kirovgal

Me again! I didn't get to see any more of Round I, unfortunately. I wanted to watch Danny Tidwell, Ashley Canterna, and Melissa Hough perform, but since they were dancing in the afternoon, my mom couldn't get away from work to take me. I cried about that one for a while. I will be going to the first session of Round II tomorrow, and will try to update you all ASAP (but I'm grounded from the computer indefinitely for mouthing off to ole Maw and Paw ) I'll also be attending the winner's Encore Gala, so I'll let you all know how that goes as well. (Round 3 tickets have been sold out for a while.) Oh yeah, and for anyone who wants to go to the next USA IBC in Jackson, they are always in need of volunteers, which I think gets you a free ride into all of the performances (you may have to stand, but it's worth it!). Kirovboy, email me please, so that we can chat.

I went to both the opening ceremony and Session 2 of round one. The opening ceremonky was modeled after the olympics, with the torch and all. (Rasta Thomas carried it) All the Mississippians gave their speeches (mayor of Jackson, governor of MS, etc.) After intermission, the dancing begun. Miami City Ballet performed an okay "Rubies", after whom Adrienne Canterna danced a variation from Esmeralda, which was very disappointing. It was the one with the developpes that smack the tambourine, only she couldn't manage to reach her leg up there, therefore having to move the tambourine down. Her pirouettes were off, and she stumbled out of most of them. However, her fouettes were what showed everyone that she still has it. Then Rasta Thomas performed his world premiere of "The Awekening" which was a very athletic piece. I thought his performance was wonderful. Then they performed "Shogun" together, in which Canterna's performance was better than her Esmeralda, but in general, the piece was not as clean and well-rehearsed as in 1998 (for obvious reasons). Last, Miami City performed "Mambo No. 2 am" which was an amazing little ballroom piece. They had beautiful dancers performing it as well. The program described it as a "work in progress"s Round 1, Session 2: Okay, I've forgotten some names and pieces, so bear with me. Feel free to ask me questions about it as well. Jonathan Jordan fell (not on his rear, but nonetheless, a noticeable fall) out of the last pirouettes of his second piece, most likely knocking him out of the competition. His technique was not so pristine, and he had many mistakes. A new face in Senior men, Jon Drake, was actually quite good. His dancing had very clean technique, and his stage presence was off the wall, even through bows! He had an awesome reception from the audience as well. There was a Polish girl who did quite well in one performance, and okay in here other. Definitely the spotlight of the night were the Mexican girl and Russian man. They performed a gorgeous Don Q, and her balances were amazing. However, her fouettes weren't quite as clean as the rest of her performance.

We all know the story of some of the greats' stage names, Suzanne Farrell(sp?)was once Roberta Sue Flicker, or something like that. I thought it would be interesting to talk about stage names? Do YOU have one? I've been looking for one...how does Anna (pronounced onna) Louise sound?

Does anyone know of any other places where they have been mentioned/interviewed? I would be interested in finding out...thanks alot!

Does anyone know where I could obtain a copy of that book? It would have to be online, not too many good bookstores where I live.

Yes, I did see the dance magazine issue. There was also an article about them in Pointe Magazine...not the latest issue, but the one before that. I think that on Pointe Magazine's website, there may be an interview with them or a behind-the-scenes article under "Web Exclusives"

Tee Hee....if I named him Maxim, I could call him Maxie, and if I named her Irina, I could call her Rinie! I believe I am over-obbsessed. I plan on writing them a letter sometime in the near future (I hope it gets to them!)

Kate, I'll take it! If you think it would fit me....but I'd rather someone who really needs it get it.

I don't think that this provocative dancing is appropriate for ANY age in a recital. I feel like even "senior" students and "sexually mature" teenagers should, well, keep it to themselves and in the clubs. I also feel that it is the choreographer's obligation in choreographing dances for students in a recital to keep the risky dancing to a minimum. Not only does it spoil the reputation of the studio for the general public to see the dancers performing in such an innappropriate fashion, but also for the dancers.

Lately, at my ballet studio(which also offers hip hop, jazz, and tap) I have noticed some extremely risky and provocative dances being performed. (not by me!) Many of our JAZZ (obviously not classical) dancers are performing extremely provocative movements, often at 9 and 10 years old! I quit jazz at this studio since then, but I just wanted to see if I was the only one who is alarmed by this.

Hi everyone! I don't know about all of you, but I like ballet jokes, especially funny ones! So, I thought that some good, clean ballet laughter sounds like fun! Here's one that's not too funny: Q: How many ballet dancers does it take to change a light bulb? A: 50, 1 to do it, and 49 to say they could have done it better. Ta da!

Yep! That's him! Thanks alot! It shows that a wonderful teacher's name isn't lost after all!

Wow! I didn't think anyone would be interested in this! Do you know Mr. Danton personally? Just wondering. I can't find the earlier posts about Mr. Danton. I tried searching, but it only gave me this.

Does anyone know who Henry Danton was? He's my teacher, and he's not very well known in today's time, but in the 40's and 50's he was quite famous....consider this a scavenger hunt for info, if you have time to surf the net and stuff....I'll letcha know if you're right!

I know Adrienne, and she is dancing w/ Washington Ballet (in D.C.).