Jessica Kinnaman Guest Blog 2015 YAGP NYC Day 1

Hi my name is Jessica Kinnaman (@jlk_ballet on instagram) and I am 16 years old. I have been dancing since I was four years old but seriously since I was ten. I am currently training with Akhmedova Ballet Academy (my teacher is Jacqueline Akhmedova) I absolutely love it there and the training is amazing!  Every year Akhmedova Ballet Academy goes to Youth America Grand Prix, so this year we went to the Austin TX regionals where I placed 2nd in the classical category, top 12 in the contemporary category and ABA won together 3rd place in ensembles!  I was so excited when I recieved the scores and found out I was invited to compete in the YAGP NYC Finals as a soloist!

DAY 1 blog:

So yesterday I arrived in New York City with Akhmedova Ballet Academy and it took around 4 hours to get there so with a little music and some school work it went by quite fast. When we got to the hotel at 7pm our priorities were shower, food, and sleep so that I could be completed energized for my contemporary piece (My Secret) which I performed today. 

I got to the theatre where YAGP was being held which was the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts Center, around an hour early so I was able to warm-up and get ready. The studio was open when I got there so I was able to have a lot of room to practice. Around an hour later I headed back stage to do open stage for around 10-15 min. with around 15-20 other dancers where I tested out the stage and went through my piece and corrections. Also, all the staff were incredibly helpful with helping me get to the right spot at the right time.  I peformed around noon and I was pretty happy with how I did other than being a bit shaky from the nerves.  

After I got off stage I had a whole lot of water and headed towards the lobby where all the different ballet brands such as Sancha, Grishko, and others had tables set up. There was a lot of different free items for the competitors such as a YAGP jacket, tights, a makeup bag and more which was really nice. I also ran into a few people that I knew and talked to them for a while.

Once Akhmedova Ballet Academy and I left to get some lunch and rested at the hotel for an hour or two, we headed out to Manhattan Movement and Arts Center where YAGP was holding their work shop classes. The class was an hour and a half and there was about 40 students taking it as well.  The class was a little different from what I was used to (I do Vagaonova) but other than that, it was a fun class with good corrections.

After class was dinner and back to the hotel. It was a full day! My friends and I stretched and cleaned up and then it was off to bed!

-Jessica

Don't forget to follow my instagram to keep up with other updates! @jlk_ballet ♡

2015 YAGP NYC Finals Day 3

2015 Youth America Grand Prix NYC Finals Day 3 By Robbie Downey 

This morning I took the subway over to Steps for a quick warm up class with my teachers. After the warm up I ran through both of my solos.  My contemporary practice went well.  The floor in the studio was a bit slippery in pointe shoes so that was not my best run through of Talisman. I slipped a few times.  I was fine with that because I was trying to focus more on my contemporary since I was competing with it today. 

After I finished rehearsing I jumped back on the subway over to the Skirball theater. I use a subway phone app called NYC Subway if I'm not sure what train to take. I have never gotten off at the subway stop near the theater before so I got a little lost walking. I eventually figured out where to go and got to the theater in plenty of time to finish my makeup.  My mom and sister met me there with the rest of my makeup, hair supplies and a change of clothes for later. They also brought lunch and snacks because we weren't sure if there was food nearby. There is a Subway, Dunkin Donuts and another small cafe type of place in the immediate area in case you need to know for future reference. 

They had a long table set up inside the lobby, but to the side of the theater so it was out of the way, where you can finish your make-up. There are also dressing rooms provided downstairs. I watched some boys trying to do their stage make-up. That was pretty entertaining =) 

I'll write a future blog about my custom leotard from Canada.

After I got ready I stretched a bit more.  I was still pretty warm from morning class.  I was both excited and nervous to perform my contemporary piece. I've only been working on this piece for just over a month! I was also first out in my group.  It is nice to go first because you do not have to wait and watch the other dancers before you.  Also, the judges just had a break and are somewhat refreshed.  It is a bit nerve racking to go first because you are setting the bar. There were about 100 girls in the Senior Womens Category. They were from all over the world (Brazil, Republic of Korea, Australia, France, UK, Romania, Switzerland, Japan, USA, Germany, China, Canada, Estonia, New Zealand and Eukraine ). 

I took a quick picture with my teachers Sara and Erlends before heading backstage with them for the open stage time. Once I got backstage they lined us up outside the stage door.  They then called our number and asked us some questions regarding our piece.  They ask you if you start onstage or offstage, and if you come on from stage left or right.  I had to wait a few minuets for my open stage because they let the higher numbers go first.  On open stage you get to feel how the floor is.  For me it was pretty good, it wasn't too slippery or too sticky.  You also get to practice parts from your solo.  Some teachers stand on the side and give their students corrections. They eventually told us to clear the stage and I then stood in the wing waiting for my name to be called.  Even though my piece is two and a half minuets, it felt like it went by super fast!  I couldn't really see any of the judges, just lights. But they are right there at a table directly in front of the stage and they are from MAJOR companies and schools. Often, Larissa Saveliev sits near by and Ginnadi pops in and out too. They are the founders of YAGP. No pressure! They are both actually very nice. 

Overall I am happy with how my contemporary went.  The only thing I am a little upset with was my last pirouette.  It was just not my best compared to how I usually did it in rehearsal. It happens. 

In this picture I was sending a few snapchats.  Add me at TheBalletBabble. I've been posting regular updates there!

After I competed we went to go find some coffee.  On our way to a coffee shop we ran into Mr. Ellison on the street.  Ellison ballet is where I have spent my last 3 summers. We didn't talk for long because he had to get to the theater for my friend Melissa's open stage.  

Don't worry I am not extremely addicted, but I do love some coffee every now and then! I can't drink it right before class or a show because I feel too jittery or unstable. But, I have read that it is part of some professional dancer's pre-performance routines. 

After we grabbed some coffee we headed back to Skirball.  I waited in the hallway for a bit because I did not want to watch the other competitors dance. Even though I already competed I still get nervous and in my head if I watch the other girls.  We eventually went in to watch my friend Melissa Chapski and she looked beautiful.  After the senior women contemporary finished the senior men went on.  I also had some friends in this group and they were amazing! The guys are fun to watch because some of them are so strong and so  intense!

With my sister Kyla.

Scout met us at the theater and caught part of the senior men performances. 

Here I am with my friend Melissa Chapski who is with Ellison Ballet.  It was so nice to see her perform. Her artistry was spot on! She is one of the most talented dancers I know. Before I left I also talked to Ms. Forrest one of my teachers from Ellison Ballet. She has been a great instructor and mentor for me along with Mr. Ellison. 

Thanks for reading and following along. I will post tomorrow and also have 2 guest blogs for you, another senior womens competitor and a junior competitor. 

2015 YAGP NYC Finals Day 2

2015 Youth America Grand Prix Finals Day 2 by Robbie Downey

I hope you enjoyed reading the Day 1 Blog! Today is Saturday, which for me is day 2. Yesterday was Pre-Competitive (ages 9-11) Contemporary and Classical. Today was Juniors (ages 12-14) Contemporary and Large Ensembles. Tomorrow is Senior Ladies (ages 15-19) Contemporary. There are three groups of us. I am in group 2, #233, and I am the first dancer out after the break! Not the first time this has happened to me. It is sorted by age youngest to oldest so if you have a birthday late in the year, like mine, you may end up first in your age group. There will be about 100 dancers in my category. Usually about 20 or so make it to the final round but that is not announced until everyone dances their Classical variations on Tuesday. Final round is at David H. Koch Theater on Wednesday evening. Awards and the Gala are on Thursday. 

Okay, so onto day 2! I walked over to ABT studios for rehearsal with my teachers, Sara and Erlends. My mom took some pictures and I will post some ASAP. We had a quick warm up class and then we ran our solo pieces. Brian and Danielle also ran their Pas de Deux. They are two other students that qualified from my studio. Rehearsal went well and I received some corrections that I will keep in mind for tomorrow!

On our way to Skirball to watch Danielle, we stopped for a green drink. I didn't really like it but I am trying to clear up a cold so I drank as much as I could. I sent off a quick snapchat before heading over. You can add me at TheBalletBabble if you have snapchat. 

My hair is pretty red right now. My mom said it matched my pants so she took a picture. I wonder how it will look on stage. We did make it in time to see Danielle and she was amazing! 

I had to leave the YAGP to head over to my Master Class with the Artistic Director of Houston Ballet, Stanton Welch. It was held at Alvin Ailey Studios. Representatives from several companies watched the class and took notes. It seems like that would make you really nervous. But, you just keep going. You can't freak out. This is why we are here... to be seen. One of the perks is running into all of your friends. You never know who you are going to see. 

My mom took this photo of the NYPD. I told her to take it before we got too close because I don't want to seem like a tourist!! 

After the class we tried to head back to YAGP to see Ellison Ballet do their large ensemble piece. After calling my sister and having her check live stream we realized we wouldn't make it in time so we watched it on my phone from the mall in Columbus Circle. Their piece looked great and I loved their energy. Mr. E has some of the best students!!

We grabbed a bite to eat and I marked some of my pieces and corrections in the room. I'm mentally preparing for tomorrow. I am both excited AND nervous. I can't wait to perform my contemporary solo. It is a different piece from the semi-finals in San Diego. It was also choreographed by Barbara Chatelain (former NYCB). She is a good mentor and I am so lucky to have her as a teacher. I'll talk about my costume when I can post photos of it. It was a custom made leotard from Canada. Off to bed. I have rehearsal in the morning before I compete. Merde to everyone who is competing! Love, Robbie

Below are a couple of random photos from today. Follow my Instagram and twitter  @balletbabble and www.facebook.com/balletbabble. 

2015 YAGP Finals NYC Day 1

Background from the YAGP website: YAGP reaches over 7,000 dance students annually by holding workshops, scholarship auditions, master classes and audition classes in approximately 15 U.S cities and 5 international locations. Each season culminates in the week-long New York City Finals, where more than 1,200 of the world’s most promising dancers receive in-depth mentoring and greater scholarship, professional, and performance opportunities.

Note: See the competition online via live stream HERE . I'm #233 and the schedule is HERE. Sunday my contemporary piece is around 1PM EST. Classical is Tuesday around 2PM EST.  They are sometimes running early or late!

~

Day 1 2015 Youth America Grand Prix by Robbie Downey

We flew in to JFK from San Diego last night. The temperature was about 41 degrees but it felt so refreshing! I tried to go to bed at a decent hour but with time change and being excited I couldn't fall asleep!

This morning we ate breakfast with my friend, Scout Forsythe. She dances as a corps member of American Ballet Theatre now. You can see a recent interview with her on my channel at  www.youtube.com/mydancetv . We are also auctioning off a pair of her pointe shoes. After breakfast we headed over to ABT studios. Scout went to class and rehearsal and I had studio time with my teachers to rehearse. 

After that I met up with my friend, another finalist, Mira Larsen. We walked to the Skirball Performing Arts Center to check in and get our free goodies from the vendors! Each vendor had something made just for YAGP soloists. 

We made sure to grab a Pointe Magazine at the welcome table!

After we wrapped up there I had lunch with my mom and sister then headed over to my Master Class near Columbus Circle. I saw all of my friends from Ellison Ballet and Mr. Ellison! My Master Class was with Jan Broeckx. He is the Artistic Director of Ballet Academy of the University of Music and Performing Arts (Germany). It was a great class. Similar to my teachers Sara Viale and Erlends Ziemench. 

I'm looking forward to the other Master Classes and the competition and related events! Check in tomorrow for Day Two! 

Look on Instagram for hashtags #yagp and #yagpfinals for photos! And follow me @balletbabble . Same user ID for Twitter. And www.facebook.com/balletbabble

Here are some of the Vendors!

Prima Bar! It was delicious!! www.theprimabar.com  Try it!

I picked up my theraband from www.discountdance.com 

From www.capezio.com we received our official YAGP NYC jackets! 

From www.grishko.com I picked up some YAGP NY trash bag shorts in camouflage! My sister, Kyla, bought a navy pair . Super cute! They also had a t-shirt option. 

I spy Judy! Judy is a genius pointe shoe fitter and you can find her at the Grishko store in NYC. 

I have a Misty Copeland Poster from Bloch and this bag. Plus she said a different poster everyday! www.blochworld.com

From www.sansha.com I received a YAGP NY towel and we bought some booties with YAGP Finals on them!

I received some great tights from www.eurotard.com. The lady there was REALLY nice =)

Keychain from Chacott.

And magazines from  www.pointemagazine.com 

Don't forget to check in tomorrow for Day 2! I will also have surprise guest bloggers this week!

This is what and Artist Looks Like - Sergei Polunin

A Baghdad Ballerina With A Dream Needs Our Help!

Dancing is difficult. Isn't it? So many things to remember! So much hard work. So much focus required. So many long days at the studio and so hard on your body. So many trips to class for your Mom and Dad. Many missed parties and school functions with childhood friends.




But what if...

You and your family risked your lives everytime you went to the studio?

What if your childhood friend was killed by a random bomb attack?

What if your teachers received death threats?

What if you and other students were intimidated to never come to class again?

What if there was no hope to ever perform in public or to have a career in ballet?



This is the life of Baghdad ballet dancer, Leezan Salam. She studies music and ballet at the School of Iraq. Please watch this brief documentary to hear her story and then I am going to tell you how you can help bring her to the USA for just $5 or less. Of course you can donate more if you are able. =) 





We saw this video several weeks ago and we inquired with Channel 4 to see if anyone was trying to help Leezan or if there was anything we could do. Sadly there was no reply. Luckily a nice lady posted to the Ballet Babble facebook wall that there was a fundraiser for Leezan and a plan to bring her to the United States to study ballet! Here is a blurb from the page...

As a gesture of kindness and friendship in a "hands across the sea," the Willis Ballet has granted Leezan Salam a 2 Year Scholarship to study at Peggy Willis-Aarnio's Willis Conservatory of Classical Ballet in Panama City Beach, Florida and to attend Peggy Willis-Aarnio's 17th International Teacher's Congress in Rockwall, Texas this July....

You can visit the page HERE to see all what has been offered to Leezan and I encourage you to donate anything at all from $2-$5. There is a HUGE ballet presence online and if everyone was to take just a minute to donate a few dollars we can reach the goal in time to purchase the airfare! Time is running out so please donate today!! This is a special cause. Please share this story. 

Love,

Robbie, Kyla and Gina Downey

You can visit this page for direct updates on the Leezan coming to the USA: WILLIS BALLET NEWS . Also, you can follow Leezan on twitter @LeezanSalam. www.twitter.com/leezansalam  

If you would like to see what you can receive in exchange for a donation please view the image below and use contact the organizer on the donation page to let them know how to send you the item. Otherwise all donations will be considered a straight donation. 

From Peggy.....

An Offer of a Lifetime to the first 10 people who respond......

All 8 DVDs of my Educational Ballet Series entitled Classical Ballet Lesson, demonstrated by Galina Mezentseva. Normal value/cost is $400 ...

BUT, for the first 10 people who donate $120 to my Fundraising Campaign "Help Us to Help Leezan to Realize her Dream", this series will be yours! All proceeds for this limited offer will go towards our campaign to help Leezan...and all you need to do is to send us an e-mail to willisballet@yahoo.com and we will send you with free postage your own personal set of this series of my Educational Ballet DVD's designed to demonstrate the details of the beginning, middle and end of the 8 Year Program for the Study of Classical Ballet as founded by Agrippina Vaganova, and further refined by Vaganova's personal first assistant for nearly 3 decades, Vera Kostrovitskaya, who took over the Methodology Department of the Vaganova Ballet Academy (formeraly called the Vaganova Choreographic Institute). See some reviews below. Act fast is you have always wanted this DVD series but couldn't afford it...now you can afford it and it will go toward a great, international humanitarian cause. Remember to write to me at willisballet@yahoo.com that you just donated $120 to Help Leezan and give me your address of where to mail the DVDs to. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery , from the Willis Ballet Educational Ballet Library.... Also see the link below the Reviews to the Fundraiser for Leezan.

Reviews of "Classical Ballet Lesson”…

“To the best of my knowledge, these tapes are the most complete and accurate record of the details of this teaching program that I have ever seen. You have my wholehearted support in this project and my unconditional endorsement of the tape volumes produced.”
Galina Mezentseva, London, England

“I have been teaching for thirty years but I like the exactness and the well thought out planning of what I have seen in these first videos. I eagerly await the remaining videos.”
Audrey Trojanowski, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA

“I am thrilled with my video tapes. It is really a dream come true and I cannot thank you enough.”
Carol Purcell, New York, NY, USA

“In London, I bought the 3 beginning level Video cassettes – e.e. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd classes. I find these cassettes really excellent…I would very much appreciate it if you can notify me when the Intermediate Level is available as I would like to purchase all 3 Intermediate Classes, as well as the Advanced Level when that too is released.”
Patrina Borrer, Castlecrag, Australia

“Thank you again for the beautiful tapes – they bring tears of ecstasy! Your Vaganova tapes have been so helpful to my understanding of this training (method).”
Marcia Eder, Naples, Florida USA

“This collection (of videos) is of such quality and format that I would highly recommend that they be considered for use as a video text for university ballet classes. There are none better that exemplify a complete codified system of ballet training from Elementary to Advanced Levels.”
Randall Newsom, Coordinator Comprehensive Dance Program, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA

“Your Classical Ballet Lesson (End of Beginning Level) was wonderful. Galina Mezentseva is a beautiful classical dancer with the beautiful Kirov style…Your commentary was so clear…I should like to obtain your other videos (Intermediate and Advanced)…With many thanks.”
Anna Lendrum, Potters Bar, Hers., England

“As I told you over the phone, so much confusion has already been resolved for me after working only three times with these tapes. I can see how one can develop in areas that were a total mystery to me before. I see light at the end of the tunnel.”
Valerie Wooton, Frederik, Maryland, USA

“Thank you for the wonderful thing that you are doing for ballet with these videos!”
Mercedes Barnek, Red Bank, New Jersey, USA

“I would like to congratulate you, Peggy, on the excellent video tapes you produced, so clearly demonstrating the Vaganova syllabus. I was really impressed by the clarity of the work of your own two dancers. They didn’t look out of place even standing beside Galina Mezentseva at the barre! That is a real accomplishment as Galina is considered to be one of the purest examples of the tennants of the School. It is clear that you have applied the method in the proper order of introduction of the exercises, prot de bras, and pas, and enchainements. They are lucky indeed to have your methodical approach to the teaching method of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet as practised in Saint-Petersburg. I expect to see good things coming from Texas with you passing on this knowledge. Keep up the good work. My students here were thrilled with the tape and immediately began working harder! Thanks for the hit of inspiration.”
Ian Robertson, Founder of the Vaganova Ballet Academy of North America (Canada), Vancouver, Canada

https://www.crowdrise.com/HelpustoHelpLezzanRealizeHerDream/fundraiser/peggywillisaarnio/1/return/success/success