BEYOND THE BARRE
May, 1998

Dear Dancers,

As you probably know, the government supported ballet schools in countries like Russia and France make sure their students get a complete education -- not only dance and academics, but art, music and literature as well. The reason, of course, is that dancers are not merely athletes or technicians, but artists. In Martha Graham's immortal words, we are "Acrobats of God." That's why I want to urge you to do more than dance if you're planning a summer in New York.

I often see out of town students rushing from a morning ballet class to a midday jazz class and then to an afternoon tap class, eating on the run because they're eager to cram in every bit of studying with top teachers that they can possibly manage. That's understandable and even commendable. But a regimen like that doesn't have to be followed day after day, particularly if you're here for any length of time.

For one thing, you'll be risking fatigue -- and with it, injury. For another, you'll be missing the myriad cultural resources Manhattan has to offer beyond the world of dance. So make a point of carving out some time to visit the costume collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the sculpture garden at the Museum of Modern Art or the Butterfly Zone at the Bronx Zoo. Take in some concerts -- lots of them are free through Summerstage -- and go to Broadway plays that aren't musicals (my pick: "Art" at the Royale on 45th Street.) Even an afternoon at the Stock Exchange or a day of sheer fun at Coney Island or Jones Beach will add something to your memory bank that will count toward making you a dancer with spirit and soul.

How to find out which events are happening where? You can read Time Out, or you can visit the New York section of CitySearch for constantly updated information. Enjoy!

I'll be enjoying the city this summer, too, even though I'll be busy with a new book project. In order to concentrate on that, I'm going to have to take a hiatus from writing to you. But I'll be back in September! Please keep the feedback coming so I'll be all set to fill you in when fall comes around.

Two more tips before I sign off: First, check out my new postcard on Nancy Bielski. And second, Ballet Academy East has an exciting summer program which includes a teachers' course given by none other than David Howard. Here, from director Julia Dubno, is the scoop: "From August 18th through August 29th Ballet Academy East in New York will offer a two-week intensive course for intermediate and advanced dancers. The faculty will include David Howard, Marcia Dale Weary, Darla Hoover, Kyra Nichols, Lourdes Lopez, Jock Soto, Heather Watts, Nichol Hlinka, Darla Hoover, Alan Hineline, Francis Patrelle, James Fayette and others. The course will include daily technique class, pointe, variations, partnering, men's class and evening lectures. The tuition is $675 and the school can assist in arranging housing for out-of-town students. There is an additional fee for housing. Admission is by audition, teacher recommendation or videotape.

"During the last two weekends in August (8/22-8/23 or 8/30-8/31) David Howard will conduct teaching seminars at Ballet Academy East. This master teacher will share his unique and extensive knowledge with a very limited number of teachers, apprentice teachers and dancers. The tuition for the two day workshop is $125. Admission is on a first come first served basis. Reservations must be made in advance."

Have a summer full of dancing -- and much, much more!

Sondra