Artistic Director, Nataly Lowder, Becomes Affiliate Teacher of the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum!

Nataly Lowder, Director of Ballet Programs at Performer’s Edge and Artistic Director of Ballet Theatre of Carmel, officially becomes the 1^st teacher in the state of Indiana and the 4^th in the United States to be announced as “Affiliate Teacher” of the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum!

Affiliate teacher status means that American Ballet Theatre, out of New York City, has come to the school, examined Nataly’s students, watched Nataly conduct her class and now puts their “stamp” on her, stating that not only is she certified in their curriculum but she is also worthy of notoriety. That she has the ability to train dancers effectively and help them pursue their dreams.

“The curriculum is so wonderful, “ states Nataly, “because it is so logical.  It takes the best of the Russian Vaganova system, the Italian Cecchetti system, and the French system; puts them together, and then brings them into the current 21^st century.  Along with pediatricians and sports medicine doctors, they have taken into consideration the fact that children don’t play as physically as they used to.  They are consumed with technology.  Hence, the beginning stages of training are focused on building bone and muscle mass that follows the natural development of the child.”

Okay, the curriculum sounds good, but why the examinations? After all, it’s only ballet. Right?

“The examination process helps with accountability.” said Nataly “It keeps the children focused and sets the bar high for their achievements.  Not only that, it helps me as a teacher stay on track.  It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and then I remember examiners from ABT are coming and we’re all being “judged”.  I like it. I like to continue to learn and I like to know that I know what I know,” she said with a smile, “Besides, there is a lot of talent here in central Indiana and I’m not finished helping young dancers pursue their dreams!”