Get To Know DWC Ambassador Jeanne Robson
🌟 Meet Jeanne Robson, our newest DWC Ambassador! 🌸 Jeanne's dance journey began at the age of 5, leading her to train at the Atlanta Ballet School and School of American Ballet. She danced professionally with Pacific NorthWest Ballet in Seattle before transitioning to a career in education, earning a BA in Education and specializing in early childhood classrooms.
pronunciation: Jeen-nee Rob-son | pronouns: she/her
By Samantha Weissbach, DWC Owner & General Manager
🌟 Meet Jeanne Robson, our newest DWC Ambassador! 🌸 Jeanne's dance journey began at the age of 5, leading her to train at the Atlanta Ballet School and School of American Ballet. She danced professionally with Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle before transitioning to a career in education, earning a BA in Education and specializing in early childhood classrooms. 💃 Now, Jeanne shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for ballet as a teacher at Fidalgo DanceWorks in Anacortes. Join us as we dive into Jeanne's inspiring journey of dance, education, and mentorship! 💖
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Lea Aparis of Body Language Studio on AAPI Heritage Month
Meet Lea Aparis, co-director of Body Language Studio in Renton, WA, as we celebrate AAPI month! 🌸 Lea is a former professional dancer for the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics, and she shares her journey of building a successful small business. 💃 With an extensive background in various dance styles, from ballet to hip-hop, Lea is a dynamic force in the dance community. Join us as we dive into her inspiring story of passion, dedication, and love for dance!
pronunciation: Lee-uh Uh-paris | pronouns: she/her
By Samantha Weissbach, DWC Owner & General Manager
Meet Lea Aparis, co-director of Body Language Studio in Renton, WA, as we celebrate AAPI month! 🌸 Lea is a former professional dancer for the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics, and she shares her journey of building a successful small business. 💃 With an extensive background in various dance styles, from ballet to hip-hop, Lea is a dynamic force in the dance community. Join us as we dive into her inspiring story of passion, dedication, and love for dance! 💖
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Get To Know DWC Ambassador Abby Jayne DeAngelo
Join us for an inspiring interview with our esteemed DWC Ambassador, Abby Jayne DeAngelo! 💫 Abby Jayne's journey in the world of ballet began under the guidance of the renowned Marcia Dale Weary at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) in her hometown of Carlisle, PA. With a passion for sharing her love of ballet with the next generation of dancers, Abby Jayne founded Adage Ballet Academy in Seattle, WA in March 2021.
pronunciation: Ab-bee Jay-n Dee-An-jello | pronouns: she/her
By Samantha Weissbach, DWC Owner & General Manager
Join us for an inspiring interview with our esteemed DWC Ambassador, Abby Jayne DeAngelo! 💫 Abby Jayne's journey in the world of ballet began under the guidance of the renowned Marcia Dale Weary at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) in her hometown of Carlisle, PA. With a passion for sharing her love of ballet with the next generation of dancers, Abby Jayne founded Adage Ballet Academy in Seattle, WA in March 2021. Her extensive teaching experience includes instructing Levels 1-7 at CPYB, leading virtual classes with Ballet Together, and guest teaching at Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh. Abby Jayne's professional ballet career has taken her from Carlisle to the stage of Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB), where she began as a Professional Division Student and was later promoted to Apprentice and Corps de Ballet member. Her favorite roles with PNB include Marzipan and Columbine in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Step Sister in Kent Stowell’s Cinderella, and Eva Stone's F O I L. As a choreographer, Abby Jayne has premiered original works for CPYB’s First Steps Program and PNB’s virtual Next Step, showcasing her artistic versatility. Join us as Abby Jayne shares her personal mission of balanced, joy-filled ballet technique and training both on and off the stage. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by her passion and dedication to the art of dance! #DWC #DanceAmbassador #AbbyJayneDeAngelo #BalletJourney #BalletEducation
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Get To Know DWC Ambassador Bethany Lynch
Join us for an exclusive interview with our newest DWC Ambassador, Bethany Lynch! 🌟 Bethany is a talented dancer currently performing with The Garden Dance Company, Movement 26, and other local groups and productions. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having graduated from Western Washington University in Spring '23 with a BFA in Dance, BA in Business Marketing, and a Minor in Arts Enterprise & Cultural Innovation (AECI). 🎓 Don't miss this opportunity to get to know Bethany and hear about her journey as a dancer and advocate for the arts. Tune in now and be inspired!
pronunciation: Beth-an-knee Lin-ch | pronouns: she/her
By Samantha Weissbach, DWC Owner & General Manager
Join us for an exclusive interview with our newest DWC Ambassador, Bethany Lynch! 🌟 Bethany is a talented dancer currently performing with The Garden Dance Company, Movement 26, and other local groups and productions. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having graduated from Western Washington University in Spring '23 with a BFA in Dance, BA in Business Marketing, and a Minor in Arts Enterprise & Cultural Innovation (AECI). 🎓 Don't miss this opportunity to get to know Bethany and hear about her journey as a dancer and advocate for the arts. Tune in now and be inspired!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Get To Know DWC Ambassador Faith Potter
Get to know DWC’s newest ambassador, Faith Potter!
pronunciation: Fay-th Pot-ter | pronouns: she/her
By Samantha Weissbach, DWC Owner & General Manager
Faith Potter is one of our newest ambassadors, joining us from the Academy of Dance, she has been dancing since she was three years old. Faith has had the pleasure of experiencing a wide range of styles including ballet, lyrical, high school dance teams and recently tap! Faith was inspired by friends that have been DWC Ambassadors in the past. Having heard about the program and seen their excitement she was excited to apply and join. Faith is passionate about breaking the stereotype of the ideal dancer body. As a taller dancer she has felt this issue personally and wants to help disrupt that mold. Faith is excited to be performing as the Stepmother in her studio’s production of Cinderella this Spring!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Get To Know DWC Ambassador Brittany Parker
Get to know DWC’s newest ambassador, Brittany Parker!
pronunciation: Britt-knee Park-er | pronouns: she/her
By Samantha Weissbach, DWC Owner & General Manager
Brittany Parker (she/her) is a Seattle based Choreographer, Performer, and Instructor of movement and one of DWC’s newest ambassadors! She is currently a contemporary and lyrical dance instructor at Westlake Dance Center, as well as serving as the Artistic Director of Coalescence Dance Company. Brittany has performed and had her work featured across the West Coast, most recently at MixMatch Dance Festival in Santa Monica California. With the upcoming dance film title "Other Side" in post-production, Brittany is in the process of creating new works for season five of Coalescence launching in 2024.
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Teaching Class vs. Taking Class: What I’ve Learned
As someone who has been dancing now for over 20 years, I never considered the challenges and differences that would happen standing at the front of the room rather than at the barre. I started out with just substituting classes here and there, but at the beginning of the 2023 school year, I joined the amazing staff at Body Language Studios (BLS), and was on a rotation of substitute teachers at Evergreen City Ballet (ECB). There is still a sense of feeling like the new kid on the first day of school; I had only taken one class previously at BLS, so it was an atmosphere I was very unfamiliar with. Now with some time teaching under my belt, and a more familiarity with different technique levels, here are a few things I have learned:
By Andrea Hines, DWC Ambassador
pronunciation: And-rea High-ns | pronouns: she/they
As someone who has been dancing now for over 20 years, I never considered the challenges and differences that would happen standing at the front of the room rather than at the barre. I started out with just substituting classes here and there, but at the beginning of the 2023 school year, I joined the amazing staff at Body Language Studios (BLS), and was on a rotation of substitute teachers at Evergreen City Ballet (ECB). There is still a sense of feeling like the new kid on the first day of school; I had only taken one class previously at BLS, so it was an atmosphere I was very unfamiliar with. Now with some time teaching under my belt, and a more familiarity with different technique levels, here are a few things I have learned:
The corrections you give in class are the ones your younger self got
I remember one of the BIGGEST and most frequent corrections I got as a student was the use of my head and my alonge. Now as a teacher, it’s one of the things I harp on the most with my students. When I am taking class, I give my self a body scan checklist. Before the combination starts, I’m thinking “Where are my back muscles?” “Am I engaging my core and glutes already?” “What muscles do I need to engage for this first tendu?” The amount of significant body awareness I now have I feel has made me a better dancer as an adult than I ever did as a student, and I love that I now get to pass along how to be aware of your body to my students.
Stamina
I know this seems like a weird one, but hear me out! When I am showing a combination, I show it as full out as I would if I was taking class. Reason being I want my students to see more than just what my arms and legs are doing. I want them to see the accent of where in the music I want things. I show them know what muscles I am being aware of during certain parts, all the while, I am projecting my voice to everyone in the studio can hear me. I find my stamina while taking class has improved, just from using my voice while teaching and dancing simultaneously. And oh boy, don’t even get me started on pointe work! (Sorry to my dancers who hear me wheeze through pointe class)
Body Awareness
Until now, I have never been more aware of the little things. Are my fingers too stiff? Am I actively turning out my tendu a la seconde? Like I mentioned in #1, that body scan checklist I mentioned is now almost like a mantra. When I was younger, I felt as though I was just able to do the combination- but now, not only my mind but also my body are exhausted just from the shear amount of mental energy this takes! When I’m teaching, since I am also verbally telling these things to my students it is almost impossibly to NOT think about your body!
Time Management
Funny enough- as a mom, and someone who also works in Corporate America, I didn’t think time management was something I ever had to consider as a ballet teacher! Making sure that I’m not overfixating on corrections, taking up 5-7 minutes of class on that one thing, and to ensure the flow of the class is stable so we are not skipping any pivotal combinations! Even when I go to take open class, I am always so impressed with teachers who are able to give corrections, but not skip frappes or adagio at barre, and also end class on time!
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Learning how to be a dancer is one thing, but learning how to teach effectively is a whole other world! I am so grateful for the teachers I had growing up, but also teachers and colleagues I can take note from and apply to my own classes! At the end of the day, we all want to see our students succeed, and nothing feels better than seeing tangible success from your classes. Being a little over a year back into dancing again, I feel as though this past year has shown more result in my technique than ever! These are just a few of the things that I have learned, and I can’t wait to see what else I learn! Happy teaching, but most importantly, happy dancing!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
The Dance-Pilates Fusion: Unveiling the Artistry of Movement and Core Harmony
In the enchanting world of dance, where precision and strength weave the tapestry of excellence, I find myself on a transformative journey exploring the profound connection between dance and Pilates. I am currently an apprentice in Romana's Pilates International Teacher training at Kinesia Pilates Seattle. Join me as we unravel the synergy between these two disciplines, understanding why Pilates is not just a companion but an indispensable ally for dancers. Moreover, we’ll delve into the exciting prospects for those of us who dream of becoming Pilates instructors, forging a unique path where passion for dance intertwines seamlessly with a burgeoning profession.
pronunciation: Me-young Mar-go-lis | pronouns: she/her
By MiYoung Margolis, DWC Ambassador
In the enchanting world of dance, where precision and strength weave the tapestry of excellence, I find myself on a transformative journey exploring the profound connection between dance and Pilates. I am currently an apprentice in Romana's Pilates International Teacher training at Kinesia Pilates Seattle. Join me as we unravel the synergy between these two disciplines, understanding why Pilates is not just a companion but an indispensable ally for dancers. Moreover, we’ll delve into the exciting prospects for those of us who dream of becoming Pilates instructors, forging a unique path where passion for dance intertwines seamlessly with a burgeoning profession.
The Dance-Pilates Bond:
I believe dance and Pilates share a beautiful symbiosis, intricately woven with a shared focus on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement. Joseph Pilates’ creation aligns effortlessly with the physical demands and artistic nuances of dance.
1. Core Harmony: Nestled at the heart of both dance and Pilates is the significance of core strength. Pilates exercises become the compass guiding dancers to a stable foundation, enhancing precision and control in every graceful movement.
2. Flexibility Unleashed: Flexibility, the soul of dance, allows us to express ourselves with fluid grace. Pilates joins the dance journey by introducing controlled stretches that expand our range of motion, enabling us to achieve those beautifully elongated lines and execute intricate choreography effortlessly.
3. Mindful Movements: In the dance and Pilates realm, we celebrate the mind-body connection. Pilates nurtures mindfulness, urging dancers like us to be present in every gesture. This heightened awareness transforms our performances, letting us convey emotions through movement with captivating authenticity.
Why Pilates Holds the Key for Dancers:
1. Injury Prevention and Healing: Dance, a world of physical demands, comes with the risk of injuries. Pilates, with its emphasis on controlled and low-impact movements, becomes our trusted ally for injury prevention and rehabilitation, helping us maintain peak physical condition.
2. Cross-Training Magic: Pilates becomes our secret weapon for cross-training, addressing muscle imbalances and providing a well-rounded workout. This holistic approach safeguards against burnout, keeping us in peak performance shape.
3. Sustaining Dance Careers: Those of us who weave Pilates into our training experience an extended dance career. The strength, flexibility, and body awareness nurtured through Pilates become our fountain of youth, ensuring sustained performance quality over time.
Dreaming of Pilates Instructorship:
Embarking on the path of becoming a Pilates instructor is a thrilling journey, tailor-made for passionate dancers like us:
1. Crafting Dance-Centric Sessions: Imagine tailoring Pilates sessions specifically for dancers, addressing our unique needs and enhancing our performance with every guided move.
2. Collaboration with Dance Studios: Pilates instructors can be the heartbeat of collaboration with dance studios, offering on-site or virtual classes to support fellow dancers in their training and conditioning.
3. Wellness Maestros: Picture being a sought-after expert in dance wellness and rehabilitation, working hand-in-hand with dance professionals to optimize their physical health.
4. Educators in Dance Academies: Seasoned Pilates instructors can gracefully transition into educational roles, imparting wisdom to the next generation of dancers on the incredible benefits of Pilates for both performance and injury prevention.
For dancers like me, Pilates is not just a practice; it’s an integral part of our journey, enhancing our performance, shielding us from injuries, and ensuring longevity in our careers. As we step into the realm of Pilates instruction, our passion for dance becomes a transformative force, opening doors to diverse opportunities. The symbiotic dance-Pilates relationship lets us contribute significantly to the well-being and success of dancers worldwide, making our journey incredibly fulfilling.
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
O-Jak Bridge Art and Dance Festival 2023, A Non-Traditional Swan Lake
In Korean Folklore, the “O-Jak Bridge” refers to a bridge made by crows and magpies that spans across the Milky Way allowing two distant lovers to reunite one night each year.
In 2022, Korean Artist MiYoung Seul Margolis, founded the O-Jak Bridge Art and Dance Festival, showcasing Korean creative culture through a one-night-only performance that nearly sold out the 300-seat capacity of the Broadway Performance Hall in Seattle, WA. This inaugural performance featured the MMDC (MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective), Adage Ballet Academy, Eurasia Academy and Ensemble and KOSMIX. Altogether more than 60 dancers took the stage to share their performance art with the audience. Each group brought its own unique style and cultural influence which created an incredible juxtaposition of traditional and modern styles blending across the diverse cultures of the dance companies.
By MiYoung Margolis, DWC Ambassador
Name pronunciation: Me-Young Mar-gole-is | Pronouns: she/her
In Korean Folklore, the “O-Jak Bridge” refers to a bridge made by crows and magpies that spans across the Milky Way allowing two distant lovers to reunite one night each year.
In 2022, Korean Artist MiYoung Seul Margolis, founded the O-Jak Bridge Art and Dance Festival, showcasing Korean creative culture through a one-night-only performance that nearly sold out the 300-seat capacity of the Broadway Performance Hall in Seattle, WA. This inaugural performance featured the MMDC (MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective), Adage Ballet Academy, Eurasia Academy and Ensemble and KOSMIX. Altogether more than 60 dancers took the stage to share their performance art with the audience. Each group brought its own unique style and cultural influence which created an incredible juxtaposition of traditional and modern styles blending across the diverse cultures of the dance companies.
In 2023, The O-Jak Bridge Art and Dance Festival will be held in close partnership between MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective and Adage Ballet Academy and feature guest performances by dancers of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. The theme for this year’s festival is “Non-Traditional Swan Lake”. (Location: Erickson Theater, Date: December 9th, Time: 3:30pm and 7:30pm)
The choreography for the “Non-Traditional Swan Lake” is being directed by MiYoung Margolis, the founder of the O-Jak Bridge Art and Dance Festival, and Guillaume Basso, a former PNB ballet dancer and chief of Adage Ballet Academy.
This year’s cast will be 45 dancers strong. The choreography will once again be anchored in Korean Cultural Dance and blended with traditional ballet, street and tap dance to tell the classic story of Swan Lake but through a non-traditional lens.
Swan Lake is a tragic love story that follows the relationships between Odette, the White Swan and Prince Siegfried. The story beings in a lake filled with the tears of Odette’s mother, tears of sorrow, but also tears of hope that one day her daughter’s curse would be lifted, and she would find her true love.
After the famous repertoire of Swan Lake and traditional ballet of the four swans, the first act ends with a duet of the famous Odette and Prince Siegfried falling in love, and the second act begins with the Great Ball to find Prince Siegfried’s bride. During the Ball, the traditional Swan Lake ballet includes performances by Hungarian, Spanish, and Russian ballet, the O-Jak interpretation replaces these with alternative styles, including a Korean solo sword dance and a Gender Twisted Princess, creating a unique and fresh story to attract the audience.
Another exciting departure is highlighted at the end of the ball, upon Odile <the Black Swan> entrance pretending to be Odette. This Scene is presented as a modern dance piece, choreographed by MiYoung Margolis and set to the orchestral accompaniment of BTS’s Black Swan.
Poster Art by: S.L. Yang
Though Swan Lake traditionally ends in tragedy, the O-Jak Bridge interpretation diverges, and the two lovers are embraced by a happy ending, where once per year, they cross the Milky Way to reunite thanks to a bridge of cows and magpies. The Korean traditional dance company <Morado> will finish the festival with Jin-Do Drum dance to boost the festival’s energy, and Kathryn Tower’s Tap Dance work, selected through the <Non-Traditional Four Swans Dance> choreography competition, attracts attention.
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
What We're Thankful For
The DWC Team took a moment to share what they were thankful for this year. Read on to get to know us a bit better!
By: The DWC Team
Emma:
I have so much to be thankful for this year! This past year was my first year freelancing as a professional dancer in Seattle, and I had so many wonderful opportunities come my way, which also led to meeting some amazing people and artists in our local dance community. I was able to build a close-knit group of friends and I am very, very grateful to have a support system that I know will have my back no matter what. This next season of my life is very exciting, as I am gearing up for ballet company audition season. I can't wait to see what will come next for me, as well as for DWC!
Olivia:
I am thankful for my parents and DWC for being so quick and open to welcome me home after my busy year and a half in San Francisco. I am also thankful for my best friend and cat, Maxine. She has put up with a lot of traveling between SF and Seattle and she is the best little travel buddy I can ask for. I'm looking forward to continuing fitting pointe shoes at DWC and putting my new degree in fashion design to work!
Samantha:
Although the last few years brought many challenges, they came strolling (and sometimes barreling) into my life arm-in-arm with an abundance of riches. Day in and day out, I get to teach, dance, fit pointe shoes, and exercise my creative and critical thinking skills! I have amazing students who are smart, brave, and dedicated, incredible clients at DWC who support us so fiercely, and colleagues that I teach for and alongside who are truly brilliant educators and people. My family (especially my mom & husband) support me and love me through my ups and downs, which allows me to chase my dreams while simultaneously supporting others while they chase theirs. Of course, I can't forget my phenomenal team at DWC. These individuals are the absolute lifeblood of this small retail business. They are passionate, innovative, and caring - and it shows in every interaction.
As I reflect on the wealth of love and joy I have in my life, I am most thankful for the unfathomable gift of being able to wake up every single day and work exclusively in a field I love - something so many people dream about and so few actually get to do. Being able to do it all alongside people that I have such a tremendous amount of respect for? Absolutely incomparable. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Ethan:
I am grateful that I was able to do a bit of traveling this year and see family that I have not seen in many years. My family is very spread out and it was a privilege to see them. I am looking forward to taking some rest from this very busy year and watching all the movies!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
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