Yes, It's official. Sometime in December I was notified that I had passed all the requirements and can now legally use the New York City Ballet name and logo (until this December when I need to be recertified, as all NYCB Workout instructors do to maintain high standards). I had to redo two tapes, but it was worth it and I couldn't have done it without NYCB Workout coordinator Kate Solmssen's patient help and encouragement. I am now teaching six Workout classes a week and loving it very, very much. We began in January but already I'm seeing a lovely improvement in the students.
In 1976, I was one year from UCLA with my Master's in Dance when Jacques began the National Dance Institute. I knew that was what I wanted to do, and I came close with my studio and company for twelve years, but it wasn't quite "there." Who would have known that almost twenty-five years later I'd have the honor of receiving a scholarship from him, and training at NDI for two weeks.
It was quite an experience. I wish I could get back for a refresher course this year! NDI's approach works for these school kids, no matter what aget and level they are. I'm amazed each time I teach. The self-confidence, self-discipline and self-mastery they gain is priceless, all while getting a great workout and learning the magic of the arts.
And speaking of workouts! The New York City Ballet Workout is a phenomenol program. I have students from 11 to 64, civilains with no dance training to serious teens who take daily, who love the class and are pleased with the results.
I'm looking forward to this new week of the rest of my life, and all the exciting programs that are coming up, especially with the Community Conservatory Of the Arts in Portsmouth, both in our school programs and in the special camps we do. We begin in a new school March 11th, and have a second organization interested in sponsoring us. Perhaps we will have a second camp this summer. What great fun that would be!
I'm still writing about dance locally for PortFolio and nationally for Dancer with its new glossy format. I'm down to just two regular columns there becasue of my new schedule and severe time constraints, but the columnsare so enjoyable to write that it isn't a chore at all.
And I'm still with the Hurrah Players - a talented group of souls who shares the same love of theatre that I do.
Simply put, life is grand.
Life is more grand than I could have imagined. While still an adjunct professor at TCC, I spent the past three years directing the Magnet Dance program at Churchland High School in Portsmouth. Then I was given an offer I couldn't refuse - a one-year full-time position at Tidewater Community College to help build a dance program there. When I began there in May of 2002, I was teaching the New York City Ballet Workout, one class, two days a week. Since then, the program has grown to classes six days a week in ballet, modern, jazz, dance production, yoga, Pilates and more.