September Auditions for Academy Developed by Dame Margot Fonteyn
On September 8, 2007, the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet in Peekskill, NY will hold final auditions for places in its academy classes. The Academy curriculum is geared towards pupils with the desire and ability to seriously consider a career in dance. However, the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet has been designed to take students a step further. Rather than solely concentrating on the art of dance, those who enter the academy will have a full arts education.
The Academy's multi-disciplinary arts approach is a direct result of Margot Fonteyn's vision for dance education. According to Academy director Ken Ludden, "Though she was, and still is, considered one of the greatest ballerinas of our time, she always felt that not having a formal education in all areas of the arts- such as visual arts, music, and acting- kept her from realizing her greatest potential as a dancer."
Ludden and Fonteyn developed the Academy's diverse and in-depth curriculum, based on Fonteyn's belief that young artists should be exposed and instructed in ballet-related art forms in order to develop a deeper understanding of their artistic endeavours. "Margot and I both felt that if this type of study were offered, dancers would be able to see the sum total of what makes up a beautiful dance and performance. Our students wouldn't simply know the steps, they would understand how the audience sees the total result, which is not just the dance, but the sets, the music, the costumes..."
The Academy also hopes that offering young dancers the opportunity to seriously study all areas of the arts will lead not only to well-rounded dancers, but well rounded artists of all sorts. "The worst thing in the world is to see a child with talent in a different area turn away from the arts all together, simply because dance is not for them. We would like to be in the position to develop and promote a student's artistic abilities no matter where they may lie."
Ludden believes that this unprecedented approach to dance will not only make the Academy attractive to parents, but to other dance instructors as well. The Academy's curriculum and board of directors has the ability to help students take the steps necessary for a professional career in ballet- something for which smaller schools may not be equipped. Ludden plans to work closely with teachers looking to further students who they believe have the talent for a ballet career. As Ludden states, "It's important for those of us in this community to work together to foster the new generation of dancers."
For more detailed information about the academy and entering the auditions please visit http://www.fonteynacademy.org or call 914-788-8885.
The Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet is the first, and only, institution to carry the name of renowned ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn. In addition to being an internationally known prima ballerina and one time president of the Royal Academy of Dancing, Dame Fonteyn also received great acclaim for her work with famed dancer, Rudolf Nureyev, during the 60s and 70s.
While the school is becoming known to locals for offering first-rate dance instruction, what many are unaware of are its philanthropic objectives. The creation of the academy was made possible by the non-profit organization, the National Arts Group. Created by Ludden in 1978, the group raises funds needed for arts education, performance and public awareness programs. Through the group's efforts Ludden was able to realize his and Fonteyn's dream of a fine arts institution, which gives underserved youth and promising artists the opportunity to grow through the arts and develop their talents- regardless of their financial means.