BALLET FOREVER - YOUR BALLET MAGAZINE

Review: Grand Rapids Ballet's 'Movemedia: Handmade' shines

The art of dance and the magic of creativity come together each year when Grand Rapids Ballet holds their annual contemporary dance series, “Movemedia.” It is a unique window into the visionary art that encompasses dance. This year’s series, “Movemedia: Handmade,” held at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre on Feb. 8-10, featured seven world premieres, and five of them were choreographed by current Grand Rapids Ballet company dancers as well as a stirring number by their Choreographer-in-Residence Penny Saunders. The show demonstrated that Grand Rapids Ballet Artistic Director James Sofranko is dedicated to showcasing the depth of talent of his dancers for both performance and choreography. It is exciting for West Michigan dance fans to witness their local dance company continue to grow, enjoy world class shows, and see their favorite dancers grow as performers and choreographers.
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Review: Grand Rapids Ballet's 'Movemedia: Handmade' shines
Choreographer Spotlight: Val Caniparoli

There are some choreographers who have a special way of creating ballets that touch the emotions and bring out the unique beauty of dance. Val Caniparoli is one such choreographer. Few choreographers can boast of a repertoire that includes a mix of ballets based on literary classics and cutting-edge dance themes than Val Caniparoli. The San Francisco Ballet-based choreographer has been dancing and choreographing for over 40 years, with several long-running shows that are continuously performed. A choreographer and principal character dancer at San Francisco Ballet, Caniparoli has created works for the repertoire of more than 50 dance companies all over the world. He has a gift for creating beautiful works of classical ballet as well as fusing it with other styles of dance to create thought-provoking and artful masterpieces. Find out about Val Caniparoli’s dance journey, his inspirations for dance, and learn why he is one of one of the most highly sought-after choreographers in the field of dance today.
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Choreographer Spotlight: Val Caniparoli
Interview: Grand Rapids Ballet James Sofranko and 2018-19 Season details

Grand Rapids Ballet is known for performing some of the most artistic and thought-provoking dance productions in the Midwest. Dancers and choreographers come from all over the nation and world to bring high dance art to the West Michigan community. The Grand Rapids-based company has gained international critical acclaim for their performances. Now Grand Rapids Ballet enters a their 2018-19 Season with a new artistic director, James Sofranko. Get to know James Sofranko and his exciting plans for the 2018-19 Season, which opens Oct. 19 with "Wild Sweet Love."
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Interview: Grand Rapids Ballet James Sofranko and 2018-19 Season details
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.
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Why boys should enroll in dance class

Adult ballet: Begin ballet as an adult

Is it too late to begin ballet if you are an adult? It is never too late learn ballet. Adults of all ages and fitness levels are discovering the benefits of ballet exercise for overall health and fitness. Adult ballet classes are growing in popularity as an exercise option. Taking a ballet class can be a fun way to exercise and improve flexibility. Many people think there are age restrictions to starting ballet or that you need a certain level of physical fitness to pursue it. You can learn ballet at any age and fitness level. You don't need to be naturally flexible to participate either. The dance movements will improve your flexibility. Ballet can be a lifelong activity.

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.

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.