SD Rewind: Calling All Dancers!!!

        If you wear So'Dança dance wear or shoes, we want to hear from you! Send me an email at anne@sodanca.com and tell me a little bit about yourself. Are you a dance student? Professional dancer? Teacher? What product of ours do you use and how long have you been using it? Do you own a dance store and have a customer you are particularly proud of?

        So'Dança provides clothing and shoes to thousands of dancers in the U.S.A. alone. We are a very large family and would love to include you and your news on our Internet social network pages. Have you received an award, a scholarship? Taken any memorable dance trips? Do you have photos or a video of a performance you'd like to share? Send it on to us and we will be happy to include you in our So Dancer news.

        Bringing the world closer together, one dancer at a time! So'Dança is always there for you!

anne@sodanca.com

  --- Anne Polajenko
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  Thank you for everyone that already got in touch with us! Because of the positive response these last few months, we felt like we should re-post this entry every other month or so in order to let everyone that didn't get a chance to be involved a chance to participate. <3


      Love from your humble blogger,

An Evening With Anne Polajenko: "Dancing With The Stars"

“DANCING WITH THE STARS”: THREE CHEERS FOR THE CHOREOGRAPHERS

    I happily admit to being hooked on “Dancing with the Stars”. All in all, it’s a happy show, entertaining, generally in good taste if you can overlook the over-the-top Bruno antics which threaten to turn this family show into an X-rated version of itself. However, ratings are soaring and the show deserves the credit for turning millions of viewers on to ballroom dance.

    It’s always a pleasure to watch the contestants evolve and my admiration goes out to the pros who must make their celebrity partner look good, even when they have two left feet.

Sometimes their task is easy, sometimes excruciatingly hard.  

    I must confess that most of the time I have no idea who the “celebrities” are. So I get to know them through their dancing. Some disappoint terribly but the majority are a pleasant surprise. I also confess to having a soft spot for the male contestants because, in addition to dancing, they have to partner. And that is no mean feat. By far the one who has impressed me the most with his partnering skills is J.R. Martinez. Karina, his pro partner, really took some chances by pushing J.R. to the limit last week. I don’t think I have ever seen so many intricate lifts successfully performed by a non – professional.

    Which brings me to the subject of the day: the choreography the pros must come up with week in, week out, no matter what the talent at their disposal. This has got to be the hardest part of all and totally goes unsung on the show. I really wish the choreography could be rewarded in some way. Maybe a separate trophy at the end of the show?

    The choreography can make or break a dance. Sometimes, the dancer is criticized for poor performance when, in reality, the choreographer was at fault. I will hastily add though that it is extremely difficult – sometimes impossible – to choreograph on someone who simply cannot move nor feel music. But, a professional has to make the best of bad circumstances and frankly, some do not. I get a little irritated when I see really poor choreography from someone who should know better. I have a feeling the judges have something to say about this too, in private away from the cameras. 

    On the other hand, there are those pros who never disappoint. Derek Hough to name one. He excels at the intense creativity needed to sustain a show like this. Think about it. You can have all the dancers, costumes, lighting and music you want. But if you don’t have the dance, you’ve got nothing. So three cheers for these guys who grind it out week after week! We love you!

      ---Anne Polajenko

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      We hope you all had a fantastic thanksgiving week and for the students out there cramming for exams and finishing final papers we wish you luck and hope you all finish this semester well. 

   Love from your humble blogger,    

An Evening With Anne Polajenko: Ballet in Cinema!

   
     There is an interesting development going on right now in the ballet world. Full length ballets are coming to movie houses all over the country at affordable prices.

    These are really top international companies whose major productions are being filmed for wide audiences. It gives audiences a chance to see ballets from Moscow, Paris and more. The link below provides info on where and when these films are shown. Example: Shadowood in Boca Raton has two showings of the Bolchoi Ballet "Sleeping Beauty" on Tuesday. If you don;t go to the ballet because of cost, this is your chance!

    A film you might also want to see is "Only When I Dance", the story of Irlan Silva who rose from the Rio favelas to winning international competitions to American Ballet Theater.

http://www.balletincinema.com/

       --- Anne Polajenko
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   We hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving and have an even more amazing black Friday! Remember to eat as much as you can and get plenty of rest ^_^

Love from your humble blogger,

An Evening With Anne Polajenko: A Trip To The Store

Purchasing Pointe shoes

     Some students try to cut corners by purchasing Pointe shoes online. While this may work when you already know your brand and fit, it is not a good idea in general. A trip to a professional fitter is always the best and may save you considerable expense in the long run. Here are a few reminders of things you should do:

•     Make a fitting appointment with the store. Some fitters are not there all the time or there could be other people ahead of you.

•  Be prepared for a fitting fee. Some stores will charge you for a fitting if you do not buy the shoes. This is to protect themselves from unscrupulous dancers who get fit in a store and then go buy the shoes online from someone else.

•    Fittings can take up to 45 minutes so leave plenty of time. Nothing worse than rushing a fitting. You may have to try on many brands and sizes to get the perfect fit.

•    Bring an open – to – suggestion attitude. The fitter is specialized in all the different brands and sizes and knows a lot more than you do.

•   Bring your tights and toe pads. You should always try shoes with your usual foot protection.

•  Try shoes on when your feet are rested. If you have been dancing all day, your feet will be slightly swollen. This could alter your shoe fit.

•  Give the fitter your undivided attention. Do not text or play games on your cell phone during the fitting.

•  To get the best fit you must have some knowledge of your foot construction. You will purchase a style of Box depending on the shape of your toes. The retailer will assess your foot and offer appropriate options.

• The most important thing is to get the right Box and width. Afterwards, you want to consider the Shank strength and length. Again, the fitter will help with this.

•  ¾ lengths are very popular today because they allow more flexibility on the demi-pointe. Always ask your teacher before buying ¾ shanks; some teachers prefer a Full Shank.

IF YOU MUST GET THE SHOES APPROVED BY THE TEACHER, REMEMBER NOT TO SEW RIBBONS NOR DIRTY THE SHOES IN ANY WAY IN CASE YOU NEED TO EXCHANGE THEM.

                      --- Anne Polajenko

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    We at So Danca wanted to wish everyone that is driving home for thanksgiving a safe trip home, and a glorious time with your loved ones and friends!

  Love from your humble blogger,

An Evening With Anne Polajenko: "Y.A.G.P. 'A Closer Look'"

http://www.yagp.org/eng/index.php

       Y.A.G.P.: THE SELECTION PROCESS

   I’ve been asked so many times about the selection process for the Youth America Grand Prix final in New York , I figured this might be appropriate time – as semi final rounds begin for 2012 – to give the following description.

   In order to reach the final rounds of Youth America Grand Prix, dancers must first compete in a semi-final round in a location of their choosing. This can be in any number of places from Brazil to Mexico, Europe, Japan and in eleven locations around the United States. Semi finals take place between Sept. 2011 and March 2012. All locations and dates are listed on the Y.A.G.P. website, www.yagp.com.

   The earliest on the schedule is usually Brazil where Marisa Pivetta of the arts organization Passo de Arte is in charge of organizing the event. Dancers may come from as far as Argentina for the several day event. In addition to competition, they have the opportunity to take classes from master teachers. The competition is open to soloists (Men and Women), pas de deux and ensembles. Each are judged in their own category.

   Solo competitors are divided into three age groups: Pre Competitive (ages 9 – 11) Juniors (ages 12 – 14) and  Seniors ( ages 15 – 19). All perform Classical Variations from a selected list and a Contemporary solo. Judges award scores based on performance but also on technique they have observed in the classes. Only competitors achieving very high scores are eligible to continue on to the New York finals. 

   Judging the competition are the representatives of the international schools offering the coveted scholarships. These are only awarded at the Gala performance concluding the final rounds in New York. This year’s panel in Brazil included:

 

Tara Mitton Catao from the Harid Conservatory – USA
Christine Gunn – New Zealand School of Dance
Luca Massala – Princess Grace Academy Ballet - Monaco
Tadeusz Matasz – John Cranko School – Stuttgart Ballet - Germany
Nancy Raffa – American Ballet Theatre – JKO School – USA
Carlos dos Santos Jr. – Alvin Ailey School – USA

   30+ international judges rotate for semi final rounds. Eventually all will come together in New York.

   To view a video and learn more about Passo de Arte and the Brazilian portion of the Y.A.G.P. international selection process, go to www.passodearte.com.br.

   2003 was the first year dancers from Brazil participated in the New York final rounds. With Anne Polajenko of So’Dança (bottom center) are a few of that year’s big winners:

Daniel Deivison (San Francisco Ballet School, now a company soloist) at the back right;

Paulo Arrais Neto (Paris Opera Ballet school, now soloist with Boston Ballet) behind Anne; Isabella Gasparini – Gold Medal Juniors (National Ballet of Canada School) next to Anne, and Flavia Carlos – Silver Medal Juniors – next to Paulo.

   --- Anne Polajenko

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     And here we are, the weekend is at hand, let us go out and rejoice in the awesomeness that will occur, hope you all had a fantastic week and hope you have a glorious weekend, 

 Love from your humble blogger,

An Evening With Anne Polajenko: "Y.A.G.P."

http://www.yagp.org/eng/index.php

 DANCERS WORLDWIDE COMPETE FOR PLACES IN THE Y.A.G.P. FINALS

    It’s that time of year again! Thousands of dancers all over the globe are traveling to the Youth America Grand Prix semi - finals in Brazil, Europe, Japan, Mexico and the United States in the hope of qualifying for the New York finals in April 2012. In its thirteen - year existence, Y.A.G.P. has become the definitive place to be seen and, more importantly, it is the one place where a future career can be made.

     Launched in 1999 by two former dancers of the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet, Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition that awards over $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide. The competition is held annually around the world and in New York City, and is open to dance students of all nationalities 9-19 years old.

   Youth America Grand Prix has become an internationally known meeting place for dance students and teachers, where they can exchange ideas, share their experience and learn the most up-to-date information on a variety of issues in ballet and contemporary dance. YAGP's level of reputation as a showcase for dance students from America and abroad is such that even passing the preliminary round to be selected to participate in the New York City Finals gives a participant an important distinction and a boost to their professional dance career. Over 25,000 dancers worldwide have participated in YAGP’s international workshops, competitions, and audition classes. Over 200 YAGP alumni are now dancing with 50 companies around the world, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, among others. YAGP’s contributions to international dance education were recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with a membership in UNESCO’s prestigious Conseil International de la Danse (CID).

Photo: Isabella Maylart, 13, wins 2004 Youth Grand Prix

  THE BRAZILIAN CONNECTION

  So”Dança has been involved as a major Y.A.G.P. sponsor for a number of years both in Brazil and the United States. Our commitment to the advancement of the art form and its aspiring performers has assisted many a young dancer achieve their dream of being seen by the directors of the major schools and companies in the world. Currently, countless Brazilian dancers are studying or performing with major schools and companies after receiving coveted scholarships through YA.G.P. A few of these success stories are:

Isabella Gasparini – Gold Medal 2003  (scholarship to National Ballet of Canada)

Daniel Deivison –   Full scholarship to San Francisco Ballet, now a company Soloist

Paulo Arrais Neto – Full scholarships to Paris Opera Ballet, the Royal Ballet and now

                                Soloist with Boston Ballet

Isabella Maylart –  Winner Youth Grand Prix 2006. (Full scholarship to School of the 

                               Stuttgart Ballet)

Irlan Santos -         Full scholarship to ABT II and star of the film Only When I Dance

Mayara Magri –     Winner Y.A.G.P.  2011 Grand Prix and Prix de Lausanne

   For more information and results of the recently completed 2012 semi-finals in Brazil, go to www.yagp.com and click on the Brazilian flag

         -- Anne Polajenko

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    We hope you have a fantastic week, and make sure to check out the YAGP website for info, pics and more!

  Love from your humble blogger,

Anne Polajenko's: "Carreno Dance Festival Revisited"

       Huge success of the first Carreño Dance Festival.

        Sarasota, Florida, was abuzz with talk following the student performance of the Carreño Dance Festival in August.

      The two week program culminated in a spectacular student showcase, enhanced by performances from modern dance stars Jacoby & Pronk and leading dancers of American Ballet Theater.

A dinner reception followed the performance.

Enjoying the festivities are (left to right): Gennadi Saveliev (ABT soloist and Festival faculty member, Anne Polajenko (Public Relations for So'Dança), Larissa Saveliev ( Artistic Director and co-founder with her husband Gennadi of Youth America Grand Prix), Lisias Ransan (CEO of So'Dança) and Jose Manuel Carreño (recently retired star of ABT and Festival Director).

                       --- Anne Polajenko
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      We hope to see you at the next Carreno Dance Festival, it is sure to be even more amazing than this last one.

      For more information go to their site at: http://www.carrenodancefestival.com/

    Love from your humble blogger, 
  

Anne Polajenko: "More quotes to tickle your funny bone"

"If you can't get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you'd best teach it to dance."

                                                                                               George Bernard Shaw

“I do everything the man does, only backwards and in high heels!”

                                                                          Ginger Rogers  

“Dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire.”

                                                                                                George Bernard Shaw  

“There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.”

                                                                        Vicki Baum  

“Dance first.  Think later.  It's the natural order.”

                                                        Samuel Beckett  

"Beginning dancers prefer to take "intermediate" level classes. Intermediate dancers prefer to take "advanced" level classes. Advanced dancers take private lessons to work on their basics. Go figure"

                                              Author Unknown

    --- Anne Polajenko

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    We hope you had a great weekend, and may this week be a great one as well :)

     Love from your humble blogger,

October Events and Secret Projects!

   We at So Danca have a lot of things prepared for the month of October, here are a few things worth checking out, and few things worth keeping an eye out for:

 

     Be sure to keep coming back here for more details on anything and everything we are up to. There is also another section worth mentioning....

     But we can't go into full disclosure about them yet, what we can say is that one of these projects code name is Familia, stay tuned for more info is soon to follow, exciting things are afoot. 

  Love from your humble blogger,

Anne Polajenko: "To Sew or not to Sew"

    Does this scene seem familiar? Dancer goes into store to buy her first pair of Pointe shoes. Dancer and Mom are both excited. Until they discover, that is, that ribbons and elastics have to be sewn on. Dancer looks at Mom inquiringly. Mom looks at retailer, politely panicked. . Retailer looks back, smiling.

“They don’t come already sewn?” 

“No, they never do. It’s too personal. Each dancer likes them in a different place.”

“Well, what are we to do. I don’t have time to sew” which usually means, “I don’t know how to sew.”

Eventually a solution is found. Either the store offers the service (for a fee) or a kindly relative or friend is suddenly remembered.

********************

     There was a time when sewing was considered a necessary life skill. Imagine your dress hem coming undone or dropping a button on your jacket and not being able to fix it!

    Leotards side seams can have an annoying habit of opening up an inch or two while small holes in tights appear seemingly out of nowhere. Pre sewn elastics pop off under stress from the ankle. What to do? What to do?  With a minimum of sewing skills, the remedy is easy. No, you do not have to go get a new leotard. A few stitches and within minutes you are done. The problem is fixed and the credit card stayed in the wallet. 

 When we don’t know how to do something, the task usually seems un-surmountable. Yet sewing is not hard and can actually develop into a fun activity. If you were not lucky enough to have a mother or grandmother to teach you, there are all kinds of ways to learn by yourself. 

    Recently, I explored the most obvious source of information, the Internet. I was pleasantly surprised to come across sites that teach basic hand sewing – down to how to thread a needle. The following website teaches you all to need to know. The best part of learning online is you can repeat as many times as you want without feeling humiliated. So by all means, go to www.monkeysee.com/play/2144-how-to-sew-by-hand. Dawn Anderson from How to Sew by Hand will happily guide you through the very simple process.  

   I highly recommend sewing lessons to anyone wearing Pointe shoes. Sewing is part of a dancer’s life so let’s get started! 
                   ---Anne Polajenko

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   We hope you all had a fantastic weekend and may this week be a glorious one, 


  Love from your humble blogger,

Anne Polajenko Rewind: "Calling all So Dancers!"

        If you wear So'Dança dance wear or shoes, we want to hear from you! Send me an email at anne@sodanca.com and tell me a little bit about yourself. Are you a dance student? Professional dancer? Teacher? What product of ours do you use and how long have you been using it? Do you own a dance store and have a customer you are particularly proud of?

        So'Dança provides clothing and shoes to thousands of dancers in the U.S.A. alone. We are a very large family and would love to include you and your news on our Internet social network pages. Have you received an award, a scholarship? Taken any memorable dance trips? Do you have photos or a video of a performance you'd like to share? Send it on to us and we will be happy to include you in our So Dancer news.

        Bringing the world closer together, one dancer at a time! So'Dança is always there for you!

anne@sodanca.com

  --- Anne Polajenko
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  Thank you for everyone that already got in touch with us! Because of the positive response last month, we felt like we should re-post this entry in order to let everyone that didn't get a chance to be involved a chance to participate. <3


      Love from your humble blogger,

Anne Polajenko Free Pointe Seminar!!

 

  Love from your humble blogger, 

Anne Polajenko Presents: Y.A.G.P. At Toronto Film Festival

Watch the trailer. This documentary just won 1st Runner Up at the Toronto Film Festival. The boy in the photo is from Rio.

If you missed the PBS "Dance in America" on Edward Villella and Miami City Ballet, you can go to http://video.pbs.org/video/2130779031/
to see the trailer. The boy dancing on the gray tights is from Rio too!!

YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX DOCUMENTARY TO BE SHOWN AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL:

          This news just in from Y.A.G.P.

        “A documentary has been produced by independent filmmaker Bess Kargman on Youth America Grand Prix and the students whose lives are touched by our programs.  The film, entitled "First Position," follows five participants on their journey to the YAGP Finals in New York City in 2010.  The documentary will premiere at the 36^th Annual Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, Sept 11, 2011 with screenings to follow in San Francisco, New York, and Boston.”

        For those not familiar with this organization, Y.A.G.P. is the only worldwide ballet competition for students which offers major scholarships to international schools. Semi-final rounds are held on four continents. Qualifying dancers then move on to the final rounds held in New York City. Judges include the directors of all the major schools (such as The Royal Ballet, The Paris Opera Ballet, American Ballet Theater etc. Dancers are judged both on stage and in the classroom.

         It is a very heady time for all the competitors as they are being viewed by all the names that count in the ballet world. Additionally, talent scouts from major companies are often in the audience. In the very competitive world of ballet, this is the event where you go to be noticed. 

        For more information on Youth America Grand Prix, go to www.yagp.org.

       --- Anne Polajenko

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   We'll make sure to keep you all updated with any and all updates we receive!!

    Love from your humble blogger,

Anne Polajenko Presents: "So’ Danca At Sweet Adelines International Convention"

 

    If you live in the Houston area and enjoy choral groups or quartets, you won’t want to miss the SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & COMPETITION held at the Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, Oct. 17 – 22.

      Have a blast at the 65th Annual International Convention and Competition. Enjoy out of this world performances as you take in the sights and sounds of barbershop's best.
Events include the Rising Star Quartet Contest, International Chorus Competition, International Quartet Competition, Harmony Classic Chorus Competition, Education classes, Harmony Bazaar, Mass Sing and more.

     Sweet Adelines International is a highly respected worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. This independent, nonprofit music education association is one of the world's largest singing organizations for women.
Members extend over five continents and belong to more than 500 choruses and 1,200 quartets. 
Today's Sweet Adelines choruses and quartets sing exciting a cappella, four-part harmony music, barbershop style. The music includes special arrangements of today's ballads and upbeat songs, popular show tunes, and even jazz. Members say that singing the powerfully balanced sounds of barbershop harmony provides a rich, rewarding experience.

   So’Dança has a long history with Sweet Adelines. It all began with a Texas group “discovering” the comfort of our leather Character shoe. Since then, chapters all over the country have chosen So’Dança footwear for their performance needs.

   For more information, go to www.sweetadelineintl.org.

       -- Anne Polajenko

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         Love from your humble blogger,

Anne Polajenko: Y.A.G.P. @ Toronto Film Festival

 

YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX DOCUMENTARY TO BE SHOWN AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL:

          This news just in from Y.A.G.P.

        “A documentary has been produced by independent filmmaker Bess Kargman on Youth America Grand Prix and the students whose lives are touched by our programs.  The film, entitled "First Position," follows five participants on their journey to the YAGP Finals in New York City in 2010.  The documentary will premiere at the 36^th Annual Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, Sept 11, 2011 with screenings to follow in San Francisco, New York, and Boston.”

        For those not familiar with this organization, Y.A.G.P. is the only worldwide ballet competition for students which offers major scholarships to international schools. Semi-final rounds are held on four continents. Qualifying dancers then move on to the final rounds held in New York City. Judges include the directors of all the major schools (such as The Royal Ballet, The Paris Opera Ballet, American Ballet Theater etc. Dancers are judged both on stage and in the classroom.

         It is a very heady time for all the competitors as they are being viewed by all the names that count in the ballet world. Additionally, talent scouts from major companies are often in the audience. In the very competitive world of ballet, this is the event where you go to be noticed. 

        For more information on Youth America Grand Prix, go to www.yagp.org.

       --- Anne Polajenko

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    We hope you had a fantastic week and are looking forward to a glorious weekend, 

       Love from your humble blogger,

Anne Polajenko Presents: CARREÑO DANCE FESTIVAL: August 4 – 27, 2011

 

      The first CARREÑO DANCE FESTIVAL was, by all accounts, a resounding success.

         Held in Sarasota Florida under the auspices of the Sarasota International Dance Festival,

it consists of a three week intensive ballet program concluding in a performance by the students and an international array of dance stars.

         I was first attracted to this new project by a personality, recently retired ballet superstar José Manuel Carreño. When I looked further at the faculty, I came across the distinguished Cuban teacher Loipa Araujo, the Russian ABT soloist Gennadi Saveliev, ABT teacher Rimat Imaev and the inimitable modern dance duo of Jacoby and Pronk. That told me the students were in for a very special experience!

       Ranging in age from twelve to eighteen, the lucky students who had been selected through the audition process were everything you would expect: talented, dedicated and hard working. What I did not expect to see was a polish and style almost impossible to achieve in a mere three weeks. There was the unmistakable mark of excellent teaching.

        Loipa Araujo is a teacher whose reputation preceeds her. She is a maker of true artists and among her protégés is José Manuel Carreño. There was something very touching about the relationship – artistic mother to son - and indeed the same respect and affection was now being handed down to a new generation. Students flourished under their strict but warm tutelage.

      The conclusion of the summer program was a performance showing off the students’ talents, which are many. Several are already winners of Youth America Grand Prix.

      They were joined by faculty members dancing an inspiring array of solos and duets ranging from “Swan Lake” to an amazing piece by Jacoby and Pronk. The program was tailored to educate as well as entertain. Much was made of special guest artist from ABT, Sarah Lane, whose un-credited doubling for Natalie Portman in “Black Swan” made recent news. The performance played to a sold-out house.

 

       Teachers who are always on the lookout for meaningful summer programs to which they can entrust their students should pay heed. The Carreño Dance Festival may not be in New York or San Francisco and it may not have the trappings of some of the major programs but it does have a very unique teaching faculty and an equally unique intimate atmosphere where every student matters.

    --- Anne Polajenko

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     Love from your humble blogger,