Premabalrina

I think when the average nondancer hears the word "ballerina" they think of a short, petite girl. However, in the ballet world, a dancer shorter than 5'4" will have an awfully hard time finding a corp de ballet job. If he/she is exceptionally talented, a soloist or principal job may be possible. BUt how can you improve without the corp experience... Personally, I favor small dancers, being one myself. Taller dancers can sometimes look awkward dancing in certain roles. ( I think someone used the Giselle example in a previous reply.) Taller dancers (girls at least) seem to have more trouble with the tricky petite allegro roles that require a lot of quick, short jumping. I guess this might be due to the length of their bodies. Tall dancers do have some advantages though, don't get me wrong. Anything adagio always looks better on a tall, leggy girl to me for some reason. Height shouldn't matter, rather the quality of the dancing. Unfortunately it does. And america is only getting taller...

Wow! Sounds like Ballet Austin has really kicked it up a notch!

I can only imagine what the "Tribute to Paul Simon" ballet will be like since a few of PBT's more contemporary dancers have sadly departed. I would imagine it to be along the lines of the "Brand New Day" Sting tribute they did a while ago.

You are very welcome, Silvy. If you have any more questions, let me know. I danced there at one time.

I too have seen the info-mercial for "Yoga, Booty, Ballet." As a professional dancer, I find it to be insulting. It gives people the wrong idea about ballet. And to see the word "ballet" being associate with "booty" is degrading. I mean when I hear the word "booty," I think of Jennifer Lopes...and she in no way exudes any ballet qualities. This has been a discussion amongst some of my co-workers and I, and they agree. There definitely could have been a better name choice for the new exercise program.

I saw Tulsa Ballet this past October performing some more interesting contemporary works. The first piece choreographed by Nacho Duato was quite impressive. Although I did find it to be strange that a few of the dancers in the company who are in the "corps de ballet" executed the choreography better than the much older soloist and principle dancers. Other than that, the company has expanded this season, adding about 6 more "non-american" dancers (making a total of about 3 american trained dancers!) I will probably catch another one of their programs this season, something more classical.

Lindy is indeed teaching at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet. She was my idle growing up and always the envy of all her peers. I wish her well as she passes her gifts along to all of her students.