Hip Hop: Good for Kids?

We've noticed a renewed interest in our hip hop classes, especially for our showtime ages (5 and 6 years old). For those ballerinas in our group that aren't quite sure if they would like hip hop, let me give you a little background into the dance style and how we teach it at Ballet Petite.

Hip hop has its roots in 1970s New York City, specifically the Bronx. The term has two parts: "hip," which basically means current or in the know, and "hop," which was coined for the hopping movement that dancers perform, especially with a bass beat. Although the history of the dance is much shorter than most, hip hop is recognized today as the "world's favorite youth culture" (National Geographic).

Miss Lori helped pioneer the Ballet Petite hip hop curriculum, and currently teaches many of the classes we offer. The class runs with a cardio warm up and stretching, review of old techniques, and the introduction of new moves. Many of the moves a young dancer will learn involve rhythm and musicality; its important to develop a strong sense of beat - since that bass beat is at the forefront of most hip hop music - and so exercises involve a lot of clapping or stomping. Just like in ballet, hip hop also makes use of a dancer's arms. Miss Amanda teaches some complicated arm movements which you might get to see in this year's recital!

So if you're thinking hip hop might be good for you, come try one of our classes in McLean, Bethesda, or Potomac!

Fairy Bear: Around the Office

Fairy Bear decided to visit the office! When she's not dancing, she likes to pal around with us in the back and sit in our chairs! But she's also urging us to get ready for Spring! Even though its January, we'll be coming out with our Spring Camp schedule soon for those of you that want to dance during break!

You can also come see Fairy Bear at the Find the Fun Fair on February 4th from 10 am - 2 pm at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA!

MTPC presents Annie Jr!

The Youth Performing Arts School's

Musical Theatre Performance Company

presentsPerformances:

Saturday, February 4th at 4 pm

Sunday, February 5th at 1 pm

Sunday, February 5th at 3:30 pm


All Tickets $10

May be purchased at the Bethesda front desk OR
by calling (301) 229-6882.

Musicality...?

Have you ever heard your teacher refer to a dancer's "musicality?" It seems like a difficult concept, and it is a bit difficult to define; a dancer's musicality is most often praised as their ability to dance seamlessly with the music, drawing out melodies with their bodies like an instrument. It can also refer to the dancer's artistic response to and interpretation of the music. For more on musicality and, check out this article by The Ballet Bag: http://www.theballetbag.com/2011/06/09/musicality/.

Also, take a look at Gelsey Kirkland's variation as Giselle:

Ballet Performance Company Auditions!

BPC Spring Season

“Coppelia”

Bethesda

Friday January 13, 2012

Sign in @ 4:00

Audition @ 4:30

All Dancers must have been 5+ years of age prior to August 27, 2011

For more information please contact

Melissa P Carney, BPC Artistic Director at BalletPerformanceCo@BalletPetite.com.

Dancers should arrive prepared for a ballet class of their level. Auditions will be approximately 1-2 hrs in length based on the age and level of the dancer.

Dreamgirls at Dominion Stage with Miss Sally!

When our teachers aren't busy teaching, they're performing! If you get the chance, check out our Musical Theatre Performance Company Director, Miss Sally, perform in Dominion Stage's production of Dreamgirls!

Performance Dates:
Friday, Jan 13th @ 8 pm
Saturday, Jan 14th @ 8 pm

Friday, Jan 20th @ 8 pm
Saturday, Jan 21st @ 8 pm
Sunday, Jan 22 @ 2 pm (matinee)

Thursday, Jan 26 @ 8 pm
Friday, Jan 27 @ 8 pm
Saturday, Jan 28 @ 8 pm

Tickets $18 pre-sale, $20 at the door

Miss Sally recommends that you be 10 and up to see the show and that its a long one - about 2.5 hours! However, time flies when you're having fun on stage!

Just Dance!

Welcome back, dancers! I hope you had a splendid holiday break! While I was home with my family, I had the opportunity to check out an awesome new game for the Xbox Kinect. If you're a fan of Just Dance (1 & 2) then you'll love the newest version: Just Dance 3! There are brand new songs and different levels of difficulty. The choreography is hip-hop based, but you should be able to pick out some jazz combos as well (if you've been paying attention in class)! Click on the picture to learn more! And happy dancing!