To all of my friends and students who are familiar with it, the Pasadena Weekly is holding a "Best Of Pasadena" contest and you can vote for the Best Dance Studio!
So please cast your ballet ballot for Le Studio, if you can: Best of Pasadena/Pasadena Weekly.
Thank you~
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Ballet Intensive Schedule
Below is the schedule for the intensive Melissa and I are teaching. Please note that the price for the 2 weeks of classes is $175 but you can also take individual classes for $20 per class or $25 per day. For example, if you want to come take technique class and work on character dance, you could come on a Wednesday and pay $25 for the 2.5 hours of class.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Taking corrections
Most people you know hate hearing someone tell them what they're doing wrong.
But not you. You're a dancer. You want to hear what's wrong. You want to know how to improve your technique: a pirouette, a jump, even something as tiny as a tendu or an arm en bas. In fact, if you don't get a correction during class, you feel depressed, or worse, ignored.
Getting a compliment in class is nice, of course, but often teachers give those out when they're not warranted (not me, though - if you are my student, you can count on my compliment as sincere because just as sincerely, I will tell you when something looks horrible!). A compliment can be based on previous work, a previous correction or simply to be encouraging during a difficult step or combination.
Compliments are easy but corrections, on the other hand, are hard. They take a lot of work on the part of the teacher and student. First, the teacher has to notice you, has to see what you're doing and determine how it can be improved. Then she has to find the time and place to correct you. Then, *you* need to apply it. Finally, she has to see that the correction worked.
Most importantly, though, is that you understand the correction. If it seems complex during class, wait until afterwards and approach the teacher about it. It does you no good to nod your head and appear to understand when, in fact, you don't. Plus the teacher will assume either the correction didn't work for you or you ignored her suggestion. So, if it doesn't make sense or your mind can't take it all in during the class, be sure to get clarification. She'll appreciate that you want to get the most out of her class.
A general class correction can also be important to you: when a teacher gives a class correction, whether it's for a step or a combination, make sure you listen and internally apply it to yourself. If you're doing it right, good for you but if not, this could be an extra correction you can use.
When I was a young student, we were encouraged to use small notebooks and to write down every correction the teacher gave us specifically and as many of the general ones we could remember. The act of writing down each correction was itself a good exercise in correction retention, but also, we could review later or before the next class so the correction was not repeated. We hated to be told the same thing over and over! And the teacher hated telling us. While I don't keep a notebook anymore, I still remember every correction I get from my different teachers- even years later, I will remember them. They still come in handy.
Happy dancing~
But not you. You're a dancer. You want to hear what's wrong. You want to know how to improve your technique: a pirouette, a jump, even something as tiny as a tendu or an arm en bas. In fact, if you don't get a correction during class, you feel depressed, or worse, ignored.
Getting a compliment in class is nice, of course, but often teachers give those out when they're not warranted (not me, though - if you are my student, you can count on my compliment as sincere because just as sincerely, I will tell you when something looks horrible!). A compliment can be based on previous work, a previous correction or simply to be encouraging during a difficult step or combination.
Compliments are easy but corrections, on the other hand, are hard. They take a lot of work on the part of the teacher and student. First, the teacher has to notice you, has to see what you're doing and determine how it can be improved. Then she has to find the time and place to correct you. Then, *you* need to apply it. Finally, she has to see that the correction worked.
Most importantly, though, is that you understand the correction. If it seems complex during class, wait until afterwards and approach the teacher about it. It does you no good to nod your head and appear to understand when, in fact, you don't. Plus the teacher will assume either the correction didn't work for you or you ignored her suggestion. So, if it doesn't make sense or your mind can't take it all in during the class, be sure to get clarification. She'll appreciate that you want to get the most out of her class.
A general class correction can also be important to you: when a teacher gives a class correction, whether it's for a step or a combination, make sure you listen and internally apply it to yourself. If you're doing it right, good for you but if not, this could be an extra correction you can use.
When I was a young student, we were encouraged to use small notebooks and to write down every correction the teacher gave us specifically and as many of the general ones we could remember. The act of writing down each correction was itself a good exercise in correction retention, but also, we could review later or before the next class so the correction was not repeated. We hated to be told the same thing over and over! And the teacher hated telling us. While I don't keep a notebook anymore, I still remember every correction I get from my different teachers- even years later, I will remember them. They still come in handy.
Happy dancing~
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Ballet Intensive with Leigh & Melissa
From August 23rd to September 3rd, Melissa Waters and I will be teaching our second annual Ballet Intensive at Le Studio. Every weekday for 2 weeks, we will be teaching 1.5 hours of technique and an hour of repertory to students of all ages and all levels. Last year we had a fantastic turnout (ballet pun intended!) and this year will be even more fun!
This time we will be adding character, partnering, and pointe to our technique classes. We will also be working on several short pieces that we will add to our company's repertory for "Nutcracker" and "Alice in Wonderland."
As before, all ages and levels are invited to attend. The cost is an economy-friendly $175 for both weeks. A ballet bargain! If you'd like more information, please contact me here or call Le Studio at 626-792-4616 during office hours (M-F 4PM-7PM, Sat 9AM-12PM) or visit Le Studio's website. Come join us!
What: Ballet Intensive
Where: Le Studio Dance, Pasadena, CA
When: August 23rd-September 3rd, M-F 4-6:30PM
Why: To have fun and tune up your technique!
Happy dancing~
This time we will be adding character, partnering, and pointe to our technique classes. We will also be working on several short pieces that we will add to our company's repertory for "Nutcracker" and "Alice in Wonderland."
As before, all ages and levels are invited to attend. The cost is an economy-friendly $175 for both weeks. A ballet bargain! If you'd like more information, please contact me here or call Le Studio at 626-792-4616 during office hours (M-F 4PM-7PM, Sat 9AM-12PM) or visit Le Studio's website. Come join us!What: Ballet Intensive
Where: Le Studio Dance, Pasadena, CA
When: August 23rd-September 3rd, M-F 4-6:30PM
Why: To have fun and tune up your technique!
Happy dancing~
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