Youth American Grand Prix - Final Countdown

As I've said before, I have been dancing for about ten years... studying multiple dance styles.  Those dance styles have consisted of tap, jazz, and ballet, which is usually required of you if you compete, or are in "academy" at my studio.  Now let me tell a little bit about competitions.  From the point of view of the ballerina critic I am, you see a diverse range of dancers.  My studio may not go to the super "high end" competitions, but they are one thing I don't like as much.  Sometimes, I dread them.  Being on stage, and hanging with friends is fun, but there is too much in-between time with all the other dancers there.  It's also entertaining to pick out all the "Dance Moms".   It's always nice to receive critiques from the judges, but when I performed my variation at one of the competitions, they said "Nice Choreography".... you might want to tell that to Petipa.  A classical ballet variation is just that "classic"  it is not new or unknown choreography.

Youth American Grand Prix is a whole other type of competition, though.  It is one, if not the, world's largest ballet competition, providing opportunities and scholarships for dancers in multiple countries.  The whole process is very professional:  judges who are part of the ballet world, committed dancers of all ages, and strict guidelines that allow no goofin'.

This is my studio's second year participating in this competition.  We took seven girls last year, but now are taking 12... so, only a small group of the top levels.  We start in the summer, and aim to work every week leading up to the competition. We do a contemporary piece, as well as learn a classical variation, both to compete at the three day competition.  There isn't one rehearsal where I come out energized, and ready to continue dancing.  I come out exhausted, using what little energy I have left to walk out to the car.  The program isn't cheap and you want to work hard to present yourself well, so I push myself harder than usual during rehearsals. The most valuable thing from this whole process is the improvement, not only as a dancer, but emotionally.  You improve, learn about yourself, problem solve, and are inspired by all the other dedicated dancers... and of course, it's super fun!  It's also really great team bonding, getting to travel and going to get fit for stunning costumes (thanks to Ballet West for letting us rent the prettiest costumes).

The group (minus one) that went for the first year.

Now it's January 15th, which means 14 days until I leave for Vegas to compete, which means extra hard work... which also means panic attacks.  I'm trying to fit in any last minute fixes, but also just focusing on ways to perform.  "Acting" is often forgotten as a big part of dance, especially ballet, and it's a lot harder than it looks.  You are portraying a role, just like Jennifer Lawrence did in The Hunger Games.  Being able to do that allows you to bring the audience in, being more effective. 

I'm looking forward to competing, once again, and just taking in all the hard work and excitement.  Bring on the blisters!

~Hayden

Time to Get Nutty - Part Two

Continued...

(3:10) Saturday, December 13-

I just did my part in the opening scene (Young Clara's dance) as Sugar Plum Fairy (there are three of us), and changed into my snow costume.  Our timing still wasn't spot on, but the feeling as the curtain comes up made up for it.  No matter how old I am or how many times I go on stage, I always get butterflies and spurt of excitement!  I'm feeling emotional AGAIN (2) thinking about how this is the seniors last Nutcracker...I will miss them.  Anyways, time to bring on the snow (for real though... Park City is lacking it's usual piles of snow).

(5:30) Still the Same Saturday-

The first show is now done, and went well, with some mistakes, of course.  But they will be fixed soon enough because the second show is almost here.  We also just a received a surprise... a dancer friend of our, who moved to the East coast this past summer, came to watch the show! None of us knew, except one girl, and when we walked into our dressing room, we thought we were seeing things!  Then we were all in one giant hug!  I was teary-eyed (3) and we all joined her for a circle to hear about all her new adventures.  Then I made my way out to say hello to people who came to watch.  Three of my old dance buddies, who now do cheer, came to watch and brought flowers, which again made me tear-up (4) because I realized how weird it was that they weren't on the stage with me!  Now I am back in my dressing room, fixing up my make-up... once again, about to make my way backstage.

Fixin' Up

(6:30) Same Day, As You Probably Guessed-

This was the last time I got emotional (5), I promise.  The reasoning behind this one is because I actually hurt myself (it was bound to happen to someone eventually, we were all waiting for it). Our dressing room floor is sort of slippery, plus we are in pointe shoes, and I was running out to help someone change quickly in the little time we had.  A girl had left her big, fluffy, snow tutu on the ground in the doorway, and I slipped, banging my shin right on the corner.  BAM!  At first I was laughing with everyone, and went to feel my shin.  It wasn't funny anymore.  I felt my shin bone go from a dent to a big bump.  It was weird.  Then I felt the pain and looked at it to see a big big bump and a scrape.  And to top it off, it was only two dances before I had to do Sugars in front of all my family that came to support me.  I told my teachers I'd be fine, and just pulled it together for my very last dance. With all the adrenaline, it didn't hurt me too bad on stage, and people said I hid the pain and tears well...phew!

(7:30) Same Day and Finally Done-
Woohoo!  I made it, and had such a blast.  I feel über-grateful for the many flower bouquets I received from friends and family, and I'm really looking forward to relaxation.  Although I wish I had started the day off more positive, I think it's normal to be completely emotional.  We all worked hard for today, and showed it and enjoyed it.  I gave myself a small pat on the back for doing my best in all of the many Nutcracker shows I did.  Time to give many thanks and "good jobs" to friends, teachers, family, and my little dancing feet!  Then just a week more of school before I make my way down to Central America (BEACH!) for the holidays.

-Hayden

Time to Get Nutty - Part One

Friday, December 12-

As the holidays roll in, with the chilling breezes and dancing snowflakes, there is one thing that is also on my mind - Nutcracker (story of this magical ballet here).  My studio holds our own small production, and there is also the more "grand" show by Ballet West.  For some reason, I decided to really overload my plate by deciding to do both!  So glad I did it, but I am at the end of my rope, especially energy wise.  However, it's almost over... as in tomorrow.  Tomorrow is my studio's Nutcracker production, and it's a pretty impressive show for the small town of Park City. It's a time for all of us dancers and our coaches to just enjoy all of our hard work.

The Ballet West production is just as fun, but more serious and I don't get to spend it with close friends.  Actually though, that was one thing that was very enjoyable... meeting new girls who have a similar dedication to ballet as me (there are girls like that at my studio, as well).  Because it's a professional company, they have a lot of shows, which meant that I was the role of a Page for about a dozen shows.  A lot compared to the usual "one-day/ two-shows" thing at my studio. Every performance was unbelievably amazing; being a part of a professional ballet performance. Not only that, but being onstage watching the dancers of the company that I aspire to (Beckanne Sisk's lines are that much more better - hard to believe - when you're only five feet away).  The experience was unreal and definitely one for the books!

Ballet West Nutcracker!

Then came my studio's Nutcracker.

(early) Saturday, December 13-

Today is the big day! But one thing is missing, my motivation.  The moment when I need to be perkiest, is when I don't want to get out of bed.  It was as though I hit a wall.  "I just need sleep, tell them I'll come eventually," I blatantly told my mom.  All I can think about is the twelve hours I would be spending at the theatre... with the people I see everyday... and teachers snapping at us under the show-day stress.... the make-up soon to be caked on my face... the itchy (but pretty) costumes.  My glass was half empty, maybe even two thirds empty.  I know that I can't not show up, so I need to get ready as fast I can to make up for the time I am losing lying in my bed...venting to my blog.  See you in a bit, hopefully in a better mood.

One of my favorite dances, Snow (picture courtesy of http://www.nycballet.com/)

(noon-ish) Saturday, December 13-

I'm definitely very emotional, but feeling much better about what's in front of me.  I arrived late, and got into the dressing room with nowhere to put my stuff (not a surprise), and got teary-eyed for no reason.  Tears just starting to erupt.  I was feeling frustrated, like that of a volcano slowly exploding.  I held back a little longer, and went to the stage for dress rehearsal.

Dress rehearsal went okay, as usual, which means people are going to bring their A-game.  A crappy dress rehearsal calls for a great show, right?  For me, there was just timing and spacing issues, and I'm crossing my fingers it will all come together.  But now that I am feeling much better, I am heading to catch a yummy lunch with some buds.  "Merde" (check the Tiny Tips page for info on that ballet word) to all the dancers, see you an hour before the show!


My Nutty Experienced To Be Continued...

                                                                 -Hayden

Leotards - Part 2

And the madness continues...

Everyone has their "type" of leotard to best suit their body! I'm about 5' 2", with long legs and arms, short torso, and usually fit best in an adult small. My body slightly represents the "ballet body", but I continue to learn more about leotards that help to accomplish the line I'm looking for everyday. I'm going to share what works for me, and what may help with other body types, as well.

First of all, if you are looking for a brand that comes in a variety of cuts, I suggest Mirella. Not only can you find simple and detailed leotard of different styles, but they are a very nice and sustainable fabric. When making custom leotards, you may feel overwhelmed with options and which one works best, so choosing one that's already made may help find what you're looking for.

Some of My Array Leotards (feel free to comment for specific details)

High Cut Leg:
We all strive for the mile long legs, but have to work with what we got, so this is something that is very useful. When your leotard goes low, to the point where it might even look like shorts, it cuts off your leg length. A higher leg line, not uncomfortably high (let's stay away from the 80's for now), but just below or right on the hip bone, is magic. Plus, it gives you an easier time of seeing your turnout muscles... ballet attire is meant to show your muscles (a.k.a. hard work).

*if your like me with a short torso, you may want to avoid the above, so that your torso isn't non-existent.

Low Back:
This is similar to high cut leg, but makes your whole body seem more lengthy, rather than just your legs. This is one of my favorites - it shows all the muscles working with each movement of the upper body.  It just gives an overall elegant look.

Boat Neck:
With broad shoulders and chest, you want to aim the focus downward for a more proportional look. A high and wide neck accentuates your collarbones, and draws the attention inwards, creating a flattering look. A cap sleeve will help to blend your shoulders into your torso, too, which is a bonus and looks more delicate.

Open Neck:
For me, my upper body just naturally isn't very prominent and is thinner than the rest of me, which comes off as slightly "sluggish", in a way. With leotards that pinch in the front, have thin straps, more open, and a square neck bring the attention upward, helping to improve my presence. This, prints, and embellishments towards the upper part of the leo, help to draw attention away from wide hips, as well.

*avoid this if you have a large bust... you probably are going to need more support.

Even though people still believe you won't make it into the dance world if you don't have the right body, you can. Being able to find the perfect attire to suit you will take people's mind off of the lack of hyper extension or long legs, but allow them to just watch you dance yourself silly. Body type should be the last thing restricting you from dancing, but hopefully this(these) past blog(s) help you to incorporate some pizazz, excitement, and just give you your most flattering look!

Leotards - Part One

Ballet seems pretty straight forward, style wise, especially in some schools. Usually if a ballet company has an academy or school as well (Ballet West - Ballet West Academy), the students have to wear specific leotards, tights, and even shoes. But every ballet dancers' guilty pleasure is getting new ballet attire. At my studio, we have one day to wear colored leotards, and every other day is black. Since they only require a color, I get to show my outside style in ballet class with a variety of leotard styles - only slightly, though. This blog(s)* is mainly about how to find the leotard that seems to draw the eye of others, my preferences and favorites, part of my "collection", and how to find the right type for your body.

*Since this is a big topic, I will be splitting it into two posts - get ready!

When I look through a new Pointe Magazine, there is always one section that I know I'll LOVE - the section allll about leotards, skirts, legwarmers (etc.), oh my! But what I love most about these pages, is that it doesn't just list pretty and popular dance items, but what is "in" and stuff that matches the season. For example, in my 2014 April/May copy, they have two pages dedicated to how to add a hint of "Spring" to your rehearsal look. Dancewear hunting is super fun, adds pizzazz, and personality to the "usual" rehearsal look (if it's allowed). Take advantage of it!

Wearing leotards that follow along with what is going on outside can catch eyes, but also just finding ones that are flattering. Having knowledge about leotards and the ones that work for you will work to your advantage in many situations, especially auditions. Everyone should have at least one leotard that is just very basic to show your "lines" easily. Sometimes embellishments and cool straps are can distract from your dancing. Discount Dance is where I suggest looking, especially for basic leotards. They don't need to be as high end, and that website has a wide range with reasonable prices (score!). But, it is nice to have a leotard that is your "go to", which is usually higher quality and therefore, lasts longer. Yumiko is a brand of leotards that is a "design yourself" type of site. They carry different styles that you get to choose the color, fabric type, sleeve length, etc.... but there is a down side. It is VERY pricy because you design it and it's VERY well made. They have basic styles that you can make to fit your body perfectly (huge bonus), but I would start savin' up the cash (bummer). Not only is the type of style important to feature your body, but the color too... you should know your colors.

Gorgeous (cheaper) Yumiko Look-Alikes. Leotards and Picture found on discountdance.com 

That is all very important, but one of my guilty pleasures is having fun with it.  In fact, I find myself getting a little crazy on some websites (my cart will end up at about $500)... oops! Again, I suggest Discount Dance. They have tons of leotards (and other dancewear), a variety of brands, styles, colors, price, etc.. I would be lying if I said I didn't go on there weekly. Then comes the second most time consuming dance clothing website... Eleve. I could spend HOURS on here, especially because it is a "design it yourself" as well. You choose the style of leotard, then pick the fabric, with a choice of mesh and patterns (something not available on Yumiko). It is pricey as well, but not as much as Yumiko. Plus, the owner of the brand used to dance at our local ballet company, Ballet West!

I could make this blog last until the end of the year (THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!), so I will finish it next time to give your brain a small rest.

~Hayden 

The Balancing Act

Being a kid with a mind full of ideas, more that seem to unfold every minute, I want to do it all. Most of my ideas would be possible if I had days full of no plans. But, of course that is not true, in fact, that is the antithesis of my day. I'm lucky to receive an hour of relaxation. It starts at 6 a.m., prying my eyes open and getting ready for school.  It can end as late as 2 a.m., after finishing homework. I can't understand why I find myself so tired...it's obviously not because my plate is overflowing. But, this blog isn't about me complaining about what I wish I could do, but can't.  It's about how I manage everything from school, dance, and being a kid. Otherwise known as my personal balancing act (no pun intended).

This struggle seems to pop up in every serious dancer's life. When you are committed to multiple things, it's hard to find time for the things that are less intense or demanding. That could include family, sleep, leisure, and most commonly yourself. Taking care of YOU should always be first on your list, the main course. Then, for me at least, comes school (veggies) because it will have the biggest impact on me and my future. After that, comes the sides of my dinner: dance, and all that encompasses, family, friends, staying healthy, and throughout all of these, my goal is to find the fun in it. Fun, being the dessert or treat. Of course, there are lots of little things that fill my mind while I am doing all of this.  Remembering to drink more water to relieve my headaches, setting an alarm to wake up early tomorrow for a performance, oh, and I can't forget to finish that writing assignment... I can't even make through a blog without my mind exploding with to-do's.  However, just as in ballet, the more I practice doing it, the easier and better I become at managing.  Time management is an important skill in itself; a skill I am practicing all the time.

Quite literal in my situation. (credits to http://www.internettoolboxforchurches.com)

The biggest help that you can have is within yourself (sounds super cheesy). You have to be able to say "no" and listen to your body. Not one decision that doesn't feel completely right with you with never be right... that is that. So, if you want to balance everything that you want to do and have to do, you take on only what you can. You will feel more satisfied and less overwhelmed, and I certainly do. There is really nothing you can do about changing finals week being on the same week as Nutcracker, but you can make time by saying no to the other things that may be not as important. Once you conquer clearing your mind from frustration of "can't"s, fill it with "cans" and soon you will find your self scale balanced.
~Hayden

Port De Bras and All That Jazz

As you may or may not have noticed, I have been writing my blogs in order from head to toe, therefore the title, "Bun to Ballet Shoes". That is only related to the blogs on physical attributes of a ballerina, not necessarily the super personal ones. Today, my blog is a mix of the two. Since I last did the "ballet bun", today I will be talking about port de bras (again, refer to my dictionary), the often unnoticed aspect when watching a ballet. Port de bras refers to the movement of your upper back and arms. When you see professional ballerinas perform, they are mesmerizing, and it's hard not to focus on the big, grand movements because, well, they're big and amazing. But what is often less noticed, is their arms and the control and energy that goes through them. Ballet wouldn't be nearly as graceful without them, they are just doing the more subtle movements.

In class, you are constantly thinking, "What do I need to fix, now?" and do your best, with the teachers help, to fix it. It sounds a lot easier than it is. There are sooooooo many things to focus on in just one simple combination...sometimes, it is a little overwhelming. That's what makes this art so exciting, though! You always have something to work on, and for me at the moment, it's my port de bras. This has been an issue for me for a while, and now it is REALLY becoming an issue.

My brain sends requests for my leg to go there, my foot to point, engage this muscle, relax that one...and so on. For some reason, my arms aren't getting their messages all the time. Yes, Houston, as in my brain, we do have a problem. If I don't focus on just my port de bras, and port de bras only, I don't use them in the right way. Instead of using my arms to continue each movement and hold them stable, they start to droop. The thing that I have to focus on when trying to fix this, is to engage my upper back to relieve some of the stress from my skinny little arm muscles. If I just lock my shoulder blades in the right position, I still have that range of motion, but I am using my muscles, rather than just placing them. I like to think of it like I'm moving through peanut butter... it adds much more artistry to my dancing. In the video of Polina Semionova, try to just watch her upper body movements to notice how much they add to her dancing.

While I am still trying to figure that out, it will be the bane of my dancing. But because I see the beauty in it when watching other ballet dancers, I am really aware of its importance. I just need to really "feel the peanut butter", and maybe, some arm strengthening as well. In fact, we can both check out this video on upper body strengthening and posture.

Hayden

Head (and body) Back in The Game

With any sport, as you may know, you are constantly working up an invisible "mountain" and working towards that goal often. Your body and muscles gain a type momentum in dance, where you keep building on the previous class. Of course it isn't a steady climb to your goal, but you get into a mode that strengthens and I like to think, gives your body a "callas" like you do on your feet. Once you take a break, you lose that momentum. Trust me, I could always use a nice break like UEA, most recently, but I may not have taken care of my body the best way possible in that time.

In ballet, you are constantly pulling up your muscles and squeezing them in order to be able to hold your leg in front of your face. Not only do just tense your muscles, but you have to place them and continue to extend them throughout your whole body in Every. Single. Move. Just before break, I was feeling myself reaching a good level of capability, maintaing higher increments in positions. Then came the sweet relief of Meema (my grandma) and Grandad's house for fall break. After driving 5 hours to Boise, Idaho directly after dance, I finally got to fall into a cozy bed in their cozy house. Completely dreamy. Morning came around, and let's just say, Hayden was not going to be doing any grande jetés anytime soon (refer to my definition page, for those who don't quite understand ballet language). I was stiff as a board, and it was because I sat in a not-so-comfy position for multiple hours directly after working my butt off in ballet. My muscles weren't so pleased with me. I attempted stretching, but soon found myself sucked into a book on their equally cozy couch. 

I had the option of taking drop in classes at Ballet Idaho while in Boise, which I have always enjoyed in past visits, but came up with stomach aches and the need to get my homework done. My slacking came back and slapped me in face that following week. Needless to say, I had officially lost my momentum, my muscles refusing to cooperate, only after making another not-so-great decision. Monday, I was feeling slightly tight and "off my leg", but it was mutual for the whole class... I wasn't too surprised, yet. Tuesday came around like a hurricane. I started off the day tired, had a long day of all my core classes, and then went straight to dance from school for five and a half hours... that's a longer time of dancing than the drive to Boise! What was my little brain thinking? Although it wasn't all ballet, the majority of it was and boy, oh, boy, was it difficult. The picture below is a pretty accurate description of the motivation I was feeling.

Credits to www.danceclass.com

With Nutcracker season fast approaching, I now know to take MUCH better care of my body. I need to attempt to maintain as much momentum as possible, even over breaks, so that my body and I stay friends. Lesson learned...now it's time to get myself back in the game.

Hayden

Ballet - My Other Half

Ballet is an art.  An art form that is so intense and consuming, that you lose yourself in the movement. Maybe that sounds crazy, but ballet has allowed me to find myself and what makes me...me.

Courtesy of the Framing Painting, picture painted byEdgar Degas 

When I think of ballet, I think of the Russian ballerinas (they make it look as easy as breathing). When I think of Russians (not to be stereotypical), I think of very determined, serious, and dedicated dancers. Ballet is their way of life and that is how their ballet is... if you are part of that world you have to be able to do this, look like that, have this body, etc. The type of training in Russia is called Vaganova, named after a famous Russian dancer/teacher.  While Russia was creating their own curriculum, so were the French and Italians. Trust me, their ballet was still very strict and serious, but it's training is based entirely around your audience.  Now, I'm telling you all this because 1.) ballet history is very, very, interesting (at least, it is to me) and 2.) because this is where it all started for me and what my whole "ballet" world revolves around.

At the age of four, when my mom made the brilliant decision to put me in dance, I did dance simply because it was fun.  Now, I do dance because it is part of who I am.  My love of ballet began when we got this new teacher who had high expectations, but also so much experience and insight on this art form. She pushed me to work my hardest, and saw the determination I had in me.  She showed me my true passion for ballet.  Since then, ballet has been my obsession; trying to perfect every step while reminding myself to enjoy every step.

On my blog, I'm going to take you along throughout my life of dance, what projects I am currently a part of, auditions, time spent at my studio, Park City Dance, life on the stage, dietary necessities, and even the art of stage make-up - just to name a few.  It's my life...my ballet life from Bun to Ballet Shoes.      
                 

Hayden