driver of a dancer

My dancing daughter and I attended the showcase Saturday August 31,2002. It is located in Tivoli NY at the Kaatsbaan Center. Remember now this is from a "driver of a dancer." Martine van Hamel is the Artistic Director John Meehan, Bonnie Mathis, and Jessica Lang were the Faculty. 27 performers, 4 of those were male. I think of the names listed 2 were from the ABT Studio Company maybe another also. The showcase lasted apporx. 1 1/2 hrs.No intermission. Free It began with a demonstration Class which had center, men's technique, pointe barre and center. moved onto excerpts from Giselle Act II. Very informal no scenery a lovely short talk by Martine setting the mood. Some solos and most of the students were used in the cast. Then Giselle Act I with a few solos This as well as the demonstration class had Michael Kingon as Accompanist. Then with CD: Excerpts from The long and winding road with some solo dancing again. and then it finished with these short solo pieces: After Eden, Torso, After Eden and NO Sleep A final new work by Jessica Lang and all the dancers called Studio Three. All really seemed to enjoy themselves in this piece. At the end all performers were presented with a lovely flower from Martine. It was very lovely and organized since Martine stressed they only were working on this program I believe for 4 days. Kaatsbaan is located in lovely Tivoli NY. Probably about 2 3/4 hrs from NYC.

I saw in a NY TIMES article this AM that James Fayette was promoted to Principal with NYCB and Monique Meunier joins ABT as Soloist.

Recently saw the above, my daughter and I especially enjoyed The Long and Winding Road, a contemporary ballet with all 12 dancers. The music was from Peter Breiners Beatles Concerto Grosso No. 1-4 from the CD Beatles Go Baroque. Our first experience seeing anything ABT releated. Also fun to watch and looked fun for the dancers was La Folia. It was hard to believe how those 2 hours flew.

To Stardust and all who wonder the same thing. Enjoy dancing. I sometimes think dancing really prepares you for the real world.It is VERY important to focus on yourself and not worry about all others. I have heard my daughters ballet teacher say to focus on yourself and not worry about the others in the class and not to compare yourself. If you are doing that you are wasting your time. Yes it is hard when the body types are Stick like etc. But as a Mom as a listen to them I see this as an attention thing and just ignoring it will not fuel their desire to be heard. Just make sure you are making wise food choices and remember all body types are different. Love yourself and love your dancing, think of all the self confidence your getting , all the poise, the time with friends, and the self discipline that will always be with you for your life.