Congratulations to all the hard working dancers.  You we’re beautiful this past weekend.

BTC would like to thank William Patrick Dunne for his stunning work on the Sleeping Beauty tutus.

Dancers prepare to go backstage to perform.

Ellie Cessna is the latest ballet faculty member, from Jordan Academy of Dance at Butler University, acquired by Ron Morgan, Director/Studio Owner of Performer’s Edge Dance Theatre.

“It’s a sad day in the dance community when such an institution like Jordan Academy is lost,” stated Ron Morgan “The families and teachers become the tragedy in these situations.”

2 years ago Nataly Lowder, of Jordan Academy, was hired by Ron to implement a new pre-professional ballet program at Performer’s Edge using the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum. Along with Nataly, Ron recruited Jane Hachiya-Weiner and Frank Weiner, also of Jordan Academy & Butler University, to complete his mission of the beginnings of a new ballet program.

“To truly invest and build such a program, I wanted not only good teachers, but teachers who had professional performing backgrounds, who understand what it takes to make it in the business,” said Ron. “Ellie is the next natural step to building a top notch ballet program. She to, has a professional performing background with Georgia Ballet and understands the importance of strong early childhood development. She will be concentrating mainly in the lower school with a couple upper level ballet classes as well.”

The ballet program executes annual exams with Franco DeVita of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of the American Ballet Theatre in New York. Mr. DeVita comes to Indianapolis for the master class series of Indianapolis City Ballet. As part of his weekend, he attends Performer’s Edge to evaluate the students as well as the teachers in the ABT curriculum. Last year 14 dancers examined. This year 40 dancers are involved in the ABT NTC exams.

“The exams are so exciting,” claimed Nataly “It gives the dancers a goal and they become so focused in the weeks leading up to them. It also helps us as teachers, stay on track. I’m also excited that Ellie will be joining our team. We worked together for almost 5 years at Jordan Academy and I can attest to the fact that she is a wonderful strong addition to Performer’s Edge.”

“To increase the amount of students examining by 300% in one year is a big testament that I made the right decision in the teachers I have hired,” said Ron. “I’m very excited about the new addition of Ellie Cessna”

Now Accepting Resumes

Part Time Ballet Faculty Position

Performer’s Edge Dance and Theatre

Minimum Requirements:

- Professional Performance Experience in Classical Ballet and/or a BFA or BS in Dance with a Concentration in Ballet

- Teaching Experience in foundational classical ballet technique to lower levels students (approximately 9 – 12 year olds)

- Understanding of the Cecchetti and French School Methodologies

- Willingness to learn/accept/implement the concepts of the new American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum

Preferred Requirements:

- Professional Performance Experience in Classical Ballet AND a BFA or BS in Dance with a Concentration in Ballet

- Experience in assisting/cleaning classical and contemporary ballet repertoire/choreography

- Experience in setting classical ballet repertoire

- Experience in creating original choreography for recitals and/or other performances

Ideal Requirements:

- All the above requirements PLUS an ABT® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through at least Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

Send Resumes and 3 References to:

Performer’s Edge Dance and Theatre

Attn: Nataly Lowder & Ron Morgan

12955 Old Meridian St. Ste. 100B

Carmel, IN 46032

American Ballet Theatre National Training Exams Level 2A, 2010

3 Young Dancers to Compete in Youth America Grand Prix International Ballet Competition in New York, March 2011

As a young pre-professional ballet company competing in its first showing at the Youth America Grand Prix Regional Ballet Competition in Zionsville, The Ballet Theatre of Carmel has much to be proud of. A trio that includes Avery Held, 10, Carmel, Ruth Danek, 11, Washington Twp., and Julia Miller, 10, Carmel, succeeded in advancing to the New York City finals with their performance of Three in G Major, choreographed by artistic director Nataly Lowder.

“I cannot emphasize how proud I am of all 17 dancers who participated in YAGP,” commented Lowder. “The process from September to February has really paid off, and the dancers are that much stronger for it.”

In addition to the trio placing in the finals, 14-year old Emily Bain of Fishers placed in the top 12 for her Napoli variation in the junior classical category. She has been invited to participate in the YAGP dance intensive in New York City as part of her recognition.

“For our first attempt at Youth America Grand Prix, I am thrilled to have had one dancer place in the top 12 and have an ensemble piece heading to the finals!” stated Lowder.

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday, December 12th, 6:30PM, Westfield HS Auditorium, A Nutcracker Suite Dance Holiday with special guests Jill Marlow & Anthony Krutzkamp of Cincinnati Ballet portraying the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince

Sunday, February 6th, BTC Hosts the Youth American Grand Prix master classes following YAGP’s competition on February 5th at Zionsville Performing Arts Center www.YAGP.org

Thursday, March 24th, 4:30pm, Indianapolis City Ballet Master Class with Tadeuz Matacz, Artistic Director, John Cranko School at Stuttgart Ballet  www.IndianapolisCityBallet.org

Saturday, April 23rd, BTC Spring Concert featuring excerpts from Sleeping Beauty

Saturday, May 14th, American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum Examinations with Franco DeVita www.ABT.org

Sunday, May 15th, Indianapolis City Ballet master class with Franco DeVita, Principal, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre  www.IndianapolisCityBallet.org

 Jill Marlow & Anthony Krutzkamp, Cincinnati Ballet

Artistic Director, Nataly Lowder, Completes the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum in Levels Primary – 7 & Partnering.

Associate Artistic Director, Jane Hachiya-Weiner, Completes the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum in

Levels Primary – 3.

Paul interviewed Artistic Director, Nataly Lowder.

“We are the first school in the state of Indiana with this recognition and hope that parents see the value in having their children training with such successful teachers,” Nataly said.  ”Take a look at our alumni page and see the dancers we have produced over our teaching careers.  Add the “stamp of approval” from the people at the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum and it’s a win win.”

“I know ballet can get expensive,” Paul sighed. “It certainly would be a relief knowing my money is well spent. If parents take the time to research where they are sending their child for  ballet, why would they go anywhere else?”

Nataly just smiled…….

“What is the difference between a certified teacher and an affiliate teacher?” Paul asked.

“Being Certified means that the people at the ABT NTC are stating that I, as a teacher, understand their curriculum and have passed all the necessary tests.  To become an Affiliate teacher, we bring in an examiner from ABT, who tests the students we have been teaching, examining not only the students, but you as a teacher as well,” stated Nataly.  ”In a sense, it shows that you not only passed the exams, but have shown that you have the ability to teach the students effectively.  We all know people who are good test-takers, but not necessarily good at implementing the material”

“Why test in ballet?” Paul questioned.

“Why not in ballet?” Nataly laughed. “We live in a world where testing and grading are considered a measuring stick for what a person may or may not know.  It only makes sense.”

“It also gives the dancers a goal for the school year.  As a teacher, I like the fact that the dancers are put under pressure and we see how they handle it.  This is such a valuable life lesson and being able to do this in a nurturing environment is wonderful.”

“Ballet is more than just the perfect demi-plie.  It builds skills in discipline, focus, time-management, how to take direction and apply it, as well as many more lessons, that carry throughout a person’s life well beyond the classroom and stage,” Nataly claimed.

“I understand your program got even stronger with the certification of Associate Artistic Director, Jane Hachiya-Weiner,” Paul said.

“Yes!” Nataly said with enthusiasm. “With Jane’s certification we will both be examining students this year in many levels.  When your teachers give information that is reinforced by another teacher, the students progress at a more rapid pace.  It’s really quite exciting!

“Congratulations on your successes.  I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Ballet Theatre of Carmel at Performer’s Edge in Indianapolis, IN,” Paul said in closing.

Ballet Theatre Of Carmel Presents “Etherius”

at Penrod Arts Fair Saturday, September 11th 10:00am

BTC re-stages Etherius for the Penrod Arts Fair at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  Etherius is an original one act ballet created/written and choreographed by Artistic Director, Nataly Lowder.  It’s a fairy tale conflict between magical birds, etherial beings, Goddesses, and money hungry humans.

“This was an incredible experience for the young dancers.  They had the opportunity to be a part of a new creation as it was being created,” stated Nataly.  ”They learned how to tell a story through classical ballet and pantomime just like in the classical fairy tale ballets.  The biggest difference was that they couldn’t locate the ballet on You Tube or the Internet,” Nataly laughed.

“I wish I had a hidden video for the reactions of the dancers as they witnessed the story unfolding. It was truly a wonderful experience.”

“The challenge for Penrod,” Nataly claims, “is that the casting has changed.  Young children’s lives are constantly changing and evolving and as an artistic director, of a pre-professional ballet company, you must evolve with them.  Some dancers stayed in their same roles, some changed to other roles, and new dancers were added.”

“I couldn’t do it without the help of Associate Artistic Director, Jane Hachiya-Weiner.  She is a gem!” Nataly said with excitement. “I know we are both proud of the original cast, as well as the Penrod cast.  They are working so hard.”

“Any final words Nataly?” Paul asked

“Yes! Come experience Ballet Theatre of Carmel and Etherius.  The dancers are learning a lot and having fun doing it.  It shows on stage.  If the dancers are enjoying themselves, the audience enjoys themselves.  Don’t miss it! You’ll be sorry you did!”