4dancers

For more about Pas de Trois (dancing3.com) and how this post came to be, please check out the site and read about our effort–we’re hoping to get a lot of conversations started over there!

Today it’s my turn to give an opinion about how someone can get into watching dance.

I think it’s important to see a live performance if possible. Something about seeing dance in person is so much more powerful. I’ve gone to shows that have showcased dance styles I don’t even particularly like and enjoyed it because I could feel the energy radiating from the stage. It’s magic.

If that isn’t a possibility (I would say though for most people it is!), then video is the next best thing. It can help to select something you think you might enjoy. For example, if ballet bores you to tears, you probably aren’t going to go crazy with joy watching a video of Swan Lake. TenduTV has a channel on YouTube that offers a variety of videos you can choose from.

Learning a bit about dance can also be helpful. For example, you may enjoy the ballet Giselle more if you have an idea of the storyline before you go. Check out Henrik’s fun take on some of the main ballets on Tights and Tiaras–he tells the stories well! There are also some at BalletMet Columbus that offer great overviews.

Going with someone else can also be a great way to get into the performance. Much like seeing a movie and talking about it afterwards, there is a reward in sharing the experience.

What do you think? Add your answer to our latest question on Pas de Trois–we’d love to hear your voice!

Just a quick post to let readers know that I’ve got some great content in store for you over the next few weeks…check back to find things such as:

• An interview with Susan Jaffe
• An interview with Risa Kaplowitz
• A book review
• Teaching tips, and more!

Not too long ago, contributor Lucy Riner talked about the value of taking a sabbatical. She used the time to the fullest–dancing and creating new partnerships, as well as other things. But today I’d like to talk about the value of just taking a break from it all. Taking a vacation.

I’m writing this because I am about to go on break from the world for a week. No work (with the exception of checking in to make sure my posts go up on time), no deadlines–no obligations. I plan on taking walks in the woods, snapping photos of birds and other wildlife and catching up with good friends. By the time you read this, I’ll be on my way back. And I’m sure I’ll be feeling terrific.

Sometimes clearing your mind can be the best thing for your creative juices. A change of scenery also works wonders. I would be willing to bet that upon my return I’ll be super productive, as well as feeling rested. That’s usually how it goes.

Ask yourself when the last time you took a break was. If you have to think to hard about this question…turn off your computer…and head out somewhere for the day. Play hookie. Once in a while it really is a good thing.

Just a short post to announce something unusual…

This week I am going to be running a series of 10 Questions With… posts as I prepare to go on vacation for a week…

Tune in for more on the International Ballet Competition, an interview with Dr. William Hamilton and dancer Matthew Donnell…

Hope you enjoy!

Just a teaser for readers to let you know that 4dancers has some great things ahead in the coming weeks, including:

• 10 Questions With…Violeta Angelova, Ballerina
• Several CD reviews for ballet class music
• Dance-related travel stops

I’ve got a few other big things “waiting in the wings”, but the ones above will be coming up soon, so check back often!

4dancers would like to take a moment to wish all of our readers a happy holiday season.

May you have a good time with friends and family. Make some good memories and share some old ones. Prepare for the New Year.

I hope that it will be a good one for us all.

We have moved to a new server so that we can expand our content and better serve our readers–we hope you like our new look! Feel free to let us know what you think…

Please take a moment to update your RSS Feed to our new feed addy, as our other feed will no longer be active. Our Twitter and Facebook pages will remain the same. We look forward to sharing more with you in 2010 and are excited about the chance to expand this community!

If you discover anything isn’t working properly, feel free to let us know…it may take a little time to work out all the glitches…

Just wanted to take a moment out of my day to wish all those who read this blog a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for you! I’ll be taking off until Monday to relax and enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Tune in next week for a ballet class CD review, a DVD review and more!

Hope your holiday is a good one!

Name: Conservatory Ballet

Location: 2254-L Hunter Woods Village Center, Reston, Virginia 20191

About: Conservatory Ballet was created in 1972 and Julia Cziller Redick serves as the Artistic Director. The school combines Vaganova style training with a Montessori approach for a unique blend of teaching styles. There are over 160 classes designed specifically for all kinds of age groups, beginning at 18 months, all the way to adult. In addition to ballet there are also Irish, Flamenco, Jazz, Hip Hop and Tap classes at the studio. A detailed list of the curriculum classes can be found on the Website as well.

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