Afternoon performance is at 2pm. Evening performance is at 6pm.

May 19 – We have a schedule change. Please make a note of it.

1:30–3:30 Act1 Scene 2 Garden Scene

3:30 – 5:30 pm Ballroom Scene Cinderella

Regular am classes

4:45–5:45 ALL gr 1 examinees

6:00– 8:00 45 min to Bdwy

Pizza party! ALL EXAM FEES DUE FOR APRIL EXAMS.

Fri March 2^nd

First Group of Grade 1 – Testing day.

March 3^rd (Sat)

Regular am classes

9:30- 10:30 am Gr 1 @ Bragg St (extra practice for examinees)

3:30–4:45 Gr2 (extra practice for examinees)

March 5^th Mon:

Workshop class W/ Samantha Sturm from National Touring Co of Cats.

6:30pm –8:00 pm @ the Marshall community Center. $15 (for VCB) RSVP.

Limit is 25. Deadline is Thurs March 1^st.

March 10^th (Sat):

Regular am classes

9:30–10:30 am Gr2 (extra practice for examinees)

12:30–8:00 pm- Run thru for March show (detailed schedule on call board)

Dinner provided at studio for all dancers

March 16^th (Fri) :

Dress @ Highland- schedule on call board

March 17^th (Sat):

Performance @ Highland 7:30 pm

Regular am classes

Rehearsal starts @ 12:30 pm. Schedule on call board. Final call: 5:30 pm

March 24^th (Sat):

Regular am classes

1:30–3:15 Gr 1 examinees (extra practice for examinees)

3:15–4:45 Gr 2 examinees (extra practice for examinees)

March 25 (Sun):Cecchetti conference

Sign up in office

March 31^st:

Regular am classes

1:30– 3:00 Gr 1 examinees (extra practice for examinees)

3:15–4:45 Gr 2 examinees (extra practice for examinees)

5:00–6:30 Ballroom Scene- Cinderella

Studio closed from April 6^th –April 13^th: No classes Spring Break

April 14 (Sat):

Regular am classes

Sign up at studio for extra exam coaching.

April 20^th (Fri):

4:00-5:00pm Gr 1 mock exam

5;00–6:15 Gr 2 mock exam

(Only those taking exams may attend. If you are being examined, you MUST attend)

6:15–8:15 musical theatre class

Pizza partee!

April 21^st–April 22:

Cecchetti Exams

(Sat):

Regular am classes

9:30–10:15 am snow make-up Pre Ballet 1

1:00–2:00pm- Ballroom scene Cinderella

2;00-3:00 pm Gr 1A (snow day make-up)

3:00–4:15 Gr 1B (snow day make-up)

4:30–5:45 Midnight Cinderella

May 5^th (Sat):

Regular am classes

1:45–3:30 pm Disney Dazzle run thru @ Marshall Community Center

4:00–5:30pm Ballroom scene Cinderella @ Bragg St

5:30–6:30 pm midnight Cinderella

May 12^th (Sat):

Regular am classes

Disney dazzle @ MCC 2pm & 6pm. CALL is @ 1:00 pm

May 19^th (Sat):

Regular am classes

Gr 5/6 class 12pm–2 pm (snow day make-up)

2:30–4:00 Act1 Scene 2 Garden Scene

4:00 –6:00 pm Ballroom Scene Cinderella

May 20^th (Sun): rehearsal @ Richmond Ballet, VCB Co. & apprentice only

May 26^th –May 28^th: No Classes Memorial Day Weekend

*(possible rehearsal @ Richmond Ballet TBA, VCB Co. only)

June 2^nd (Sat):

No regular am classes. New schedule as follows:

9:30 am –11:00 am – ALL Pre-ballet 1, Pre-ballet2; Grade 1A Cinderella Run thru. Mandatory.

11:00–12:30- Int Jazz

12:30–2:00 Gr 5/6 class

2:30–4:30 All of Act 1 Cinderella

4:30–5:30 Finale Cinderella

June 9^th (Sat):

Regular am classes

12;30–1:30 Act1 Scene 1 Cinderella

1:30–3:00 Act I Scene 2 Cinderella

3:15–4:30 Act 2 Scene 1 (Ballroom & midnight) Cinderella

4:30–6:00 Act 2 Scene 2 the search & Finale Cinderella

June 10^th (Sun):

VCB & apprentice, soloists. Rehearsal w/ guest artists @ Bragg St.

June 11^th (Mon):

4:30pm –7:30pm All of Act 1 blocking @ Highland Center

June 12^th (Tues):

4:30 pm –6:00 pm Pre Ballet 1, pre Ballet2, Grade 1A run thru @ Highland

6:15 –8:30 All of Act 2 @ Highland

June 14^th (Thurs):

Dress Rehearsal @ Highland. Call is 4:30pm (no Pre ballet 1, Pre ballet2, Gr 1A

Performances @ Highland 7:30 pm June 15^th & 16^th Call times to be announced

Children’s performance: 10:30 am Pre ballet1, Pre ballet2, Gr 1A – Call time to be announced.

First, a little history: Enrico Cecchetti was born backstage to a performing family. He made his debut at 5 years old. His academics were not so illustrious, but career as a dancer soared. His feats were unparalleled, and his theatrics and versatility made him a star. During one of his many world tours, he was performing in 1887 at the Maryinsky theatre. During on e of the performances, Marius Petipa and Ivan Vsevolojsky, director of the Maryinsky theatre, were in the audience. Vsevolojsky immediately engaged Enrico as principal dancer and second ballet master! In 1892, Enrico accepted a teaching position at the Imperial School in St. Petersburg, where he began to perfect a series of classroom exercises for his students.

From 1887 to 1902, Enrico taught and greatly contributed to the technical standards of the Russian Ballet. Enrico taught Vagnova, who later founded the Russian Method. (IE, she formulated the Russian syllabus. It is to be noted, though, that Enrico was her teacher.) Enrico and his family left Russia, but returned later to open a private school. Enrico taught the famous ballerina, Anna Pavlova; and worked with others such as Fokine and Nijinsky.

In 1910, Diaghilev hired Enrico as ballet master and lead character dancer. He toured extensively with Diaghilev’s company, Ballet Russe, performing into his 70’s! In 1918, he and his wife opened a school in England. At age 74, he returned to Italy. Retirement was not to be. Enrico was asked to direct the school of La Scala in Milan where he had danced 55 years earlier. Later, Diaghilev entrusted Enrico with a promising young principal dancer, Serge Lifar. Lifar would become a leading figure in the evolution of modern French Ballet. At 78, Enrico Cecchetti passed away.

Subsequently, Enrico’s brother, and grandson began to transcribe Enrico’s teaching methodology. Several of Enrico’s students contributed to the compilation of his teachings. Since then, this work has been compiled into a manual. The Cecchetti Council was formulated to maintain the integrity of The Cecchetti method. The council has developed organizations world wide.

The council in each county has a main headquarters. All changes and laws must move through the governing board. The councils have developed the lower level work. Enrico only developed a syllabus of exercises for intermediate to advanced dancers. So it is true that grades I-IV are not the syllabus; but it is extremely difficult to start a dancer in the advanced syllabus without foundational training.

Every teacher who wishes to be a certified Cecchetti teacher must coach with a certified teacher who has passed at least the grade six level. Teachers may then take an exam. The exam consists of dancing all the exercises of that level in addition to an oral exam in theory, anatomy, music, and dance history. The teacher may then qualify to teach and present students for exams. A teacher may only present students up to the level that he/she has passed. Teachers may only present teachers when they have passed grade six. All teachers MUST attend teaching seminars locally to ensure ongoing teacher training. All teachers are encouraged to attend the national conference at least every three years. The council works extremely hard to maintain the integrity of the method, while keeping abreast of changes in dance training. All of this is passed on to students and teachers alike at the Cecchetti conferences.

The value of the exams: It builds confidence in students. There is a real sense of accomplishment when a student passes any exam. It is impressive on college resumes that a student pursued an avocation and continued with commitment. The outside examiner gives me, the teacher, another set of eyes. It helps me to see things that I might overlook because I am looking at the same students regularly. It raises the bar. I must work very hard to get students through the exam; thus I am being held accountable. Lastly, the certificate is for life, an achievement that you will have with you.

Cynthia

Nutcracker tickets are now availabe for sale to students and their families. They will be available to the general public on November 1st.  Get your tickets early in order to ensure your choice of seats. 

All performances are held at Highland Center for the Arts in Warrenton. 

 Ticket Prices are as follows:

Friday Evening – December 15 at 7:30pm – $8.50 Adults; $6.00 kids under 12 and seniors

Saturday Matinee – December 16th at 10:30 am. This program is designed for young audiences. $6.00 each or groups of 5 or more $5.00 each.

Saturday Evening – December 16th at 7:30pm – $8.50 Adults; $6.00 kids under 12 and seniors

 Plese see the Office Manager to purchase tickets or call the studio at 540-253-5258 for more information.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity! Finis Jhung, a world renowned professional dance instructor, will be teaching at the Cecchetti Conference on Oct 29, 2006. Students interested in attending should contact Cynthia at 540-253-5258 ASAP.

Students must have a minimum of 5 years of classical ballet training (or Grade 2/3 Cecchetti level.)

“Finis is a sought-after teacher in great demand,” says Ms. Cynthia. All eligible students are strongly encouraged to attend.

More information (re: fees and times) is available from Cynthia.

Snow Days do NOT follow Fauquier County Schools. Check the website www.virginiacivicballet.net for snow closings.

Oct 29 – Cecchetti Conference – by invitation only.
Nov 22 – Nov 25 – Thanksgiving break
Dec 8 @ 5:30pm – Holiday Jazz Revue – All tap, jazz & musical theatre students
Dec 12 – Nutcracker stage rehearsal at Highland – Pre ballet 1 & 2 4:30 – 6pm Ballet 1A, 1B, Gr. 1-5 6pm – 9pm
Dec. 14 – Nutcracker dress rehearsal at Highland – NO Pre-ballet 1 &2. Ballet 1A, 1B, Gr. 1-5, VCB 4:30pm – 9pm – Younger dancers will be realeased early.
Dec 15 & 16 – Nutcracker Performances
Dec 18 – Jan 1 – Christmas break
March 10 – Exam fees due
March 16 – Tech rehearsal for Spring Concert
March 17 – Spring Concert – Musical theatre production
March 25 – Cecchetti Conference – Gr. 1 and up.
April 6 – 13 – Spring break
April 21 – 22 Cecchetti Exams
May 12 – Disney Dazzle – Matinee and evening performances – All tap, jazz, & musical theatre
May 26 – 28 – Memorial Day weekend – no classes
June 13 – Cinderella stage rehearsal at Highland – Pre ballet 1 & 2 4:30 – 6pm Ballet 1A, 1B, Gr. 1-5 6pm – 9pm
June 14 – Cinderella dress rehearsal at Highland – NO Pre-ballet 1 &2. Ballet 1A, 1B, Gr. 1-5, VCB 4:30pm – 9pm – Younger dancers will be realeased early.
June 15 – 16 – Cinderella performances

More detailed rehearsal schedules will be available as the productions nears. Look for information on the bulletin board in the studio.

All parts have been assigned. They are listed in the studio on the dancers’ bulletin board. Congratulations to all who are participating!

9/23 – Rehearsal
2-3pm Snow Pas

3-4:30 Snow Corps

9/30 – Rehearsal
2-3pm Mice

3-4pm Toys & Soldiers

4-5 Clara & Friends

10/7 Rehearsal
2-3 Snow Pas

3-4:30 Snow Corps

10/14 – Rehearsal
2-3 Mice

2-4 Mouse Queen

3-4 Toys & Soldiers

4-5 Clara & Friends

10/21 Rehearsal
2-3 Snow Pas

3-4:30 Snow Corps

10/28 Rehearsal
2-3:30 Battle Scene (Mice, Toys, Soldiers, & Mouse Queen)

3:30 – 5 Shadow Play/Act 1, Clara & Friends

11/4 Rehearsal
2-3 Snow Pas

3-4:30 Snow Corps

11/11 Rehearsal
2-3:15 Battle

3:15-4:45 Snow

11/18 Rehearsal
2pm Act I & Shadow Play

3pm Battle through Snow (Battle excused at 4:30)

12/2 Rehearsal
2pm Act 1

12/9 Rehearsal
2pm Act 1 and Act 2

12/12 Rehearsal at Highland
Time TBA – Each group has a specific time. Those will be announced.

12/14 Rehearsal at Highland
Time TBA – Each group has a specific time. Those will be announced.

12/15 Performance
5pm Call – 1A, 1B, Gr1 – Gr6, VCB
7:30 Curtain

12/16 Matinee Performance

9am Call – Pre Ballet 1 and 2, etc.

10:30 Curtain

12/16 Evening Performance

5pm Call – 1A, 1B, Gr1 – Gr6, VCB
7:30 Curtain

Musical Theatre Students need the following items by mid-September:

1. Six songs that you can sing for auditioning purposes. They need to be different tempos and genres.

2. One monologue from a play – NOT from a movie – that you can use for an audition.

3. One 3 ring binder clearly labeled with your name.

4. CD Holder

5. Jazz Shoes, Tap Shoes, Character Shoes

6. Tan Tights.