Posts Tagged ‘Vala Dancewear’

Thoughts of Summer on Our Mind

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

Now that summer intensive auditions are over, thousands of dance hopefuls are eagerly awaiting acceptance letters from their schools of choice. Whether you’ve been through the process numerous times or are just starting out, summer intensives are highlight and rite of passage in a dancer’s training.

Natalee wearing "Enchant" (Vala Dancewear Style #22108)

Natalee wearing "Enchant" (Vala Dancewear Style #22108)

With that in mind, I decided to take a moment and ask our very own Vala tester, Natalee Maxwell about her summer dance experiences…

Natalee writes:

My experiences with summer dance intensives have been really beneficial to my growth in dance. I have gathered priceless knowledge from my summer travels to Texas, California, and Washington. Since the training was so rigorous and effective, I was able to develop so much in a condensed period of time. I seemed to think that 6 weeks might seem too long to stay interested in a dance intensive, but I have learned that the time just flies by when you are learning and excelling so much.

Getting to know and be known by many impressive teachers from around the country is a total delight as well. With each teacher, I had a fresh take on their preferred techniques and styles. By having an open mind towards the teacher’s likes allowed me to become a better-rounded dancer, able to modify myself more easily. I also enjoyed being able to take part in classes with international dancers as well as Americans. I was able to see the caliber of dancers that were out there, and break free of my so-called “small town” of Albuquerque. It was important for me to venture out and see what bigger companies and programs had to offer.

As the audition season begins, I look forward to my summer training, as there will always be something new and exciting for me to discover in the art of dance.

We would like to hear of your summer experiences as well!  Send us an email. And who knows? We may be contacting you to share your summer intensive experiences as well!

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Interview: Pacific Northwest Ballet Soloist, Lindsi Dec – Part Two

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

In Part One of our interview, Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lindsi Dec spoke candidly about her recent marriage and how she began her dance training. Now in Part Two, Lindsi shares what a typical day is like for her, as well as the challenges of being a tall dancer…

Class Act:  Lindsi, the long lines you and your taller peers are able to create are just exquisite!  Would you mind telling us what it’s like to be a tall dancer, and how this fact has enhanced or challenged your career?
Lindsi:   Hmm. That’s a good question. Well, as a taller dancer I’d have to say it’s actually a bit harder to control my extremities than a dancer of average height. It’s a tough process for us (tall dancers) – in my experience anyway – to make it all come together with beautiful lines. My core wasn’t strong enough, I was very weak—I still am in fact, so I have to do a lot of cross training. But it makes us unique and helps us stand out a bit, which is great.

Class Act:  I never looked at it that way before. I often assumed–probably like most people–that being taller was more of an advantage in the dance world than not.  Thank you for being so open about that.  Ok, here’s a question I know our readers are dying to have you answer! What does a typical day look like for you?

Lindsi:   A typical day for me is full of dancing! I wake up at 8am and get ready for the day, including making a lunch full of snacks that will last me until 7pm.  I like to eat a lot during our breaks to allow my body to refuel for the next rehearsal.
I leave the house by 9:15 am and am in the studio by 9:50 am.  It is at this time, I tape my toes and warm-up.  We have class from 10:15- 11:45am.  Class is very important because it prepares and warms up the body for the rest of the rehearsal day.  It is also a great opportunity to improve one’s technique.  We have 20 minutes after class to rest up, snack, and see what pointe shoes are going to work for various rehearsals.  Our normal rehearsal schedule is from 12:05 –3pm with 5 minute breaks each hour.

Lindsi Dec, Soloist, Pacific Northwest Ballet wearing Vala Dancewear's "Bombshell" Leotard

Lindsi Dec, Soloist, Pacific Northwest Ballet, tapes her toes wearing Vala Dancewear's "Bombshell" Leotard

We have lunch off from 3-4 pm.  I normally try to work out at that time because cross training for the body is extremely important.  I do strengthening exercises and weights.  On some days, depending on my rehearsal load, I will also do cardio.  From 4:05-7pm, we have our last three hours of the day.
Each day is different though, we may have 6 hours of rehearsal or one hour.  It depends on the rep we are doing and how much we are dancing.  Then, it’s back home to a nice dinner and relaxing before I go to bed at 10pm. Yes, I know, it’s very early, but my body needs at least ten hours of sleep or else I am not a happy camper the next day!

….Check back soon to read the third installment where Lindsi discusses her partnership with Vala Dancewear, her hobbies, and favorite roles!

by Denise Opper, Media Relations:  Class Act Tutu & Vala Dancewear

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Posted in Dance, General Interest, Interviews, Pacific Northwest Ballet | 1 Comment »

Interview: Pacific Northwest Ballet Soloist, Lindsi Dec – Part One

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) soloist, Lindsi Dec is not only a gifted dancer but is also one of the lovely Vala Dancewear models!  With her graceful lines, powerful stage presence and classic beauty, Lindsi captivates and dazzles her audience, while her passion, determination, and strong work ethic make her an inspiration to today’s young dancers.
Lindsi recently took some time out of her busy schedule to chat with Class Act Tutu’s Denise Opper both at home in Seattle and in between performances at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Her answers will be chronicled in a series of posts here on the Class Act Tutu blog, and will feature some personal “behind the scenes” photos Lindsi graciously agreed to share with our readers.

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lindsi Dec (center) and company members dance the Waltz of the Flowers in PNB's Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker. Photo © Angela Sterling.

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lindsi Dec (center) and company members dance the Waltz of the Flowers in PNB's Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker. Photo © Angela Sterling.

About Lindsi Dec

Class Act: Hello, Lindsi. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me today.
Lindsi:  Oh, it’s my pleasure!
Class Act: Let’s begin by having you share a little about yourself.
Lindsi: Well, let’s see. I’m 27 years old and I recently married Karel Cruz, a principal PNB dancer. (Her infectious smile was evident through the phone.)
Class Act: Wow, congratulations! So does being married to a fellow dancer make life easier in a sense?
Lindsi: Oh, yes definitely! He understands what my crazy life is like completely. It’s wonderful; I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In The Beginning

Class Act: That’s terrific. So now, let’s discuss your dance background for a moment. What age did you begin your training, what schools did you attend, and was ballet something you always felt drawn to?
Lindsi: Well, my mom enrolled me in dance classes when I was 3 years old—ballet, tap and jazz—I actually hated ballet at first. I was more into tap/jazz at that point.
Class Act: Oh my goodness, really? I never would’ve guessed. So what made you change your mind?

The Inspiration

Lindsi: When I was about 13, my mom took me to the Kennedy Center to see Miami City Ballet perform Rubies and—that was it!  I told my mom I wanted to perform the same role (tall girl).

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lindsi Dec in George Balanchine’s Rubies. Choreography © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling.

Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Lindsi Dec in George Balanchine’s Rubies. Choreography © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling.

When I was 14, I started focusing on ballet but my private school refused to credit my ballet classes toward the athletic graduation requirement.  So, I had to quit dance for awhile because of that and had to play soccer and attend a self-defense class to complete the requirements over two semesters.  Then later, when I returned to ballet, I felt I had to work harder than all the other girls because I was so far behind, but it was worth it.  I then trained at the Washington School of Ballet, which is where I really began to improve.  I attended 3 summer courses at Houston Ballet on scholarship, then after high school I attended PNB’s summer program.  From there, I was in their PD (Professional Division) for 2 years, and then joined the company as an apprentice in 2001.

….Be sure to check back soon to read the next installment where Lindsi shares a typical “Day in the Life,” as well as the challenges of being a tall dancer!

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Posted in Dance, General Interest, Interviews, Pacific Northwest Ballet | No Comments »