San Diego School of Ballet Student Show - Coppelia

Short summary of Coppelia:

Coppélia is a life size dancing doll created by Dr Coppelius. The doll is so lifelike that Franz, a young man from the village, becomes infatuated with her thinking she it is a real girl. He sets aside his true love, Swanhilde, and develops a plan to meet Coppélia. Swanhilde dresses as the doll, pretending to make it come alive, and saves Franz from a terrible fate at the hands of the inventor. It is a playful and fun ballet! If you have not seen it you should definitely make a point of it.

Here are some rehearsal videos of our show. I will load  show videos asap. We rehearsed ever Saturday and Sunday for about 3 months.

Fernando Martin-Gullans (14), Erick Garnica (17), Brittney Geoghegan - Coppelia/Swanhilde (15), Robbie Downey (14) , Polina Rozhkova (17) , Sara Yuen (17), Sophia T (14), Ruby Clementine Kerncamp (17), and Grace (13)

Staged by Maxim Tchernychev

Modas Dance Workshops and my Collaboration with Duncan Cooper!!

I will be working with Modas Dance teacher and choreographer Duncan Cooper April 18-19! Duncan was a Principal Dancer of 9 years with Dance Theatre of Harlem and also spent several years at San Francisco Ballet. We are collaborating on a contemporary piece, meaning he's choreographing it on me! I seriously can not tell you how excited I am to work with THE Duncan Cooper. And I should add the piece will be on pointe. That should be a challenge but I am looking forward to being challenged like that! As you know I am counting the days until I leave for Mr. Ellison's Ballet Summer Intensive in NYC so this is a nice opportunity to help me make it through until summer. Modas Dance has a great summer intensive in New Mexico that runs the same time I will be gone. But if you haven't decided where to go yet you can still submit by video to Modas or come to one of their workshops scheduled in April. If you are local to San Diego I hope you will come take this workshop with me! 

I will also be documenting my work with Duncan and making youtube videos for you guys! I might even be able to talk him into doing some Pas de Deux with me!

Also, many people have asked about my yagp videos. I will post them as soon as they are available! 

New Free Ballet App! How long can you last before you get tricked?

 

Get it free HERE   PSYMON SAYS


There are six 2d cartoon characters to choose from, each has his or her own unique animations. Characters include a skater, BALLERINA, pop dancer, martial artist, and your average boy and girl.

The rules of the game are simple, but Psymon Says will challenge anyone’s ability to stay focused and pay attention. The goal is to follow what Psymon Says and not get tricked into making a mistake. Nobody likes to be tricked, but Psymon tricks everyone. The best anyone can do is to see how long they can last before getting tricked. Here is a short explanation of the rules.

1. Only follow what Psymon says. Example: When you hear “Psymon Says jump kick!”, swipe up.

2. Swipe another direction when it’s not what Psymon says. Example: When you hear “Now jump kick!”, swipe down instead of up.

3. Swipe before the green timer bar is full to receive combo points. Combo streaks can quickly increase the score.

Device Requirements:

* iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3/4/5 Gen) and iPad
* Requires iOS 4.3 or later
* 39.3 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Psymon Says – Simon Says Game 1.1.5 is Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

Get it free HERE 

Pointe Shoe Quest! Fitting Freed Pointe Shoes and More.

This is a post compiled of information obtained in an email conversation with a very helpful online friend. She danced professionally for 17 years and began ballet at age 6, pointe at 11, and thought that she could help share some advice from her own seemingly endless pointe shoe quest. She danced professionally in numerous companies, US and European and we are so excited to have her insight!

Thank you Kelly!

All about FREED in Kelly's words.

In the end I found my shoe to be a Freed Wing Block maker Crown with cut down sides and lowered heel. Similar to Robbie,  I have wide, rather square feet with a narrow heel.  Now these shoes were a special order, but if you really are interested in trying to find a Freed shoe, maybe at least for auditions or performances, I would suggest you try to find a stock shoe in a maker that suits your toe configuration and then build a special order from that (shorten vamp, lower profile, cut down heel to help eliminate bagginess, customize shank, etc).  The beauty of Freed is that you can change almost anything once you find the right length and maker.  There is a spreadsheet I have with all the current Freed makers and their box shapes from tapered to wide and square, it might help if you are in a store looking by yourself.

My recommendation is to contact Clara76 (screen name) on “Ballet Talk for Dancers by Invision” .  I read the pointe shoe posts weekly and am amazed how she can fit shoes, Freeds are her specialty, by looking at some photos of your feet and certain measurements.  She is the shoe mistress for BalletMet and knows Freed, the makers, and how to help fix issues through special orders like nobody I have ever met.  I would highly consider sending her the photos and measurements and photos they request and see what she suggests for size and makers to try.

The other shoe fitter on the site is Victoria Leigh and she could help with suggestions on shoes by all available brands.  You have too beautiful of feet to be hiding your arches, whereas the right Freeds would be beautiful on you.  Keep in mind though that Freeds, in general, are a softer shoe and will break down faster than say, Grishko.  When I did not have a company paying for all of my shoes (sometimes 7-10 pairs a week) I would wear Grishko in class and rehearsal and Freeds for dress rehearsals and performances because you can break them in quickly and they are quiet on stage.

Otherwise, if you find yourself in NYC this summer for a SI make sure to make an appointment at the Freed USA store in Long Island (check out their Facebook page).  I would ask to be fitted by Brenda, Marie, or Mary.  Another source to check out a little more about Freed would be posts on YouTube.  Check out the youtube video featuring Marie Johanssen talking about makers and different toe configurations. (embedded below)

Personal tip for Robbie: From watching Robbie's past videos I would stick to a classic Freed and stay away from the Freed studio line.  They have a very strong 2.5 shank and can be hard to break in even for taller and heavier dancers.  Robbie may also want to ask her teachers about 3/4 shanking her shoes.  It is easy to do yourself and would really emphasize her arch.  I would experiment on an old pair of Suffolks before trying on a new shoe since it does feel different. 

Quick Tip: If you know your current Suffolk size that would be the same as your Freed size. Freeds are generally fitted 2 1/2 sizes down from USA shoe sizing.

The life of a pre-professional ballet dancer - Interview w/ Scout Forsythe age 16

Get your popcorn ready. Fifteen minutes talking to Scout Forsythe about the last few months. She talks about YAGP France, scholarship offers, attending JKO and ABT company class with Paloma Herrera and David Hallberg , pancaking shoes and she even gave me a signed pair that she wore in YAGP France 2013 to auction off as a fundraiser for my SI ! The link will be at http://www.robbiedowney.com when I have it ready .

Tips on Traveling with a Tutu with Scout Forsythe

Join My Facebook Event !

We created a facebook event to spread the word about how I can get up to $3 towards my training at no cost to you! I get up to $3 towards my training when you join Goldstar!

It's FREE & you save 50% on event tickets from sports to concerts to ballet! Please do it for me! It only takes a minute.

We get all of our ballet tickets on there at great prices! There is no time frame you can do it anytime and tell your friends.

I'm also giving away old pointe shoes to one person in the event attendee list by random drawing in November. Anyone can join the event even if you don't click the link. Also, some of you may not be able to if it's not in your area. It goes by USA zip code I think. The link is at http://www.balletfreak.com/ or also on this blog in the menu to the right. Click the Goldstar banner. My facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/balletbabble if you want to join the event.

Also on http://www.balletfreak.com if you shop on Amazon or buy from any of the affiliate links, like leotards from Motionwear, a % goes to my training. =)

"It's Possible Dreams Do Come True" Joy Womack Makes History

We have been following Joy's progress at the Bolshoi for a while now. Today we heard major news and we knew it was coming. We knew they would take her and we never doubted it for a minute, well this is ballet so maybe for a minute. Joy Womack will be the first American woman to join the BOLSHOI! THE BOLSHOI! All of her sacrifice and the sacrifices of her family have been rewarded. She left home at 15 to go to Russia to train, no, to get the best training in the world. She didn't know the language and she was the new girl. Ballet training is challenging enough with your family and friends right by your side. It is no small feat what Joy did and she deserves this. It's a real blessing to see a dream unfold and come true right before your eyes.

Joy will be able to dance in a culture where ballerinas are the equivalent of famous football stars in America. She will dance for audiences that know and appreciate ballet in it's truest form. That has got to be a huge driving force for any dancer that has ballet truly in his or her blood. And any serious dancer can relate to her quote in the picture above. Ballerinas are made of blood, sweat, tears and some actually get to dance for a living and dance where they REALLY want to. Joy will do it with the Bolshoi.  We hope you are as inspired by her as we are. What an amazing person. Congratulations Joy!!!

XOXO,

Gina and Robbie

My Volunteer Experience at Boys and Girls Club for National Dance Week 2012

On April 25th I went to one of the San Diego Boys and Girls Clubs to teach 2 dance classes. My sister Kyla came along to help. The first class was Kindergarten and First Graders and the second class was 3rd and 4th graders. Both classes were half, if not more, boys! The kids wore their street clothes but towards the end took their shoes off. I told them why I was there and how Misty Copeland used to attend Boys and Girls Club. I showed them a photo of her as Firebird and they said "Whoa! Is she real?!?" I also showed them some pointe shoes.

Only about 2 of the kids out of both classes had had ballet before. It was a totally new experience to everyone else. The younger group of boys was more willing even though they did laugh a little at the idea. With the older boys I had to explain several times how football players take ballet for flexibility and balance. When I was telling them some of the ballet stories one little boy suggested a Batman ballet. I think he might be a future choreographer. One boy yelled out "How old are you?! Are you the teacher?" I said "Yes and I'm 13." Sounded funny.

The kids followed along as I showed the positions and explained how to pull up through the top of their heads like puppets on a string.  They did tendu and even went across the floor with imaginary swords. Kyla demonstrated a leap over a shoe and they were all very impressed. One little girl really had a passion for it and she was pretty good considering. She always had a smile from ear to ear when going across the floor. I could tell she was really into it and had a genuine passion for it. I couldn't help but notice the ones that had some good turn out =)The boys definitely liked leaping the most and most added some sort of knee slide at the end or a little original twist or kick of the foot. Silly yet creative.

It was fun teaching them how to curtsey and bow and thank the teacher at the end of class. They all got a coupon for Discount Dance Supply and were on their way. I actually went there to inspire them but they actually inspired me. I have always liked helping assist the beginners at my studio but this was ALL me, except for Kyla helping out of course. I developed an even greater passion for teaching and having a studio someday. I have always wanted to start a program for low income families so their kids can train for ballet if they want. I'm definitely going to try to do that in the near future.

XO,

Robbie

2012 YAGP New York Finals Results for Women - Top 20 Final Round

Congratulations to the following dancers from the USA who made it to the Final Round of Youth America Grand Prix 2012 in New York City! 

Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition that awards over $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide. The competition is held annually around the world and in New York City, and is open to dance students of all nationalities 9-19 years old.

Senior Women (USA Participants) Top 21. Here are the girls from USA: 

Tyler Donatelli Southland Ballet Academy CA

Rachel Richardson The Rock School PA

Chisako Oga V and T Dance CA

Tiana Lovett Lovett Dance Center CA

Jennifer Bummer Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy CA

Hannah Bettes Next Generation Ballet

Patel Conservatory FL

Calley Skalnik Tulsa Ballet Center OK

Lauren Carfolite The Rock School PA

Deanna Pearson Akhmedova Ballet MD

Dominique Alessi Marat Daukayev School CA

Jessica Payne Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy CA

 Junior Women (USA Participants) Top 24. Here are the girls from USA: 

Gisele Bethea Master Ballet Academy AZ

Grace Davidson Faubourg School

Austin Eder Anaheim Ballet CA

Larisa Nugent Maryland Festival Ballet

Mackenzie Richter Int'l City School of Ballet in GA

Aubry Mason Dmitri Kulev School CA

Olivia Gusti & Gabrielle Beach Next Generation Ballet FL

Juliet Doherty Fishback Studio NM

Miko Fogarty Westlake School of Perf Arts CA

Sophie Sea Silnicki Pittsburgh Ballet School

Serena Sovdsnes Art Of Classical Ballet FL

YAGP NY Final Round Senior Men from USA:

Cameron McCune The Raleigh School of Ballet NC
David Donnelly Northern Cincinnati Youth Ballet OH
Albert Gordon The Washington School of Ballet DC
Devyn Lovett & Patrick Frenette Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy CA
Derek Dunn & Andrew Czerkawski The Rock School PA
Ka'imi Cambern Ellison Ballet (NY) CA

YAGP NY Final Round Junior Men from USA:

Austen Acevedo & Blake Kessler Orlando Ballet FL
Eli Gruska Marat Daukayev School of Ballet CA
David Preciado Los Angeles Ballet Academy CA
Tanner Bleck Bluegrass Youth Ballet KY
Kemper J. Cassada Next Generation Ballet FL

Congratulations also to the International Finalists and MERDE to all! 

Chisako Oga Senior Women Finalist

Interview with Henrik Lamark - Professional Ballet Dancer and Blogger Extraordinaire

Henrik Lamark, author of Tights and Tiaras.com. © Jørgen Mathisen

Henrik Lamark

Age: 25

Born in Ålesund, Norway

Lives in Győr, Hungary and dances with The Győr National Ballet of Hungary

At what age did you begin dancing?

I started dancing already at four, but I had a severe hip displacement, and went through a series of surgery from age 6 to about 8. I started dancing more seriously in my teens. I wrote a post on Tights and Tiaras about how I began to dance, and what the surgery did (and didn't) mean to my career called "The importance of not assuming". 

How did you know you wanted to dance?

I'm not sure how, but I know I told my parents I wanted to become a dancer already at age three. I have no clue where that thought came from, but being a stubborn bastard, I lived up to the idea. It wasn't like it was always written in stone that I should dance either - my background and abilities were far from ideal, and I didn't really decide to become a dancer until my mid teens, but the interest were always there, and I never doubted it.

Being a boy, did you feel pressure to not dance ?

I did in academic school and from other kids, but fortunately, I always had my parents and my teachers that supported me and cheered me on to continue doing what I enjoyed, and not listen to others. Without that support, I don't think I would have continued dancing. Today, that is one of the things that engage me, showing the world it's ok for a boy to dance! Not all young male dancers is lucky to have the support around them I had, and that is a shame. In my post on men in ballet I try to confront some of the prejudices connected to male dancing.

Henrik as Ego from Carmina Burana Hungarian Opera House

Did anyone ever tell you you could NOT be  dancer? If so why?

My doctors kind of did, although not to me directly as much as to my parents. Today, I am very happy that my parents chose to let that decision be mine instead of anyone elses. I was always well informed about the handicap my hip surgery could cause, but it was never presented to me as a problem, and therefore, I didn't treat it as one either. In short, my parents gave me the opportunity to find out for myself if my legs could do this, and it turned out, they could. I have had very little problems with my hips in my career, and many of my colleagues don't even know about the surgery I had as a kid. If they would have listened to the doctors, I would never even have started what would become the obsession of my life. 

Were your parents supportive?

Always! They were, and still are, the pillars my whole career was built on. I know I can always rely on them to support me and help me make good decisions. They are my biggest fans :) I wrote more about that too in the post I linked to earlier. 

When did you realize dance would be a career for you?

When I was accepted to the Hungarian State Dance Academy at 18, I was thrilled by finally doing dance on a professional level. But that it would actually become my career wasn't really clear to me until I was standing in my first company, the Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine, with a contract and a spot in the boys changing rooms. That was a great feeling - I did it! I'm a dancer!

Practicing with partner Anna Krupp from the Hungarian National Ballet 

for pas de deux. © Daniel Bolla

What is your least favorite thing about ballet?

It's so frickin' hard! Ballet technique is just a pain in the behind, to be honest!! Everything needs to be repeated until boredom, polished and exercised until it works - everybody who dances know it takes a lot of hard work!

What is your favorite thing about ballet?

My favorite thing about ballet is that it allows me to "turn off" the rest of the world. Dancing requires such a devotion and concentration, when I dance, there is nothing else. It's a great feeling, a mixture of total calmness and adrenaline. It's like zen, really, peace of mind through hard physical work. Or, at least for me, it is… 

Most difficult skill to master?

I have probably spent more time practicing pirouettes than any other part of the classical ballet repertoire, still I wouldn't say I have mastered it yet. That's whats great about ballet - you never master it, you only improve. There is always room for improvement, to be better, to take it up another notch.

Blogger Extraordinaire

You have your own blog Tights and Tiaras, how did that come about?

Ballet is often considered a very closed and inapproachable world, and I wanted to open it up a little. Many people have little idea of what it means to live like a professional dancer, and I wanted to share my experiences, my passion for dance and my life as a dancer with those who don't necessarily know all the ballets, the steps and the whole "world" that exists around dance. So I started Tights and Tiaras. Today, two years later, it's still developing, but I have gotten a good, solid base of readers that support me and helps me continue to develop the site. I have a lot of plans for the blog in the future, now I just need to find the time and the means to actually put the plans into life..

I saw the t-shirts where can people buy them?

The Tights and Tiaras t-shirts were the first item of some merchandize I wanted to create for the blog. The shirts can be bought from our merchandize page

What are your future goals?

I still want to do a lot of dancing in my life, I want to learn new techniques and dance several different pieces for as long as my body will let me. But I also want to develop as a person, experience a lot, travel, meet lots of different people. I guess my goals are to make as much out of life as possible, both concerning my passion, and outside of it. 

What advice to you have for other young dancers, especially the boys?

Work your butt of! Don't rest a day - you are young, full of energy, and you are laying the foundation of what your whole dancing life will be built upon. Listen to your teachers, your mentors, your parents and your friends, but try to figure out things on yourself as well. No two bodies are the same, but you are lucky - you don't need to know how all of them work, just the one thats yours! Work with it, get to know your body! What happens if I do this, or that? How can my body do that turn, that jump, that pose? And follow your heart! The most important thing of all is that you enjoy what you are doing. Only then will you be truly happy, and only then will that happiness and love for dance show through your movements! 

What is your favorite ballet?

Romeo and Juliet for it's passion. Giselle for it's diversity. Swan Lake for the ideal. Bajadére for the depth. The big ballets are all great tales, with so much more to them than what you can see from a short clip on YouTube. One must simply go to the theatre and breathe in the whole ballet to understand what a great art-form it is. I don't have one favorite ballet, it all depends on my mood, my day, the production and the theatre. 

What is your favorite variation?

Albrecht's second act variation is great, it is a simple variation, but has the depth, allows you to add your personality and some story into a quite short piece. I guess that is my favorite one, although there are so many good variations. All for their own purpose, I guess. 

You recently had some time off due to surgery. What was the surgery for and did you want to insane!?

A part of the meniscus of my right knee broke off in December, and I had to have it removed. It is a relatively frequent injury, and not a very complicated surgery. Still, it's surgery, and recovering takes time. I did want to go crazy from not being able to train, but once the knee got good enough to start working with a physical therapist and such, I got a bit more relaxed mentally as well. I have also learned a lot about my body in the recovery process, for which I'm happy! I'm hoping that when I finally recover completely (the doc says March is realistic…) I'm going to be stronger than I was before the injury, both physically and mentally! 

How long will it take you to get back to your prior level of dancing?

Well, it depends on how the knee handles the stress and workload that comes with full training.. The first period of recovery was slower than we thought, but now, I'm working with full   intensity, and things are getting better fast. But with the training comes stress, and just yesterday my knee swelled up to like three times it's size, not a good sign. But I'm working on it every day, and there are small improvements all the time, so I'm confident it will turn out good.

Did you ever compete?

I did some internal competitions in school, but I never attended any big international competition. 

What do you think about competitions?

I think competitions can be a great way for a dancer to improve their skills and compare themselves to others from other schools and companies. That said, I think it's important to remember ballet is about more than just bravura and tricks, which tends to get more attention at a competition. 

Who has been the most influential person in your life as a dancer?

My first and my last ballet teachers! My master, Mr. György Szakály, taught me the last three years of school, and I learned a lot from him. But also my first teacher was very important to me. Her name was Heather Hebbert, she taught ballet to kids in my home city in northern Norway. She was a great teacher, strict, but kind, and was very supportive. I think I learned the love for dance from her!

What shoes do you wear?

I wear Sansha pro's - I like how they are soft and shapeable to the foot. But I sometimes feel their fit is a bit like the one of a garbage bag. I guess I haven't found 'my shoe' yet, although I've tried quite a few ballet shoes through the years… 

Where do you buy your dance wear for men?

I usually buy a lot of my dance wear in sports shops. I like to use clothes that aren't necessarily made specially for dancers, it's cheaper, and they are often of better quality than dance wear. I also usually buy dance wear from dance shops when I'm traveling or on tour, it's cool to have something that reminds you of places you have been. 

My company provide me with the basic dance wear, like dance belts, shoes and such, which is great, both financially, and time wise - we don't have to spend time finding and buying those things ourselves.

Henrik's Links

Blog: Tights and Tiaras

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TightsandTiaras

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tightsandtiaras

Please add anything else you would like to add:

Thank you for featuring me on the site, and keep doing your stuff, I enjoy it a lot! For all dancers out there, keep dancing, put your heart in it, and show what you do to the world! Tell folks about Tights and Tiaras and dance on! :)

Cheers, 

H

Ballet Babble Interview with Taylor Gordon a Freelance Dancer in NYC

Taylor Gordon
Age: 23
Height: 5'4"
Hometown: Massachusetts
Received training at: Boston Ballet, The Rock School, Ballet Academy East, ABT, Miami City Ballet
Website: www.taylorgordononline.com
Twitter: twitter.com/taylorgordon

Photo Credit Brian Mengini

Where did it all begin? A lot of dancers were hooked at their first Nutcracker viewing, what was it for you? My family owned and ran a local dance studio in my small hometown, so I grew up dancing as soon as I could walk! I took class with "the big girls" by age 3 and loved being onstage. I started getting serious after seeing Boston Ballet's Nutcracker around age 5 and then joined the school the following year.

What age were you put on pointe? I started pointe class when I was 10 but just at barre. I was a young one in my level and started slow.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you or that you credit for most of your training? My current teacher Kat Wildish has been an amazing inspiration, coach, and mentor. I started working with her after I completed my full ballet training, but she gave me the confidence and guidance to work professionally. She constantly challenges me, picking at my technique and artistic choices - but it's amazing to work with someone who knows you so well as both a dancer and a person.

I've seen dancers do crazy things to pointe shoes, even pour water all over them. What type of pointe shoes do you wear and do have a routine for them like ripping out the shank and gluing it back in, or....? I wear Capezios and have my break-in routine down pat: first I rip the inner soles out so I can feel more grounded in the shoe. I cut down the shank a little lower than ¾ of the way down – I’ve always had “bad feet” and that helps me create better lines. After sewing on the ribbons I put the shoe on and wet all around the bunion area so it softens up and molds to my foot.

Do you use toe pads? Have you tried with out? Do you think there is any benefit to not wearing them? I’ve been wearing these wonderful things called “Happy Toes” made by So Danca since my 2nd year of pointe after being required to use just lambswool (ouch). They are pink and only cover the top and tips of the toes instead of continuing under the ball of the foot like most toe pads, and I love how they let me feel the bottom of my shoe. They’re really hard to find in the US but they last a long time.

How do you handle blisters, I noticed you had one in the middle of your crazy Nutcracker schedule? Luckily I hardly ever get blisters, but yes, I did have a bad one during my Nutcracker season. Using Orajel to numb the area around it helps as well as Second Skin or a normal blister band-aid. Mine was so bad on the bottom of my arch that I put 2 round corn pads over it so my shoe would rub against that instead of the open skin. Ow!

Do you consider yourself flexible? Do you have a stretching routine? I’ve always been limber but I’m definitely not one of those gumby dancers, haha. The most important things for me to stretch are my hip flexors and my calves. I run around between dance jobs and desk jobs, so sitting down a lot makes my hips tight. I like to lay down with a yoga block under my pelvis, hug one knee into my chest, and let the other leg fall to the floor to release the front of the hip. I also love using a yoga strap to get deep into my quads and hamstrings (but don’t get to do that nearly as much as I’d like!)

Didn't you used to dance for the Rockettes? Where else have you danced and do you have a dream job? Yep, I danced in the ensemble of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular for two years. It was such a fun show in such a gorgeous, enormous theater! It was also a great experience to break out of the ballet realm and tap into musical theater more. Next up for me is The Metropolitan Opera Ballet this spring, which is definitely one of my dream jobs! That’s one of ballet’s greatest stages and I’m so excited to perform at Lincoln Center! Besides that I’ve danced with a ton of small companies around the city, including Exit 12 Dance Company, Ballet for Young Audiences, Rebecca Kelly Ballet, Albano Ballet, New American Youth Ballet, Untitled|Collective, Push Factor Dance Company, DTW's Studio Series/Oren Barnoy, Felice Lesser Dance Theater, and several independent choreographers. I’ve been in an episode of MTV’s MADE and have done promotional performances for XBOX Kinect, Dancing with the Stars, and others.

How do you manage your crazy schedule, can you tell us what roles you had this season? It’s not easy! But there’s so much I want to do in life and so much I want to dance…I’m always happiest when I have just a little too much to do, haha. Luckily everyone I work with understands my insanity and is flexible with my schedule (thank goodness!). As for roles this fall season: a contemporary part in Jeremy McQueen’s “Concerto Nuovo,” a robot ballerina in Felice Lesser’s “Funding the Arts,” and 11 different parts in 2 productions of “The Nutcracker,” including Clara, 2 versions of doll, snow soloist, snow corps, Arabian, marzipan, Chinese, party parent, mouse, and waltz of the flowers.

Do you have a day job and how flexible are they with your dance schedule? I work part-time at a publicity agency as office assistant. I’ve been here 2 years now and am extremely fortunate to have found a day job that will work around my audition and rehearsal schedule. I’ve never had to wait tables or anything like that, which is great because I have a college degree AND a master’s degree. I seem to have found a good balance between “starving artist” and being able to afford rent in NYC comfortably.

Don't you teach pilates? When did you get certified for that? Do you think it is a good "day" job for dancers? Yes! I received my certification from Pilates Academy International/Pilates on Fifth while I was recovering from having surgery on my Achilles. I had taken Pilates a lot while in ballet school but didn’t fully appreciate its benefits until facing an injury. Pilates has made me so much stronger and I love teaching and helping others find that strength. I teach regularly at Sanctuary Pilates, Gold’s Gym, and Synergy Fitness. You can see my full teaching schedule of 8 classes/week for 2012 here (https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=r5upuiao5i6i48pna0d2ckls04%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York)

What about college? Doesn't seem to have a place in most dancer's lives? I believe college is extremely important for dancers to become well-rounded people. My path was non-traditional: I graduated from high school at age 16, received my BA degree in Communication Arts from Marymount Manhattan college by age 19, and completed my master’s degree in publishing by age 20. I guess I’m a dork and have always loved school, haha. I miss it.

Was/is your family supportive of your dancing? I am so grateful for all the support my family has given me over the years and I honestly would never be where I am now without them. My mom and grandmother ran our hometown dance studio, so it’s definitely a dance family. My whole family would drive me in and out of Boston an hour each way for ballet classes. They come to any performances they can. It’s wonderful.

Who is your favorite ballet dancer? I don’t have just one! There are so many gorgeous artists out there and I feel like watching each of them gives you something to add to your own dancing.

What advice do you have for other girls wanting to dance in NYC? If they don’t get into a big company what are their options? Dancing in NYC is difficult not only because the talent pool is rich and large but because living in NYC is hard enough alone. As young dancers we’re often trained to believe that our only goal is to be a prima ballerina in a major company, when in reality there are so many other options if you really want to dance. You have to be willing to put up with a LOT to do what you love. Audition for everything, take class with different people, meet everyone you can, take every opportunity at the beginning. Even if you start off dancing for free, if you stick it out a freelance career will grow.

Do you do other types of dance besides ballet? Ballet has always been my main focus, but I love jazz and musical theater dance as well. I’ve done some lovely modern work as well, but that’s more challenging for me personally.

Have you had any bad experiences with diva type of dancers or demanding directors/choreographers ? They say you have to have thick skin for this industry, do you agree? You most definitely have to have thick skin in this industry. Unfortunately, because dance is a physical activity, our bodies are our tools. You have to find a way to separate your self-esteem in dance and in life, I think. It’s hard. Directors can be awful sometimes, but once you experience that you learn more about yourself and more about the kind of people you’d rather be working with. The nice ones are out there – you just have to look!

What is your dream role and why? And what is your favorite ballet? Again, there are so many! I would love to dance Juliet in Romeo & Juliet. I think that’s probably my favorite ballet. Such gorgeous music. When ABT does it at the Met I super with them (ie. stand onstage as an extra) and I get to watch those top notch dancers up close in those roles. Right now I’m really intrigued by telling a story through dance, and developing my acting and artistry in a way that builds character onstage. This year I’ve gotten to dance the lead in 2 full-length ballets and that has given me the opportunity to flesh out ideas that I never had the chance to.

Do you listen to classical music at all outside of ballet? If not what do you like? Classical music is always beautiful – especially if it’s NOT the music you hear over and over again in ballet class day in and day out, haha. Besides classical I like just general easy listening or pop – I’m not a great one to ask about current music, but whatever Pandora plays is usually good, haha.

What was it like shooting with Brian Mengini, do you enjoy photo shoots? Brian is awesome! I had seen his photos online for a while and we connected on Twitter and really wanted to work together. I went down for his EmpoweredMe project and it was a great shoot. I NEVER like dance photos of myself – don’t have the pretty feet or hyperextended legs I’ve always wanted – but all of his photos were lovely! I was so impressed and I really hope I get to work with him again.

Photo Credit Brian Mengini

How did you get into writing/blogging? I’ve done creative writing since about age 5 when I’d make up poems about dogs and ice cream. When I got to college I got more serious about it and I interned at Pointe Magazine. They let me write just small blurbs because I was just getting started, but after that I had so much to say about dance that I started my own blog (www.turnedin.blogspot.com) and contributed to The Winger (www.thewinger.com) when it was still so new. From there I slowly built up a portfolio of print clips in publications like Dance Teacher, Movmnt, and M Life Magazine Las Vegas. Things get so busy so I don’t always have as much time to pitch article ideas as I’d like, but I really enjoy the process of writing.

Would you ever dance anywhere besides NYC? Have you always been a city girl? Actually I really badly want to dance in Europe! I love NYC and am most definitely a city girl, but I’m starting to feel like I may have more options elsewhere. I don’t really want to move to another city in the US (what’s better than NYC?! Haha) so I love the idea of going abroad. We’ll see!

Do you have time for a social life? If so what do you like to do? My social life often takes a back seat to work, but when I do have free time I love exploring NYC, sitting in coffee shops, going to yummy Italian dinners, reading (dance autobiographies are a favorite), and going to see other performances. I’m also a big fan of Glee, Friends, and Sex & the City J

Your favorite quote? ‘Follow your dreams.’ But why be a follower when you can be a leader?

Please add anything else you'd like to say that I wouldn't know to ask about ;) I’m beyond grateful to be doing what I love in the city of my dreams! Thanks for a great interview! :)

Nutcracker 2011

I guess I should have been blogging the whole time but there just wasn't time. I was dancing about 25 hours a week and was at the studio 7 days a week, sometimes twice! Of course this year has to be named the best of all because I was cast as Clara. Honestly I was not expecting it because I am new to this studio. I was understudy last year at my old studio then my teacher relocated. So I had little hope of actually getting the part especially since my teacher was not involved in casting and he knows me best . Anyway I got it and it was amazing just like I thought it would be. Here I am with Miss Robin. She was one of the people that selected me for Clara :)

Unfortunately I did not get to dance with a good friend of mine who was cast as prince because I was an inch taller than him. But other than that I cannot complain at all. The dress was really pretty, a little heavy, but so pretty. I guess some Mom's had pitched in on a year prior to get a new dress. Glad they did. Saw the old one. Not pretty! :) Sorry but it wasn't, so I can see why they did that! I loved the nightgown too for Dream Scene, which was my favorite part by the way. I love the fog and the mice and it's so dramatic. I really am so happy I got to play this part and I would totally do it again ! I don't know how my mom would feel about rolling all those ringlets again for dress rehearsal and each show, 5 times this year counting the parade! Luckily they lasted overnight for the student show. She also had to do Kyla's ringlets for gingersnap and candy cane 9 times for every show and dress rehearsal.

Actually at San Diego Ballet they have the backstage volunteers roll hair for "quality" control. I guess not all moms can do it. But I couldn't get over it. I have never been at a studio where they do everyone's hair for curls. Pretty impressive.

As far as rehearsals I was usually there a couple hours on Saturday and all day Sunday mostly. Then of course there is a tech and dress rehearsal for each theater. Except for this Christmas festival we did. Now that was interesting. But I have to say very, very fun. First year they did it and I don't think they advertised too well because it was a smaller crowd but I'd dance in a parking lot for stray cats if I was given the choice to dance or not! So for me it was fun. The airport is right there and the planes were coming in just next to the giant stage . Kind of cool actually. Our dressing room was a tent and it was cold outside! But again... really, really fun.


The funniest things from this year was when this little boy Pearson had to stand in for the sheep that runs out and around a company dancer because the other sheep wasn't ready. So he runs out but not far enough around the dancer and he got kicked and you heard him yell out "hey" it was hilarious. Then one night, again with the sheep, we were rehearsing for the student show and the sheep were gone so 2 teen girls were goofing off and started to come out as the little sheep and Javier yells at the top of his lungs from a seat in the audience "No Messing Around" it was pretty funny :) Javier is the other Artistic director along with Robin. He also plays Drosselmeyer. He does teach one of my classes too. I like his class because he moves quickly. He is the other person that helped select me for Clara. Thank you Javier!

The final show was the best because w got a standing ovation and a lot of the student's parents were there and all my family was there. I got a ton of flowers and got to take photos after the show with some little kids in my costume. I hope they are inspired to stay with ballet like me!

Oh and the absolute best part of all of it was my teacher Mr. Max was Cavalier and I got to curtsey to him and bow with him and Sugar Plum played by Abby Avery. It was the most amazing experience ever! I didn't want it to end. I always feel that way, except the year I got soldier for the 2nd time :), but especially this year. I'd also like to say that Dew Drop played by
Stephanie Maiorano was perfect. You can click on their names or go to this link to see all of the company . The guys are very nice and funny too, especially Matt Carney.


So now we roll from Nutcracker into Summer Intensive Auditions and for some YAGP. I plan to do YAGP next year when I turn 14. I haven't felt totally ready up to this point but I think by this time next year I can do a good job not just an okay job. I'll keep blogging. Sorry it has been slow but we have been super busy and my mom has to help me so there you go. More coming soon! :)


xox,

Robbie