“Two sets of 3 plie`s and 4 tondus,” “Five six seven eight,” can be heard from my dance teacher on a typical Monday night in advanced ballet. I’m out of breath, nauseous and sweating up a storm, but continue to run for my water to pour the icy cold liquid down my scratchy throat after an intense ballet-conditioning class. The clock ticks and before I know it four hours of dance passes by. If I’m not at school, I can most likely be found at my dance studio, Spotlight Dance Academy. Some people assume that I have been dancing here my whole life because of my connection to the girls and my improvement over the years, but truthfully I started dancing at Spotlight when I was in fifth grade. A good friend of mine from school, Alexa, had always talked to me about how much she loved this studio and how great the people were there. I had danced when I was younger but left the sport to plays soccer for several years. Dance was always within me, and it finally came to the point that I knew I wanted to continue to do what I previously had loved. I decided to go to the fall open house and check out the dance studio. My heart was pounding and butterflies flurried in my stomach but I was excited for a new opportunity. My mother and I pulled up in front of the dance studio, the sun was sweltering and giving off bright rays while the wind was whistling and blowing the potted flowers. I knew this was a good sign and my nerves immediately drifted away. I met the director who showed me
When the second quarter ended, they waited while technicians set up the stage and sound props. This soon ended and Cassi and the other performers stepped onto the field in front of thousands.
Cassi’s nerves switched into excitement as she looked at the crowd. It was sunny and beautiful and she loved to perform. This kind of performance, dancing, was what she was good at.
Little did I know then that the teachers are always looking for three things; technique, confidence, and artistry.
The audition was for Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory. The class was being held at the Alvin Ailey School in New York City. Being my paranoid self, I was there two hours early.
On January 23, 1906, Lester Iradell Horton was born to Iradell and Pollyanna Horton in Indianapolis, Indiana. Very little is known about Horton’s early life; however, it is known that his interest in dance was sparked by his fascination with American-Indian culture after watching tribal dances and the work of Japanese performer, Michio Itō. Horton began to study the Iroquois and Red River Indians, as well as the Penobscot and Ojibwe tribes. Alongside studying tribal dances, he began to train in ballet with a local teacher in Indianapolis, Theo Hewes. Nevertheless, the real story doesn’t start until the late 1920s.
The vision flashed before my eyes, me, as a dance officer, holding the shiny silver baton while navigating a team of ninety girls to be only the very best. I did not realize the many obstacles and hardships I would soon encounter before achieving my overall goal.
In December of my freshman year, the many auditions began. Chilly breezes of wind as
Her uncle Redd told her she should go to the audition and do her best. Then after the audition, she was the only one that did not get dismissed. That meant that she was the one that got to go to the summer dance festival! Then during the summer dance festival, she fulfilled her dream to dance in the spotlight as a ballerina. This book shows that even though differences can make us feel ashamed,they can also help you to be special in life.
Dance Styles of 1920’s
The 1920’s were a very interesting time period, especially due to the emergence and jazz and dancing with it. Generally when people talked about dancing back in the jazz age, they might think about the exuberant youth dances like the Charleston or Lindy Hop, or the theatrical dances of Fred and Ginger. A common misconception are people assuming all people, regardless of age or ethnicity was dancing the latest fad youth dance of the moment, like the Black Bottom, Collegiate Shag or Lindy Hop (Musings).
“[My dance instructor] Cindy believed that ballet was richer when it embraced diverse shapes and cultures. There would be times in my career when I would struggle to remember that, but I would eventually come back to that conviction, that the stage on which I performed was brighter for having me, even if some in the audience or dancing beside didn 't always agree” (“Misty Copeland
As a child, I was always extremely passionate about dance as a mode of expression for myself. However, my family’s financial situation never permitted me to take proper classes, and for a while I felt that a dream within myself had been crushed. When high school rolled around, I searched for an activity that would satisfy my dance needs and stumbled upon the extracurricular activity Color Guard, which consisted of flag, rifle, and sabre spinning. I grew excited at the idea of joining an activity in my high school, but what really drew me in was the dance aspect. I would finally be able to live out my dream without bound…or so I thought.
Turning Around the Topic: Sport or Not?
When you hear the word ‘sport’, you probably think of many things in your mind like soccer, football, softball, and even cheerleading but do you think of dance? One of the most common debates among dancers is whether or not dance should be considered a sport. If we’re being honest, dance doesn't even get close to the amount of credit it deserves.
Is Dance a Sport or an Art?
Some people think dance is not a sport. They think it’s an art because it is nothing but remembering dance moves. However, I believe dance is a sport.
Is Dance A Sport?
How much longer will the controversy of dance continue? Some people agree that it is a sport and others disagree. Most people who disagree about dance being a sport do not know enough about it.
I have always had a burning passion for dance since I was a young girl. My first time on a stage, I was immediately hooked. The overpowering feeling of a crowd of people watching me as I do what I love, is a feeling I have always admired. Dance has developed my character and personality in many different ways. I have been taught responsibility, discipline, integrity and much more.
After my parents recovered from that embarrassment and a bit of time had passed, They suggested that I attempt dance. The studio in which I attended was located in close proximity to my grandma’s house, so that way
Ever since i was young i fell in love with the art of dance. When i finally joined i felt like i was a little behind hence everyone was in my class was dancing since they were toddlers. My first day of dance was pretty nerve racking. My teacher would say to do something and i wouldn't know what to do because i didn't know any dance vocabulary. I would have to look around and try to fit in as much as possible so my teacher wouldn't think i wasn't fit for the class.
With the help of my instructors, I am able to work towards improving elements I have always struggled with, such as balance. Even outside of class, like auditioning for Mesa 's dance concert, I have found that the structure and organization of these auditions has helped prepare me for audition processes in the real world. Picking up and retaining choreography quickly is something I tend to struggle with, but these auditions give me the practice necessary to perform to my greatest ability and figure out methods to be on top of my game. Dance is like therapy to me, and after a long day of work or other classes, it feels comforting to have my dance classes as an outlet to express myself and exert my energy into something positive. On that same note, I have felt overwhelming support from my dance instructors at Mesa.
