C: Scott NIlsson, Photographer

Houston Repertoire Ballet

April 26-27, 2013    7:00pm   The Berry Center

You will not want to miss this event. Program includes “Threads” a new work by artistic director Victoria Vittum, “Savana” by guest choreorapher Keith Cross, “Le Corsaire” Pas de deux with visiting guest artists from Louisville Ballet as well as Kristy Nilssons’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”  Come see Puck make Titania fall in love with a Donkey.  The Shakespear Classic is sure to please audiences of all ages as well as the exciting dancing of our very talanted pre-professional dancers and our profesional guest artists.

Tickets can be purchased on line:   hrbdance.org

C:Scott Nilsson, Photographer

Title: “The Children’s Hour of Faries and Fantasy”
Location: The Berry Center
Description: 12:00 Special School Show
Storybook Fantasy
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Start Time: 12:00pm
Date: 2013-04-26

Don’t miss as opportunity of having a wonderful evening with your family right here in Cy-Fair.  You do not need to go downtown to experience the magic of the theatre and ballet.  It is right here in your community.

Houston Repertoire Ballet is presenting tow slightly different programs at The Berry Center Friday and Saturday April 26 and 27 at 7:00pm.  The talented young group will present “From Midsummer to Monochrome” a mixed repertoire of world premieres. “Threads” by HRB Artistic Director, Victoria Vittum is an energetic contemporary ballet with beautiful percussion music and an unusual set design of geometric lines.  “Savana” by guest choreographer Keith Anthony Cross to the music of Deep Forest and is a colorful and moving piece. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Kristy Nilsson, the Shakespeare classic tale, is a visual delight.  Also on the program will appear guest artists, Christy Corbitt Miller and Kristopher Wojtera, both principal dancers with Louisville Ballet.  The couple will perform the pas de deux from “Le Corsair”

Houston Repertoire Ballet will also present a special children’s matinee, “The Children’s Hour of Fairies and Fantasy”, on Saturday April 27 at 2:00pm.  This program is sure to delight even the youngest members of your family.  The program opens with “Storybook Fantasy” by Artistic Director Victoria Vittum.  It is a story about a little girl that loves to read.  All her favorite storybook characters come to life.  Come see Snow White, Red-Riding Hood and the Wolf, The Wizard of Oz, and many more surprises. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be the second half of this program.

Come out and support the Arts!

Tickets: hrbdance.org

C: Scott Nilsson, Photographer

This is a second post about our students that went away to study with various dance companies.  They were accepted thru a nation wide audition process. Here are more of their thoughts.

Abigail, 14: 

“This summer I went to Ballet Magnificat’s summer intensive in Jackson, MS.  I really enjoyed getting the chance to learn from different people with different styles of teaching.  I felt like no matter what classes you were in you learned something new.  Along with a great dance experience you were given an incredible experience with God.  The teachers and staff were all really great and kind.  They taught really well and were understanding of any personal or physical issues.  Overall it was a great experience with God and in ballet, and it is an experience I will never forget.”

Hannah, 18:

“I had the privilege of attending Next Generation Ballet’s 2012 summer intensive for two weeks in Tampa, FL.  At NGB I took many classes in technique, pointe, repertoire, stretch and occasional classes in Musical Theatre, Dance History and Composition.  I had a wide variety of teachers including Mr. Peter Stark and Ms. Laura Alonso who each provided an incredible opportunity of knowledge and experience from which to learn.  Everyone was very helpful, the program was extremely organized and I feel like I am more confident in my technique and prepared in strength for my next season of dance at Ballet Center of Houston and Houston Repertoire Ballet”

Andrew, 13:

“I had the pleasure of attending Next Generation Ballet’s intensive for two weeks and Houston Ballet’s program for three weeks, both on full scholarship. At NGB, I liked the individual training from Mr. Julio Montano and Mr. Peter Stark.  With Mr. Montano I learned how to land jumps work on technique and use my turnout.  At Houston Ballet I enjoyed the wonderful classes form Mr. Andrew Murphy an Mr. Claludio Munoz. At Houston Ballet I feel like I improved on turns, technique and parterning.  I know this knowledge and experience will help me in all of my classes at Ballet Center of Houston and Houston Repertoire Ballet.”

Here are some of the experiences our students had this summer.  We hope you enjoy reading their thoughts.

Ivria, 13:  “I attended Houston Ballet’s summer intensive.  Lauren Anderson, Cheryne Busch and Priscilla Nathan-Murphy were amongst many excellent theachers that gave me a new perspective on dance this summer.  I enjoyed having new experiences like Yamuna body rolling, character, social dancing and musical theatre classes. The rep including “La Sylphides” the Reel, Bollywood and our musical theatre piece from Grease were so much fun to learn! It was exciting to see professionals like karina Gonzales and Joseph Walsh practcing too!  Everyone was so nice and it was a great opportunity to make new dance friends from around the world.”

Kaitlyn, 15:  “This summer I attended Dance Theatre of Harlem’s four week program in New York City.  The experience was amazing.  The one thing that I really loved about the program was their focus on confidence.  They believed that a class was not just about doing the movements correctly, but about starting and ending them with all the energy you have.  I loved dancing in New York and I thnk that the experience changed me not only as a dancer, but as a person too.”

Mallory, 15:  “This past summer I attended the American Ballet Theatre summer intensive in Austin.  I really enjoyed the experience.  I was able to take classes from several different teachers, who all gave me advice that improved my dancing.  The intensive was four weeks long, which I felt was the perfect length to strengthen my stamina, but not completely burn me out.  I enjoyed that, besides the daily technique and pointe calsses, we also had jazz, modern, character, Pilates, and repertoire classes, plus several lectures on nutrition and dance history.  I felt that these additional classes help strengthen me as a dancer and become more well-rounded, as I focus mainly on ballet throughout the school year.  Overall, I feel that it was an amazing experience that I gained so much from.”

Kaylin, 14:  “I attended the Texas Ballet Theatre summer intensive at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.  I enjoyed the variety of teachers and the learning experience.  I lovd the differentclasses such as Repertoire, Techniquqe, Broadway, Character and Flamenco.  I got advice on how to perform in class and in shows.  I attended TBT summer intensive for three weeks workinng on my technique and learning how to me independent while staing in the dorms at TCU.  I would definitely come back to TBT due to the individual attention in the classes.  Most of my classes had less that 20 dancers.  On the weekends the students staying in the dorms would have movie night or trips to the mall for a little time away.  I loved that the chaperons allowed us to attend church on Sundays which was nice to do after a long week of dancing.  My parents also got to observe my classes on the last Friday and Saturday of the Intensive.  his was a great experience and I would definitely attend again.”

Emily, 15: “My summer at Burklyn Ballet was fantastic.  I was privileged to work with teachers such as John Gardner, Amanda McKerrow and Thom Clower amongst others.  Being able to perfom in the full length shows every week is truly an amazing experience.  Everyone, the faculty, students and conselors are extremely nice and we all act like a tight-knit family.  Burklyn is an amazing summer experience”

Aubrey, 12:  “I went to the Atlanta BAllet summer intenive in Statesboro, GA.  The classes were ballet, jazz, modern and musical theatre.  Everyday we would have class and rehearsal and at the end we had a performance.  I loved dancing all day and am glad I went there”

Ballet Center of Houston is announcing plans for our summer intensive for intermediate – advanced students.  Classes will be offer in Ballet Technique, Pointe, Men’s Class, Variations, Pas de deux for those students ready, and Contemporary Dance.  Our exciting faculty for 2012 will include:  Andrew Murphy - form the Houston Ballet, Kristy Nilsson – free lance choreographer  from Atlanta, GA, Barbara Le Gault - faculty member of BCH and former dancer with Louisville Ballet and Pittsburg Ballet Theatre, Genie Lanfear – faculty member of BCH and former dancer with Houston Ballet, Keith Cross – free lance choreographer and former director of Texas Dance Theatre and dancer with Delia Stewart Dance Company and Artistic Director Victoria Vittum.

The summer intensive will be held from June 4-15.  This two week intensive is very reasonably priced and students form other school are also welcome to attend.  Please visit our website: balletcenterofhosuton.com for more information, pricing and times.

BCH will host “Nutcracker” Dance/Arts Camp June 18-22.  This one week workshop is designed for children age 7-11 and is a week packed with lots of fun activities for children interested and dance and arts and crafts.  Student will have a ballet technique class, art class and rehearsal daily.  This years theme is the beloved Nutcracker.  Dancers will learn all about the ballet, make projects related to it and learn a section of the ballet to perform on the last day of the camp for their parents and friends.  Please visit our website:  balletcenterofhouston.com for more information

♦♦ CALENDAR LISTING ♦♦ CALENDAR LISTING ♦♦

For More Information:

Eileen Ansel Conery

Eileenac@comcast.net

713-856-8780/832-816-8780

Houston Repertoire Ballet Presents the ClassicCinderella

Reserve Your Date to the Ball Now on April 28 &29

   WHO:​Houston Repertoire Ballet (HRB), featuring guestartist David Armendariz as the prince, while Claire White and Amaris Sharratt will alternate the role of Cinderella.

 WHAT:​The pre-professional ballet company in Northwest Houston proudly presents the Tomball premiere of its new full-length production of Cinderella in three acts.Award-winning choreographer Victoria Vittum brings the classic fairy tale to life with her interpretation of this “happily ever after” ballet set to the timeless score of Sergei Prokofiev.

WHEN/WHERE:​Saturday, April 28 at 4 pm

Sunday, April 29 at 2 pm

Tomball High School Auditorium

30330 Quinn Road

Tomball, Texas 77375

​

   TICKETS:​For ticket information, call 281-940-HRB1 (4721) orvisit www.hrbdance.org.

OUTREACH:​The dancers of HRB perform excerpts from each production and make costumed appearances at various nursing homes, group events and at Arts & Education performances. Also, HRB will perform for the TomballISD fourth grade students, fulfilling the arts component of their curriculum. To schedule an outreach event for your organization, call 281-940-HRB1 (4721).

WHAT ELSE: ​The Cinderella sets were designed by Kathy and Frank Newsom, board members and volunteers, and were completely constructed by HRB volunteers. While Victoria Vittum choreographed the production, Barbara Le Gault will be doing much of the coaching and rehearsing. Cinderella costumes were designed and built by volunteers with just a few borrowed from Twin City Ballet in Monroe, LA. 

ABOUT HRB: ​The Houston Repertoire Ballet (HRB) is a non-profit 501(c)(3), founded by Victoria Vittum and Gilbert Rome, both nationally acclaimed teachers and choreographers who served as its co-artistic directors.Today, Ms. Vittum oversees training and programming with an equal eye to serving the needs of the community. Although Mr. Rome is now retired, he maintains his interest and affiliation with HRB, performing as Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker and as a guest teacher.

Since 1994, HRB has contributed to the cultural fabric of Harris and Montgomery Counties by providing excellent dance training to the area’s young ballet stars and dance educators of tomorrow, while also presenting two high-quality productions annually at affordable prices. The Nutcracker and its Spring Program, this year Cinderella,introduce area children and their families to the world of classical and contemporary ballet. Today, HRB is considered to be the premiere pre-professional ballet company in the Houston region, and is recognized for sharing its gifts with the community and beyond.  

The program attracts and develops some of the finest young dancers in the greater Houston area, with many of the dancers advancing to professional ballet companies throughout the country. HRB graduates can be seen with New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Atlanta Ballet,Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and other prestigious companies.HRB has three graduating seniors this year and each will continue with dance at the university level. For more information, please visit: www.hrbdance.org.

MISSION:​HRB’s mission is dedicated to providing the finest classical ballet instruction, education and performance experience to local gifted students, and to preparing them for a professional career in the world of dance. HRB also is committed to serving the suburban Houston region with high-quality theatre productions that educate, engage and entertain residents of all ages and perpetuate their appreciation of dance as an art form.  

Major funding for Houston Repertoire Ballet provided by Houston Endowment, Inc and ConocoPhillips. Cinderella is funded in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts through the Houston Arts Alliance.

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2011 was a very good year at the Ballet Center of Houston.  January and February brought many of our students to the audition circuit vying for spots in summer programs throughout the country. Our students were accepted to such prestigious schools as:  American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Washington Ballet, Ballet Austin, Burklyn Ballet Theatre, Ballet West and Miami City Ballet to name a few.

February through March saw our students very busy with rehearsals for Houston Repertoire Ballet’s Spring Concert.  This year we presented “La Bayadere”, Kingdom of the Shades (staged by Barbara Le Gault), a new choreography by Kristy Nilsson to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue as well as Artistic Director, Victoria Vittum’s “Bolero”.  Our junoir company presented “Il Duomo” also choreographed by Ms. Vittum.  Guest Artist were Jared Matthews and Yuriko Kajiya, both soloist with American Ballet Theatre in New York.  They performed “La Bayadere” with us as well as “Romeo and Juliet” pas de deux.  Mr. Matthews began his training with Ballet Center of Houston and was a member of Houston Repertoire Ballet until he joined ABT Studio Company at the age of 17.  It was very exciting for our dancers to work with such inspiring artists.  They presented a very beautiful concert.

In May BCH presented it’s annual recital at the Berry Center.  We were very proud of all our students.

June brought the graduation of 4 of our senior students.  Leah Slavens has gone on to Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, WA, Meredith Neel is at Houston Ballet, Kristen Newsom is majoring in dance at Sam Houston State University and Julia Simpson is at The Ohio State University. We are so proud of their accomplishments.

In June we also had a summer intensive workshop for our more advanced students.  Our Guest Faculty included:  Sabrina Lenzi (ballet mistress of Houston Ballet II), Andrew Murphy (faculty of Houston Ballet), Isaac Sharratt (Milwaukee Ballet), Elizabeth Keller (Miami City Ballet and former BCH/HRB alumni), Jane Weiner (Hope Stone), Keith Cross (Jazz), Barbara Le Gault and Genie Lanfear (both BCH faculty).  Dancers attended classes from 9:00AM to 4:00PM daily for two weeks.  They gaind so much strength and knowledge.

We also had a “Swan Lake” Dance/Arts Camp for younger students.  The students (age 6-10) spent the day having ballet technique classes, learning about the ballet “Swan Lake”, art classes where they made art projects related to the ballet as well as working on a presentation for the final day.

In July we had summer classes.  Many of our older students were away at summer intensive programs throughout the country.

In mid August fall classes began and September brought auditions and rehearsals for “The Nutcracker”  This year we had so many dads volunteer as party parents that we almost had two complete casts.  They were amazing and so much fun to work with.  It was truly a party to be remembered.  We also had many parents volunteer to help with costumes, production and transportation.  They are all so greatly appreciated.  We were very fortunate to have Jared Matthews back with us but this time partnering Karina Gonzalez form the Houston Ballet.  They were very exciting for us to work with.

Ballet Center of Houston wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Many of Ballet Center of Houston’s students are away at summer intensives around the country.  We had one student attend Houston Ballet’s summer program (she loved the program, teachers and of course the lovely new facility) and one student offered a partial scholarship for the professional division in the fall.   Two of our students are in Seattle, Washington attending Pacific Northwest Ballet’s summer program (one is on full scholarship). Two more of our dancers are in Salt Lake City attending Ballet West’s summer program, three in Vermont at Burklyn Ballet Theatre where one is a junior councilor.  Other students are away at Ballet Austin, Joffrey Ballet……to name just a few.  We know our students are having a wonderful time and learning a lot and will return to us full of enthusiasm and ready to start a new season of great dance.

Summer at the Ballet Center of Houston has been off to a great start.  June 6-17 we hosted a summer intensive for students from our Levels 4-7 as well as a few guest students and many returning alumni.  This summer we had the great pleasure of having Andrew Murphy and Sabrina Lenzi of the Houston Ballet conduct master classes, Keith Cross taught Jazz, Jane Weiner gave us great modern classes and our own Genie Lanfear and Barbara Le Gault also taught classes.  Lizzie Keller, who was a former student of BCH, returned once again from Miami City Ballet to teach pointe classes.  Isaac Sharrat came to us from Milwaukee Ballet to teach our boys as well as teach partnering classes to our advanced group.  It was a wonderful two week intensive and the students learned and progressed so much.

BCH also offer a “Swan Lake” Camp for children 6-11 years old the following week.  This was a ballet and arts workshop.  The children had a wonder time with ballet teachers, Katie Koy and Lacey Flowers. Barbara Koy taught the art classes.  Dancers made many art projects and even decorated pointe shoes.

Currently we are offering summer classes for students of all ages as well as adults.  Our summer classes fur thru the end of July.  Fall classes will begin on August 15, 2011.  All interested students are welcome to register now before we fill up.

Happy Dancing!