A Closer Look: Ballet Wichita

A CLOSER LOOK:

Ballet Wichita- Auditions and Performances (Interview)

As a studio- we were honored to help bring Ballet Wichita’s Snow White to Wellington last Fall, and we look forward to Alice in Wonderland for the 2016 Fall Ballet in the Park. (Yes, watch for details!)

If you (or your dancer) are like me- you can’t simply sit back and watch the performance- you want to know, "HOW CAN I DO THAT?"
I took a few minutes to touch base with Alana Veges, Ballet Wichita Board President. She helped to answer my most important questions about Ballet Wichita Auditions and Performances. Please take a look as offer this to the future prima-ballerina in your life!

Thank you! -- Michelle Crittenden,
Owner/Instructor of Michelle's Encore Dance Studio, Wellington KS. 

Ballet Wichita performs "Snow White" at Seller's Park. Fall Ballet in the Park 2015 

MC: I know that auditions are right around the corner. Can you give our dancers a little more information about the Audition Process?

BW: Auditions are held annually - normally the last week-end of August. Ballet Wichita’s Annual Auditions for the 2016-2017 performance season will be held Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th at the HESKETT CENTER, located on the WSU Campus. Open to dancers who are at least 8 years old and have a minimum of one year of ballet training. Auditions begin with barre work and then shift to floor.  We do video the audition class, for the director to be able to refer back to for casting purposes. (Click to read more about the registration times, dress code, and audition times.)

MC: How many productions does Ballet Wichita have each season?

BW: Our major production is Nutcracker, we do school matinees and main performances at Century II.  During the year company members may be called on to dance at special events.  Ballet in the Park is also cast from the annual list of company members.

Nutcracker goes on tour the weekend before our Wichita productions.  This year we go to McPherson on Saturday and Sunday.  When we return to Wichita we will do the school matinees on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Nutcracker normally has two alternating casts, that alternate the show times.  Ballet in the Park has 5 show over 4 days in June.  Our September run of Ballet in the Park has 5 shows planned over 3 days.

MC: What is the time commitment for dancers that are cast as part of a Ballet Wichita Production? Are dancers able to maintain regular dance classes at their studio during the year?

BW: Ballet Wichita makes every effort to hold rehearsals at times that do not conflict  with students normal dance classes.  Most rehearsals are Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings.  Older dancers may have an evening rehearsal during the week.  Ballet Wichita wants company members to maintain their normal class schedule at their dance school.

What tips do you have for dancers interested in being a part of Ballet Wichita?

BW: For dancers interested in joining Ballet Wichita, we recommend joining us the weekend before auditions for the Pre-Audition Master Class. This is for beginner through advanced age 8 and up. The cost is $25.00 for non-company members.  This class goal is to providing a fun and encouraging look at what auditions will be like. (Click to learn more about the Pre-Audition Workshop- Sun. Aug. 21.)

Thanks for reading! Want to hear more about Michelle's Encore Dance Studio? Click over here and we'll send you information on our upcoming dance season!
-- Miss Michelle

Studio GOOD NEWS Recap

So much happening that I have wanted to share some studio good news about our kids and things they have been up to! Click the links for videos and photos... I wanted to get this sent- so I didn't make it all PRETTY ;)

 If you have not yet joined our Closed Facebook Group- please do-just click here! I’ll post reminders there (as well as email) too keep you all in the loop!

First off- I really wanted to brag about our Showstarz Performance Team. We were so busy during the end of the dance season - that I didn’t get a chance to share as much as I wanted THANK YOU DANCERS AND PARENTS! It was a super fun and successful season. <3  (Check out videos on our Studio YouTube Channel!)

Here is a quick rundown of our competition results:
Werk! - Crystal Ramirez & Josie Walker (Choreographed by Michelle Crittenden)
Bravo: Elite High Gold
Talent on Parade: Diamond Award, 5th Place Overall 
I Was Here - Crystal Ramirez & Josie Walker (Choreographed by Hannah Robinson)
Bravo: Elite High Gold
Talent on Parade: Elite Award 
Just A Game - Gabby Stout (Choreographed by Hannah Robinson)
Bravo: Elite High Gold
Creep - Crystal Ramirez, Gabby Stout, & Kylie Lloyd (Choreographed by Kalyna Buresh)
Bravo: Elite High Gold

Every competition gives us some nervous jitters and excitement. When it is all said and done we get great audio and video reviews and critiques from the Judges. Always constructive positive feedback that we have used to improve each week. Each performance gave these kids a chance to grow in their artistry, stage presence, and their confidence. So incredibly proud and so excited to see what the next performance season holds! If you are interested in getting information about our Showstarz Team please click here and we will send you information when we wrap up a few last details! 
 

On April 17, our studio joined others around the state in Salina, KS to raise money for the Love, Chloe Foundation - Monkey in my Chair Program. This program is a resource for children battling pediatric cancer. Our Group Hip Hop and our Contemporary Class performed their recital dances and did an incredible job! Our dance families donated a total of $152.95 - twice our goal! I’m completely blown away by your support and can’t beat an opportunity to use our God given talents to raise money for such deserving kids. (link)

Relay For Life- June 11, 2016: We had a group of kids come to the studio to learn a dance on Saturday morning and performed that evening at Relay For Life of Sumner County. The kids performed twice that evening, once in the private survivor’s dinner and again in Heritage Park to help kick off the event. $20 was collected and donated to Relay for Life.

Master Class with Mackenzie Crosley: On June 23 our studio welcomed Los Angeles dancer and choreographer- Mackenzie Crosley to teach a master class. We had a great turnout with dancers from local studios and area community colleges, as well as 3 dance teachers that you all know pretty well! Mackenzie spoke about coming to dance class and being present and whole-heartly taking class. "We don't come to class to be perfect - we come to class to give our best!" We look forward to incorporating some of her ideas and exercises in our lessons this year. Thank you to dance parents- We had some great video and photos taken as they watched on. This is something we definitely would love to do again, we'd love your feedback! (Watch Facebook for videos and photos!)

We also wrapped up our 3 part Ladies Only dance class series. It was a huge success and we are looking forward to launching our next classes the fall! We kicked it off with a packed house for our Hip Hop class with Me- Michelle, we got our groove on with a guest teacher, Amanda, for Cha-cha/Salsa class, and finished with an AWESOME FUN Heels class with Kalyna. It was so fun to cut loose with friends, enjoy some beverages, and DANCE! Dancing just makes your soul happy. If you’d like to get emails about our upcoming Ladies Night classes- click here.

DVD Release Premiere June 29, 2016: We had a great time at the Wellington Regent watching our Recital DVD Premiere on the big screen! I can’t tell you how cool it was to see all the kids dressed like movie stars and getting their picture taken on the Red Carpet! If you would like to see us do that again- please let us know your feedback! If you see Jerry- tell him thank you for all he does for the kids in Sumner County. He really does rock! 

Congrats to our Premiere Night Award Winners:

FREE Month of Dance + FREE Registration:
Addyline Black
Allabrina Smith-Troutman

Studio T-Shirt:
Cameron Gore
Nevaeh Doffing

WHEAT FESTIVAL PARADE: Everyone loves a parade, right? Well, it’s even better when Michelle’s Encore Dance Studio has an entry. This year our parade entry tied for 3rd Place for Businesses! “More than just ballet and hip hop- we also have dancing combines and airplanes!” Watch for replay of the Parade on Channel 55.

We are in our first week of our mashup classes and look forward to our Frozen Camp next week. Fall class schedule is in progress and we will release registration dates soon. :) Whew… can i hit send yet? ;)

Thank you ALL for everything!!!! We miss our dancers and can’t wait to get back to the studio. Prayers for a safe remainder of your summer. See you soon! --- Miss Michelle

Thanks for reading! Want to hear more about Michelle's Encore Dance Studio? Click over here and we'll send you information on our upcoming dance season! -- Miss Michelle

Frozen Dance Camp

Frozen Dance Camp is for ages 3-6 to sing - dance - play games - and make props to put on a show for parents on the last day!  View this email in your browser Frozen Dance Camp is Next Week!  If you have not registered yet, there is still time! We'd love to have your young dancer come and join us!   Pre-Regstration is strongly recommended so that we can make sure we have enough props and items on hand for each dancer!  Ready to Register Now? Click Here Questions? Email or call!  info@encorewellington.com  785-466-6338 3-Day: “Frozen" Dance Camp (Age 3-7) Dates: July 19-20-21 Boys and Girls No Experience Necessary 9:00 am - 11:30 am $50 (cash or check) or pay online prior to camp In this 3-day camp your young prince or princess will enjoy singing and dancing to their favorite songs from the Frozen soundtrack, will make a Frozen inspired craft, and make props as they prepare for their live performance for their parents at 11:15 on July 21. Children should wear dance wear or form fitting athletic wear. Bring a water bottle and a healthy snack.  Ready to Register Now? Click Here Questions? Email or call!  info@encorewellington.com  785-466-6338 More Summer Dance Classes:  http://www.encoredancewellington.com/summer-dance.html Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*

Thanks for reading! Want to hear more about Michelle's Encore Dance Studio? Click over here and we'll send you information on our upcoming dance season! -- Miss Michelle