Podcasts about international ballet competition

Valentino Zucchetti When Valentino Zucchetti won the gold medal at the Genée International Ballet Competition in 2006, Dance Gazette called him ‘dazzling' and ‘above all, devastatingly charismatic.' The Italian artist has brought those qualities as dancer with the Royal Ballet in London (especially in vivid roles like Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Lescaut in Manon and Lensky in Onegin), and an award-winning choreographer. Works like Scherzo, Anemoi and Jeunesse (created for the RAD's Fonteyn competition in 2023) radiate a lyrical eye and a heartfelt response to music. As he prepares a premiere for the London Handel Festival, he discusses the rewards and challenges of his dual career. Valentino Zucchetti trained at La Scala and the Royal Ballet School and won the RAD's 2006 Genée International Ballet Competition (now The Fonteyn) and the 2007 Solo Seal award. He danced with Zürich Ballet and Norwegian National Ballet before joining the Royal Ballet in 2010, promoted to First Soloist in 2014. He won the RBS's Ursula Moreton Choreographic Award in 2005, and has created ballets for New English Ballet Theatre (Orbital Motion, Enticement's Lure, Firth of Fifth, Into the Light) and the Royal Ballet, including Scherzo (South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance) and Anemoi (Critic's Circle National Dance Award). He created Jeunesse for The Fonteyn 2023. LINKShttps://www.london-handel-festival.com/show/2025-double-bill-tales-of-apollo-hercules/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producción y conducción: Issac Ramírez. Sistema Jalisciense de Radio y Televisión. Visita: www.jaliscoradio.com

Pippa speaks to the CEO and founder of the South African International Ballet Competition, which ends in Cape Town tomorrow night with a Gala Awards event. 88 dancers from 15 different countries are competing in the competition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dirk Badenhorst, CEO and Director at South African International Ballet Competition joins Amy Maciver on the Afternoon Drive show to talk about the 11th South African International Ballet Competition, and what it entails.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With members in over 80 countries around the world, and Royal Academy of Dance's relationship with its members depends on its National Directors. They include Olivia Lume, who last year celebrated her 40th year with the RAD. As National Director for the Academy in Africa, she has lived through historic changes, and has seen the RAD grow, especially after its flagship event – now The Fonteyn, formerly the Genée International Ballet Competition – was held for the first time in Africa, in Cape Town in 2011. How did a professed non-dancer come to be crucially woven into the heart of a dance organisation?Olivia Lume is National Director, Africa, for the Royal Academy of Dance. She is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.Find out more about the work of the RADRead a transcript of this episodeFollow the RAD on social media and join the conversation with host David Jays:Instagram @royalacademyofdanceFacebook @RoyalAcademyofDanceTwitter @RADheadquartersYouTube / royalacademydanceDavid Jays @mrdavidjaysSign up to our mailing list to keep in touch!RAD is an independent educational charity and does not receive regular government funding. Every penny we make goes back into the work we do. You can support us by either naming a seat as part of our Name A Seat Campaign or making a donation.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder Dirk Badenhorst See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Dirk Badenhorst, CEO and Director at South African International Ballet Competition about the return of The 10th South African International Ballet Competition which will be on stage at the Artscape Theatre Centre from from 24 - 26 July 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are looking at how Mississippi can improve reproductive health.Then, state revenues have exceeded expectations this fiscal year, with a surplus of $650 million.Plus, a Mississippi teen won a gold medal during this year's International Ballet Competition in Jackson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down for part two in our conversation with Myrlie Evers-Williams about her life and dedication to civil rights.Then, Mississippi's leading infectious disease expert, who coordinated statewide testing during the COVID-19 panemic, has announced his retirement.Plus, a look back at how a ballet teacher made Mississippi the home of International Ballet Competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former home of Medgar Evers is being re-dedicated as a national landmark.Then, we follow several students as they tour historical landmarks from the civil rights movement.Plus, dancers from around the world are in Jackson this month to participate in the International Ballet Competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexei Orohovsky(MS Dancer Competing at the International Ballet Competition) discusses how he has made his way to Europe to train with an internationally renowned ballet company and how it feels coming back to Mississippi to compete in the IBC.

Dance is a gift that can bring people together with creativity and music. Mona Nicholas has utilized that gift and shared it with others, through her role as Executive Director of the USA International Ballet Competition, since 2014. Regarded as the Olympics of Ballet, the event draws one of the largest crowds to the capital city and state every four years. She is here today to discuss this year's competition, her love of dance, her passion for the city of Jackson and more.Marshall Ramsey, a nationally recognized, Emmy award winning editorial cartoonist, shares his cartoons and travels the state as Mississippi Today's Editor-At-Large. He's also host of a "Now You're Talking" on MPB Think Radio and "Conversations" on MPB TV, and is the author of several books. Marshall is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and a 2019 recipient of the University of Tennessee Alumni Professional Achievement Award. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Lewis speaks to the Executive Director of the USA International Ballet Competition (USA IBC), Mona Nicholas. David and Mona discuss what it takes to pull together what is considered the Olympics of ballet and the village it takes to put together this remarkable international competition. The International Ballet Competition happens every four years in Jackson, Mississippi, the only location in the United States, and will take place June 10-24 this year. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please consider contributing to MPB. https://donate.mpbfoundation.org/mspb/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're heading to Belzoni for the 46th Annual World Catfish Festival happening Saturday April 1st, then we're off to Brandon to celebrate Holi Mehla at the Festival of Colors 2023 also on April 1st, before our last stop in Jackson to check out the 12th USA International Ballet Competition happening June 10th – June 24th! Plus, we'll also let you know what's happening around your neck of the woods! Stay tuned, buckle up and hold on tight for your Next Stop MS!Visit our events calendar at mpbonline.org and click the community tab for Mississippi Events. If you have an event, you'd like to share, you can upload it directly to our calendar or email it to events@mpbonline.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte Edmonds Unusually, Charlotte Edmonds began her career as a professional choreographer while still a teenager. The RAD spotted her talent for making dance when she was just 18: she was Commissioned Choreographer for the RAD's Genée International Ballet Competition (now named The Fonteyn) in 2015, and also became The Royal Ballet's inaugural young choreographer. She continues to navigate a varied freelance career, often making her own creative opportunities. About Charlotte Edmonds Charlotte Edmonds is a choreographer, dancer and filmmaker. In 2013 she received her first choreographic commission from the Yorke Dance Project and The Royal Ballet and has an impressive number of choreographies to her name. She studied at the Royal Ballet School and Rambert, and was The Royal Ballet's Inaugural Young Choreographer. She has also worked with Dutch National Ballet Junior Company, Studio Wayne McGregor and Ballet Cymru, and was Commissioned Choreographer for the RAD's Genée International Ballet Competition (now The Fonteyn). She founded Cameo, a series of dialogues with female and non-binary dance makers; and drawing on her own experience, co-founded Move Beyond Words, to amplify the voices of artists with dyslexia. Find out more about the work of the RAD Find out more about The Fonteyn competition Follow the RAD on social media, and join the conversation with host David JaysInstagram @royalacademyofdanceFacebook @RoyalAcademyofDanceTwitter @RADheadquartersYouTube / royalacademydanceDavid Jays @mrdavidjays Sign up to our mailing listRAD is an independent educational charity and does not receive regular government funding. Every penny we make goes back into the work we do. You can support us by either naming a seat as part of our Name A Seat Campaign or make a donation Charlotte Edmond's website: https://charlotteedmonds.com/Move Beyond Words: https://www.movebeyondwords.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are joined by Tim Tompkins, talking all things ballet, dance, and movement. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Tim Tompkins began his classical ballet training at the age of twelve with former Cuban ballerina Dulce Anaya. He graduated high school at the Harid Conservatory (a Russian ballet school in the United States) in 2005. After graduation, he was invited to join the Houston Ballet. In 2007, he joined the Goh Ballet in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he performed several major roles in various ballets such as The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, Napoli and Don Quixote. It was in 2008 that Tim decided to settle in Montreal to join the Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montréal as the principal dancer of the company. In 2010, Tim won the gold medal at the International Ballet Competition held in Sibiu, Romania for Best Couple with his partner Klara Houdet. At the same time, he added to his credit several perfomances of the repertoire of Mr. Eddy Toussaint such Un Simple Moment, Souvenances, Bonjour Brel and L'Ireparrable Saint-Georges (winner of the prize of the president during the competition in Sibiu). Some time later, he became the ballet master for the professional company as well as the École de Danse Eddy Toussaint. https://balleteddytoussaint.org/en/company/general-director We want to hear from YOU and provide a forum where you can put in requests for future episodes. What are you interested in listening to? Please fill out the form for future guest suggestions here and if you have suggestions or requests for future themes and topics, let us know here! @theatreartlife Thanks to David Zieher who composed our music.

The 8th South African Ballet International Ballet Competition kicks off at the Artscape today. This year's competition will see 180 dancers, the highest number of entrants to date performing in front of an outstanding panel of judges. representing some of the world's best ballet companies, academies, and training institutions from all six continents across the globe. Prizes include access to summer intensive programmes, internships, and scholarships. A new Novice category has also been introduced for entrants aged 6 to 8 years of age, from Africa only. South Africa International Ballet Competition founder and CEO. Dirk Bardenhorst joins us on the line for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Céline Gittens first made her name as a teenager, winning both a gold medal and the Audience Choice Award at Sadler's Wells in London, in the RAD's Genée International Ballet Competition (now named The Fonteyn). Her serenity and clarity marked her out as something special. Born in Trinidad and later moving to Canada, she is now a Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet, where in 2012 she became the first woman of colour in the UK to dance the leading role in Swan Lake. On Why Dance Matters, Céline discusses this landmark, and also learning ballet with her mother, an RAD teacher; dancing during lockdown; and sharing her passion for dance through her own coaching, including for this year's inaugural Fonteyn competition.About Céline GittensCéline Gittens was born in Trinidad and grew up in Vancouver, Canada. She trained with her mother, Janet Gittens, and at Vancouver's Goh Ballet Academy. In 2005 Céline was awarded a gold medal and Audience Award at the RAD's Genée International Ballet Competition. Joining Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2006, she was promoted to Principal in 2016. Notable roles include Juliet, Odette/Odile, Aurora and Giselle. She gained a Master of Philosophy from the University of Birmingham. Céline has taught and coached with Elmhurst Summer School and BRB. For the RAD, she was an Artistic Examiner for the Solo Seal 2019, and coached dancers for The Fonteyn 2021. Find out more about the RAD's Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition: https://bit.ly/3joH3HJThe RAD has a network of teachers located around the world. Find your local RAD teacher: https://bit.ly/3hgHPnxFollow the RAD on social media, and join the conversation with host David JaysInstagram @royalacademyofdanceFacebook @RoyalAcademyofDanceTwitter @RADheadquartersYouTube / royalacademydanceDavid Jays @mrdavidjaysSign up to our mailing list: https://bit.ly/3frWPh9RAD is an independent educational charity and does not receive regular government funding. Every penny we make goes back into the work we do. You can support us by either naming a seat as part of our Name A Seat Campaign: https://bit.ly/3fnxEwm or make a donation: https://bit.ly/3bxA6z5 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Xander Parish tells a story of snatching triumph from the jaws of frustration. After a great start – winning a silver medal in the RAD's Genée International Ballet Competition (now named The Fonteyn) and joining The Royal Ballet – his career seemed to be going nowhere. Then a coach from St Petersburg visited London, saw Xander's passion to prove himself, and snapped him up for the Mariinsky Ballet. Xander is now a Principal at one of the world's great companies, dancing the princes he was born to play. Listen to his rollercoaster ride, described with unfailing honesty and good humour.About Xander ParishXander was born in East Yorkshire, England. He trained at the Royal Ballet School in London and in 2005 joined The Royal Ballet Company with his sister Demelza. In 2009, he was invited to join the Mariinsky Ballet by its director Yuri Fateyev, becoming the company's first and only British dancer. Now a Principal, his roles include Albrecht in Giselle, Siegfried in Swan Lake, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and the title role in Apollo, for which he won Best Male Performance (Classical) at the UK's Critics Circle National Dance Awards. In 2019, he was awarded an OBE. In 2004, Xander won a silver medal in the RAD's then-named Genée International Ballet Competition.Find out more about the RAD's flagship event, The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition: https://bit.ly/2RV9Qb7Follow the RAD on social mediaInstagram- @royalacademyofdanceFacebook- @RoyalAcademyofDanceTwitter- @RADheadquartersYouTube- royalacademyofdanceDavid Jays - @mrdavidjaysSign up to our mailing list: https://bit.ly/3frWPh9RAD is an independent educational charity and does not receive regular government funding. Every penny we make goes back into the work we do. You can support us by either naming a seat as part of our Name A Seat Campaign: https://bit.ly/3fnxEwm or make a donation: https://bit.ly/3bxA6z5Xander is launching balletclass.com this summer: leading dancers from the UK and Russia are recording classes which students and fans can follow. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Anna Rose O’Sullivan was born in Harrow and began dancing aged two, training locally at Suzanne's School of Dance before joining The Royal Ballet School, White Lodge. Early performances included the lead role of Sara Crewe in A Little Princess for London Children’s Ballet and Cosette (Les Misérables) and in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on the West End. Roles at the School included creating a Principal role in Alastair Marriott’s Simple Symphony, pas de deux (Don Quixote) at La Fenice, Venice, and pas de deux (Rhapsody) at Buckingham Palace. Awards include the April Olrich Award for Dynamic Performance and the Phyllis Bedells Bursary (Royal Academy of Dance). In 2010 she reached the finals in the Genée International Ballet Competition and in 2011 won The Royal Ballet School Achievement Award, the Director’s Prize for most promising student and Young British Dancer of the Year. O’Sullivan’s roles with the Company have included Princess Aurora (The Sleeping Beauty) , Juliet ( Romeo and Juliet) recently nominated for ‘Outstanding Female Classical Performance’ for her portrayal in The Critics circle National Dance Awards , Alice (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland), Swanilda (Coppélia), Olga (Onegin) ,1st Movement (Concerto), Dorabella (Enigma Variations), Clara (The Nutcracker), Amour (Don Quixote), pas de six and Moyna (Giselle), Princess Florine, Florestan’s Sister, Fairy of the Golden Vine, Fairy of the Song Bird and White Cat (The Sleeping Beauty), Neapolitan, Cygnet and pas de trois (Swan Lake), Princess Louise and Princess Stephanie (Mayerling), Vera (Month in the Country), Florence Billington (The Unknown Soldier), Blue Girl (Les Patineurs), Symphony in C, 4th Movement and roles in Infra, ‘Emeralds’ (Jewels), After the Rain, Carbon Life, Within the Golden Hour, La Bayadère, Tchaikovsky Pas de deux and Tarantella. She created roles in Multiverse, Woolf Works. IG: @annaroseosullivan Host: Jamie Neale @jamienealejn Discussing rituals and habitual patterns in personal and work life. We ask questions about how to become more aware of one self and the world around us, how do we become 360 with ourselves? Host Instagram: @jamienealejn Podcast Instagram: @360_yourself Music from Electric Fruit Produced by Tom Dalby Composed by Toby Wright

Barbara Bears is a Ballet Master at the Houston Ballet. Ms. Bears joined Houston Ballet as a corps member in 1988 and that same season was selected by Sir Kenneth MacMillan to dance the lead in his ballet Gloria. Ms. Bears was promoted to a principal dancer in 1995 and after 20 years with the Houston Ballet retired in 2009.   She is the winner of the silver medal at the 1991 International Ballet Competition. Ms. Bears’ classical repertoire included the leading roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, The Merry Widow, Manon, Onegin, and Madame Butterfly. In 2001, Ms. Bears was honored to be featured on the cover of both Dance Magazine and Pointe Magazine. Following her retirement, Ms. Bears began teaching and has since then been coaching for Houston Ballet Academy, Houston Ballet II and Houston Ballet. In 2016, Ms. Bears joined the artistic staff of Houston Ballet as ballet master. Houston Ballet Watch this Interview live on Facebook via AcademyMWD or LIVE on Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsX7ln-fORK_8f5Tus3XUwg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cCUSEWGTZvpKQesiWJwwz Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../behind-the.../id1542535425 . #ballet #principal #principaldancer #ballerina #dancerlife #houston #houstonballet @houstonballet @barbarabearsgadbois #balletmaster #pointe #pointeshoes #choreography #beauty #art #theatreartlife @theatreartlife

From studying music to receiving a full scholarship to train at Alvin Ailey, Steve Rooks gives insight into what it looks like to be a good steward of what you've been entrusted with.  ---Steve Rooks began his dance training in Washington, D.C. after graduating with honors from Dartmouth College. He continued his training in New York City as a full scholarship student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Mr. Rooks danced and toured with the Ailey Repertory Ensemble and the Martha Graham Dance Company—at the latter, he performed for over a decade and achieved the rank of Principal Dancer.Mr. Rooks is currently Chair of Dance and Resident Choreographer at Vassar College. He has also taught as a guest teacher with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Martha Graham Dance Company, the American Academy of Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Mexico, Pehnyo Productions in Barbados, the North Carolina School of the Arts, and the International Summer School in Sydney, Australia. He has choreographed a number of pieces, including “Cool River,” which premiered at Lincoln center in 1996, and which later became part of the Graham Company repertoire. He was a 2004 winner of the National Choreographic Competition at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and created two solos for the 2004 Youth American Grand Prix Ballet Competition. He has been awarded Vassar Research grants to travel to Latvia, Zambia, and most recently Finland, where he choreographed “Plate Tectonics” on 24 international dancers. As part of the Masterworks Festival, Mr. Rooks was commissioned to create ballets for a number of contemporary composers including Clarice Assad, Piet Swerts, and David Skidmore—all accompanied by a live orchestra.Mr. Rooks has served as an adjudicator for the American College Dance Festival. His solo “Vista” was performed by Aran Bell of American Ballet Theater at the 2014 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. Four contemporary solos were created for submission to the 2016 Youth American Grand Prix and the 2017 Cecchetti International Ballet Competition in Florence, Italy.In 2017, Mr. Rooks was Artist-in-Residence at Sumeet Nagdev Dance Arts in Mumbai, India. A solo work “Dashanan” was created during that residency and had its World Premiere at the St. Andrews Auditorium in Mumbai.Mr. Rooks would like to thank Jesus Christ for all that has happened to him. ---See Steve in action here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sviwCe9RDwWe would love for you to subscribe to our podcast and share it with others. To find out more visit: https://globaldancenetwork.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/globaldancenetworkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/globaldancenetwork/ 

Full attention and soaking up every word. This is the picture that Evelyn refers to in our conversation. (Picture courtesy of Evelyn Hart) Friends!Welcome to this only, or maybe first episode of the Late to the Party Ballet Podcast! I started working with Evelyn Hart a couple of months ago, and you can read the full story of how that came about in one of my recent blog articles. Right from the start I realized that I really enjoyed talking with her, beyond the ballet that she was teaching me. I was dying to ask her more questions, but despite Covid-related closures, our schedules were packed and there wasn't much time around classes to chat. But because I felt like her story offered so many gifts, I thought – why not ask her if she would be up for a conversation that we could share with others? She graciously agreed. And so here we are! What I only more recently learned, and what makes this conversation so relevant for us adult ballet starters, is that Evelyn started ballet quite late as a teenager, so a lot of her experience as a dancer revolved around “feeling behind” and “catching up”. Sounds familiar? :-) Picture courtesy of Evelyn Hart. Evelyn is considered one of Canada's most famed and accomplished ballerinas. She started dancing at 14, joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet when she was 17, and was promoted to principal dancer four years later. She won the gold medal at the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria, at 24, upon which she started guesting and for the first time diving into lots of classical repertoire - at an unheard pace - all over the world.What sounds like a prodigy-type journey is to a large extent also a story of rejections, overcoming limited turnout, and dealing with lots of stage fright and self-doubt. But it is also a story of incredible grit, perseverance, an incessant drive to figure out ballet technique from the inside out, and an exceptional musicality and artistry that would become the key to Evelyn's remarkable career. Evelyn now lives in Toronto and is a sought-after coach, teacher, and mentor to professional and pre-professional dancers. She is a Companion of the Order of Canada, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and has received a Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.We talk about how long it took her to overcome her late start and what advice she has for adult beginners who struggle with the “late start shadow”; what kept her going after being rejected from the National Ballet School THREE times; her take on pelvic alignment for exploring full turnout and hip joint rotation; why she chose to dance in pointe shoes that were soft as socks; the role of musicality in fundamental ballet technique; how she would start working with an absolute adult beginner; and gift of being uncompromising in any pursuit.For me, this conversation unlocked a new self-perception around being a student and dancer who started late in life. Hearing from someone so accomplished that, really, you can CREATE at any point in your life, no matter at what age you started, was like getting a fresh infusion of purpose into my daily ballet practice. I hope you'll get it to – and much more beyond it. Please enjoy! Picture courtesy of Evelyn Hart.

This week we are joined by our friend, Jovani Furlan, soloist with New York City Ballet. Born in Joinville, Brazil, Jovani started dancing at the age of 11 at The Bolshoi Theater School in Brazil. In 2010 he participated in the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, and was offered a full scholarship to attend […] The post (179) Jovani Furlan, Soloist New York City Ballet appeared first on tendusunderapalmtree.com.

This week we are joined by our friend, Jovani Furlan, soloist with New York City Ballet. Born in Joinville, Brazil, Jovani started dancing at the age of 11 at The Bolshoi Theater School in Brazil. In 2010 he participated in the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, and was offered a full scholarship to attend […] The post (179) Jovani Furlan, Soloist New York City Ballet appeared first on tendusunderapalmtree.com.

Phoebe Magna and Shane Powell discuss the upcoming Miami International Ballet Competition where they will be representing Boulder Ballet in the Pas competition January 23-27, 2019! Photo by Ashkan Roayaee

For more on what the International Ballet Competition has to say about itself: usaibc.comFor the 7 important facts about me, see the slide show on the Home Page of:ellenmorrisprewitt.comTo see Elvis performing “Jailhouse Rock”: youtube.com/watch?v=gj0Rz-uP4MkFor more info on Ellen’s book signing go here https://www.novelmemphis.com/ellen-morris-prewitt-tracking-happiness

Inspired by creativity, Bruce Simpson credits the joy of life for what drives him and fuels his career in ballet. Simpson came to the Louisville Ballet as artistic director in 2002, bringing over 30 years of experience in the ballet world with him. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Simpson mastered the art of ballet. He danced for South Africa’s State Theatre Ballet for 30 years and experienced many performances and leading roles. In 1983 Simpson was named ballet master, and in 1985, he was named senior ballet master. He retired from the stage in 1998 at the age of 50. Simpson began leading the Texas Ballet Theatre in 2000 before coming to Louisville two years later. He has worked with some of the great dancers of this time. In both 2006 and 2010, Simpson was honored to serve on the jury at the U.S. International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.

Elmhurst Ballet School graduate Hamish Scott and winner of Bronze at this year’s Genée International Ballet Competition, shares his experience of training at this prestigious ballet school. This is the second in our 3 part podcast series on the Elmhurst Ballet School, that trains dancers who enter companies such as Birmingham Royal Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Northern Ballet,… The post Elmhurst Ballet School Series Part 2: Hamish Scott, Ballet Graduate appeared first on The Wonderful World of Dance Magazine.

Brooklyn Mack is originally from South Carolina, and is a dancer with The Washington Ballet. He began his dance training at age 12 with the Pavlovich Dance School under Radenko Pavlovich and Milena Leben before receiving a scholarship to study at the Kirov Academy of Ballet. Brooklyn then apprenticed with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and later joined American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company. Before joining The Washington Ballet, Brooklyn spent three seasons as a principal dancer with Orlando Ballet. He has performed internationally in Venezuela, Latvia, Japan, and many others. He has won many awards and medals, including the gold medal at the legendary International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria, the oldest ballet competition in the world. He was one of only three Americans ever to win. Most recently, Brooklyn was featured in Ebony Magazine, the Grio’s Top 100, and was named as a top “25 [dancers] to watch” by Dance Magazine. In 2015, Brooklyn and Misty Copeland made history at the Kennedy Center in D.C. as the first two African-American leads in a major production of Swan Lake. Notes from the show: Brooklyn has always danced, but discovered ballet at 12 years old. Growing up in South Carolina, there were lots of stereotypes and misconceptions about ballet and male ballet dancers. At an annual gala, he was blown away by the athleticism of the ballet dancers. Brooklyn really loved football and wanted to try out. His mom wouldn't take him to tryouts. He asked her, "If you take me to tryouts, I'll take ballet lessons." His mom was shocked. His Mom researched and decided on the Pavlovich Dance School under Radenko Pavlovich. He attended 6 days a week. Brooklyn took two buses to class each day. Ballet became like "wisteria." He got a scholarship to the Kirov Academy of Ballet. He made a pact with himself: "If you're not a soloist by the age of 21, you'll go back to school and pursue football." He started out loving bravura roles like those in Dox Quixote and The Pirate, but then really took to more romantic roles. "If I can move them in some way, then I don't really care what any artistic person has to say that much, because it's for the audience, first and foremost." At the Chicago Dancing Festival in Millennium Park, there were almost 12,000 people.He felt "invincible" because of the energy he was getting from the audience. The Bowie & Queen show at the Kennedy Center in DC came close in energy level despite the audience being one tenth the size of the Chicago show. When Brooklyn watches a recording, he picks himself apart. It's hard for him to enjoy watching a recording. When you have reached a certain level, you need to find someone you trust, who understands artistry, someone who is invested in you. Pavlovich is one of Brooklyn's favorite coaches to this day. "He's almost like a Dad to me." Brooklyn performs with the Columbia Classical Ballet each year for the LifeChance International Gala of the Stars. Brooklyn danced with Misty Copeland for the first time in 2015--and made history--in the Kennedy Center's "Swan Lake." Brooklyn admires Misty's ambassadorship for bringing ballet to young people through her appearances in commercials such as Under Armour. His first job was with the Joffrey Ballet. He is very much a perfectionist.; every day is the pursuit of perfection. The small linking steps in ballet are so important; they make a leap sparkle. Brooklyn was able to do the big "tricks" during his first year and a half, but they were very unrefined. The smaller steps and techniques refined the more showy tricks. Winning Gold Medal at Varna was a moment of "Wow, I can't believe I did that." Everyone who has won is a legend. Being listed among them is still surreal. "Was that a dream?" The hardest ballets, though he doesn't feel like they're hard when he's dancing, include "Romeo and Juliet" and "Swan Lake." Adagio is uncommon for a male dancer; it is very slow and you have to control every element. "It's like the difference between 20 fast push-ups and 20 eight count push-ups." Brooklyn usually gets into character, but he does sometimes talk to himself during a performance. He has fallen only once during a performance, and his memory of it is priceless. Brooklyn prepares through visualization. He shares his physical and nutrition regimen. Stretch! Stretch! Stretch! Don't be discouraged if you're not the favorite--there will be a favorite and pay attention to what a teacher or coach says to the favorite. "Shed your pride. Shed your insecurities. Just be a sponge." "Put in the extra hours. There's always going to be someone who does something better than you. If you want to be the best, the only way to ever catch that person is to be doing more than they're doing."