Special Events at TWB

[BW]

For those who live in and around DC, you might want to take a look at TWB's upcoming special events. In particular there is a series of talks beginning January 12th called Ballet 101. I wonder who is conducting it? Sounds very good - just the thing so many of us would like to be able to attend. B)

[Guest dani]

I am indeed attending this course being held by The Washington Ballet - Ballet 101: Dance for Dummies.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I entered the England Studio where rehearsals are also held. What I found was a sea of like minded dance fans not very learned about ballet and dance but quite eager to become enlightened and to learn how better to get more out of, and enjoy to an even greater extent, the world of ballet.

First, if you don't already know this, the artistic director of the Washington Ballet is Septime Webre. He is a vibrant and very enthusiastic man who seems to have boundless energy. He often holds post-performance talks and gladly answers a multitude of questions from the audience. He seems very keen to further the interest and understanding of ballet and dance and that extends all the way down to tykes in the city’s Outreach program. He seems to want others to love ballet as much as he does. At least, that is my impression of him. Therefore, it really came as no surprise to me when I walked in and found him at the head of the class waiting for us, his new students.

Our first class focused on the history of ballet from the Baroque and Romantic periods into the Classical period, touching briefly on Neo-Classical. He used video clips and dancers from the Washington Studio Company to demonstrate the various styles from those periods. A good deal of time was used to discuss Petipa and at that point two of the company’s principle dancers, Runqiao Du and Michele Jimenez came on to show us a few pdd including one from Swan Lake and one from The Four Temperaments, demonstrating Petipa's style and then as a juxtaposition – Balanchine’s. He also had video clips to show us the similarity of pattern but the vast difference and how Balanchine tapped into the kinetic value of Petipa’s technique and again this was demonstrated on tape and by the dancers.

I found this to be quite fascinating and I guess it really is easy to see all of this if you know what you are looking for...which is one of the objectives of the course. While he touched briefly on Balanchine, 20th century ballet will be studied in a later class. Also to be covered more in depth are technique and style, partnering, how ballets are notated, dancer training, choreography and choreographers (can’t wait for that one), more on what to look for when watching a ballet and an insider's look at dancers and dance companies.

The funniest part of the evening came when Septime made us all get up and stand in front of the mirror along with him and the dancers and he taught us the five positions. He then also taught us some ballet mime. (He had earlier shown a clip of Bournonville’s work – which came in handy for me as I went to see the Royal Danish Ballet that weekend). In any case, we giggled through it all and actually we didn’t do too badly, perhaps though a little wobbly in fifth position.

To say I enjoyed this class is an understatement. When I did go see my next ballet, I felt just a bit more in tune with what I was watching and that indeed added to the experience. I’ve no idea if other companies offer such a course, but they should consider it. It’s not only interesting and fun but, of course, you also meet other people with whom you have something in common and that is always wonderful.

I know this probably sounds quite silly to many on this site who already have a great knowledge of ballet. But we all have to start somewhere and I am grateful to have someone to actually show me the ropes in such a wonderful setting. My sincere thanks to The Washington Ballet and in particular to Mr. Webre for this unique experience. I can hardly wait for my next class. I just hope he doesn't try to get us up on point next!

~Dani

[BW]

Dani - thank you so much for posting! I wonder if it's too late to get in on these classes?

What are the dates? Are they held one evening per week? etc.?

Appreciate your taking the time to give such a nice, detailed response, too. :yes:

[Alexandra]

Thanks very much for that, Dani -- I'm glad Webre and TWB are doing this. It's a terrific idea, and it will get people excited about going to the ballet.

[Guest dani]

BW -

The next three classes are being held -

February 23 at 630pm

March 22 at 630pm

April 19 at 630pm

I've no idea if they are taking any more 'students', it was a pretty full class. But it's worth a call if you are in the DC area. I would imagine the response is such that they would hold it again. It was really wonderful.

Dani

[BW]

Thanks for the info Dani.