dance, art, children, creative parenting, studio life blog East Danforth, East York, Riverdale, Leslieville, Beaches, Scarborough, Leaside, North York

What is the big deal with Character?

10/13/2015

Over the next few weeks parents of ballet students in Grades 1 and higher will begin to hear talk of Character Shoes and Skirts. We've compiled the three top questions we get asked about Character for you below:

What is Character Dancing?

Character dance is a specific subdivision of classical dance. It is the stylized representation of a traditional folk or national dance, mostly from European countries, and uses movements and music which have been adapted for the theatre.  Character dance is integral to much of the classical ballet repertoire. A good example of character dance within ballet is the series of national dances which take place at the beginning of Act III of Swan Lake.

Why are the shoes and skirt important?

Character shoes and skirts are required by the RAD for the Graded Ballet Syllabus. The shoes are very important as much for the Character work involves stamping or beating of heels and proper shoes are vital to preventing injuries. The skirt is used often in the character section in each grade. Students must learn the proper positioning of their fingers and arms while holding the skirt and will drop and pick up the hem as they dance.

Why are the skirts so expensive?

Character Skirts are not currently sold by any dance retailer in Canada.  This means that they must be custom made by a seamstress.  Because of the amount of fabric used and the time it takes to sew (especially all those ribbons) the cost is about $60+ depending on where you get them made. We are currently able to offer them at $53 +HST until October 30th.

Character Rental Program...

Character skirts are worn for practice in class as well as for examinations and class awards.  These have been a big expense for parents and last year we added a rental program to help ease the cost.

If you wish to purchase a skirt (only needed for Grade 2 and higher), you can still do so using the Character Skirt Order Form. Orders will be taken until October 30 – so hurry in!
If you do not wish to purchase a skirt, we will have practice skirts in classes for students to get the feel of working with a skirt. Students will share within their class and with other classes that evening.
If you are participating in a Ballet Exam we will have some skirts available to rent at exam time.

0 Comments

Checking in with Alumni - Donna Michelle

10/6/2015

0 Comments

We've been catching up with some of our alumni. Meet Donna, a 2004 graduate of Pegasus Studios...

PS: When did you graduate fromPegasus?

DM: 2004 officially, though I came to some classes after having some time away.

PS: What type of dance did you take?

DM: Ballet, modern, tap, jazz, hip hop.

PS: What is happening in your life these days?

DM: I am a self employed jeweler and mother of an 11 month old.

PS: What is a favourite memory from your Pegasus days?

DM: It really is hard to pick one as there are so many. Being awarded the Michael Davis Scholarship was an honour and definitely a fond memory, but I would also have to say Saturday breaks stand out in my mind. I'm not sure how old I would have been, but once I was at the point where I was attending multiple classes on Saturday, 12ish? I remember spending the break between classes with Keira and Melissa. We would buy large chocolate muffins and crackers with cheese spread from the kitchen and hang out in the change room. I think we felt like we were 'professionals' taking so many classes in one day, but we also felt a sense of independence. Spending that time together also fostered some really strong friendships.

PS: What lesson did you take away from growing up in dance?

DM: That it's not about competition and fancy expensive costumes, instead we are who we are and we dance because we love it and it makes us feel good. I try to apply this to my life in general. It's not about keeping up with the Joneses or having fancy expensive things, be who you are and do what you
love.

PS: We are so proud of Donna and all that she has been working on since graduating from Pegasus Studios.
Here is Donna's website where you can see her gorgeous work, http://www.donnamichelle.ca/

Donna at one of her first Pegasus recitals

Balancing barre work and motherhood!

0 Comments

What is the big deal with Character?

Checking in with Alumni - Donna Michelle

We've been catching up with some of our alumni. Meet Donna, a 2004 graduate of Pegasus Studios...

Archives

Location

Contact

Follow