What My Teacher Taught Me Boston Ballet's Larissa Ponomarenko |
In a company full of fresh faces, Larissa Ponomarenko remains one of Boston Ballet's most admired dancers. But after an 18-year career as a principal dancer, Ponomarenko announced that she will be retiring. Thankfully, this is not the end of her partnership with the Boston Ballet. Next season, she'll take over as the company's Ballet Master, passing on her artistically honest and technically flawless approach to the company's diverse repertoire.
Ponomarenko credits much of her own artistry to Tatiana Borovikova, who was her teacher at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersberg, Russia.
"Tatiana taught me the spirit of steps in addition to structure. It's about the coordination of your whole body--not just 32 fouettes. Not just balancing forever.
I learned that one thing doesn't work for everybody. You have to key into the individual to bring out the best, since everyone takes corrections differently. I think the most challenging part of being Ballet Master will be to constantly inspire the dancers and build their confidence. You have to make them believe in their own educational foundations and personal growth."
Photo: Larissa Ponomarenko in Boston Ballet's 2007 "Night of Stars" gala. By Gene Schiavone, courtesy of Boston Ballet.
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Fun Fashion: Win this look!
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A versatile outfit for hot summer months can be a lifesaver. This look, sold by Discount Dance Supply, is perfect for teaching class or hanging out in the studio. The cropped shirt by Natalie ( style C1068) gives you an edge that doesn't restrict or cover your body. MJ Soffe's shorts ( style M037) have an elastic waistband for a comfortable fit. And don't forget about your feet! These tube socks ( style NF8462) by Natalie finish off your look. For other urban-inspired looks including costumes, apparel and shoes, check out the June 2011 issue of Dance Teacher. Want to snag this outfit? Dance Teacher's giving away the top, shorts and socks! Click here to enter to win this ensemble.
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And the winner is...
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Congratulations to Uncovered Choreography Workshops, the Editors' Choice winner for Dance Teacher's May Video of the Month contest! Click on the video to get a glimpse of Shelly Hutchinson's summer classes and watch some of her students creating and performing their own choreography. Remember, you could be featured in Dance Teacher! Visit Dancemedia.com and post a video to Dance Teacher's Video of the Month Contest. Each month, editors pick one winner who will appear in Dance Teacher and receive a free one-year subscription, and the Viewers' Choice video will win a spotlight in Dance Teacher's e-newsletter.
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Shoes for the shoeless
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Do you have gently-worn street shoes that you'd hate to just throw in the garbage? Capezio has joined the "11 in 11" campaign--an effort to distribute 11 million shoes in 2011 through the charity, Soles4Souls Inc., which has given over 13 million pairs of shoes to those in need since 2005.
Drop off lightly-used footwear (regular shoes, not ballet slippers or jazz sneaks) at a participating Capezio location during the month of June and receive a 25 percent discount on all new Capezio footwear.
For a list of participating location and more information, visit www.soles4souls.org
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Opportunities
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Coker College, SC Position: Part-time/Adjunct Dance Faculty, theatre and dance Deadline: Until position is filled More info: www.coker.edu
Dean College, MA Position: Professor, modern dance Deadline: Until position is filled More info: www.dean.edu
Houston Community College, TX Position: Part-time/Adjunct Dance Faculty, theatre and dance Deadline: Until position is filled More info: www.hccs.edu
Tarrant County College District, TX Position: Faculty, theatre and dance Deadline: July 22, 2011 More info: www.tccd.edu
Victor Valley College, CA Position: Part-time/Adjunct Dance Instructor, dance Deadline: Until position is filled More info: www.vvc.edu
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Contact us | DT e-newsletter staff: Editor: Kristin Schwab Producer: Jenny Dalzell
Contact Us web: www.dance-teacher.com e-mail: kschwab@dancemedia.com
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In the Magazine This Month
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Laurieann Gibson: The force behind Lady Gaga
Make your local retailer your new best friend
How community outreach can boost your business
Keep your dancers injury-free during puberty
Studio checklist: Is your technology up to date? |
Up Next: July
| The 2011 Dance Teacher Dance Directory
Meet the Dance Teacher awardees, including Jacques d'Amboise
Learn kid-friendly moves from NDI curriculum
The different types of students in your class and how to motivate each one
Music to spice up theater dance class
... and more! |
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