Getting your dancers out into the community: It can be a great opportunity to highlight your program or company. It can also present challenges. Choreography tips for keeping things simple in unique situations. Plus, a look at site-specific and flash mob dances.
Archives for November 2010
You Say Coupé, I Say Cou-de-pied
Cou de pied appears to be one of those steps that doesn’t line up with the whole “universal language of dance” idea. The Cecchetti Council’s printed syllabus calls this position “devant on the ankle,” but Ms. Gail Grant, calls it cou de pied. Many, many schools and teachers refer to it simply as “coupé” and do not differentiate between coupé the step and coupé the position.
Sunday Snapshot: Nutcracker Ballerina
Abi Monroe was asked to be the featured artist in a Winter/Christmas magazine issue this year. “Since I didn’t have a Christmas themed doll, I decided I would make the Nutcracker Ballerina, since it’s one of my favorite Christmas time stories, and of course, ballets.”
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, With A Twist
You may think you’ve heard every version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite available. The holiday classic has been covered many times. You won’t find any dog barking in this collection but I’m sure you’ll find something new to add a bit of sugarplum, spice, or humor to your classes or parties this holiday season.
How-to: Ballet Eye Makeup Made Easy
ballet dancer’s makeup should accentuate and enhance the NATURAL three dimensional shape of the eye. This allows the audience to follow the ballerina’s gaze. As her eyes and head follow through each position of her dance the audience needs to know if her eyes are open, closed, looking in a certain direction or at a specific character.
The Nutcracker At It’s Corps With Apprentice, Madison Morris
Houston Ballet apprentice, Madison Morris answers questions about what it’s like to perform in the corps during this busy holiday season. She reveals both the hard work and dedication required of apprentices and the corps and an insider’s view of the sometimes action-packed events going on behind the scenes at Nutcracker performances.
