snowqueenballet.com. Tickets purchased in advance: $25 for adults, $20 for child; tickets purchase at the door: $30 for adults, $25 for child. Group rates available. Call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006. For more information, call California DanceArts 818-790-7924.

California Contemporary Ballet, (http://www.calballet.com) established by Erin Holt, the company’s visionary Choreographer and Artistic Director, is one of Southern California’s burgeoning dance companies. The company is established as a professional company featuring the talent of 5-7 career dancers performing a unique brand of classical and contemporary dance works. They are a non-profit company, providing its members with the opportunity to perform an exciting repertory of innovative and original dance projects performed in concerts, theatre and festivals throughout Southern California. California Contemporary Ballet is the resident troupe of the California DanceArts Academy (http://www.caldancearts.com) located in the foothills of Los Angeles. The school and company share one goal, "to nurture and encourage students professionally and to develop artists performing for audiences with the creativity, imagination and joy of dance." The company’s annual signature ballet titled, “The Snow Queen”, (http://www.snowqueenballet.com) is a delightful winter production each December starring the career members of California Contemporary Ballet, accompanied by the California Contemporary Youth Ballet, and select dancers from the community, resulting in a cast of 60-70 dancers.

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California DanceArts Holds Annual Spring Open House In La Canada

Special Open House Weekend Events Included Spring Demonstration Concert

La Canada, CA: California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com) began its summer with a special presentation this last weekend to the La Canada and Los Angeles communities of its annual Spring Demonstration & Concert. Students from a variety of classes at the dance school participated, demonstrating their progression during the past year. The demonstrations took place on the 17th and 18th of June at the main California DanceArts dancing studio in La Canada, CA.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for young dancers to perform and for the parents to see how much fun the students have,” says Laura Eberhard of Sylmar, whose 12 and 7 year old daughters, Tessa and Heather, performed in the presentation and who attend the school's dance classes for kids. “The presentation makes all us adults want to get out and start dancing too, but we just aren’t as good as the kids!”

Also at the event, California Theatrical Youth Ballet performed an excerpt from their recent concert of dances from “Paquita”, choreographed by Ms. Lynn Bryson Pittenger, formerly Principal Dancer of the New York City Ballet.

The Open House concluded with the beginning of public registration for the school’s fall season of classes, for ballet lessons and other dance programs. Registration for the fall season will continue through to the start of the school year in September.

Erin Holt, Artistic Director of California DanceArts, stated: “Each year it’s incredible to see how much these young dancers have grown. The development can be seen in their better grasp and performance of the techniques of Ballet, but more so it is clearly evident in their own artistic expression. It’s a joy to provide the guidance for them to reach it. We look forward to seeing the dancers who will be joining us in our summer programs, and we’ll of course be welcoming everyone back this 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 2011 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 Contemporary Ballet Premieres “Saudade”

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

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California DanceArts Is Hosting Fairy Tale Ballet Dance Program

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.

 

 

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Youth Ballet Intensive Back For Summer 2011 In Los Angeles

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.

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Summer 2011 Dance Programs Announced for California DanceArts

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.

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This Summer 2011 California DanceArts Presents The Los Angeles International Ballet Intensive

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 5^th and goes until July 23^rd, 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.

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2011 Summer Program For Young Dancers: Dancers Delight

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 25^th to August 5^th and running a second session from August 8^th to August 19^th.

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.

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