Monday, February 27, 2012

Pass the Rose


Sometimes, we like to play games in class that either help us with our dance technique, or help our little ballerinas build up their confidence! During Valentine's Week, we introduced a game called "Pass the Rose." We had one large rose - like the one from Beauty & the Beast - and each ballerina took a turn holding the rose and saying something nice about the dancer beside her. Many of our teachers came back with wonderful stories about how their students were so encouraging! This is a great game to play at home as well - just grab a prop, sit in a circle, and begin to pass around!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Story Corner: The Paper Princess



Are you ready for springtime yet? I know we are! And we'll be having spring camp at our Bethesda and McLean studios, with special stories, ballets, and songs! Our Springtime Ballerina camp for ages 3 & 4 will feature The Paper Princess by Elisa Kleven. A little girl is making a paper princess, when suddenly a gust of wind blows her away and sends her on a wonderful adventure! She is carried over a river, to a carnival and a town, until she finally finds her way home! Come experience the whole story with us during Spring Camp!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Ballet Petite Loves Books!


All of our Ballet Petite dancers love to dance of course, but they also love to read! Which is why we are always looking for great dance themed books to stock in our boutique, as well as read in our classrooms. Russian Pointe, an amazing pointe shoe retailer, also produces dance books with ballet themes such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. They were even so kind as to interview our director for an article online!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Meet Miss Jennifer!

Its time to meet one of our wonderful teachers, Miss Jennifer!

When did you start dancing and where?

I started dancing when I was seven years old, at a dance studio on Long Island, New York. My best friend was signing up for a Jazz dance class, and our parents thought it would be fun if I signed up too! Ever since my first class, I was in love with dance. I began taking more dance classes soon after, and by the age of ten, I started getting very serious about Ballet.

What or who inspired you to start teaching?

The main reason I was inspired to start teaching is my desire to share my love of dance with everyone!

What is your favorite thing about teaching? And what is your favorite thing about teaching at Ballet Petite?

My favorite thing about teaching is seeing my students finally accomplish a challenging step. I love seeing my students realize that with hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to!

Teaching at Ballet Petite has been such a wonderful experience. Ballet Petite has such a magical environment that I am so happy to be a part of!

Do you have a favorite dance to watch or a favorite dance that you have danced in?

My favorite Ballet to watch is Don Quixote. My favorite dance that I have danced in would have to be a Ballet piece to Schubert's Trio Number 2 in E Flat Major. The music is so beautiful and inspiring, and the choreography was so wonderful to dance.

What is your favorite activity to do, besides dancing?

Besides dancing, I love playing with my dog, Cody! He is a one year old Yellow Lab with tons of energy!

Do you have a message for all of your students?

I love each and every one of my ballerinas... You all make me smile and brighten my every day!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Ballet Petite Fire Drill!











The other day, the fire alarm went off at our Bethesda location and we had to leave the building. Fortunately, the sun was out and the air was warm! Miss Margie, Miss Sally, Miss Kasey, and Miss Lori led us in some song & dance exercises out near the parking lot while we waited for the "OK" to go back inside! Thank you, teachers!