 3/2/17 by Miss Katie Cook
I have two great joys in teaching Ballet 5 at Allegro. The first, of course, is the wonderful dancers. This group of incredible young women range in age from 8th through 11th grade. They are curious, inspiring, hard-working, creative, funny, talented, intelligent, unique and diverse. Many I have taught for several years. Watching them progress from their first day in Ballet 5 to where they are today is a positive and continuous journey, and I know it will continue to be as we finish our dance season in June with the Spring Dance Concert. My second great joy in teaching Ballet 5 is our live accompanist, Mr. Tom Burson. Every Monday evening, Mr. Burson takes his place at the piano in Studio A, and we begin our plies. From start to finish, he glances, not once, at any sheet music. Every piece of music is skillfully executed from an impressive repertoire that lies deep within Tom's memory. Live music teaches these dancers so much: musicality, rhythm, tempo, adaptability, interpretation, increased knowledge and understanding. Recently, we have been delving even deeper to learn specific musical styles and the history behind them, such as the Mazurka or the Polonaise (both of Polish origin, by the way). An often favorite game of mine is to have the dancers play "Guess the Song." Tom's vast musical knowledge includes not only classics, but some of the best songs from the Beatles to musical theater show tunes. All of this shared knowledge is great, but the true gift is the special person seated at the piano. Two weeks ago, Tom journeyed to Florida to celebrate his mother, Dixie's, 100th birthday! Using materials from the Valentine making station in the lobby, the Ballet 5 dancers each created a one-of-a-kind 100th birthday card for Tom to deliver to Dixie. Upon his return, Tom said she loved the cards! I often think that my passion for teaching has less to do with my love of dance, and more to do with the opportunity I have to share deep and meaningful connections with people in the studio and community at large. Sharing these cards with Dixie as Tom traveled across the country gave us a chance to think of the far-reaching, age-spanning influence that our human connections, through music and dance, can have with one another. Mr. Tom Burson and I both agree: "These girls are so wonderful." It is fitting that for the 2017 Spring Dance Concert we will perform "Around the World." On the stage, the dancers will gracefully execute their choreography while Tom accompanies them live on piano. As for me? I'll be beaming with pride from the wings watching this artful merging of music, dance and the gift it will give to the audience!
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lipstick - checklist - adrenaline - fun - expansive organize - family fans - hydrate - volume eye opening - quick - glitter - sensory - smiles accomplishment - new friends - sweaty - confidence - lights energy - trust - all the shoes - A ha! Allegro Performance Company!Do you ever wonder about those adorable beanie babies and colorful scarves your little one loves to dance with? They are important components in our Leap N' Learn curriculum. Our classes are welcome environments that encourage effort and creativity which bring out the most positive side of dance! Enjoy the photos below of all the freshly laundered props hun up to dry! Did you know miss Allison helps prompt us when it's time to wash our props? We also sanitize the barres and all door knobs 2 times per week. Interested in learning more? Just ask your child's teacher or our friendly office staff about Lean N' Learn or any other question you might have! Check out Leap N' Learn website for lots of great information at http://leapnlearn.com/for-parents. January 4th, 2017 marks the 13th Anniversary of Allegro on Superior Drive NW. As odd as it may sound, every day when I enter the studio, it still feels new to me. I get this amazing sense of wonder and awe about the building. Though it is quiet when I step in, I think about the life, the movement, the music, the laughter, the effort, the ease that this space holds. As I pause that extra moment, while taking off my shoes or boots , I also think about all the people who enter this building. - I think about the littles ones, the advanced dancers and all those in between. I think of their camaraderie and enjoyment, their challenges and successes. - I think about the many parents who devote their time to their children’s study of the arts. They run a quick errand, or wait in the lobby, watching Studio Vision, paying bills online, tending to siblings, chatting with other parents. - I think about my staff, committed to Allegro culture and so willing to share their passion, knowledge and themselves with the students and parents. - I think about the leadership team, humming away at the speed of light, mostly in the background, but key to everything that has, is, or potentially will, happen at Allegro. This building, to me represents people and potential! This looks like a lot when I type it, but it isn’t. It flows through my head, like a fond and familiar prayer, each and every time I enter the studio. Thank you for being a part of Allegro School of Dance and Music! Janet M. Johnson
Written by: Janet Johnson
I am writing this short memo during the brief interlude between Act 1 & Act 2. My appearance on stage this year as Drosselmeyer's dance partner and party guest has presented many gifts to me. Gift 1 - A Singular Focus: Waiting in the wings to hand the Rat Queen her silver sword in a 3 second window of perfection was critical and satisfying in a way that surpasses any successful multi tasking. Gift 2 - Renewed Patience: Being ready, in costume, in character, a tiny cog in a delightful machine of movement prohibited me from my tendency of future planning and projection. I didn't realize my inability to stop working on continuous improvement until I was placed in this moment. Gift 3 - Role Reversal: Looking from the stage outward meant I gave up managing the front of the house, visiting the sound and light booth, troubleshooting the million tiny items that need attention and trusting others who are fully capable and happy to be doing what they are doing. Gift 4 - Belonging to the Cast: This amazing perspective renewed my pride in the students, my colleagues, the parents and volunteers. It filled me with wonder and gratitude and reminded me of the joy in the performing arts. Bravo Nutcracker 2016! Thank you for the wonderful gifts!  Written by: Janet J. Johnson, Allegro's Founder and Owner
The benefits of dance are vast. Physical exercise, flexibility, kinesthetic awareness, memory & cognitive development, musicality, self esteem, performance skills name just a few. Combine these benefits with the Allegro culture of tradition and innovation and your student with soar. Students receive positive adult role models, proven & progressive curriculum, age appropriate music & costumes, peer learning opportunities and friendship within our facility. Their growth as a dancer and as a whole person will astound you. Allegro is proud to be a part of More Than Just Great Dancing, a group of over 180 dance studios across the country who are committed to seeing dancers become the best person they can be through the performing arts. ASDM views each individual's dance choices and goals as their personal route along the journey of becoming what we call - a Destination Dancer. Allegro's founder, school director, business manager and fleet of enthusiastic devoted faculty are here to encourage, motivate and lead your child in a quality, fun and welcoming studio setting. |
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