south bay ballet

Well, we are off to a great start! Almost all of Nutcracker is learned, and two of the three adjudication ballets have been set! The atmosphere is so positive, and people are really working hard. I have seen progress at all levels already!

Over the years, the same questions keep coming up, so I have decided to use this blog to explain some basic things about ballet. Several people have asked about the schedule lately, so that is the subject for today.

During the past 30 years, I have seen so many dancers from all over who are talented and blessed with beautiful “ballet bodies” who just can’t seem to achieve their goals in ballet. I have also seen dancers who try to design their own programs; take a little of this and a little of that. Or decide what is convenient, and expect optimum results. These dancers never reach their full potential. I hear many “reasons” : ballet is so political, there are just no jobs, the standards are just not tangible, directors are just so individual in what they like, etc, etc. None of these reasons hold water. The truth is that there is an unreasonable amount of competition, and most dancers are simply not strong enough.

One of the reasons that South Bay Ballet dancers are so successful is that our schedule is carefully designed to address this. Serious dancers need to be concerned with more than just the fun of dancing. The basic class with basic steps is s-o-o-o-o important to every dancer’s training! Taking time to slow down every week and just work on body issues is essential. Doing strength building in class and cross training really matters. Ballet is much more difficult and competitive than it used to be- and requires more from the dancer.

Dancers: If you are not sure of your schedule, please ask. Conferences for seniors are starting now- we will go over individual scheduling. I will make time for all schedule questions from everyone.

While it is true that body type makes a big difference in how far a person can go in ballet, it is also true that being your personal best is worth it! No matter what you do or where you go in life.

If you have questions that you would like to see addressed in this blog, please email me at southbayballet@yahoo.com.       Diane

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On Saturday, August 16th, fifteen of the more than 80 pre-professional dancers of South Bay Ballet performed excerpts from Swan Lake at the Second Annual Benefactor’s Appreciation Event at the Torrance studios of Lauridsen Ballet Centre, The Official School of South Bay Ballet.

Former Torrance Mayor Dee Hardison and Toshiko Honda of the Petit Oasis Foundation were inspired by the White Swan Pas de Deux performed by Torrance residents and South Bay Ballet senior company members, Evyn Nicole Davis and Leif Peterson.

The guests were also treated to performances by Tess Lane, Paul Kirk, Elizabeth Simoens in the Peasant Variations; Elijah S. Pressman with Tess Goodrich, Emily Farris, Helena Poindexter and Courtney Stager in the scene with Rothbart at the Princesses; Skylar Burson and Benjamin Simoens as Neopolitans; and Daisy Jacobson, Camille Jacobson and Kylette Jaramillo as the Cygnets. Staged by South Bay Ballet principal dancer, Charlotte Munson, the project was part of the Summer Intensive Program at Lauridsen Ballet Centre.

The annual event, hosted by LEA Tradeshow Consultants and Board President Catherine Jacobson, recognizes individuals and organizations that generously support the artistic productions of South Bay Ballet and the training provided to their dancers.

South Bay Ballet’s mission is to be Southern California’s leading pre-professional ballet company providing the finest in training to youth as well as performances that inspire and enrich the community.

South Bay Ballet is preparing for its 2008-2009 performance season and will be returning to the Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College Center for the Arts in Torrance on December 20th and 21st with their acclaimed production of The Nutcracker.

On behalf of the staff and the Board of South Bay Ballet, I would like to welcome you to experience the magic of our new season!

If you are a dancer or a parent, contracts are here! If you are new to SBB, or are interested in dancing with us, please call and make and appointment to come meet with us. All dancers must be placed in a level before their opening day. My cell is 310-963-1247. I would love to talk to you!

Our senior company begins on Saturday August 23rd. Santa Cruz choreographer Robert Kelley will be here to begin his new ballet, and Nutcracker rehearsals will get going. Interested dancers must be seen and placed in a level prior to the company opening.

Junior company begins Saturday September 6th with the dancer/parent meeting.

This year, we are, of course, starting out with our fabulous Nutcracker. In March, we have our “Bravo!” concert with new works by award winning choreographers Robert Kelley and Francisco Gella, and “Incident at Black Briar by Sacramento Ballet Director’s Ron Cunningham. Our emerging choreographer is Evyn Davis. Junior dancers will be performing Candice Davis’ rousing “Tarantella”, and our finale will be the classic “Graduation Ball” by David Lichine.

In June, we are presenting the premier of our new “Midsummer Night’s Dream, with sets by Jenny Tomich and costumes by Janice Munson. Ask to see the designs. They are gorgeous!

Many other things are also in the works.  As you can see we have lots to be excited about!

See you soon!

Diane Lauridsen

South Bay Ballet welcomes you to experience the magic of our 29th season!

South Bay Ballet is proud to be a part of a wonderful collaboration of an exceptional group of dedicated people. You will be enthralled by the performances brought to you by our talented dancers, our great faculty and artistic staff of both South Bay Ballet and its official school ,Lauridsen Ballet Centre, our dynamic Board of Directors, parents, volunteers, and our generous community partners.

Please make South Bay Ballet a part of your cultural experience. Take a moment to read more on our website about our training, successful alumni, and opportunities for involvement and mark your calendars to experience for yourself the magic of South Bay Ballet.

The Nutcracker
Marsee Auditorium,
El Camino College Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, December 20th, 2pm
Sunday, December 21st, 2pm
www.centerforthearts.org
Adults $28, Children under twelve $18

Bravo! Classical & Contemporary Ballet Works by:
Ron Cunningham
Robert Kelley
Francisco Gella
Candice Davis
and introducting emerging choreography by Evyn Nicole Davis
James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Saturday, March 7th, 7pm
Sunday, March 8, 2pm
All Seats $20

A Midsummer Night’s Dream –
A Storybook Premiere
James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Saturday June 6th, 2pm
Saturday June 6th, 6pm
Sunday June 7th, 3pm
All Seats $18