BALLET FOREVER - YOUR BALLET MAGAZINE

Explore contemporary dance art at Grand Rapids Dance Ensemble’s ‘Duality’ this weekend

West Michigan is a haven for the arts, especially dance. The greater Grand Rapids area offers many creative opportunities to both view and participate in dance-related events. One great dance opportunity is Grand Rapids Dance Ensemble, which offers a creative voice for former professional dancers and those who studied dance to perform and choreograph. This weekend Grand Rapids Dance Ensemble will explore the art of contemporary dance in their production of “Duality,” in two performances on May 4-5 at Pioneer Auditorium at Wealthy Elementary in East Grand Rapids.
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Explore contemporary dance art at Grand Rapids Dance Ensemble’s ‘Duality’ this weekend
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet's 'Extremely Close' moves with stunning artistry

Grand Rapids Ballet's "Extremely Close" is both a feast of the senses and a display of high dance art. Artistic Director James Sofranko, his talented cast of dancers and guest choreographers Val Caniparoli and Alejandro Cerrudo truly showed the many facets of ballet and dance expression in their production of "Extremely Close," last weekend April 12-14. The production featured Val Caniparoli's "Ibsen's House," James Sofranko's world premiere of "The Sweet By and By," and Alejandro Cerrudo's "Extremely Close." The three numbers complemented each other to create one visually lush and artistic show.
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Review: Grand Rapids Ballet's 'Extremely Close' moves with stunning artistry
Review: Michigan Ballet Academy performs delightful 'Don Quixote'

Signs of a good ballet production include a happy audience, dancers who performed with enthusiasm and skill, and an overall impression of a story well-told. Michigan Ballet Academy’s performance of “Don Quixote” last weekend April 13-14 at the Jenison Center for the Arts included all of these elements and more. The West Michigan classical ballet school presented a professional quality show that showcased the talent and high quality training of their student dancers.
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Review: Michigan Ballet Academy performs delightful 'Don Quixote'
Choosing ballet slipper for dance class

Choosing the right ballet slippers for class is important to prevent injury and learning proper technique. Many dance studios only specify that a ballet slipper should be made of leather or canvas. There are a variety of ballet slipper styles available from many different brands, but not all are created equal and some are not a good choice for a beginner. You want to find the ballet slipper that meets the needs of your dance level and fit you well.
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Choosing ballet slipper for dance class

Why boys should enroll in dance class

Dance class benefits growing boys and may be one of the secrets to successful athletic performance in many sports. All children can get valuable exercise, flexibility, endurance and motor skill growth from dancing. Boys also need the lessons in fitness and discipline that are a part of dance. Discover how dancing can help young boys grow into strong young men.

Help your child overcome stage fright

Stage fright or performance anxiety is common among children, especially young children who must perform in front of an audience of strangers for the first time. Performing can be scary for young children. Learn how to ease your child's anxiety and get her more comfortable with performance situations.

Ballet improves limited flexibility

Can you learn ballet if you are an adult with limited flexibility? Yes, you can learn ballet at any age and any level of flexibility. Ballet is a physically demanding art that requires a lot of athleticism and strength. However, you can learn ballet at any fitness level, and the ballet exercises will make you more flexible and stronger over time. It is also a physical activity that you can do for your entire life, even well into old age.

How to choose the right type of ballet class for your child

When you are searching for a ballet class for your young child between the ages of 3 and 7 years old, you will find that many studios offer opportunities to learn ballet through a ballet creative movement class or a combination ballet and tap class. All of these classes introduce dance in a way that helps develop motor skills, coordination and rhythm in fun combinations developed for younger children. Choosing between a combination ballet and tap dance class or a ballet class often depends on your child's individual interests and the classes available in your area.