Tag: USA

Q&A With American Ballerina Olivia Hansen

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I had the opportunity to one of my favourite dancers on Instagram, Olivia Hansen some questions about her life as a ballerina. She is an incredibly stunning dancer who gracefully dances across the stage with a high level of commitment and dedication to ballet. She dances faultless and effortlessly, she has a love for ballet that is unmatched and undoubtedly will strive to be the best dancer she can be.

Instagram: olivia.eve.hansen

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 3 years old and started focusing on ballet specifically and intensely when I was 9.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Currently I dance with my teacher George Birkadze, a graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia. For the past 2 months I have been taking open classes and privates with George. I also studied with Katya Strelnakova about 3 months ago. She is a graduate of the Perm Ballet School.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 5 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Currently I am using Grishko pointe shoes and also Freed of London pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mother danced when she was a child. She did ballet up until I was 4 years old. She did not do ballet professionally but loved the art form.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation would have to be either Giselle act I, Laurencia Act I or Don Quixote.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company would be Houston Ballet or Boston Ballet.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

One of the most memorable moments for me would have to be performing the white swan pas de deux from Swan Lake. It’s is so technically and emotionally demanding as well as being a very long piece. I love being able to portray the white swan and develop Odette’s complex character.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

My ballet role models are Ashley Ellis, Miss Kuranaga and Natalia Osipova.

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher was from my teacher George Birkadze. He told me that you have to believe in what you are doing, believe in yourself and the movement will come.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my very small amount of free time, I play the ukulele and I like to watch movies while I stretch. In the summer time I like to sail and surf. Other than that, I like to hang out with my friends

Q&A With American Ballerina Holly Munns

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I had the chance to ask my Facebook friend Holly Munns some questions in regard to her journey as a ballerina. She is such wonderful dancer, so elegantly owning the stage with perfect technique. Plus she’s a kind and courteous person. Her love for ballet is immense and one day without a doubt Holly will fur-full her Ballet dreams.

Instagram: dancerschmoosh

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 4, but I didn’t get serious about it until I was 13. Meaning it was just a hobby at first.

Q2: Where do you currently dance? 

I danced with Nashville Ballet for two years in their Trainee program. Now, I’m looking at Ballet Palm Beach.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for? 

I have been on pointe for about six years now. I stared late, at age 13, when many dancers begin pointe around 9-11.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Suffolks spotlight pointe shoe. I started pointe with Grishkos 2004.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I don’t remember exactly how, but my mom tells me I watched dance shows growing up (like Annie) and I asked if I could start it. I took the beginner ballet/Tao class and I just fell in love with everything about it.

Q6: What is your favourite variation? 

This is a hard question. I love many variations and have yet to see/do one that I didn’t like. They are all so unique and different with their own difficulties. My favourite ballet is Sleeping Beauty and my dream role is to dance Aurora.

Q7: What company would you love to work for? 

I would love to dance professionally with Nashville Ballet. I love the way the company moves and how they are so invested in what they do. I love that the company is strong in both classical and contemporary ballet.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

Growing up you have teachers tell you corrections over and over, but one of the best moments in class is when it clicks. You finally understand what previous teachers and current teachers want. I also love the feeling of flying in ballet. I love jumping and traveling, so taking up space really makes you feel like you are flying through the air. My favourite memory was getting my first pair of pointe shoes.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

There are many dancers that I look up to, some at Nashville Ballet and some off YouTube. Three dancers I look up to are Misty Copeland, Michaela DePrince, and Alicia Alonso. There are many more dancers that inspire me, some even my own classmates. However, these three women stick out to me. They are fighters and believers for themselves, it was a struggle to reach their dream but they made it. They are beautiful dancers with great power and integrity.

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

One of my favourite quotes is from my teacher at Nashville Ballet, Ms. Koenig said, “You have to think of the titanic. Beautiful on the top with a fiery engine on the bottom. No matter what is going on with the legs, the top must remain calm.”

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Most people relate ballet to the classical tutus, but the romantic truths are pretty with their own statement. Gisele would look different with classical tutus and wouldn’t get the same feeling that romantic tutus give. I like both tutus, they both make me feel pretty and ready for stage.

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I like to stay busy, so I am usually working or taking classes at college. Staying busy keeps me focused, but it damages my mental health. I am taking the next year to find more stress relief and relaxation methods so I can become a better me and dancer. I love photography and writing. I’m terrible at painting but it’s fun to do. I’m always up to try new things, I’d consider myself an adventurous person.

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Elisabeth Wenta

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I was fortunate to have the opportunity to ask outstanding Australian dancer Elisabeth Wenta who currently is dancing at Washington Ballet in the USA. Elisabeth is an incredible dancer who graces a stage so wonderfully. Her poise and grace is unparalleled. Elisabeth has an incredibly bright future in ballet. Her passion for ballet is infectious. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at 6 years old but begged to start earlier. I was allowed to start when I started school.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently in my last semester at the Washington School of Ballet in the Pre-Professional Program but am soon going back to train at Premiere Elite over the break.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe work at 11.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Energetiks, Almaz and have for the past 3 years.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved by watching tv shows growing up like Angelina Ballerina and I begged my mum to start, also my mum was previously a ballet dancer and is now a ballet teacher.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have a couple favourites, I love Esmeralda, The 3rd Odalisque solo from Le Corsaire, the Pas D’esclave also from Le Corsaire and the Odile black swan variation.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Queensland Ballet, The Washington Ballet, Orlando Ballet, but in general I would just love to work and dance.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

Dancing twice, over in New Zealand at the Alana Haines Awards was pretty memorable and special, and also the week before I moved over to America I completed my solo seal exam and didn’t know that I had gotten my solo seal until months later whilst I was overseas, that was special as it was my last RAD ballet exam to complete all of them and I was quite nervous and stressed about it.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

My teacher Miss Sara (Sara Moore) has inspired me since I started having her at age 12, and still does and I’m so excited to go back to see her. She continually pushes me and brings out the best in me. I love watching Esmiana Jani, who is a company dancer here at the Washington ballet, I love the way she dances. Also, Iana Salenko … she has the most incredible lines and fluidity and still has such beautiful artistry.

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

From Miss Sara and Miss Kahlia back at home have always said that if you’re not working hard than someone else is working harder which is so true and has always pushed me, and also from Miss Gaither (Elizabeth Gaither) here in Washington has told our class that we need to treat every day in the studio like it’s our last because we don’t know what could happen, a bad injury or anything, so it could be.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer a classical tutu, although in Giselle I think the simple romantic tutus are beautiful.

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my free time I love to swim! Or if possible go to the beach, I love preparing my food and cooking and I love spending time with my friends, besides ballet my friends make me the happiest.

Q&A With American Ballerina Rory Kathryn Myers

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Recently I asked my followers on Instagram if they would like to partake in a Q&A, Rory Kathryn Myers responded with excitement and I happily asked her questions about her journey in ballet. Rory is a phenomenal dancer with such dedication to ballet and incredible poise and confidence. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

So long ago I can’t remember…. Though I didn’t start dancing seriously until I was 8 or 9ish.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

International Ballet Theater Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Seven years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Gaynor Mindens!!!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Mommor (my grandma) took me and a friend of mine to a mommy and me ballet class

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There’s so many, and it changes depending on my mood. I love watching rare variations. My current favorite is Nikia’s death scene. It’s so beautiful and tragic, as well as tecnically challenging, and this makes it such a difficult role.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for any ballet company! I especially like Boston Ballet. Misa Kuranaga and Larrisa Ponomarenko are my role models.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favourite ballet memory would have to be my debut as Sugar Plum Fairy last Nutcracker. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to partner with a principal dancer from the Armenian National Ballet. My mom and I also redecorated her old tutu for me to wear. It was definitely something I will never forget.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Larissa Ponomarenko, Misa Kuranaga, Nina Ananashvilli, Ekaterina Kondaurova, Viktoria Tereshkina, Olesya Novikova, Natalia Osipova, Anna Nikulina, Evgenia Obraztsova, Ekaterina Krysanova, Ekaterina Shipulina, Michaela DePrince, Evelina Godunova, and many more

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

Feel confident and embody your role, then nobody will notice if you mess up a little or don’t have perfect technique

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Pancake/Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

When I’m not dancing, you will always find me either reading or horseback riding and occasionally babysitting

Q&A With American Ballerina Grace Phillips

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Today I had the opportunity to ask one of my favourite Instagramers and dancers, Grace Phillips some questions about her journey as a dancer, below are her responses.

She is an incredibly kind and thoughtful person and its been a joy watching her grow as a dancer, all of her photos on Instagram are stunning. Continue to follow your dreams Grace, always striving for the best. I’ll always be there supporting you.

Instagram: Grace Phillips

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started Ballet when I was three years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at San Luis Obispo Movement Arts Center. Also known as SLOMAC. I am in their pre professional company.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been dancing en Pointe for three years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am currently wearing Suffolk pointe shoes.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mother took me to my first class. It was a tap and ballet combo class.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Choosing a favorite would be hard but I would have to say something from Don Quixote, Coppelia or Le Corsaire.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for a contemporary ballet company’s such as Alonzo King Lines.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

I would have to say my favorite memory dance has provided me is summer Intensive because you get to travel to new places and meet so many new friends.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Beckanne Sisk and Justin Peck

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

Enjoy the process.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I like classical tutus more

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

Watch movies, cook and sleep!

Photos Courtesy of Grace’s Instagram

 

Ballerina in Focus: Mattison Bedinghaus

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Watching someone overcome adversity is definitely inspiring and uplifting. My very good friend Mattison Bedinghaus is a great example of this. No matter the obstacle, Mattison made sure nothing held her back from achieving her goals.

Our friendship starts in 2015, from first messaging her on Facebook, it become obvious very quickly that she wasn’t like any normal dancer on Facebook, Mattison was a kind, considerate, strong minded and determined person and this was the first thing that was apparent when speaking to her. Our friendship continued to flourish over the years since. Mattison joyfully received a parcel from me with a few typical Australian things which was a total surprise to her.

Mattison began ballet at a young age and very quickly set her sights on her goals of being a professional dancer, with guidance from her incredibly knowledgeable mother, Treva, Mattison’s talents, determination and love for ballet became infectious. The joy that Mattison gets from being on stage is wonderful. From leaping across the stage to effortless pirouettes and pointe work, Mattison is an incredible dancer.

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Mattison continued to flourish as a dancer but then came a situation that would take everything she had to battle through, Mattison sustained an injury that sidelined her from the studio and stage for almost a year. Throughout this time, she never lost sight on what her ultimate goal was, to sign a contract with a professional ballet company. With encouragement and support from her amazing friends and family, Mattison made a recover and returned to ballet.

As an admirer of her strength and determination, it was a joyous occasion when Mattison fully recovered from her injury and once again put the pointe shoes and tutu back on and stepped back into her domain. Ballet is Mattison’s number one passion, she lives and breathes it, and this is an astonishing quality Mattison has. Nothing ever will get in between her and her goal. Her drive and passion is astounding and is something anyone facing obstacles can look up to.

Mattison recently had the opportunity to sign a contact with Sarasota Ballet in Florida for the 2017/18 season, she had been able to realise her goal of being a ballet dancer. With this accomplishment, the amount of unwavering amount of support for Mattison continued to grow. Her dedication to ballet led to her completing her schooling ahead of time with fantastic results. Ballet flows through her veins and the joy she conveys to anyone watching her is awe inspiring and profound.

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It is a pleasure to call Mattison one of my good friends even if she is so far away. She is such a kind, compassionate, courteous and thoughtful person. Watching her continue to grow as a dancer makes me happy and talking to her is a delight. I hope to watch Mattison dance in person one day and no doubt she’ll gracefully own the stage like she always does. Mattison will no doubt continue to grow as a dancer and strive to reach her goals regardless of any setback that may arise. There is nobody more graceful on the stage than Mattison. She always works incredibly hard, never gives up and always continues to improve and amaze people with what she does.

Q&A with American Contortionists

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I had the pleasure of being able to ask two contortionists of DEPAC in the USA some questions about their contortion training and careers and aspirations.

Ashley King and Katarina Danks (BendyKat)

https://www.swflcontortion.com/

http://www.danceextensionspac.com/contortion/

How long have done contortion for?

AK: I have been doing contortion for about 14 years now.

KD: I have been practicing contortion for 17 years now!

How did you start contortion?

AK: I started contortion after seeing a close friend training at DEPAC, and wanting to train myself. (the studio run by Betsy Shuttleworth and Dawn Churney).

KD: I was introduced to “acro” and contortion at age 8 by a long time friend and mentor of mine in the dance studio I grew up training at. My dance director and teacher was introduced to it by the same girl who had brought her skill to us via another dance studio. It seemed as if my teacher caught the bug right from the get go. I was one of her first contortion students. We grew up improving as my teacher grew in her training skills. We were lucky enough to meet all the right resources along the way. I had finally found something I was good at and felt “myself.”

How often do you train and for how long?

AK: At my peak, around 16 years old, I trained several days a week for a couple hours at a time. Currently, I train between 1-2 days a week. My training is longer now being that it takes me longer to stretch my back out. A few hours.

KD: Well, that really all depends on how other business is going! On a good week I can train every day for about 2-3 hours. Unfortunately there are weeks where I am not given any time to stretch, and I pay for it. I always stretch with my students when I am teaching, though, so that I can recover more quickly when I get a rigorous training in.

What is your favourite contortion move/trick?

AK: My favorite trick is definitely the Mexican handstand. Even now, being less flexible, the element is still pleasing to the eye. It requires strength along with flexibility. –

KD: My favorite contortion element would most likely be a pose called a “crocodile.” It is a balance pose centering your weight sideways in your hip flexor fixed over one elbow. It can be manipulated a variety of ways with different leg position styling, wrist turning movement, transitions to other contortion elements, free arm placements to show more back flexibility, and handbalancing.

What has been your best contortion experience?

AK: Easily my best contortionist experience was when I attended ICC at the age of 13 I believe. Being able to meet people, doing what I love, from all over was incredible.

KD: My best contortion experience would have to be the performance in which I received my first standing ovation. I was performing with my former partner Tatevik Seyranyan, whose family created the “Contortion In A Cube” act. We were performing in the Le Festival de Cirque Vaudreuil-Dorion near Montreal. It was about our second or third performance that weekend for the public audience. The swelling and rush of the audience’s applause was like a 50ft. wave it me. I had tears in my eyes. She gave me a huge hug backstage afterwards. We ended up being awarded the Mayor’s Choice award from the festival. I was honored to have had the chance to perform that act.

What is your ultimate contortion goal/dream?

AK: my ultimate dream right now is to gain back my flexibility I had at 16. As I have aged, my flexibility has suffered, I am hoping to obtain it all back with time and training.

KD: My ultimate dream for the contortion world would be to see some sort of standardization or recognition of body-proper and safe training techniques by various contortion cultures. Contortion is an ancient art form with many regions of origin, but unfortunately due various ways contortion and flexibility is promoted to the general public, the safety behind it, I believe, sometimes becomes blurred with mass communication. I hope for better awareness and safety precautions in not just contortion training, but all types of flexibility exercise. I’m definitely an advocate for that.