...5 weeks of intense dancing with other hard working dancers and inspirational teachers...gone. But not completely gone, because of all I've retained. I can just barely remember when that place was unfamiliar, when I knew no one. And when I thought I'd be relieved to not have to wake up at 6:00 every morning. But now I want one more week to get to know the girls in my class a little better. But that would've just made the goodbye even harder.
I'm am so thankful that I was able to have this experience, and meet all these amazing people. I have learned so much and am so excited to continue my training back at my home studio. Believe it or not, Nutcracker rehearsals are in only one month...where did this past year go? I'll try my best to keep you updated with that.
Thanks for reading this little post :-)
<3
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
NYCB in Saratoga, NY - The Experience
Here's the post I promised - enjoy! I apologize for the delay.
Once we all gathered together at the dorms, we boarded two charter buses and were shortly on our way. The entire drive was about 3 hours long, and we drove about halfway there before we stopped so people who didn't bring lunch could buy it. I brought lunch, so I just used the bathroom before boarding the bus.
The rest of the trip there I ate my lunch and watched some of the movies they played on the little TVs: What A Girl Wants, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and one of the Night at the Museum movies.
Once we got to Saratoga Performing Arts Center, we were handed out our tickets, and then basically let loose. There was a gift stand that was constantly swamped with people, and a few food stands. My friends and I went to the bathroom, and then went to find our seats. We found out that students from SAB were also attending the event, which makes sense since SAB is the school of NYCB.
The performance itself was quite good. I particularly enjoyed the third piece, which was Tchaikovsky Violin something Concerto...sorry, I'm terrible with remembering names like that :-/ After seeing Sara Mearns and Megan Fairchild dance on YouTube, it was incredible to see them dancing in person.
After the show was over, they announced that we should do whatever we need to do here now because we aren't making a single stop on the way back. That meant Three. Straight. Hours. Of. Sitting. In. A. Bus. With. Out. Moving.
...it was pretty terrible. I was super tired and really hungry. But there were movies playing that I could watch, and my friend was sitting next to me so we talked and played air hockey on her phone.
When we finally got back, I found out that my aunt wasn't feeling that well, so it made sense just to have a relaxing evening and watch a movie.
I hope that post satisfied your interest!
<3
Once we all gathered together at the dorms, we boarded two charter buses and were shortly on our way. The entire drive was about 3 hours long, and we drove about halfway there before we stopped so people who didn't bring lunch could buy it. I brought lunch, so I just used the bathroom before boarding the bus.
The rest of the trip there I ate my lunch and watched some of the movies they played on the little TVs: What A Girl Wants, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and one of the Night at the Museum movies.
Once we got to Saratoga Performing Arts Center, we were handed out our tickets, and then basically let loose. There was a gift stand that was constantly swamped with people, and a few food stands. My friends and I went to the bathroom, and then went to find our seats. We found out that students from SAB were also attending the event, which makes sense since SAB is the school of NYCB.
The performance itself was quite good. I particularly enjoyed the third piece, which was Tchaikovsky Violin something Concerto...sorry, I'm terrible with remembering names like that :-/ After seeing Sara Mearns and Megan Fairchild dance on YouTube, it was incredible to see them dancing in person.
After the show was over, they announced that we should do whatever we need to do here now because we aren't making a single stop on the way back. That meant Three. Straight. Hours. Of. Sitting. In. A. Bus. With. Out. Moving.
...it was pretty terrible. I was super tired and really hungry. But there were movies playing that I could watch, and my friend was sitting next to me so we talked and played air hockey on her phone.
When we finally got back, I found out that my aunt wasn't feeling that well, so it made sense just to have a relaxing evening and watch a movie.
I hope that post satisfied your interest!
<3
Saturday, July 13, 2013
NYCB in Saratoga, NY!
Hello fellow bloggers and blog-readers!
I'm making this post to tell you that today I'm heading off to Saratoga, NY to see a performance by New York City Ballet, or NYCB. The Boston Ballet SDP has weekend trips you can sign up for, and I decided to sign up for this one.
I'll be making a post about it when I get back, so look forward to that!
<3
I'm making this post to tell you that today I'm heading off to Saratoga, NY to see a performance by New York City Ballet, or NYCB. The Boston Ballet SDP has weekend trips you can sign up for, and I decided to sign up for this one.
I'll be making a post about it when I get back, so look forward to that!
<3
Monday, July 8, 2013
Update on My Experience So Far at the Boston Ballet SDP in Newton
Hello everyone! Today's post is just telling you guys what my experience so far here in Boston has been like. Let's get started...
I have just started my 3rd week at Boston Ballet's Summer Dance Program in Newton, and I really do enjoy my classes. The teachers all are very informative in their teaching, and I think that I will get a lot out of this intensive.
We've had multiple lectures so far, including:
-injury prevention
-music
-nutrition
-costuming/dance history
All these lectures are very interesting and informative, and I've gotten a lot of good notes and learned a lot.
We also have a character class, choreography class, and repertoire/variations class, all three of which I don't have the opportunity to do year-round. So far in repertoire we've learned the Fairy of the Enchanted Garden from The Sleeping Beauty (the version that starts with the pique passes). This Thursday we'll learn something else, probably another fairy from TSB because the whole program is doing a performance of excerpts from the ballet as an end-of-program performance. I still don't get how its all coming together for the end, but I'll tell you guys if I know anything more.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Are you doing a summer intensive? If so, how's it going so far?
<3
I have just started my 3rd week at Boston Ballet's Summer Dance Program in Newton, and I really do enjoy my classes. The teachers all are very informative in their teaching, and I think that I will get a lot out of this intensive.
We've had multiple lectures so far, including:
-injury prevention
-music
-nutrition
-costuming/dance history
All these lectures are very interesting and informative, and I've gotten a lot of good notes and learned a lot.
We also have a character class, choreography class, and repertoire/variations class, all three of which I don't have the opportunity to do year-round. So far in repertoire we've learned the Fairy of the Enchanted Garden from The Sleeping Beauty (the version that starts with the pique passes). This Thursday we'll learn something else, probably another fairy from TSB because the whole program is doing a performance of excerpts from the ballet as an end-of-program performance. I still don't get how its all coming together for the end, but I'll tell you guys if I know anything more.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Are you doing a summer intensive? If so, how's it going so far?
<3
Placement Day at the Boston Ballet...
...in Newton for their SDP (Summer Dance Program).
Placement day was a little scary, but overall not a terrible experience. We were all separated into 8 groups, A-H, and we're told the specific time we had to be at the studio. I got there a little early, and when I walked into the dressing room, it was packed with people and all their stuff.
Each placement class had 2 groups in it, A and B, C and D, E and F, and G and H. An hour before each placement class there was a 45 minute warm-up, which was just barre exercises. Then we had 15 minutes in which we were all lined up on a wall outside the largest studio and waited to go in.
The actual placement class was center and across the floor. We didn't actually do too many exercises, it just took an hour and a half to make sure everyone was able to do each combination because the class was so big. I think I did a decent job, seeing I hadn't been taking consistent classes right up until the start of the intensive.
And that's how placement day was! Did any other people have interesting placement days? Comment below
<3
Placement day was a little scary, but overall not a terrible experience. We were all separated into 8 groups, A-H, and we're told the specific time we had to be at the studio. I got there a little early, and when I walked into the dressing room, it was packed with people and all their stuff.
Each placement class had 2 groups in it, A and B, C and D, E and F, and G and H. An hour before each placement class there was a 45 minute warm-up, which was just barre exercises. Then we had 15 minutes in which we were all lined up on a wall outside the largest studio and waited to go in.
The actual placement class was center and across the floor. We didn't actually do too many exercises, it just took an hour and a half to make sure everyone was able to do each combination because the class was so big. I think I did a decent job, seeing I hadn't been taking consistent classes right up until the start of the intensive.
And that's how placement day was! Did any other people have interesting placement days? Comment below
<3
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Placement Day Post?
Hey guys, this is going to be a super quick post. I was just wondering if you would like me to make a post on my placement day tomorrow? The Newton program (and probably the Boston one too) has a placement day the first day to determine the level you are going to be placed in for the program.
Are you guys interested? Comment below!
<3
Are you guys interested? Comment below!
<3
Thursday, June 20, 2013
What to Bring in Your Carry-On Bag!
Hello everyone! Here is the carry-on bag post I promised! I hope that it is helpful in packing for any traveling you are doing this summer. Lets get started!
1. Gum - chewing gum on the plane helps when your ears pop. This generally happens when you take off and when you land. Yawning also helps too, but I've found its more painful.
2. Phone - if you have one.
3. iPod - or any other music playing device. I bought some new music for my iPod a few days before I left so that I would have some new music to listen to.
4. Magazines - go through each part thoroughly to make the most of it.
5. A book - if you have some summer reading you need to get done, now would be a good time, or if you've been wanting to read a certain book.
6. Lip balm - for some reason, my lips got really chapped and flakey on the plane. Maybe it was a coincidence, but I wouldn't suggest taking the chance, because chapped lips are not fun :(
7. Water - stay hydrated! It'll help you feel better, and maybe less energy-drained after the flight.
8. Snack - I know that most airlines offer free snacks, but if you get some things ahead of time, you can be sure you'll have something you like.
9. Emergency set of dance clothes - if you are a fellow dancer like I am, you know how terrible it would be if your checked luggage was lost, or just misplaced, and would get to you a week later, AND it had all your pointe shoes, leotards, tights, flat shoes, character shoes, character skirt, etc. That's why it is important to carry the bare minimum that could get you through a couple days before your luggage came. I suggest one leotard, one pair of tights, a pair of flat shoes, a pair of pointe shoes, and hair stuff (pins, hairnets, clips)
I hope this post was helpful!
<3
1. Gum - chewing gum on the plane helps when your ears pop. This generally happens when you take off and when you land. Yawning also helps too, but I've found its more painful.
2. Phone - if you have one.
3. iPod - or any other music playing device. I bought some new music for my iPod a few days before I left so that I would have some new music to listen to.
4. Magazines - go through each part thoroughly to make the most of it.
5. A book - if you have some summer reading you need to get done, now would be a good time, or if you've been wanting to read a certain book.
6. Lip balm - for some reason, my lips got really chapped and flakey on the plane. Maybe it was a coincidence, but I wouldn't suggest taking the chance, because chapped lips are not fun :(
7. Water - stay hydrated! It'll help you feel better, and maybe less energy-drained after the flight.
8. Snack - I know that most airlines offer free snacks, but if you get some things ahead of time, you can be sure you'll have something you like.
9. Emergency set of dance clothes - if you are a fellow dancer like I am, you know how terrible it would be if your checked luggage was lost, or just misplaced, and would get to you a week later, AND it had all your pointe shoes, leotards, tights, flat shoes, character shoes, character skirt, etc. That's why it is important to carry the bare minimum that could get you through a couple days before your luggage came. I suggest one leotard, one pair of tights, a pair of flat shoes, a pair of pointe shoes, and hair stuff (pins, hairnets, clips)
I hope this post was helpful!
<3
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Happy Summer!
Hi guys! Sorry I've been not posting at all in the last month. I know I promised, and this is making me seem like you can't trust me, and I'm sorry. I'll get into the post now :)
So, as a little follow-up to my last post, my spring concert went well, and everyone had a lot of fun performing. I'm happy I found my current studio, and I'm super excited for the years to come! But that's been over for quite a few weeks, and now school is over too and I'm officially on summer break! The last day of school was kind of difficult, because our school is pretty small, which means everyone knows everyone, and now we're all splitting up for high school. But now that school is over, it means I'm leaving for Boston in just a couple days!
So that's about it for this post. I will be making a post in the next couple days about packing, if you guys are interested. Mostly I'm planning on talking about carry-on things, and how to stay occupied and comfortable.
I hope you guys will continue to follow my blog! I really will work harder to post more often.
<3
So, as a little follow-up to my last post, my spring concert went well, and everyone had a lot of fun performing. I'm happy I found my current studio, and I'm super excited for the years to come! But that's been over for quite a few weeks, and now school is over too and I'm officially on summer break! The last day of school was kind of difficult, because our school is pretty small, which means everyone knows everyone, and now we're all splitting up for high school. But now that school is over, it means I'm leaving for Boston in just a couple days!
So that's about it for this post. I will be making a post in the next couple days about packing, if you guys are interested. Mostly I'm planning on talking about carry-on things, and how to stay occupied and comfortable.
I hope you guys will continue to follow my blog! I really will work harder to post more often.
<3
Monday, May 13, 2013
Spring Show is Soon!
Hi guys! Sorry about lack of posting. Let's jump right into this post!
So my studio's Spring Show is this weekend - eek! The past 2 Saturdays, we've run through of all the pieces, and I was quite exhausted by the end of both days. Since I'm pretty sure none of my readers actually dance at my studio, let me step back and explain my spring show. Basically, it consists of some of the teachers at my studio choreographing pieces and students in the upper three levels who want to be in the show, and put in extra rehearsal time on Saturdays, can audition. There are five pieces:
-2 modern
-2 ballet
-1 jazz
-An extra performance done by a younger level
Plus, I think someone is doing a solo who isn't part of the school. I'm cast in in both the moderns and one of the ballet pieces. The first modern piece is sort of creepy. It's about a girl who's have a bad dream, and everyone else-including me-are creepy dolls in the dream. The second modern doesn't really have storyline. Everyone is wearing white short-sleeve leotards with lace at the top, and long swishy white skirts, with a large sunflower in our hair. Finally, the ballet piece I'm in is about court ballet, and how everyone was so proper, and pretended to be very polite, but "discreetly" would try and sabotage each others' chances at getting closer to the queen. In this piece, I am cast as the lead-the queen! I'm very excited, but also nervous. I've never had a solo like this before, and it's on pointe! But I'll do the absolute best that I can, and that'll be good enough for me.
Anyone else have any spring shows/performances that are coming up or have already happened? Comment below!
<3
So my studio's Spring Show is this weekend - eek! The past 2 Saturdays, we've run through of all the pieces, and I was quite exhausted by the end of both days. Since I'm pretty sure none of my readers actually dance at my studio, let me step back and explain my spring show. Basically, it consists of some of the teachers at my studio choreographing pieces and students in the upper three levels who want to be in the show, and put in extra rehearsal time on Saturdays, can audition. There are five pieces:
-2 modern
-2 ballet
-1 jazz
-An extra performance done by a younger level
Plus, I think someone is doing a solo who isn't part of the school. I'm cast in in both the moderns and one of the ballet pieces. The first modern piece is sort of creepy. It's about a girl who's have a bad dream, and everyone else-including me-are creepy dolls in the dream. The second modern doesn't really have storyline. Everyone is wearing white short-sleeve leotards with lace at the top, and long swishy white skirts, with a large sunflower in our hair. Finally, the ballet piece I'm in is about court ballet, and how everyone was so proper, and pretended to be very polite, but "discreetly" would try and sabotage each others' chances at getting closer to the queen. In this piece, I am cast as the lead-the queen! I'm very excited, but also nervous. I've never had a solo like this before, and it's on pointe! But I'll do the absolute best that I can, and that'll be good enough for me.
Anyone else have any spring shows/performances that are coming up or have already happened? Comment below!
<3
Friday, March 29, 2013
March is almost over...
...and I haven't made a post in forever!! Nothing really new has happened recently in dance.
I did want to mention that I have made a new thing on the side of my posts feed that links the following blogs:
Teen Ballet
Skates and Slippers
It's All About Dance
Make sure you check them out!
Until I have something more to post about...
<3
I did want to mention that I have made a new thing on the side of my posts feed that links the following blogs:
Teen Ballet
Skates and Slippers
It's All About Dance
Make sure you check them out!
Until I have something more to post about...
<3
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Summer Intensive Plans!
Hello! In case you were wondering, I am still alive! I've just been bad on my posting. Anyway, this post is going to be revealing where I am going this summer for my intensive...
...drum roll please...
Boston Ballet!
Yes, I am going to the Boston Ballet intensive in Newton! I will be staying with some family, which eliminates the cost of boarding. Here is a picture of the place I will be taking classes (I think):
I will do posts when I get there, but that's not for a while, so look forward to more posts on other topics to come!
Thanks for reading!
<3
Monday, February 4, 2013
ABT Audition Review/Feelings
{insert clever and witty saying here}
Prior to the Audition
It was crazy when we got there! I could barely get into the door without squishing people already in line. Eventually, I got a registration card and filled that out while the line slo-o-o-o-w-w-wly moved along. The cool thing was that we could see the company of that studio rehearsing Romeo and Juliet...the bad thing? We didn't have the large studio.
During the Audition
The packed us neatly at the barres, so closely that by battements, if we didn't angle, they would be at 45 degrees... combinations were simple, so focusing on technique (like usual) was my main focus. Pointe was just releves.
Results
I was accepted into the North Carolina location! Exciting, but I've heard that unless you're in the New York intensive, they won't pay much attention to the students, if that makes sense...I guess you just get classes, but you don't really make any real connection with your teachers, or something like that.
Thanks for reading!
<3
Results
I was accepted into the North Carolina location! Exciting, but I've heard that unless you're in the New York intensive, they won't pay much attention to the students, if that makes sense...I guess you just get classes, but you don't really make any real connection with your teachers, or something like that.
Thanks for reading!
<3
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Ballet Chicago Audition Review/Feelings
Hello again! I think you know how this will go...
Prior to the Audition
I'm pretty sure I arrived about a 1/2 hour early. I was already pre-registered, so registering was simple, I just told them my name, and they had a card all filled out for me.
During the Audition
The combinations they had us do at this audition were pretty hard compared to other auditions. And they definitely love turnout. At the barre, during developpes, the women teaching the class went along to everyone along this really long barre (including me) and when we plie-d and flexed our foot, she would really turn it out.
I felt the difficulty of the class was overall like a regular technique class for me, and that was unusual because auditions are usually simpler than that (if you didn't know). Pointe wasn't terrible, but we did do this kind of hard combination involving echappes and a developpe.
Results
The day after the audition, I got an email telling me I was accepted! I was very surprised to have heard so soon, but at least there wasn't too much suspense. I really want to go to this intensive, so I hope it will work out!
Thanks for reading!
<3
Prior to the Audition
I'm pretty sure I arrived about a 1/2 hour early. I was already pre-registered, so registering was simple, I just told them my name, and they had a card all filled out for me.
During the Audition
The combinations they had us do at this audition were pretty hard compared to other auditions. And they definitely love turnout. At the barre, during developpes, the women teaching the class went along to everyone along this really long barre (including me) and when we plie-d and flexed our foot, she would really turn it out.
I felt the difficulty of the class was overall like a regular technique class for me, and that was unusual because auditions are usually simpler than that (if you didn't know). Pointe wasn't terrible, but we did do this kind of hard combination involving echappes and a developpe.
Results
The day after the audition, I got an email telling me I was accepted! I was very surprised to have heard so soon, but at least there wasn't too much suspense. I really want to go to this intensive, so I hope it will work out!
Thanks for reading!
<3
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Rock School Audition Review/Experience
You should know the drill by now if you've read my previous posts... :)
Prior to the Audition
I had to go straight from a technique class with my friend to the audition, and since the audition was 7:00-9:00, I ate dinner on the way there. Then once we got there, we registered and got our numbers. After that, my friend and I went through some strengthening exercises, and then stretched. Eventually, we were called in.
During the Audition
When we were at the barre, they didn't require us to stand in any number order, which I found a little strange, but it didn't really matter. The one thing I really liked about the audition was as we went through all the exercises, they gave us really specific corrections, and it felt like a real class, and not just an audition. The people at the audition were the heads of the school (I think) and married, and they both taught the audition. After showing the grand allegro combination, the man said "C'mere number 14." and I walked over to him, and realized we were going to demonstrate. It was really fun, because I felt like I was flying.
Pointe wasn't terribly hard, but it wasn't like SAB (see 2(?) posts below).
Results
At the end of the audition, they told us to group up near the front of the room where their table was, and when they called your number, come forward. When they called each person's number, they handed them a folded piece of paper, which told us right then and there whether we had be accepted or not, and if we had, which level. I was accepted, and was placed in level 3, which was very exciting!
Prior to the Audition
I had to go straight from a technique class with my friend to the audition, and since the audition was 7:00-9:00, I ate dinner on the way there. Then once we got there, we registered and got our numbers. After that, my friend and I went through some strengthening exercises, and then stretched. Eventually, we were called in.
During the Audition
When we were at the barre, they didn't require us to stand in any number order, which I found a little strange, but it didn't really matter. The one thing I really liked about the audition was as we went through all the exercises, they gave us really specific corrections, and it felt like a real class, and not just an audition. The people at the audition were the heads of the school (I think) and married, and they both taught the audition. After showing the grand allegro combination, the man said "C'mere number 14." and I walked over to him, and realized we were going to demonstrate. It was really fun, because I felt like I was flying.
Pointe wasn't terribly hard, but it wasn't like SAB (see 2(?) posts below).
Results
At the end of the audition, they told us to group up near the front of the room where their table was, and when they called your number, come forward. When they called each person's number, they handed them a folded piece of paper, which told us right then and there whether we had be accepted or not, and if we had, which level. I was accepted, and was placed in level 3, which was very exciting!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Boston Ballet Audition Review
Hi everyone! It's actually been almost a week since my audition for Boston, but here is the review!
Prior to the Audition
I arrived about a half an hour early. There was no pre-registration, so instead they took all of us into a studio and had us fill out a form. Then we lined up according to age, and line by line, went up to the table at the front of the studio to turn in our money and forms and get our numbers. After all of that happened, they called numbers 1 through 64 to another studio for the audition while the rest of the people waited for an hour and 20 minutes. Thank goodness I was number 17 or something like that, so I didn't have to wait.
During the Audition
The woman who taught the class was a company member in the Boston Ballet, a soloist I think. The other person observing the audition was the director of the school, or someone near that job. The company member was funny and made the experience more relaxing, which was nice because it was easier to focus on my technique. The funny thing is, we never got to pointe, but I guess they might assess that in the intensive,
Results
I learned a few days after the audition that I was accepted into their program in Newton, which is just outside of Boston (I wasn't eligible for the program in Boston because you have to be 15). It is being considered that I go there because my aunt and cousin live in Boston and I could stay with them.
Prior to the Audition
I arrived about a half an hour early. There was no pre-registration, so instead they took all of us into a studio and had us fill out a form. Then we lined up according to age, and line by line, went up to the table at the front of the studio to turn in our money and forms and get our numbers. After all of that happened, they called numbers 1 through 64 to another studio for the audition while the rest of the people waited for an hour and 20 minutes. Thank goodness I was number 17 or something like that, so I didn't have to wait.
During the Audition
The woman who taught the class was a company member in the Boston Ballet, a soloist I think. The other person observing the audition was the director of the school, or someone near that job. The company member was funny and made the experience more relaxing, which was nice because it was easier to focus on my technique. The funny thing is, we never got to pointe, but I guess they might assess that in the intensive,
Results
I learned a few days after the audition that I was accepted into their program in Newton, which is just outside of Boston (I wasn't eligible for the program in Boston because you have to be 15). It is being considered that I go there because my aunt and cousin live in Boston and I could stay with them.
Friday, January 11, 2013
SAB Results
Hello everyone,
Just updating on the results for my SAB audition...I didn't get in. I'm a little disappointed, but I have another audition tomorrow, one next week, and three the next, so I don't have time to dwell on the past.
Happy auditioning to those who are!
<3
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
SAB Audition Review/Feelings
Hello everyone! Today I have a review for you for SAB's, or the School of American Ballet's, summer intensive audition. Well...I'm going to call it a review, but basically it's just my experience. I'll be doing this for all my other summer intensive auditions too, so I hope you enjoy!
Prior to the Audition
I arrived at the audition a full hour early, even though I was pre-registered. I prefer to be there early to make sure I have enough time to stretch and get myself mentally prepared. There I was given a few things, including a number and two safety pins to pin it onto my leotard. When the audition was about to start, they had us line up outside the studio, so we could file into the studio in an orderly fashion.
The Audition
Once in the studio, we were sorted by number at the barre. The combinations were pretty simple, they were just looking for the level of technique we had.
Center was pretty much the same difficulty. They had us go in groups, and after we finished each combination, the man who was giving us the combinations and the women who was watching would whisper and stare at the students. That was probably the scariest moment, when you realized the were looking at you. I also had an extremely difficult time turning for some reason. Unfortunately, I hadn't taken any class yet, just coming off of break, so I didn't have a whole lot I could do to prepare.
There was only one or two combos across the floor, grand allegro, and then came pointe. Surprisingly, all we did was echappes. I expected that we would have to do more, at least piques, but I guess not.
Results
I don't know yet, but I will on Friday probably. I don't expect to get in, seeing that they didn't see my best, but I still have five more auditions to pull my act together (I added PNB to my list), and hopefully impress someone.
Have you auditioned for something yet/will you be auditioning in the future? Comment below your experience, or any requests or questions!
<3
Prior to the Audition
I arrived at the audition a full hour early, even though I was pre-registered. I prefer to be there early to make sure I have enough time to stretch and get myself mentally prepared. There I was given a few things, including a number and two safety pins to pin it onto my leotard. When the audition was about to start, they had us line up outside the studio, so we could file into the studio in an orderly fashion.
The Audition
Once in the studio, we were sorted by number at the barre. The combinations were pretty simple, they were just looking for the level of technique we had.
Center was pretty much the same difficulty. They had us go in groups, and after we finished each combination, the man who was giving us the combinations and the women who was watching would whisper and stare at the students. That was probably the scariest moment, when you realized the were looking at you. I also had an extremely difficult time turning for some reason. Unfortunately, I hadn't taken any class yet, just coming off of break, so I didn't have a whole lot I could do to prepare.
There was only one or two combos across the floor, grand allegro, and then came pointe. Surprisingly, all we did was echappes. I expected that we would have to do more, at least piques, but I guess not.
Results
I don't know yet, but I will on Friday probably. I don't expect to get in, seeing that they didn't see my best, but I still have five more auditions to pull my act together (I added PNB to my list), and hopefully impress someone.
Have you auditioned for something yet/will you be auditioning in the future? Comment below your experience, or any requests or questions!
<3
Monday, January 7, 2013
How to Prepare for an Audition
Hello everyone! I had a request (I love saying that!) to do a post on how to prepare for an audition, specifically summer intensive auditions (for ballet, if you happen to be someone who stumbled upon my blog just now). I'm just going to list-in order-how to prepare...so here we go!
1. Eat well. You don't want to feel crummy going into an audition, because that can definitely affect your performance. You don't want any foods that may make you feel slightly bloated, so if your audition is in the morning, I would suggest eating something like yogurt and granola, or even vegetables if you feel up to it. If your audition is afternoon/evening, I would suggest both carbs and vegetables. My audition yesterday was at three yesterday, so my lunch was caeser salad and a pita bread half with cucumbers and hummus. It was definitely very filling, yet I didn't feel like I had eaten too much.
2. Shower right before you get dressed. Even if you just did the night before, its always good going in feeling fresh.
3. Get dressed. Pink tights and pink flat shoes are pretty much always a given, as well as bringing pointe shoes, unless the audition requires you to do some other type of dance. For a leotard, I would just go with simple and black. If the website for the company says that you can wear any color leotard, wearing something slightly less ordinary, like maybe white or navy. This can call a little more attention to yourself without being too flashy.
4. Do your hair/makeup. I would recommend thinking, hair-wise, of it as a performance. Have it tight, with all extra baby hairs hairspray-ed or gelled. Makeup wise, go simple. A little concealer and mascara will be fine, but nothing too extravagant.
5. Get together an photos/important papers. Often in auditions they will ask you to have some sort of photos or photos. The most common is first arabesque, but also echappe (did I spell that right?) and headshots are also sometimes required. Other possible papers are proof of birth (ex. birth certificate), proof of pre registration (if that was possible and you did).
6. Pack your dance bag carefully. Double check you have your flat shoes and pointe shoes (if you need to do some of the audition on pointe), and anything else necessary to bring.
7. Smile and feel confidant. Auditions are fun! Sure, it's nerve wracking, but if you if you let it get to you too much, it will show in the audition. Breathe, and enjoy it!
I hope this was helpful! Comment any other post suggestions :)
<3
1. Eat well. You don't want to feel crummy going into an audition, because that can definitely affect your performance. You don't want any foods that may make you feel slightly bloated, so if your audition is in the morning, I would suggest eating something like yogurt and granola, or even vegetables if you feel up to it. If your audition is afternoon/evening, I would suggest both carbs and vegetables. My audition yesterday was at three yesterday, so my lunch was caeser salad and a pita bread half with cucumbers and hummus. It was definitely very filling, yet I didn't feel like I had eaten too much.
2. Shower right before you get dressed. Even if you just did the night before, its always good going in feeling fresh.
3. Get dressed. Pink tights and pink flat shoes are pretty much always a given, as well as bringing pointe shoes, unless the audition requires you to do some other type of dance. For a leotard, I would just go with simple and black. If the website for the company says that you can wear any color leotard, wearing something slightly less ordinary, like maybe white or navy. This can call a little more attention to yourself without being too flashy.
4. Do your hair/makeup. I would recommend thinking, hair-wise, of it as a performance. Have it tight, with all extra baby hairs hairspray-ed or gelled. Makeup wise, go simple. A little concealer and mascara will be fine, but nothing too extravagant.
5. Get together an photos/important papers. Often in auditions they will ask you to have some sort of photos or photos. The most common is first arabesque, but also echappe (did I spell that right?) and headshots are also sometimes required. Other possible papers are proof of birth (ex. birth certificate), proof of pre registration (if that was possible and you did).
6. Pack your dance bag carefully. Double check you have your flat shoes and pointe shoes (if you need to do some of the audition on pointe), and anything else necessary to bring.
7. Smile and feel confidant. Auditions are fun! Sure, it's nerve wracking, but if you if you let it get to you too much, it will show in the audition. Breathe, and enjoy it!
I hope this was helpful! Comment any other post suggestions :)
<3
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy Holidays + New Years Update
Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't made a post in forever! I typed one out, but then lost it before I could post it...anyway, I just want to start out by saying Happy Holidays to everyone! I had a very good Christmas, because that's what I celebrate, but whatever you celebrate, I hope it was amazing!
As you guys know, today is the first day of 2013, and to many that means trying to keep their New Years Resolution(s), but to many dancers that means.......audition season!
As you guys know, today is the first day of 2013, and to many that means trying to keep their New Years Resolution(s), but to many dancers that means.......audition season!
So, if you have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm talking about summer dance intensive auditions. Most of them are held in January, though a few fall in February. This is my first year really trying to get into somewhere. In the fall was when I realized that ballet is what I want to pursue, but I often have thoughts of whether that is possible or not. But I'm not going to let that stop me from going for it and trying to improve as much I as I can. If you are curious, here are the places I am auditioning for:
-SAB (School of American Ballet)
-ABT (American Ballet Theatre)
-Boston Ballet
-Ballet Chicago
-The Rock School
Finally, I will finish this post with my New Years Resolution. In 2013, I resolve to do my exercises (crunches, plank, releves) and stretch as much as possible so I can become stronger and more flexible and move forward more in my ballet training.
I hope you all enjoyed reading this post! 2012 was a good year, but I'm hoping for an even better one in 2013. Happy New Year, and good luck with your resolutions!
<3
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