Five Fun Facts about Musical Theater!

Written by Beth Jordahl

The triple threat of the dance world, musical theater involves acting, singing, and dancing. It uses the stage to tell stories. In Musical Theater, you will be pushed and challenged. You will also be greatly rewarded!

We love our musical theater classes and Starz, our theater company. If you love musical theater, or are just curious about it, let’s dive in and take a look at some fun facts!

1. Musicals have only been around for about a century.

While the theater has been around for a very long time, musicals started just about a century ago. Taking elements from Vaudeville and opera, musicals created their own unique form of theater.

 2. Musicals were originally all comedic.

Up until the Hammerstein and Kern production of Showboat in 1927, all American musicals were based in comedy. Showboat opened the door to a wider variety of themes. Now musicals cover all human emotions, and themes from comedy to more somber content as well.

 3. Broadway is “The Place” for musical theater performers and shows.

For anyone interested in musical theater, making it onto Broadway is often the ultimate accomplishment. To get there takes a lot of hard and intentional work! It is an extremely competitive and professional space. Some shows will even dismiss you for arriving late to a rehearsal. Broadway is also a fantastic place to see shows and enjoy great performers!

4. Broadway was known as the “Great White Way”

In the 1890s, the Theatre District in New York was one of the first streets to be fully illuminated by electric bulbs. Thus it’s nickname! Then in 1910, Broadway  signs were illuminated with candescent bulbs to add dazzling lights.

Bonus Fun Fact : During WWI, the lights of Broadway were dimmed. However, the public outcry forced the government to increase the city’s rations in order to restore the lights.

 5. Broadway Theatres don’t have to be physically located on Broadway Street

To qualify as a Broadway theatre, a theatre must have 500 seats and be located between 40th St and 54th St, and the West of 6th Ave. to East of 8th Ave, which  includes Times Square. Theatres with 99-499 seats are Off-Broadway, and if they have under 99 seats they are off-off-Broadway. 

For some extra fun, check out some of these popular Broadway productions.

●       The Phantom of the Opera - the longest running show opened in 1988 and in these over 30 years, over 12,500 performances have been staged to 18 million people

●      Hamilton - is a newer production, but has risen to great success and popularity. A rap based on the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton, it can be watched on Disney + (Caution for younger viewers)

●      Disney's Lion King - is Broadway's biggest money-maker in history. In the 20 years it has run on Broadway, the show has grossed $1.4 billion, with an average of $2 million a week. It is also the first ever Broadway show to gross $1 billion dollars in revenue.

●      Waitress - is the first Broadway musical to have an all-female creative team. Music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, book by Jessie Nelson, choreography by Lorin Latarro, and direction by Diane Paulus, the top 4 creative jobs were done by women, along with the costume design and musical direction also being handled with an all woman creative team.

●      Wicked - is the popular backstory of the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz. It has amazing music, costumes, and funny characters.

●      Some Broadway Musicals that are now movies: Phantom of the Opera (2004), My Fair Lady (1964), Newsies (2017), Hello Dolly (1969), Fiddler on the Roof (1971), Cats (2019), Into the Woods (2014), Annie (2014), The King & I (1956), many others and coming soon: West Side Story & Dear Evan Hanson

 Now that you know some more about musical theater, are you ready to get started? Auditions for Starz’ summer production of High School Musical are coming soon, and there are classes for Musical Theatre all summer long! Check out all our classes here. 

Twirl Bible Study- May

It’s recital month! Is your Twirl student chomping at the bit? They know their dance, and they’ve heard all about pictures, the Red Carpet, and all the excitement that’s coming their way in the next few weeks. They’ve seen their costume, and let’s face it, they ask to wear it every single day (at least my Twirl Baby does). And while not every day can be a tutu day, each day CAN be an opportunity to talk about this month’s Fruit of the Spirit: Self Control.

 “Prepare your minds for action. Be self controlled.”   — 1 Peter 1:13

 Self control can be a difficult skill to master, even as adults (and parents!). So how can we teach it to our littlest dancers? Here are a few ideas to get you started...

Talk About It!

 Work this particular fruit into your mealtime, commuting or bedtime talks with your Twirl student. How does God show self control? What examples of self control can we find in the Bible? Jesus was tempted in the desert THREE TIMES! Nehemiah didn’t fight back when his walls were attacked, and David showed no aggression to Saul (even though he could cut a piece of his robe). How did (or didn’t) YOU show self control today? Help your student to see this fruit in action! Identify the successes and failures of each day, and the example God sets for each of us in the Bible.

●      Take two carbonated beverage bottles or cans and shake them up. Open one right away, then wait for the other to bubble down to its normal state. Talk through what can happen if we act as we boil over, versus what happens when we show self control and allow ourselves to cool off — or not get shaken up in the first place! (Some additional reading for after this activity: Galatians 5:13-15/25-26, Hebrews 10:24-25.)

Practice!

You know what they say: Practice makes perfect! But practicing self control can be particularly difficult in the heat of the moment, especially when you’re a Twirl student in the throws of not getting your way. Start smaller, in ways that are easy to understand. In Twirl classes, students learn the fundamentals of spatial awareness, balance, coordination and listening skills before advancing to more difficult Primary and Level 1 dance classes. In this same way, Twirl students can work through the basics of self control. The more they practice, the more prepared they’ll be when more challenging moments arrive.

●      Give your child a small treat. Explain that if they eat it now, they only get one. But if they wait until a certain time, after a certain event or until you get back from doing something in another room, they can have two.

Find Your Solutions

What do you do when opportunities to show self control arise? Take a minute away from the situation? Talk to someone? Listen to your favorite song? Teach these skills to your Twirl student! Give them the tools they’ll need when the need for self control presents itself. The next time you enter a toddler stand off, or the beginnings of a meltdown, try this: Take a pause, take a deep breath, talk to God. Praying together is a great way to calm hearts and defuse situations in a way that lets us refocus on God’s heart for us. He has called us to be peacemakers, and to encourage one another in love. Titus 3:1-2 says: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”

●      Memorize this month’s memory verse (1 Peter 1:13): “Prepare your minds for action. Be self controlled.” When you need a minute to calm down, recite these words together. Prepare your mind for action, don’t act in haste. Be in charge of your emotions. Be self controlled, just as God has called us to do.

TAI Program- What is it, and how do I get involved?

What’s a TA? What’s an Intern? What’s an SA? What’s the TAI program?

TAs, or Teacher Assistants, are Turning Pointe students who volunteer to assist teachers in classes with younger dancers. You’ll find TAs in our Twirl classes and all the way up to our level 2b classes!

Interns are Turning Pointe students who have been a TA a few years and are interested in being involved in a larger capacity. In addition to volunteering in Twirl-2b classes, they assist with events and administrative work around the studio, substitute teach classes, and receive extra training to prepare them to be dance teachers one day.

SAs, or Student Assistants, are students from Turning Pointe’s sister companies, Fidele Youth Dance Company and Starz Theater Company, who volunteer to assist in those companies. These roles are specific to Fidele and Starz and may vary season to season.

All three of these roles fall under the TAI program! Miss Jenna is the program director, and Miss Emma is the program assistant. They support the TAIs throughout the year.

What do TAIs do? What does the commitment look like?

TAs volunteer in the same class(es) at the same time(s) every single week. They may volunteer in one class, or they may volunteer in many! Either way, their job is to help their teacher by demonstrating steps and choreography, helping keep students focused and on task, and making every kid who comes through our doors feel loved! They might help lead warm ups and be given other leadership opportunities by their teacher as well.

Outside of the classroom, every TA has an Act of Service; this is something they do to keep the studio running smoothly, like sweeping the floor or cleaning the mirrors. They also attend 2 TAI retreats each year- one in the early fall and one in the spring- where they receive training on how to be a good TA and spend time in community with the other TAs! Throughout the year, there may be additional meetings or events with Miss Emma and Miss Jenna.

Interns do everything that TAs do and more! The internship is designed to equip students to become dance teachers in the future. Interns can expect to be placed in at least 3 TA classes. Additionally, they will work with Miss Emma and Miss Jenna to help lead TAI events. They will work with Miss Tina and Miss Jenner to assist in administrative tasks around the studio. They will also work with Miss Tonya to assist with studio events! Throughout the year, they will have the opportunity to substitute teach classes and lead large portions of their TA classes. In the spring, interns complete the Intern Capstone Project, which culminates with the opportunity to interview for a job at Turning Pointe.

Both TAs and Interns also have the opportunity to TA summer camps and classes in addition to their school year commitments.

Why should I apply to be a TAI?

Being in the TAI program has so many great benefits!

As a TAI, you’ll gain great life skills. From year to year, we see our TAIs grow in leadership, confidence, teamwork/collaboration, and communication skills.

As a TAI, you’ll get plugged into a great community of other leaders! Our TAIs spend a lot of time together and build strong relationships with each other.

As a TAI, you’ll get to learn from your teachers in a whole new way! Our TAIs learn about classroom management and dance development from teachers who have a lot of experience and training in these areas.

TAIs receive credits towards their Turning Pointe tuition as a thank you for their time.

TAI hours can be used to meet volunteer hours requirements for NHS/NJHS, college prep classes, student counsel, or other leadership activities that require volunteer hours.

Being a TAI is a great thing to put on resumes/applications in the future, and Miss Jenna and Miss Emma are more than happy to write letters of recommendation for TAIs.

What does it look like to move through the TAI program?

Students can become at TA starting when they’re 13. Many students stick with TAing from the time they’re 13 through high school graduation! TA’s reapply for the program every summer.

Students who are interested in becoming an intern may apply after meeting a combination of different criteria (see below). Not every TA is interested in pursuing the internship, and that is totally okay! Students are more than welcome to remain TA’s their entire time in the program. Most intern applicants are 17, have been a TA for several years prior to applying, and are juniors or seniors in high school during their intern year.

The internship is designed to be a stepping stone to joining the Turning Pointe staff as a student teacher and is the primary way students can pursue being hired at Turning Pointe. At the end of the internship, students are given the opportunity to apply and interview to be student teachers.

How can I become a TAI? What are the requirements?

TAs: To be considered to be a TA, you must be 13 by September of 2021. You must be willing and able to commit to assisting in at least 1 class for the entire 2021-2022 school year. TA applicants complete an application (available at the front desk or online starting May 16th) and go through an interview process to be selected for the program.

Interns: To be considered to be an intern, you must meet three of the following five criteria:

-Be 17 or turning 17 during the 2021-2022 school year
-Be a senior in high school
-Been a Turning Pointe TA for at least 2 years
-Danced at Turning Pointe for at least 3 years
-Come highly recommended by a Turning Pointe Staff member

Additionally, interns must be available to TA at least 3 classes, have availability throughout the week to work on internship projects, and have a reliable form of transportation to and from the studio. Intern applicants complete an application (available at the front desk or online starting May 16th) and go through an interview process to be selected for the program.

SAs: This process depends more on the company you’re interested in working with- check in with the Fidele or Starz director for more information!

May Devotional- Beyond

Written by Beth Jordahl

 There is something magical about recital season. Colorful costumes, all the hard work, backstage, and on stage. The lights, the cameras, the action! It all works together to create a memory that will last for a very long time.

But sometimes, at the end of all of that hard work, you find yourself leaving recital (or leaving the after party) and you feel a bit of a let down. You are tired, worn out, and you start to overthink all the things. You are sad because you won’t be doing that dance again. You might even be sad because some of your friends are leaving. It seems as if all of that work and time that you put into your performance has vanished. And now you are left wondering… what’s next?

I’ve been there. I often suffer from “post-recital blues” as I’ve decided to call it. I hit a low thinking about how much fun we all had and I don’t want it to end! I can’t wait for the recital next year. So I usually treat myself to something (maybe a Caramel Macchiato) just to bolster my spirits!

You might be laughing at me, or maybe you get me. Either way, I wanted to share that no matter when you find yourself in a place where you feel the blues, let down, or just a little low, there is incredibly good news!

This is not the end, God actually has more! And the more He has ahead is BEYOND anything you can imagine.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) -

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

As you prepare for recital, you can remember that God is at work within you and your dance is all for Him. If you dance for Him, it will bring Him glory. No matter what! When all is said and done, you have no idea of what He can do with your gifts!

After the recital, when you aren’t sure what is coming next, that too is for His glory! He will lead you and guide you. As you step into what is ahead, know that you can’t even imagine all that  He has for you.

So dream and imagine and get ready for what is coming next.

Here is a song that I love, that draws my eyes and my heart back to God (no matter my feelings). Feel free to listen HERE.

Ephesians 1:15-19 (MSG)

That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

 You’ve got this, wonderful dancers! God is leading and guiding you and He is going to do even more BEYOND what you can imagine or ask.

Five Fun Facts about Swing and Ballroom!

Written by Beth Jordahl

Partners swirling across the floor. Big dips, lifts, and tricks. Fast and slow movement. Stories being told. There is something magical about swing and ballroom dancing! These styles of dance have a rich and varied history. They are styles that have captivated us in movies, T.V. shows, and on the stage. It is also something so fun to participate in!

If you are interested in swing and ballroom dancing and want to know more, here are some facts to get you started!

1. Ballroom and ballet come from the same root and beginning.

The words ballroom and ballet can be traced back to the latin word ‘balare’ meaning ‘to dance. Ball (meaning formal dance) and the Italian word ballare are also among several derivatives of this original beautiful word.

Centuries ago, ballroom dancing was primarily for the privileged and well-to-do, while the commoners had to make do with folk dancing. Now ballroom dancing applies to numerous dances in which a “leader” and a “follower” dance together in close proximity. This lets the two move together to the music!

 2. The traditional stances and holds in ballroom dancing may have originated from swords and smells.

The “closed hold”  is believed to have started as a way to avoid the sword. Since swords were always worn on the opposite side of connection, it makes sense to avoid it!

The other interesting hold of a beautiful stretch may developed as a result of bad body odors. It was a common practice among the aristocracy to bathe very infrequently during the early days of the waltz. So it was a good move by followers before deodorant!

 3. Swing dancing brought together all ethnic traditions.

In the 1900s, America had a lot of different ballroom and folk dances. Then in the 1920s with the rise of jazz music, European-style ballroom began to merge with unique styles from traditional African dances, and African-American dances like Juba and tap. This ended up in a combination of formal and celebratory traditions with wide-legged, synchronized, energetic styles that are still a part of modern swing.

4. Both swing and ballroom encompass lots of types of dance!

It sounds like we are talking about 2 styles of dance. Actually, swing dancing includes Lindy Hop, West Coast, East Coast, Charleston, Balboa, and more. While ballroom dancing includes Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quick Step, Samba, Cha-Cha, Rumba and more. So if you take either a swing dance or ballroom dance class, you will be learning a lot! 

 5. You can compete in swing or ballroom dancing competitions!

The first things that might come to mind are Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. But there are also local competitions, collegiate competitions, and more.

For a bonus fun fact, check out these famous swing and ballroom dancers. Their passion and persistence changed the way we tap now.

●       George “Shorty” Snowden was actually the inventor of Lindy Hop, along with his partner, Mattie Purnell in 1928. He initiated the very first performance group for Lindy Hop – the Shorty Snowden Dancers. There is a classic Lindy Hop move named after him called “Shorty George”.

●      Frankie Manning is arguably the most famous swing dancer in history. As one of the best dancers performing at the Savoy Ballroom, Frankie was a talented choreographer of famous Lindy Hop moves, such as when he introduced aerials in a dance competition in the mid 1930s. After taking a break for several decades when WW2 started, Frankie was a major player in the swing revival of the 1980s, and carried on teaching Lindy Hop to the next generation of dancers.

●      Norma Miller, also known as the “Queen of Swing”, started dancing Lindy Hop as a teenager. She was the youngest member of the original Lindy Hop group “Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers”. Norma is a Lindy Hop legend for helping to popularize the dance, as well as fuel its revival in the 1980s. Norma would regularly perform and teach at the Herräng Dance Camp in Sweden until she was 98 years old.

●      Irene and Vernon Castle were a pre-WWI ballroom dancing sensation. They performed all the partner dances and sought out new forms based on African dance and jazz. Their wholesome appearance, growing ballroom repertoire, and the "safety" of a married couple demonstrating all the latest partner dances helped to boost them to stardom.

●      Fred Astaire had a full dance card of gifted partners who were ballroom luminaries in their own right, but one of his most iconic and enduring partners was Ginger Rogers. Together they made nine memorable films, including Flying Down To Rio, The Gay Divorcee, Top Hat, and The Story Of Vernon & Irene Castle (who were strong influences on the young Astaire's style and career). All the films featured stand-out, crowd-pleasing dance numbers. His smooth style, incorporation of dramatic and comedic elements, and quintessential grace in ballroom dancing outshone even his effective crooning and acting.

●      Ginger Rogers had her own very successful acting career, but it was her dancing films with Fred Astaire that cemented her stardom and their legend as one of ballroom's greatest duos. Their partnering style combined foxtrot, waltz, tap, and jazz - sometimes in the same routine. It's true Rogers did everything Astaire did, backwards and in heels. Although he was the more talented dancer, she contributed attitude and acting skills to their collaborations, and together they were a ballroom dancing juggernaut in the 1930s and 1940s.

 Now that you know some more about swing and ballroom dancing, are you ready to get started? You can take either swing or ballroom at Turning Pointe!

All About Picture Week- May 24-29, 2021

Sign Up for Individual/Sibling/Friend Recital Portraits May 24-29 here: https://signup.com/go/AEXRUkL

Twirl Bible Study- April

Written by: Beth Jordahl

 It’s Spring! Easter has come and gone. There are flowers, and some warm weather. And since it’s Colorado, there is probably more snow coming!

 This is also the season when there is a lot happening. Recitals, rehearsals, school projects, parties, and all of the other end of year activities are right around the corner. Which means that this can be the time when everything piles up.

 It can be overwhelming for any of us. It can be especially overwhelming for young Twirl dancers! When little ones get stressed, it tends to cause them to act out. This can look like a lot of different things; throwing fits, refusing to listen, or just not being able to handle everything they need to do.

 In these moments, it can be helpful for them (and us) to remember to be gentle.

 This month, we are talking about GENTLENESS  through the verse Philippians 4:5: “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

 The word gentleness in the Bible means a variety of things: equitable, fair, mild, gentle.

 It is to lay down our own needs and to respond to others with kindness. Gentleness is being loving, tender, calm, and humble in the things you say and do instead of being harsh or mean. It is a mildness (quiet, gentle) of spirit.

 All things we hope our little ones will be and do!

 All things that Jesus shows towards us.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30

 This can be a hard attribute to teach and to share. It isn’t something that comes naturally! Rather it is something that we show, and display and talk about again and again. The more that kids see gentleness in action, the more they will learn how to respond that way.

 One of the best ways to help a kid understand is to give them opportunities to practice!

 Try out these activities with your family!

Act It Out!

For this, you could grab a mirror or even take photos. Ask your kiddos to think really hard about what a grumpy or mean face looks like. Then when they make that face, look at it together or take a pic. After that talk about what a nice and calm face might look like, then take a picture or look at that one. Next, you can discuss the differences. Ask them why someone might make a grumpy face instead of a happy face. Then you can chat about what that might look like in their own lives! Talk about how when we respond with GENTLENESS, we respond with love. We don’t respond in a grumpy way. Ask them if they have seen these responses in the people around them.

You could take this one step further and let them try acting out a scene. Ask them how they might respond to someone in a grumpy way and then in a gentle way. You could give them various scenarios; a sibling being annoying, a kid being mean, someone asking for help, so on. This gives them a chance to try out different responses in a safe place!

 Petting Zoo

This one takes a bit more planning on your part, but can be really worthwhile! Take the whole family to a petting zoo. Interacting with animals can be a unique experience and can help kids learn how their gentle responses helps animals feel safe. Take the chance to share that animals don’t like to be around people who are loud, aggressive, or mean. They prefer people who treat them kindly and quietly. This is also a good time to talk about Jesus as a shepherd in John 8:1-11. Jesus leads us with gentleness and understanding which in turn helps us to feel safe.

Tone & Expression

This is an easy game for driving in the car or while playing with your kids. Give them an example of both harsh and gentle tones. Then ask them to tell you if your tone is harsh or gentle. For example, say “Please stop doing that” in a variety of ways (high, low, harsh, gentle, silly, etc.) Let your kids give you feedback on whether or not they would like to be spoken to that way. You can then discuss tone of voice and how people like to be spoken to. You can give them a chance to try out their different tones as well!

 The next couple of months can be overwhelming and busy. It’s a great time to emphasize gentleness in the dance studio, at home, and everywhere we go. As we are gentle, it will be an example of Jesus in our lives. It will help our kids connect with His Grace.

April Devotional- Become

Can you believe there are only six weeks until recitals? With Spring Break behind us and Peek Weeks in full swing, this is definitely the time of year when things start to get real. Costumes have been passed out. Progress reports are coming, and so are end-of-the-year performances—not to mention finals, graduations, deadlines, auditions, summer decisions, etc. etc. etc. For some, this time of year is exciting. For others, it stirs up worry, or even frustration.

 How did April get here so fast?

 I’ve been working on this dance all year, why do I still struggle with certain parts?

 I’ve done my splits every day, why aren’t I all the way down?

 Why aren’t I moving up to the next level next year?

 Wherever the time went, the reality is that the 2020-21 dance year is coming to an end, and if any of the above questions or similar are putting a weight on your heart (the way my heart skipped a beat when I typed that recitals are in six weeks up there), take a deep breath. It’s not about us or any of those panic points. It’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s time to trust your training. It’s time to let go and let God. It’s time to begin to be.

 This month’s devotional word encourages us to do just that: BECOME.

 “He must become greater; I must become less.”   — John 3:30

 As we get closer to the finish line, let’s work to replace the stressful questions that arise in our hearts and begin to be agents of praise. Let’s become who He intended us to be at the end of this season, and not succumb to the weight of our own expectations. After all, it’s His light we’re shining on stage, not our own. We pray that His will be done, not ours. We trust in His perfect timing, not what we think it should be.

 Last month we studied the word “behold,” (if you missed that devo, you can find it here), and I think William Blake said it best: “We become what we behold.” So what are you beholding? Is it your frustration or worry? Is it your own progress or excitement? We’re close to the end, but we’re not there yet. Now is the time to check in. Who or what are you worshiping with your time? Your thoughts? Your actions? Who or what are you serving with the same? Is it from you? Is it from your classmates? Societal pressure? Let go. Let God.

 “We all, with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”    — 2 Corinthians 3:18

 “He must become greater; I must become less.”

 Behold His works. Be transformed in Him. We are made in His likeness; become a reflection of Him.

 May HE shine in us as we reach toward the finish line. May our performances show HIS light. May HIS name be glorified in our hearts, our minds, our words and our movements.

 Amen!

Five Fun Facts about Pointe!

Written by: Mimi McKinnis

When students start to dream of being ballerinas, the vision in their heads is usually the same: Big platter tutu skirt, an elaborate beaded bodice, a bright spotlight as they twirl center stage in front of a big audience—and of course, those beautiful satin pointe shoes. It’s part of every little dancer’s dream, and why being put on pointe is such an exciting milestone in every ballet dancer’s journey. As a new round of Turning Pointe students anxiously prepares for their pointe evaluation next month, let’s take a look at this quintessential accessory in the ballet dancer’s arsenal:

1.   The first pair of pointe shoes was invented in 1795.
Known as “the flying machine,” the predecessor to today’s modern pointe shoes was created by French dancer-turned-choreographer Charles Didelot toward the end of the 17th century. His apparatus allowed dancers to rise to their toes, giving the illusion of taking flight on stage. Other choreographers took notice and engineers began developing models more similar to modern-day pointe shoes. Today there are more than 80 different brands of pointe shoes worldwide, including one patented by Bill Nye, the Science Guy.

2.   Italian ballerina Marie Taglioni is credited as the first person to dance a full-length production on pointe.
In 1832, Taglioni, a central figure in the Romantic era of ballet, danced on pointe as she premiered La Sylphide—a production choreographed by her father, Filippo Taglioni. While other dancers had gone atop their toes on stage as a “stunt,” Taglioni incorporated it into her dancing, using her toes to accentuate the performance. The use of her feet and shoes conveyed character and emotion rather than being seen merely as a trick, which inspired other Romantic-era performers to follow suit. Want to know more? Look up Fanny Elssler to learn about how pointe work developed in the years following Taglioni’s performance!

3.   Pointe shoes are composed of five elements.
Unlike simple ballet slippers, it takes a lot to get a dancer up on their toes. First there’s the vamp, which lays across the top of the toes. The size and shape of the vamp varies in each style of shoe, and is chosen depending on the dancer’s foot shape, toe length and technique through demi-pointe. Then there’s the wings, which extend the vamp around the sides of the toes, and the platform (situated between the toes and the floor when the foot is fully extended), which allows dancers to balance on their toes. The platform, wings and vamp are collectively known as the box (or block), and the shank travels up the bottom of the foot like the sole of a shoe.

4.   Most pointe shoes are handmade.
While they feel sturdy and stiff at first, just ask any pointe dancer (or take a look at their feet!), most pointe shoes are made by hand with simple materials like leather, satin, cardboard and glue. Once purchased, even more careful craftsmanship goes into each pair as dancers sew their own elastic and ribbons to meet their own unique needs. Want to see the process? Check out National Geographic’s look at the making of Freed of London.

5. Going on pointe is a really big deal!
It might seem like stating the obvious, but being put on pointe is a right of passage for any ballerina. It’s something worked for and earned, not just a shoe purchase. Students typically need to train in ballet for several years, then meet age and growth requirements before being considered. Most studios require complete pre-pointe training and an evaluation to ensure the student is ready for pointe in order to prevent injury and long-term damage to the feet.

 If you or your student is interested in progressing to pointe work, check out the requirements, process and expectations (and some FAQs) here. Can’t wait to get started? We offer pre-pointe during the summer sessions… registration opens April 15!

Spring Break Catch Up

Written by: Mimi McKinnis

Spring Break Catch Up!

 Even though our doors are closed for Spring Break this week, there’s plenty to be excited about as we finish the 2020-21 dance year strong! We’ll miss all of your smiling faces, but we encourage you to relax, recharge and regroup as we move forward into the busy months ahead. Check out the dates and videos below to prepare for spring auditions, summer dance, recitals and more!

Upcoming Opportunities:

 Summer Class/Camp Registration

●      April 15

●      More information: https://turningpointeschoolofdance.com/summer-mini-mester

Teaching Assistant/Intern Applications Available

●      May 16

●      More information: https://turningpointeschoolofdance.com/new-page-1

STARZ Performances of Mary Poppins

●      April 9-11

●      More information: www.starztheater.org/

 Looking for other ways to get connected at Turning Pointe? Check out all of the ways you can plug into the TP family: https://youtu.be/GEFIfELh4sI

Upcoming Auditions:

 Turning Pointe’s Training Division

●      April 12 or May 6, 4-5:15 p.m.

●      More information: training.turningpointe@gmail.com

Fidele Youth Dance Company

●      April 17 or June 5, 12:30-5:30 p.m.

●      More information: www.FideleYouthDanceCompany.com/Auditions

STARZ Theater Company

●      June 3-4, High School Musical Junior

●      More information: www.starztheater.org/high-school-musical-jr-audition-info

●      Prepare for your STARZ Theater Audition: https://youtu.be/ycpfvum7Kl4

Upcoming Recital Dates:

 Recitals!

●      May 22-25

 Twirl Red Carpet Recital/Picture Week with Amanda Lamb

●      May 24-29

 Feeling overwhelmed? Check out this video to help you prepare for recital: https://youtu.be/isWLOzz14BM