American Ballet Competition, 2006
Ready for its 4th year, the American Ballet Competition, founded by Katherine Kersten, is now accepting registration for its competition for young dancers. Divisions include non-competitive candidates 10-12 years of age, junior and senior competitors 13-15 and 16-19 year-olds. The youngest group will be asked to perform excerpts from the classical repertoire, while 13-15 year-olds will perform female and male variations and seniors 16-19 will perform more technically advanced variations.
In addition to the competition and its numerous awards, the Teachers Conference, a special workshop for professional dancers and teachers in two sessions, June 9 and 10, will be taught by master teacher Gilbert Mayer as taught by the Paris Opéra Ballet School. (Parents gain a great deal of insight and understanding of the importance of correct dance training when observing these sessions.)
Is competing good for students? Kersten gives her answer: "For the right reasons, definite yes! Using a competition for goal-setting within a certain time frame can be enormously beneficial and rewarding for a student.
Working with his/her teacher on the technical challenges presented in the selected variation, the artistry demanded by the role and, of course, the mental and emotional preparation for the performance is a wonderful growth experience as every challenge adds to how one is developing. Then, at the competition itself, the focus should be taught by the teacher preparing the student, to be emotional with mental control and in taking pleasure in the accomplishment to this point. The opportunity to meet many new friends, expand the geographical knowledge of the dance community and be seen by many artistic directors all at one time should also be mentored by the student's teacher. Competing also can help a student determine if this is the work and world to which one wants to dedicate one's time and energy.
"Most important! Never ever, let the competition be about 'green monsters' or on focusing outside of oneself. Remember, real confidence is built a little at a time and through the realization that we can only control ourselves and our attitude about anything and everything 'out there.'
For registration and information contact: www.americanballetcompetition.com