Modas Dance Workshops and my Collaboration with Duncan Cooper!!

I will be working with Modas Dance teacher and choreographer Duncan Cooper April 18-19! Duncan was a Principal Dancer of 9 years with Dance Theatre of Harlem and also spent several years at San Francisco Ballet. We are collaborating on a contemporary piece, meaning he's choreographing it on me! I seriously can not tell you how excited I am to work with THE Duncan Cooper. And I should add the piece will be on pointe. That should be a challenge but I am looking forward to being challenged like that! As you know I am counting the days until I leave for Mr. Ellison's Ballet Summer Intensive in NYC so this is a nice opportunity to help me make it through until summer. Modas Dance has a great summer intensive in New Mexico that runs the same time I will be gone. But if you haven't decided where to go yet you can still submit by video to Modas or come to one of their workshops scheduled in April. If you are local to San Diego I hope you will come take this workshop with me! 

I will also be documenting my work with Duncan and making youtube videos for you guys! I might even be able to talk him into doing some Pas de Deux with me!

Also, many people have asked about my yagp videos. I will post them as soon as they are available! 

New Free Ballet App! How long can you last before you get tricked?

 

Get it free HERE   PSYMON SAYS


There are six 2d cartoon characters to choose from, each has his or her own unique animations. Characters include a skater, BALLERINA, pop dancer, martial artist, and your average boy and girl.

The rules of the game are simple, but Psymon Says will challenge anyone’s ability to stay focused and pay attention. The goal is to follow what Psymon Says and not get tricked into making a mistake. Nobody likes to be tricked, but Psymon tricks everyone. The best anyone can do is to see how long they can last before getting tricked. Here is a short explanation of the rules.

1. Only follow what Psymon says. Example: When you hear “Psymon Says jump kick!”, swipe up.

2. Swipe another direction when it’s not what Psymon says. Example: When you hear “Now jump kick!”, swipe down instead of up.

3. Swipe before the green timer bar is full to receive combo points. Combo streaks can quickly increase the score.

Device Requirements:

* iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3/4/5 Gen) and iPad
* Requires iOS 4.3 or later
* 39.3 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Psymon Says – Simon Says Game 1.1.5 is Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

Get it free HERE 

Pointe Shoe Quest! Fitting Freed Pointe Shoes and More.

This is a post compiled of information obtained in an email conversation with a very helpful online friend. She danced professionally for 17 years and began ballet at age 6, pointe at 11, and thought that she could help share some advice from her own seemingly endless pointe shoe quest. She danced professionally in numerous companies, US and European and we are so excited to have her insight!

Thank you Kelly!

All about FREED in Kelly's words.

In the end I found my shoe to be a Freed Wing Block maker Crown with cut down sides and lowered heel. Similar to Robbie,  I have wide, rather square feet with a narrow heel.  Now these shoes were a special order, but if you really are interested in trying to find a Freed shoe, maybe at least for auditions or performances, I would suggest you try to find a stock shoe in a maker that suits your toe configuration and then build a special order from that (shorten vamp, lower profile, cut down heel to help eliminate bagginess, customize shank, etc).  The beauty of Freed is that you can change almost anything once you find the right length and maker.  There is a spreadsheet I have with all the current Freed makers and their box shapes from tapered to wide and square, it might help if you are in a store looking by yourself.

My recommendation is to contact Clara76 (screen name) on “Ballet Talk for Dancers by Invision” .  I read the pointe shoe posts weekly and am amazed how she can fit shoes, Freeds are her specialty, by looking at some photos of your feet and certain measurements.  She is the shoe mistress for BalletMet and knows Freed, the makers, and how to help fix issues through special orders like nobody I have ever met.  I would highly consider sending her the photos and measurements and photos they request and see what she suggests for size and makers to try.

The other shoe fitter on the site is Victoria Leigh and she could help with suggestions on shoes by all available brands.  You have too beautiful of feet to be hiding your arches, whereas the right Freeds would be beautiful on you.  Keep in mind though that Freeds, in general, are a softer shoe and will break down faster than say, Grishko.  When I did not have a company paying for all of my shoes (sometimes 7-10 pairs a week) I would wear Grishko in class and rehearsal and Freeds for dress rehearsals and performances because you can break them in quickly and they are quiet on stage.

Otherwise, if you find yourself in NYC this summer for a SI make sure to make an appointment at the Freed USA store in Long Island (check out their Facebook page).  I would ask to be fitted by Brenda, Marie, or Mary.  Another source to check out a little more about Freed would be posts on YouTube.  Check out the youtube video featuring Marie Johanssen talking about makers and different toe configurations. (embedded below)

Personal tip for Robbie: From watching Robbie's past videos I would stick to a classic Freed and stay away from the Freed studio line.  They have a very strong 2.5 shank and can be hard to break in even for taller and heavier dancers.  Robbie may also want to ask her teachers about 3/4 shanking her shoes.  It is easy to do yourself and would really emphasize her arch.  I would experiment on an old pair of Suffolks before trying on a new shoe since it does feel different. 

Quick Tip: If you know your current Suffolk size that would be the same as your Freed size. Freeds are generally fitted 2 1/2 sizes down from USA shoe sizing.

The life of a pre-professional ballet dancer - Interview w/ Scout Forsythe age 16

Get your popcorn ready. Fifteen minutes talking to Scout Forsythe about the last few months. She talks about YAGP France, scholarship offers, attending JKO and ABT company class with Paloma Herrera and David Hallberg , pancaking shoes and she even gave me a signed pair that she wore in YAGP France 2013 to auction off as a fundraiser for my SI ! The link will be at http://www.robbiedowney.com when I have it ready .

Tips on Traveling with a Tutu with Scout Forsythe

Q & A with Flexibility Expert Stacey Nemour

At present, Stacey has six DVDs available, Anytime, Anywhere Kung Fu, Secrets of Splits & Flexibility, Extreme Flexibility for Pro-Athletes & Teams, Stretching for the Least Flexible People On The Planet, Flexibility Fixes for Golfers & Tennis Players, and Secrets of Splits & Flexibility 2. She contributes articles regularly to the Huffington Post on: Kung Fu, Meditation, Flexibility, Spirituality, Health and Well-Being. She also helps prepare accomplished synchronized swimmers and rhythmic gymnasts for competition. Stacey has her sights set on shooting more DVDs, to move into more t.v. and action films, while continuing to be a positive female role model in the martial arts. 

Stacey is available for private lessons, small group classes, seminars, and consultation. Please use the "contact" link at www.staceynemour.com to enquire about Stacey's program.

Q: Should I stretch everyday and what time of day is best?

A: I stretch everyday and what time of day is best? I feel everyone is different, for example some people are morning people and that time works best for them. I peak in the early afternoon. Also it is important to pick a time that works with your schedule and commit to that as you would brushing your teeth. Listen to your own body clock in regards to best time of day. 

It's alway good to warm up and cool down before and after you train.  For serious or professional dancers or athletes, 5- 6 days a week of stretching is good with 1 or 2 rest days a week. The body needs time to process, heal and repair. As far as daily training in your sport, it helps to cross train and work different muscle groups. So the other muscles can repair. This helps one progress. Most importantly, make sure you are stretching correctly with good form. Never force or bounce.

Q: What are the most important areas or muscle groups to stretch for increased flexibility for legs (for arabesque, develope, split leaps, splits etc)?

A: Since everything is connected- it's good to take the time to stretch the entire body and do it in the correct order. I like to start with upper body to get the energy going. Then work my way down, with each stretch gradually becoming more intense. Don't forget to stretch your calves, it will make it easier to stretch the hamstrings and low back. You want to get that whole line stretched.

Make sure you really open up your outer hips (t-band) & stretch the waist to get the low back to open up. Don't forget the inner thighs too which is also a necessary area to prep to do moves listed above in the question. Ankle weights are good once you are warmed up they help tired and strengthen the muscles to help you go the extra length!

 

Q: How do I know if I am overdoing it? 

A: If you are feeling constant fatigue, soreness and your body is not performing at it's best. I recommend getting plenty of sleep and taking some rest days so the body can repair and store up energy. This will help tremendously. Also, massage and going for a walk can help get rid of the lactic acid.

 

Q: How can I recover flexibility after a hamstring injury? 

A: It's helpful if you are able to see a chiropractor that does the activator method and knows how to use the activator gun. You don't want to stop training completely. Train around the injury with stretching and in your sport. This will keep you in shape and get blood circulating to the injured area.This method can help one come back even stronger. Don't do anything that causes the bad kind of pain. It also helps to visualize and see your body pain free and in top form.

Stacey's complete bio and DVD's are available at...

www.staceynemour.com

YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/user/staceynemour  

Stacey's articles in the Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/

Stacey also provides expert instruction in the DVD "Flexibility Training on StretchGym™" (www.stretchgym.com)

Join My Facebook Event !

We created a facebook event to spread the word about how I can get up to $3 towards my training at no cost to you! I get up to $3 towards my training when you join Goldstar!

It's FREE & you save 50% on event tickets from sports to concerts to ballet! Please do it for me! It only takes a minute.

We get all of our ballet tickets on there at great prices! There is no time frame you can do it anytime and tell your friends.

I'm also giving away old pointe shoes to one person in the event attendee list by random drawing in November. Anyone can join the event even if you don't click the link. Also, some of you may not be able to if it's not in your area. It goes by USA zip code I think. The link is at http://www.balletfreak.com/ or also on this blog in the menu to the right. Click the Goldstar banner. My facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/balletbabble if you want to join the event.

Also on http://www.balletfreak.com if you shop on Amazon or buy from any of the affiliate links, like leotards from Motionwear, a % goes to my training. =)

"It's Possible Dreams Do Come True" Joy Womack Makes History

We have been following Joy's progress at the Bolshoi for a while now. Today we heard major news and we knew it was coming. We knew they would take her and we never doubted it for a minute, well this is ballet so maybe for a minute. Joy Womack will be the first American woman to join the BOLSHOI! THE BOLSHOI! All of her sacrifice and the sacrifices of her family have been rewarded. She left home at 15 to go to Russia to train, no, to get the best training in the world. She didn't know the language and she was the new girl. Ballet training is challenging enough with your family and friends right by your side. It is no small feat what Joy did and she deserves this. It's a real blessing to see a dream unfold and come true right before your eyes.

Joy will be able to dance in a culture where ballerinas are the equivalent of famous football stars in America. She will dance for audiences that know and appreciate ballet in it's truest form. That has got to be a huge driving force for any dancer that has ballet truly in his or her blood. And any serious dancer can relate to her quote in the picture above. Ballerinas are made of blood, sweat, tears and some actually get to dance for a living and dance where they REALLY want to. Joy will do it with the Bolshoi.  We hope you are as inspired by her as we are. What an amazing person. Congratulations Joy!!!

XOXO,

Gina and Robbie

My Volunteer Experience at Boys and Girls Club for National Dance Week 2012

On April 25th I went to one of the San Diego Boys and Girls Clubs to teach 2 dance classes. My sister Kyla came along to help. The first class was Kindergarten and First Graders and the second class was 3rd and 4th graders. Both classes were half, if not more, boys! The kids wore their street clothes but towards the end took their shoes off. I told them why I was there and how Misty Copeland used to attend Boys and Girls Club. I showed them a photo of her as Firebird and they said "Whoa! Is she real?!?" I also showed them some pointe shoes.

Only about 2 of the kids out of both classes had had ballet before. It was a totally new experience to everyone else. The younger group of boys was more willing even though they did laugh a little at the idea. With the older boys I had to explain several times how football players take ballet for flexibility and balance. When I was telling them some of the ballet stories one little boy suggested a Batman ballet. I think he might be a future choreographer. One boy yelled out "How old are you?! Are you the teacher?" I said "Yes and I'm 13." Sounded funny.

The kids followed along as I showed the positions and explained how to pull up through the top of their heads like puppets on a string.  They did tendu and even went across the floor with imaginary swords. Kyla demonstrated a leap over a shoe and they were all very impressed. One little girl really had a passion for it and she was pretty good considering. She always had a smile from ear to ear when going across the floor. I could tell she was really into it and had a genuine passion for it. I couldn't help but notice the ones that had some good turn out =)The boys definitely liked leaping the most and most added some sort of knee slide at the end or a little original twist or kick of the foot. Silly yet creative.

It was fun teaching them how to curtsey and bow and thank the teacher at the end of class. They all got a coupon for Discount Dance Supply and were on their way. I actually went there to inspire them but they actually inspired me. I have always liked helping assist the beginners at my studio but this was ALL me, except for Kyla helping out of course. I developed an even greater passion for teaching and having a studio someday. I have always wanted to start a program for low income families so their kids can train for ballet if they want. I'm definitely going to try to do that in the near future.

XO,

Robbie

2012 YAGP New York Finals Results for Women - Top 20 Final Round

Congratulations to the following dancers from the USA who made it to the Final Round of Youth America Grand Prix 2012 in New York City! 

Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition that awards over $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide. The competition is held annually around the world and in New York City, and is open to dance students of all nationalities 9-19 years old.

Senior Women (USA Participants) Top 21. Here are the girls from USA: 

Tyler Donatelli Southland Ballet Academy CA

Rachel Richardson The Rock School PA

Chisako Oga V and T Dance CA

Tiana Lovett Lovett Dance Center CA

Jennifer Bummer Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy CA

Hannah Bettes Next Generation Ballet

Patel Conservatory FL

Calley Skalnik Tulsa Ballet Center OK

Lauren Carfolite The Rock School PA

Deanna Pearson Akhmedova Ballet MD

Dominique Alessi Marat Daukayev School CA

Jessica Payne Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy CA

 Junior Women (USA Participants) Top 24. Here are the girls from USA: 

Gisele Bethea Master Ballet Academy AZ

Grace Davidson Faubourg School

Austin Eder Anaheim Ballet CA

Larisa Nugent Maryland Festival Ballet

Mackenzie Richter Int'l City School of Ballet in GA

Aubry Mason Dmitri Kulev School CA

Olivia Gusti & Gabrielle Beach Next Generation Ballet FL

Juliet Doherty Fishback Studio NM

Miko Fogarty Westlake School of Perf Arts CA

Sophie Sea Silnicki Pittsburgh Ballet School

Serena Sovdsnes Art Of Classical Ballet FL

YAGP NY Final Round Senior Men from USA:

Cameron McCune The Raleigh School of Ballet NC
David Donnelly Northern Cincinnati Youth Ballet OH
Albert Gordon The Washington School of Ballet DC
Devyn Lovett & Patrick Frenette Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy CA
Derek Dunn & Andrew Czerkawski The Rock School PA
Ka'imi Cambern Ellison Ballet (NY) CA

YAGP NY Final Round Junior Men from USA:

Austen Acevedo & Blake Kessler Orlando Ballet FL
Eli Gruska Marat Daukayev School of Ballet CA
David Preciado Los Angeles Ballet Academy CA
Tanner Bleck Bluegrass Youth Ballet KY
Kemper J. Cassada Next Generation Ballet FL

Congratulations also to the International Finalists and MERDE to all! 

Chisako Oga Senior Women Finalist