Audition provides a unique opportunity for local dancers
SPONSORED NEWS — The Ballet San Jose School 2014 Audition Tour will make a stop in Reno on February 22 at local dance studio, Heart & Sole Dance Academy. Aspiring ballet dancers will have an opportunity to audition for the Ballet San Jose School Summer Intensive Program. The program offers a unique opportunity for dancers ages11 to 22 to receive high-quality training based at Ballet San Jose School between July 7 to August 1. The Summer Intensive incorporates the American Ballet Theatre National Curriculum, emphasizing artistic training with a focus on dancer health and child development.
“We’re really excited to be coming to Reno,” Dalia Rawson says of the first time the tour will hold an audition in The Biggest Little City. Rawson is the School Principal and Trainee Program Director at Ballet San Jose School, an ABT Certified School. “We’ve had a few talented students from Reno attend our Summer Intensives in the past, making it clear to us there’s some good training going on in the area,” Rawson adds.
There’s also a local connection. Seth Parker, Director of Ballet at Heart and Sole Dance Academy has danced professionally as a Soloist with Ballet San Jose prior to relocating to Reno. He’s proud the audition tour is coming to town and considers it a nod to the local talent that abounds in Reno. “I believe the audition for the Summer Intensive means that talented young dancers can be found anywhere and Reno is being recognized.” Parker encourages dancers from the community to take advantage of the special program. “It gives our young dancers an opportunity to train at a prestigious dance school with world-class instructors where they can take their talents to newly discovered heights,” he says of the valuable experience.
The Summer Intensive program provides comprehensive training. “We not only help students develop as dancers, we keep their wellness at the forefront. Providing a positive pre-professional training environment is a high priority,” Rawson says of her commitment to a balanced program. “This allows students to really blossom!” A classical ballet curriculum forms the core of the Summer Intensive, but the program also allows students to develop versatility as artists. Classes may incorporate various styles including modern dance, character, contemporary, improvisation, choreography, and jazz. Students will receive instruction from ABT certified faculty and will have the opportunity to work with nationally recognized artists, including choreographer of contemporary ballet, Amy Seiwert. Seiwert is celebrated for her vivid use of imagery and for her evocative approach to ballet.
Advanced male dancers will also have an unprecedented opportunity to audition for the Carreño Male Dancer Training Initiative this summer. At the helm of this program is Ballet San Jose’s new Artistic Director, José Manuel Carreño; he’s the program’s namesake and an international ballet star. “He’s world-renowned as the epitome of the Cuban style of ballet, and the opportunity to work with him at our Summer Intensive is a unique and exciting chance for young dancers to learn some of his secrets,” Rawson says of what will make this summer a particular stand-out.
Rawson is an accomplished ballerina, a former principal dancer with the Company, a choreographer, and a veteran faculty member of Ballet San Jose. She’s devoted not only to teaching a new generation of dancers the beauty and precision of dance, but also to share her love of the art form. “We want to make auditioning for the Summer Intensive a positive experience for every student. Students shouldn’t put too much pressure on themselves and should look at the audition process as an experience in itself,” Rawson advises to those interested in auditioning. “Don’t be worried in the audition class if you make a mistake. We aren’t looking for perfection. How a dancer responds to a correction or a mistake tells us a lot about their ability to work hard and improve,” she adds. What’s her best advice? “Smile, relax, and show us that you love to dance!”
Audition Information:
Date: February 22, 2014
Registration: 4:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Audition Class: 4:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
Location:
Heart and Sole Dance Academy
5655 Riggins Ct., Suites 3 &5
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 225-0721
Auditions are open to all male and female ballet students who will be between 11 and 22 years of age in July, 2014. Female students who have been working on pointe since at least September 2013 should bring pointe shoes to the audition. For audition details, please visit balletsj.org or contact the School Registrar at [email protected] or (408) 288-2820, ext. 223.
Video auditions are accepted and private auditions may be scheduled. Summer housing is available.
