Costumes Designs for Spring Production

 We take great pride in the artistic quality of our annual spring productions.  Our costume standards are the result of a near impossible list of “musts do’s”… The standards by which our design choices are made.

Our costumes must:

… Read the rest

Class Themes & Music for Spring 2010 Production

We are beginning work on class choreography for the Tales of Beatrix Potter Ballet.  This post will outline the various themes and link to music downloads for all the classes.  It is important to study the variations as a tool… Read the rest

Squirrel Nutkin joins in…

In portraying the Story of Squirrel Nutkin we take a little more inspiration from the classics as did Fredrick Ashton and John Lanchberry when they choreographed and composed the ballet for the Royal Ballet Theater.  The music from Squirrel Nutkin… Read the rest

What every ballet parent needs to know…

Read on to find a link to an important parent guide. Written by award winning physiotherapist, Lisa Howell, this free down load gives crucial information on avoiding poor dance and training habits that could ill affect a young dancer’s health. Information every parent needs to know!

A little Ballet History

Pas de Quatre was a show piece created in 1854 by Jules Perrot for four of the greatest ballerinas of the time in an era where ballerinas were regarded more as a rock star or NFL Quarterback might be today. Epitomizing the delicate grace of the Romantic Ballets, the four ballerinas were Lucille Grahn, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Maria Taglioni. They appeared together in this ballet for only four performances in London, July of that year.

We will celebrate this beautiful ballet era by incorporating two of these famous variations into our Beatrix Potter performance.

Why ballet? Some Benefits of Classical Ballet Training

The School of Ballet is comprised of artists and educators who have devoted lifetimes to the Art of Ballet. Asking such individuals “why ballet?” gives one pause: as if asking “why breathe?” We are all very dedicated to what we do and look forward to sharing the benefits of classical ballet with you and your family.

Inspiration

At the School of Ballet we strive to make every lesson an opportunity for creativity and artisitic expression with plenty of perspiration, and ample inspiration.

Here is an extra helping of inspiration!

Teaching Self Discipline

A recent study replicated a 1940 research study that tested children’s ability to SELF REGULATE. This ability, also known as “Executive Function” is said to be more important for success in school than a child’s IQ. At AvO Ballet our teaching methods encourage the formation of self discipline through a positive, creative approach.

The Fun Theory

The School of Ballet teaches the Art of Ballet using positive reinforcement and creative metaphor. Recent Brain research suggests this is the most effective way to learn. Sixty plus years’ experience had already convinced us! Watch this amazing experiment and see what you think!

New Leaps in Research on Injuries

Recent studies suggest athletes would get hurt less if they followed dancers’ lead… “there was probably something dancers were doing rigorously for years in the way they master balance and jump, landing with mutual alignment and beautiful neuromuscular control, that is helping to protect them…”

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