Summer ballet training essential to serious minded students
April 9, 2014
It finally feels like spring, the crocuses have pushed through the soil in search of sunlight, and in keeping with the buzzing bees, The Nutmeg Ballet is humming with activity now that the trainees have returned to the studios.
With less than six weeks until graduation, there’s much to be accomplished and the sense of urgency is almost palpable. There is academic work to focus on, classical and contemporary repertoire to rehearse, as well as graduation speeches to be written. In the blink of an eye, it will be summer and the studios and residential facilities will be filled with new faces as well as the many who return to what has become their second home at The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory.
Summer ballet training is essential to the serious minded student of this timeless and very demanding art. Too many days away from the studio and weeks and months of hard work tend to fade. Rudolf Nureyev knew this well and once lamented, “When I miss class for one day, I know it. When I miss class for two days, my teacher knows it. When I miss class for three days, the audience knows it.”
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This is the life of the dancer; always perfecting the craft, constantly honing the skills, and consistently training the body to defy gravity. The most accomplished dancers only make it look easy, while behind the scenes they tend to be the most dedicated and focused of all. This level of determination and sacrifice creates not only ethereal coordination and agile mental acuity, but a discipline that transcends dance and carries forward into every activity, profession, and endeavor these young people will take on as they pursue their dreams, whatever they may be.
With the importance of continuing serious ballet training in mind, The Nutmeg Ballet is launching the Children’s Summer Arts Workshop in the beautifully appointed studios of the training facility on Torrington’s Main Street. Children ages 8-13 will meet for four weeks (June 30th – July 24th) from Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm where classes taught by The Nutmeg’s artistic staff include classical ballet technique, pointe/pre-pointe, and variations. To round out their training, the schedule also includes yoga, Zumba, ballet theory & history, hair & makeup for the stage, nutrition & wellness, arts & crafts as well as observation of partnering and advanced repertoire.
Not to be left behind, even the youngest dancers can to work on their ballet technique this summer. Classes for children ages 4-6 will take place on Mondays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am while children ages 6-8 will have class on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am throughout the four-week session that begins June 30th and ends July 24th.
The Nutmeg Ballet will be hosting the final open audition for the Professional Summer Program and Professional Year-Round Training Program this Saturday, April 12th. Registration for students ages 10 and up begins at 9:00 am in the Community Room of The Nutmeg Ballet located at 58 Main Street in Torrington.
Registration information for both the Children’s Summer Arts Workshop and The Nutmeg Professional Training Programs may be found online at www.nutmegballet.org
or by calling 860.482.4413 for details.
IN THE MEDIA
In the days leading up to opening night of The Nutcracker, the music of Tchaikovsky flows out of the third-floor studio at the Nutmeg Ballet Conservancy in Torrington during dress rehearsals. It’s time to make costume adjustments, finesse dancer movements, and remind performers to smile at appropriate times. Read the full article https://litchfieldmagazine.com/onourradar/behind-the-scenes-at-nutmeg-ballets-the-nutcracker
