I’m Back!

My vacation was really fun! I enjoyed visiting my grandparents and seeing the sights. We stopped at a butterfly garden and I got some great pictures!





I was also able to take 2 ballet classes. The classes weren’t very challenging, but it was good to be moving again. It was just a local school, and though the teaching wasn’t what I’m used to I will say that the studio itself was very well decorated!
Have you been on vacation lately?

The_Ballerina

Vacation

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that I am currently on vacation, visitng my grandparents out of state! So I won't be posting until I return, but I look forward to telling you all about the ballet classes I am invited to take and a school here!

The_Ballerina

Update!

I’ve been “off” of ballet for about 3 weeks… since then I’ve only taken 2 classes. I feel horrible! Not dancing is making me crabby and unmotivated to do anything. I’m really looking forward to it starting up again! I HAVE been trying to get to as many classes as possible, but I live about an hour away from the studio and gas money is an issue. Plus all the bad weather we have been having.

I didn’t realize just how happy ballet made me, until I didn’t have it anymore. I miss it, and even thought its only been about 3 weeks, it feels like its been an eternity!

Have you ever felt this way about anything?

Love,
The Ballerina

Giselle Synopsis

Act 1
A young innocent village maiden named Giselle is in love with a man she knows only as Loys. Loys is actually a nobleman named Albrecht (and is betrothed to Bathilde, daughter of the Duke) who had disguised himself as a peasant.

When Gisele discovers the deceit of Albrecht, she is inconsolable and dies of a broken heart.

Act 11
Giselle’s undying love for Albrecht saves him from the wicked magic of the Wilis (Wilis are ghosts of betrothed girls who have died before their wedding day). The Queen of the Wilis, Myrtha, forces Albrecht to dance again and again but Giselle intervenes long enough to spare Albretch’s strength and all him to survive until morning.

After dawn the Wilis must return to their grave, but before Giselle does she lets Albrecht know that she forgives him of his sin against her and they pledge their love to each other. But Giselle must go back to the grave and they are separated for all eternity, because Giselle must remain a Wili forever.


Characters

Giselle - a young, pretty seamstress with a weak heart who falls in love with Albrecht.

Albrecht - Giselle's love interest. A prince who is in love with Giselle but is engaged to Bathilde.

Hilarion - the village gamekeeper who is in love with Giselle.

Berthe - Giselle's mother.

Wilred - Albrecht's squire.

Bathilde - Albrecht's fiancée.

Myrtha - the Queen of the Wilis.

Alina Cojocaru as a peasant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FNRzsor-kY&feature=related


Alina Cojocaru as a Willi



Alina Cojocaru talking about Giselle




The_Ballerina

More Answers

More answers for you guys! Thanks so much Hannah and Erin for your questions!

How often are you in a dance class a week?

During the year I take 4 to 5 classes a week, depending. If you are serious about dance, three classes us in bare minimum to take.

Have you ever taken any other kind of dance?

Ballet is my “forte” but I have taken some Jazz, Musical Theatre, Character, and Modern (I’m adding modern classes all year round this year!).

Do you have a dream role in a ballet?

Many! I would have to say I would pick Aurora from Sleeping Beauty though. Here is a video of rehearsal for the Rose Adage.

What is your favorite ballet?
Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, or Swan Lake!


Any books or movies on dance that you would recommend?

I love reading Pointe Magazine! It has lots of helpful tips and great stories. And if you check out your local library I bet you can find Swan Lake (on video)!

What does a typical class look like?

Oh, this is a long one! Lol

First we start off at Barre wish consists of plies, tendus, etc.

Then we move to center, were we usually start out with some Adagio (which is slow moving combinations)
Example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJs1DCJCd-M

Then we do some Turns
Example


Then we Move on to Jumps AKA petie Allegro (or fast jumps)
Example


We usually end the class with a few more turning combinations and some across the floor leaps.
Example or Leaps

Answers!

Here are my answers to the questions asked by Erin! Thanks for asking Erin!!!

What your goals are as a dancer?

I really only have one main goal, and that is to become the best artist that I can be! God has blessed me with the natural ability to dance, and I am so thankful for that. Though I have short term goals such as more turns, higher leaps, and faster foot work, but ultimate goal is to glorify God though dance!

What first got you interested in dancing?

I’m sad to say that jealousy is what got me to my first ballet class. My best friend was taking ballet and that was all she talked about. I wanted to be able to talk about it too so I convinced my mom to let me try ballet. It turns out I’m the only one of my close friends who still takes ballet seriously!

What inspires you as a dancer?

Whenever I’m feeling low or drained from dance, I love to go on youtube and watch professionals dancing. It reminds me what I’m aiming to be.
I’m also inspired my music. There are just some songs that make me so sad or so happy that I have to dance to get that emotion out, because I know I wouldn’t be able to say it with words.

Why you love to dance?

I love dance for many reasons! Sometimes its because it’s a great emotional outlet and I can express what I can’t say. But I think the one thing that really keeps me drawn in is the fact that you can always be better. There is no such thing as perfection in dance; it can always be better!


I hope to get more questions soon! In case you are wondering what is going on, read my previous post!!!

Here is my question to you!
What is one thing that you would love to know about ballet or life as a dancer?


The_Ballerina

One thing you want to know

Hello eveyone!

As I was trying to think of somthing to post about, and an idea came to me. "What if instead of posting what I think is relevent to ballet and my life, I asked YOU what you wanted to know about". So...

What is one thing that you would love to know about ballet or life as a dancer?

I'm really excited to try and asker you questions! Please feel free to ask anything!

The_Ballerina