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NJDTE ALUMNI MARYBETH NOLLSTADT:  3 GENERATIONS ON STAGE FOR 54th ANNIVERSARY NUTCRACKER

12/13/2023

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by Nancy Turano

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As NJDTE Celebrates their 54th Anniversary of NUTCRACKER we turn our attention to our rich history and ALUMNI Mary. Beth Nollstadt who’s history spans from 1969 until today. Alumni Mary Beth  will share the stage with her 4-year-old granddaughter Sofia Assaad, a current student at NJDTE (daughter of Jen Assaad (Smokowski) and Mary Beth’s daughter Kristin Lim (Smokowski) both daughters Alumni of NJDTE. Learn more about Mary Beth’s amazing journey with our organization below.
WHAT YEAR DID YOU START AT NJDTE?
I became a member of NJDTE in September of 1969, which was named NJDTG.  I was only 8 years old and did not fully understand the opportunity I was receiving. My first Nutcracker as the Teddy Bear was my very first-time dancing on a stage and I remember being completely mesmerized with the lights, the costumes, the applause of the audience and the energy of backstage.  I was hooked!
                               (1975 Butterfly in Waltz of Flowers)

CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR HISTORY WITH NJDTE.  
From student, Guest Artist, Teacher, Board, Stage Manager and any details you would like to mention? Corvino any other people.  As a student with NJDTE, and a member of the company, I was very fortunate to have danced many challenging and exciting roles in Nutcracker and in the spring productions.  The high-quality of the technical training I received, first from Alfredo Corvino and then later from his daughter Andra Corvino, was paramount to establishing a solid foundation for all my future training.  Even when I was a full-time scholarship student at the School of American Ballet, I always returned to NJDTE to receive personal coaching and to ground my technique. Growing up with the Corvinos and NJDTE was foundational for me in my all aspects of my life.
 
Many years after having moved on from NJDTE, as a mother and ballet teacher at a local dance studio in Clark, NJ, I found myself back at NJDTE when my girls were old enough to audition and become members themselves.  I was recruited right away to help as the Stage Manager and that began a twenty-year run of calling cues, learning about lighting, and participating in the Nutcracker and spring productions from a completely different perspective.  I developed a great respect for all those folks dressed in black hiding in the wings of the backstage.  They work hard!!!   
 
I had been the stage manager for about 5-6 years when Nancy Turano also returned to NJDTE as the Artistic Director.  Nancy and I grew up together as dancers in NJDTE, so she is the one who convinced me to get back on stage as a Guest Artist.  I started performing the role of Frau Silberhaus in 1997 all while continuing as the Stage Manager.  I used to waltz off the stage in full costume and my crew would meet me in the wings with my head set and I would begin calling cues immediately.  It was crazy but I loved doing it!!!

It was also around this time that I joined the NJDTE Board.  In this capacity, it was important to help the company evolve to the next level where high-quality training and performance opportunities could not only continue to be made available but to also expand the accessibility and frequency of this training by growing the company and school. Of course, through all this I enjoyed watching my own two girls grow up as dancers experiencing the gifts of dance through their NJDTE experiences!

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ROLES?
I loved so many of the roles I danced throughout the years, each one providing different challenges, growth and rewards.  My first big solo was that of the Toy Soldier Doll.  I was only 11 but I realized that Mr. Corvino believed in me and had given me a very big part to perform.  I remember practicing really hard on the timing and to make every movement very crisp and sharp.  The next year I was Clara and that was really exciting.  That was exactly 50 years ago! I was very comfortable dancing as Clara and loved that I had a lot of stage time.  After Clara, I moved into senior level roles which I performed for many years.  I liked getting stronger in each of these parts over the years and instead of getting nervous I would really enjoy dancing these parts.  I loved dancing Snowflakes.  I loved the music and used to challenge myself to count the rests in the music so I could enter precisely on the music.  I had the first entrance in snow and my goal was to hit my entrance on stage at the same time as the first sound of the flute. Dancing the Butterfly, now Dewdrop, was special and I always loved that part.  I remember the first time I made my entrance onto the stage and the audience broke into applause.  I wasn’t expecting it and it threw me off for a second. But that became one of my favorite things about dancing that part. It’s fun to have the audience clap for you!

HOW HAS THE NJDTG/NJDTE MISSION IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
The value of pre-professional training and access to master teachers, choreographers.
NJDTG/NJDTE has been a part of my life since I was eight years old.  That’s over 50 years of my life.  The advanced training and discipline taught through NJDTE spilled into all aspects of my life.  I had a very successful career in the Information Technology field for over 35 years.  It was the discipline, attention to detail, and creativity that I fostered through my training at NJDTE that enabled me to thrive in my IT profession.  And because ballet was such an integral part of me, I always stayed involved in dance by either teaching, coaching, rehearsing, stage managing or performing. 
 
One of my greatest joys was when both my daughters also danced with NJDTE.  Watching them in class, rehearsals and on the stage was amazing.  My daughter, Kristen Lim, and I both were accepted and studied at the School of American Ballet in Lincoln Center.  This would not have been possible without the foundational base and solid technique we developed through our training and classes at NJDTE.  The value of the pre-professional training and exposure to master teachers gained through NJDTE will follow you for a lifetime!  I have the fondest memories and love for NJDTE.

WHY IS PERFORMING IN THIS SEASON’S NUTCRACKER WITH YOUR DAUGHTER AND GRANDAUGHTER MEANINGFUL FOR YOU.
 Returning to the stage this year to perform is so special to me!!!  I am absolutely ecstatic to be sharing the stage with my 4-year-old granddaughter, Sofia Assaad, and my older daughter, Kristen Lim.  Three generations of our family on stage at the same time!!!  This is truly a grandmother’s dream come true! And if that isn’t enough, I am honored and thrilled to be reunited with Rosemary Sabovick-Bleich and Joseph Fritz.  Both brilliant and accomplished artists!!!  The three of us have spent many years together dancing our roles in the Nutcracker Party Scene.  Rosemary and I go back to the 1970’s with our years of dancing together in NJDTE’s Nutcracker. Dancing in this year’s performance of the Nutcracker is like coming home to family.  Thank you, Nancy, for this special opportunity!!!

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NJDTE NUTCRACKER / DECEMBER 17th 1pm & 5pm.
Memorial Auditorium, at Montclair State University (1 normal drive)
TICKETS NUTCRACKER: buy.tututix.com/njdte
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.njdte.org / [email protected]
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December 28th, 2022

12/28/2022

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Introducing NJDTE’s First Open BARRE CLASS

10/12/2021

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BY MAGGIE FAIRLEY
“Barre class is a full-body ballet inspired workout that blends different exercise styles together including ballet, Pilates, and yoga.” - Shannon Perez, Barre Class Instructor 
NJDTE is thrilled to be offering Barre Classes taught by faculty member Shannon Perez. A FREE TRIAL CLASS will be on Wednesday, October 20th, 10:00am-11:15am and each Wednesday thereafter starting October 27th. This will be the first time offering Barre Class at NJDTE, and we are very excited to kick it off with a free trial.
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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Shannon Perez is  a certified Barre instructor. She began studying dance at a young age in Parlin, New Jersey. She studied at Boston Ballet School, Dance Stop Dance Education Center, and New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Contemporary Dance from The Boston Conservatory, where she worked with an incredible array of artists. Shannon has had the opportunity to perform works by Aaron Atkins, Parren Ballard, Al Blackstone, Jean Emile, Larry Keigwin, Jose Limon, Andrea Miller, Alwin Nikolai, Daniel Pelzig, Stephen Pier, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, and Robert Moses, for whom she served as rehearsal director. She furthered her teaching experience at the Boston Ballet School and Concord Academy alongside Richard Colton. Shannon joined Ballet Inc. in April, 2014 and continues to perform in New York City and throughout the U.S.


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WHAT IS BARRE? 
Barre class is a full-body ballet inspired workout that blends different exercise styles together including ballet, Pilates, and yoga.

 I HAVE NEVER TAKEN A BARRE CLASS, WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? 
Barre class uses the barre, a mat, and sometimes other equipment including free weights, exercise bands, and exercise balls. The class will target multiple different areas of your body including arms, legs, core, and glutes. The exercises are set at a slow pace and aim to build strength and flexibility. It is a low-impact workout, so you don’t need to worry about jumping.  All levels of experience are welcome!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BARRE? 
The benefits of Barre include improved muscle definition, greater flexibility and better posture. Barre class is inspired by ballet, but you don’t need to be a dancer to come to class.  
  1. Barre Class is a full-body ballet inspired workout that blends different exercise styles together including ballet, Pilates, and yoga. 
  2. Barre Class is unique because it takes aspects from Pilates and traditional ballet classes, and focuses on specific positions and movements that target the key muscle groups used in those formats. Just like a dancer repeats specific movements each time they take ballet class, Barre uses repetition to really get the muscles awake and working! 
  3. The benefits of a Barre Class include better posture, strong and lean muscles, injury prevention, and stress relief.
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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? 
Wear something you feel comfortable moving in, and bring sticky socks if you have them or bare feet work just fine! 


WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT TEACHING BARRE?
My favorite part about teaching Barre classes is definitely the clients! I love helping people feel good and find what works for them. Everybody is different and will move differently, but when done properly this workout provides confidence and results. There’s something in it for everyone!  

DATES AND RATES:
October 20th, Wednesday 10:00am-11:15am FREE TRIAL CLASS
October 27th, Wednesday 10:00am-11:15am
Rates: $23/for a 5-Class Card and $21/ for a 10-Class Card
For more info please contact [email protected]
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VAMOS A BAILAR! AT NJDTE'S SALSA MASQUERADE

10/5/2021

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BY MAGGIE FAIRLEY
With the long-awaited return of our Salsa Masquerade Fundraiser Event, NJDTE is thrilled to welcome NJDTE Alumni Jessica Batten as a Salsa Masquerade Guest Artist along with Rodney Hamilton of Ballet Hispanico!
“I am looking forward to dancing with everyone at NJDTE for the
SALSA MASQUERADE, during Hispanic Heritage Month and with one of my best friends and colleague from Ballet Hispanico, Rodney Hamilton.”
 
- Jessica Batten, NJDTE Alumna and 2021 Salsa Masquerade Guest Artist
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JESSICA BATTEN: NJDTE ALUMNA
Jessica trained as a student with New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble under Nancy Turano and graduated cum Laude from SUNY Purchase in 2005. Following graduation, she danced professionally with NJDTE, Cedar Lake II, Connecticut Ballet, Bradley Shelver Contemporary Dance Theater, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Nimbus Dance Works, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and with The Metropolitan Opera Ballet; among many other companies and choreographers. Click HERE for more info

“NJDTE was my second home, my safe space to grow and learn, my place to connect with grown/professional artists.”
What role did NJDTE play in your life?
NJDTE is the place where formative relationships developed with my first love and passion, that is dance. I was given opportunities and responsibilities to develop my craft and technical skills. Additionally, it ignited my passion so fiercely that I was mentally, emotionally and physically able to confidently achieve my dreams pursuing dance as my life's mission and career. At NJDTE, I learned discipline, commitment, time management, how to communicate, and other organizational life skills that I apply in every layer of my life today. Most importantly, I learned respect for myself, for those that were leading me, and for the art form. 
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Jessica Batten and Clifford Williams in NJDTE’s Nutcracker
Can you describe your journey after graduating from NJDTE?
After NJDTE I went on to follow in Ms. Turano's footsteps and earned my BFA from SUNY Purchase, Conservatory of Dance. Immediately after graduation, I began my professional performance career dancing with companies such as Cedar Lake II, Ballet Hispanico, Nimbus Dance, Connecticut Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and The Metropolitan Opera Ballet- amongst many others. All throughout this time, I was invited and always graciously welcomed back to NJDTE as a Guest Artist in many roles including: the Sugar Plum Fairy in several Nutcrackers, as a teaching artist, coach, and rehearsal director for the school and Ensemble. I have never been a part of any organization for this long and this consistently, throughout my life.  I am so thankful to Nancy Turano and NJDTE. Those experiences have helped me to become the person, artist, and educator that I am today.

Describe what you are currently doing in your professional career?
Currently I am in my sixth year as the Director of Dance at The Putney School, a progressive boarding high school in southern Vermont that focuses on agriculture, sustainability, social justice, and the arts. I am responsible for greatly expanding and managing the program. I teach all technique classes (ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, improvisation) as well as choreograph works and commissioning new works with guest artists.
What advice do you have for young dancers to achieve their goals in dance?
Work hard
♥ Be respectful ♥ Keep an open mind ♥ Take in everything that is shared with you ♥
Trust yourself ♥ Take care of yourself ♥ Have fun!
We are thrilled to have you return to NJDTE as a Guest Artist for the SALSA MASQUERADE. Can you elaborate on your experience with the Hispanic heritage?
My love and admiration for the Hispanic cultures really blossomed while I was a company dancer with Ballet Hispanico in NYC. We were immersed in traditional Latin dances, music, culture, In addition to performing powerful repertoire representing Latin culture we also performed Viva Las Americas!, a educational lecture demonstration created for young people. We had the opportunity to tour all over the world and share the pride of  the expansive Latin cultures and art forms as well as teach Latin Social Dance at many events. This allowed me to understand the heritage and traditions on a deeper level.
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Today, I continue to expand upon all I have experienced learn and celebrate the Hispanic/Latinx cultures. I am looking forward to dancing with everyone at NJDTE for this special SALSA MASQUERADE event, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month and with one of my best friends from my time at Ballet Hispanico, Rodney Hamilton.
What are your favorite inspirational quotes?
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. 
-Henry David Thoreau
Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.
- Maya Angelou

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Exploring through Process and Improvisation at 2021 MIP2®

7/21/2021

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BY LINDSAY OSTEN
"The students were guided by the guest artist teachers through structured improvisations and focused on collaborative process, which is a skill needed in today’s professional world" - Nancy Turano, MIP® Program Director
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During this year’s 2021 MIP2® summer program, dancers were encouraged to take risks and explore their unique creative voice. Students from all over the country worked with acclaimed faculty including Francois Perron, Kiley Dolaway, Nicole Von Arx, and Sean Lammer. The program provides multiple methods of research in improvisation, process, floorwork, and partnering. MIP2® inspires dancers to further explore their individual voice within these methods.

 “We had time to explore who we are as artists and to grow that image of ourselves further” - Anna Lopez, 2021 MIP2® Dancer - George Mason University
“Dancers from the top dance schools and universities made connections with their peers during a weekly “en masse” improv crash. They were able to utilize and share their unique approaches to improvisation together in our spacious studios. The students were guided by the guest artist teachers through structured improvisations and focused on collaborative process, which is a necessary skill needed in today’s professional world. ”- says MIP® Program Director, Nancy Turano.
When asked about MIP2® Anna Lopez from George Mason University responded, “We had  time to explore who we are as artists and to grow that image of ourselves further”.

MIP2® dancer Sydney Heldman of Visceral Dance Chicago said, “In the future I will be taking more risks in my dancing. Learning such challenging ways of moving has improved my confidence and shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to.”

​Hear more from our 2021 MIP2® dancers in their interviews below:
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THE 2021 BALLI EXPERIENCE

4/22/2021

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BY LEANDRA ACOSTA
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The NJDTE Ensemble Dancers have been in the studios all Spring for this year’s “¡BALLI di PRIMAVERA! The Dances of Spring”. They have focused their energy and increased their skills with the tremendous opportunities they have had with Master Teachers from American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hispanico and Paul Taylor to name a few. 

The performance will feature the iconic Paul Taylor Work “Cloven Kingdom”, staged by 20-year Paul Taylor Veteran Michelle Fleet as well as works by; Christopher Bloom of Ballet Hispánico, Excerpts of Don Quixote and Paquita staged by Alexandra Gonzalez, NJDTE Rehearsal Director, Parallel staged by Nancy Turano, NJDTE Artistic Director, NJSCA Fellow and Governor Award Winner. "Learning a Masterwork like CLOVEN KINGDOM provides physical insight to Mr. Taylor’s unique movement, detailed musicality, and brilliant patterning in space," says NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano.
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NJDTE Senior Maggie Crowe
"The NJDTE dancers are committed to learning and understanding Mr. Taylor’s style and timeless choreography."
 “Working with the dancers at NJDTE is truly a pleasure as they are all very talented, professional in their work ethic, hungry for information and full of energy, all of which is nurtured by Nancy Turano”, says Michelle Fleet 20-year Paul Taylor Veteran who is staging the piece on our dancers. “Staging these excerpts of Cloven Kingdom has been wonderful, the dancers dove headfirst into this dense work. The NJDTE dancers are committed to learning and understanding Mr. Taylor’s style and timeless choreography. It is a gift to work with each dancer and I hope to leave them with a wonderful Taylor experience”
“Performing an iconic work like Cloven Kingdom is an honor that few professional dancers, let alone pre-professional students, will have in their careers.
That brings with it a responsibility I do not take lightly.  To have knowledge and insight come directly from longtime Paul Taylor Dance Company artists Michael Trusnovec and Michelle Fleet, who worked directly with Mr. Taylor himself, is a reminder of how closely we are linked to a pioneer of modern dance.” – Maggie Crowe
“This year's ¡BALLI di PRIMAVERA! experience and rehearsal process has been one of the most influential on my dance education thus far. As a Senior, this year has been extremely important, I have had the most amazing time dancing and working with my peers, as well as with the talented guest artists and choreographers such as Michelle Fleet, Michael Trusnovec, Chris Bloom, and Alexandra Gonzalez,” said Alina Slotwinski.

"We have been pushing ourselves each day because we never know when all of this can be taken away.”
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NJDTE Senior Alina Slotwinski
Anna Pettigrew, NJDTE Senior, had this to say “Regardless of the challenges this has also been a year of focus and growth. We have been fortunate to be able to safely rehearse and dedicate our year to dance. We are so grateful to even be in the studio at all,  we have been pushing ourselves each day because we never know when all of this can be taken away.”
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LIVE performances (for parents/guardians only) of ¡Balli di Primavera! are at New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble Studios, 315b Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ.
Saturday, May 1st at 2:00pm & 5:00pm (LIVE) Limited to NJDTE Ensemble Family only
Sunday May 2nd at 3:00pm. (LIVE) Limited to NJDTE Ensemble Family only
Sunday May 2nd at 7:00pm, (VIRTUAL) Open to Public including special  “Behind the Scenes” rehearsal footage!

Tickets for the Virtual Performance are On Sale NOW!
$40 1 Ticket Link per household. No Link Sharing.
Use this link to purchase your tickets:  https://NJDTE.networkforgood.com/events/27852-balli-di-primavera-the-dances-of-spring-virtual-showing
 
For More Information on Paul Taylor American Modern Dance visit: www.ptamd.org.

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FALLING Back Into Routine with NJDTE Alumni - How NJDTE Alumni have adjusted to their "New Normal"

1/28/2021

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By Kaitlyn Esposito
 
The feeling of fall is in the air and for NJDTE that means dancers are back in the studios. After a summer of successful programming, NJDTE has found its “new normal” allowing dancers and faculty to return to doing what they love. Looking towards the Fall season, we wanted to check in with NJDTE Faculty and Alumni to understand their “new normal” and get advice to pass along to dancers and the NJDTE community.
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MEGAN GUINTA: NJDTE ALUMNA
Megan danced with NJDTE between 2003 and 2009, and is currently a movement instructor teaching GYROTONIC, GYROKINESIS, and Pilates. She believes that “movement is medicine. Gyrotonics and Pilates alleviate pain and stiffness, create equilibrium, build strength, and heal injuries.” Megan shares, “over the past 10 years teaching, I've seen this in my own life and in my clients' lives. As we integrate movement and breath, inflammation is reduced in the body, and the entire system - mind, body, spirit - is soothed.”
 
Like many of us, the past six months have certainly come with some challenges. She shares, “I'm super fortunate, though, that I've built clientele up to this point to carry me through this time. A handful of my clients have been working with me consistently during Covid-19 via zoom (many of them several times per week).  I've also been offering remote group classes for friends, family, and anyone who wants to join!” Megan says that it hasn't been easy, but teaching remotely has had its perks: anyone in the world can join her. She has seen her clients make a lot of progress during this time, and that has certainly lifted her spirits—something we all need right now.

"There is a crack in everything; that's how the light gets in" ... stop running after perfection as it does not bring happiness and it does not make something more valuable.
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During this time Megan wants others to "be yourself, love yourself, and honor your unique story. No one in the entire world can move the way that you move. It doesn't matter how pointy your feet are, how much turn-out you have, or how high your extension is. I let my own judgments (and comparing myself to others) hold me back when I was younger, but I've learned to love myself better. The relationship you have with yourself is most important, because you live with yourself 24/7. Each of us has something extraordinary to offer the world - so don't hide it.”

Megan’s favorite inspirational quote is "There is a crack in everything; that's how the light gets in” by Leonard Cohen. It reminds her to stop running after perfection as it does not bring happiness and it does not make something more valuable; there is beauty and light in everything if you look for it.

Dancing and touring with NJDTE is one of Megan’s proudest achievements. She shares, “The opportunity to learn from the best of the best - and perform work by acclaimed artists - was invaluable. No doubt, I was
“be yourself, love yourself, and honor your unique story
accepted into SUNY Purchase because of the training NJDTE afforded me. Not only that, but I made life-long friends at NJDTE, and I will treasure those relationships forever.”  NJDTE helped shape Megan into the woman she is today. 
Megan wants to share that is she so proud of all the NJDTE dancers. She follows NJDTE on social media and sees the incredible work everyone is doing which brings her so much joy. She comments, “Keep shining, and know that I am here if you ever need support.” She is also happy to discuss Gyrotonic or Pilates if anyone is curious about exploring it as a means of cross-training, or as a profession to supplement your dance career. 
 
Find Megan on Instagram at @megan.guinta or email her at [email protected]. 

SARAH HAMPTON LAPLANTE: NJDTE ALUMNA
Sarah danced with NJDTE between 1990 and 1998, and is currently an acupuncturist and an artist. Her acupuncture practice, Sword Hands is based in Putney, Vermont, and as a performance artist and visual artist, she works under the name Sarah H. Paulson.
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Art & Acupuncture:
As an acupuncturist, she is particularly interest in the place where medicine and the arts meet. She says, “Acupuncture addresses the root cause of illness in an individual and works at the level of the body, mind, and spirit. As Taoist Medicine addresses the whole person in both health and illness, all people can benefit from receiving acupuncture treatment.” 
 
Sarah found her way to acupuncture because of physical pain that she wanted assistance with; she had fractured some vertebrae in a performance art piece which made her back constantly hurt. She shares, “Though acupuncture was very effective in helping resolve the pain and some other physical issues, what I really grew to love was the fact that acupuncture seemed so similar to my experience as an artist. Acupuncture is a healing art that works with resonance. Dance, movement, sound, music, painting,

language and many types of performance also work with resonance. An artist or dancer might be able to execute her discipline well, but in the case of mastery, the artist or dancer develops herself in such a way that the movement is able to come through her and resonate in the viewer or audience. She must learn how not to get in the way of a movement that originates from somewhere much deeper than either her mind or body. She becomes an instrument for the true movement of life to be expressed and to be given to another. This takes years, likely even a lifetime of cultivation.”
 
Her patients seek relief from specific symptoms such as insomnia, depression, skin issues, headaches, joint pain, musculoskeletal pain, PMS, asthma, digestive problems, or allergies. Other individuals come in with the sense that something is not quite right or there is a feeling of being stuck such as writer’s block or a lack of inspiration. She shares that “Many patients experience positive results in the realms of addiction, depression, energy levels, or emotional distress (sadness, worry, grief, fear, anger). Often times, patients may find relief from symptoms that are quite subtle and/or are difficult to diagnose from a Western medical perspective.” Acupuncture treatment can also remind the body how it can heal itself, and that living more in sync with the seasons is an excellent way to maintain one's health through seasonal tune-ups.
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Sarah believes that many artists (dancers, musicians, writers, painters, etc.) seek a connection with something greater through their art form, but that this level of conversation is not often talked about. She explains, “Acupuncture is a living tradition that is passed from teacher to student, and then given in service to a patient who is looking for assistance. Art has the capacity to exist in the same way: passed from teacher to student and then given to an audience, or maybe even to our world, not through fame but rather through the heart of the artist and the work that comes alive through that artist."
She believes that art has the power to heal. She shares, “Though the depth of this dialogue remains almost untouched in the modern and contemporary art world, I think many of us have had the experience of being truly transformed by seeing a performance, looking at a painting, reading a poem, or hearing a piece of music. To me, Performance, in its sacred form, has the capacity to bring the human being closest to what it means to be human. This gives me hope during a time when we need the arts more than ever.”

Each dancer has an innate form of language within her/him/them, which is waiting to be recognized and cultivated.
NJDTE’s Role in Sarah’s Journey
While at NJDTE, Sarah learned about relationship, movement, power, strength, weakness, friendship, and her own passion. She notes, “On one level, I’ve never had a body made for classical ballet, so that was often painful.  I am not naturally flexible, and I don’t have good turnout.  But it wasn’t always excruciating—there were many moments of great joy! I’ve never lacked discipline or focus or a love of movement, and NJDTE provided a place for me to utilize those aspects of myself.  In many ways, ballet created a foundation from which I eventually differentiated.  I became determined to find my way into uncharted territory within myself, and NJDTE supported this.”
 
She continues, “Some days I thought I was supposed to want to be a professional ballet dancer. For years I took classes and pushed myself in ballet.  And then, one year Nancy Turano invited some contemporary choreographers and dancers to the summer program who opened a whole new door to me. My world was changed when I began improvising and learning about contact improvisation and other less classical or traditional forms from dance artists like Kyle Bukhari and Jodi Melnick. It was new, wild, different than anything I had learned before, and yet, it was the most natural thing for me. I feel lucky that I was young when I was exposed to the downtown dance scene and immediately felt the overlaps between dance/movement and visual art. I realized that I had been waiting for this, and to this day, I feel gratitude to Nancy Turano and NJDTE for knowing that each dancer has an innate form of language within her/him/them, which is waiting to be recognized and cultivated. Every dancer is unique.”
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Sarah then went to visual art school and began making performances on her own. She did not at first know what performance art was, but she had become a performance artist without realizing it. She used her background in dance and her love of visual art and installation to choreograph larger scale pieces which led to her work now existing in a place between visual art and dance. She has used movement and video to create durational endurance pieces in which the audience is often free to enter and exit throughout the performance on their own time. She continues to work with both dancers and non-dancers in these performances. She loves when trained and untrained movement can come together and highlight the unique beauty in each. Now, she uses components of acupuncture in my performances, as well.
 
Many NJDTE alum have performed and participated in these performance works.  For example, Sarah’s last large-scale piece was a 10-hour performance called “The Reed Bed” performed in Brooklyn, NY at Grace Exhibition Space. Corey Bliss and Mackenzie Fitzgerald, both NJDTE alumni, were performers in this piece. Samantha Grey, also an NJDTE alumna, performed with Sarah in “Fire in Fire: Prayers for the Ocean,” a 3.5 hour performance in Miami, Florida.
The Impact of COVID-19
Initially, Sarah closed my acupuncture practice in March, an action she never imagined would be called for, especially as a healthcare practitioner. She quickly learned that this action was necessary in order to not be a vector for the spread of the virus, and during that time she was able to connect with the earth at greater depth. She slowed way down; the earth and the acupuncture points are intrinsically linked, so her acupuncture practice deepened without the use of needles. Acupuncture works with the seasons in a person, so she learned from the seasons of the earth.
 
She was in regular contact with patients via phone to remain connected, to hear how they were impacted, and also to share her own personal experiences. Since August, she have resumed one-on-one acupuncture appointments with very specific safety protocols. Though she is wearing a face shield and a mask and look a little strange, she feels wonderful to be working again. 
 
She noted that patients are coming in with serious questions, anxiety, pain, rage, sorrow, grief, and a range of experiences. She comments, “If I am not willing to do the personal work within myself, how can I properly address those with whom I am working?” She has had the privilege of being in deep conversation with both patients and colleagues about how to learn from this time. She says, “Working at the root of another person’s life often includes a level of intimacy, trust, and honesty, but this time is calling for more. People need one another more. Listening is vital.” 
 
This time has encouraged Sarah to reflect and to ask important questions:
  • How can we cultivate an existence that does not use hate to protect us from our own shadows?
  • In this time where “social distancing” has become the norm, how can we maintain connected to other people and the earth? 
  • What are my priorities as an artist and a practitioner? 
  • What is it to be human during this time of crisis in humanity and the earth? What do I have to offer?
 
Sarah’s acupuncture teacher recently said, “Think about how contagious this virus is. Love is 100 times more contagious.”  This powerful statement is something Sarah keeps close to her heart.
 
Sarah’s Advice For Dancers
  • Let yourself feel your relationship to dance. 
  • If you love it, you must do it.  No matter what. If you are born an artist, you must live this.
  • Dance comes in many forms. 
  • A break from what you love is always important, because you have the chance to determine whether you really can’t live without it.
  • This is an unusual time. Use it, if you can. Ask yourself questions. Answer honestly from deep within yourself. Let your passion and longing grow. If you have questions about what you’re doing, ask them. Not everyone knows what she/he/they want. You don’t have to. Each person has their own pacing. Different times call for unexpected responses.  Timing is more mysterious than we are trained to think.
  • Explore. Experiment. Let dance speak to you. Dance can exist in more places than you know.
  • The arts are sacred. Connect to your passion through your heart rather than a hunger for fame or money. So many things are falling apart right now. Structures that determine success are changing. 
  • Let the arts be sacred. Try to remember this in a time when this has been forgotten.
  • Not everything you do has to be perfect. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Fall. Trip.  Fall on purpose. Say the wrong thing. Apologize. Be real. Use your weaknesses to learn.  Don’t feel embarrassed for being confused. Stay close to one another. If you’re competitive, use it to challenge yourself, not to hurt others.  
  • Let love transform. Find this power inside of creation. 
  • Art can unite. Let yourself be a part of this in creative ways.
  • There are so many different kinds of artists and people.  I couldn’t possibly give you a blanket statement.  The world is a different place than it was months ago.  Ask yourself what really matters to you.  Especially outside of the studio, you have a chance to come into closer relationship with the sacredness of dance.  Give yourself that freedom.  The world could benefit from this being restored.  Your life is precious.  The body is a holy instrument. The heart is even holier.
 
Learn more about Sarah’s work at www.swordhands.com and www.sarahhpaulson.com.

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PASSING THE TORCH: The Role of Clara in NJDTE's "The Nutcracker"

10/8/2020

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By Kaitlyn Esposito
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With the holiday season around the corner, NJDTE touched base with Level 5 dancers Chloe Muir and Peyton Gin who both played the role of Clara for two past productions NJDTE’s The Nutcracker. Looking towards this year’s production in December, Peyton and Chloe pass the torch to the younger dancers learning the role.
 
Chloe and Peyton shared, “we are so ready to teach the younger dancers, and we hope they feel inspired to do this role. We are excited for them to learn.” This past weekend, Chloe and Peyton worked with NJDTE’s Level 3 and Level 4 dancers to learn one of solos from the role.
Chloe described the role of Clara as very imaginative and graceful, and that she is in her own magical world most of the time in the classic story. From her experience as Clara, Chloe believes the Nutcracker is about Clara and her connection with the Nutcracker doll which she loves.
 
Peyton described the role technically, saying that the first act of the show includes a lot of jumps, turns, balances, and suspensions. The jumps made the role feel “child-like” for her. Chloe shared that the role also has difficult steps yet the easy flow of movement that enabled her able to pick it up quickly.
 
Chloe said, “Clara is such an amazing role to play and you feel connected to her in a way”. Peyton shares, “it’s a lot of hard work too.” Learning the role requires a lot of rehearsal and the dancer has to work on it on their own time.
 
Chloe and Peyton both dreamed about the role for a long time before they were of age to audition for it, like many other young dancers do. They described the opportunity to play Clara as “amazing and incredible”, and they are both “so lucky and so grateful to NJDTE and to everyone who helped [them] achieve that goal.”
 
Watch Passing the Torch: The Role of Clara in NJDTE’s The Nutcracker today on:
@njdte IGTV & Vimeo https://vimeo.com/465568382
 
Contact [email protected] or visit www.njdte.org for more information.
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FALLING Back Into Routine With NJDTE Faculty: How NJDTE Faculty have adjusted to their “New Normal”

9/29/2020

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By Kaitlyn Esposito
The feeling of fall is in the air and for NJDTE that means dancers are back in the studios. After a summer of successful programming, NJDTE has found its “new normal” allowing dancers and faculty to return to doing what they love. Looking towards the Fall season, we wanted to check in with NJDTE Faculty to understand their “new normal” and get advice to pass along to dancers and the NJDTE community.

NICOLE VON ARX: NJDTE GUEST ARTIST & FACULTY

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​During the past 6 months, Nicole has taught over 300 classes on Zoom. It might sound a lot, but seeing incredible dancers from around the world pop up on her screen made her world so much better. She feels like she had to reinvent myself completely in order to survive and give as much attention to her students so they feel motivated too. 

​Nicole shares that she had a great time teaching at NJDTE this summer and is looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones. She met Nancy Turano which she was studying at The Ailey School from 2008-2011. Nicole comments, “NJDTE trains wonderful artists from the ground up” and that “Nancy is an incredible teacher who truly cares about her students.” She believes that if you have a great leader, their qualities will trickle down to the rest of the team, staff and students. She looks forward to being part of the faculty this fall.
"If you have a great leader, their qualities will trickle down to the rest of the team, staff and students."
During the time, Nicole advises, “Keep your head high. Always. There are bad days but there are also good days. Keep researching even if it’s hard. Be like a sponge. Know your limits and see how to work with them. You’ll always learn something new.” Her favorite inspirational quote is, "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot” by Charlie Chaplin as it reassures her that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
Nicole was born in England and raised in both Switzerland and Hong Kong, and is a freelance dancer and choreographer based between Brooklyn and Geneva (Switzerland). She studied at The Ailey School and San Francisco Conservatory of Dance and her performance career led her to work with Jasmin Vardimon, Carte Blanche, Company XIV, Bryan Arias Company and Loni Landon Dance Projects. As a choreographer, she was invited to present her work in Europe at the BFM, TanzFest Winterthur 2018, La Fête de la Musique on the stage of l’ADC, and the Flux in Switzerland, and at Reykjavík Culture Night in Iceland.
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In the US, her choreography appeared at the Center for Performance Research (CPR), the Museum of Moving Image, Judson Church, The Wild Project, The 14th Street Y, the Ailey Citigroup Theatre and Sam Houston State University. She was awarded the 2018 STUFFED summer residency at Judson Church and the 2017 Dance Gallery Festival Level UP program. Nicole now creates work under the name NVA & Guests and teaches pop up dance classes on the roof of the Ace Hotel in New York.
 
Visit www.nvonarx.com for more information.

ALEXANDRA DALLI: NJDTE ALUMNA & FACULTY

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Alexandra trained at NJDTE from 2010 to 2014 and is now part of NJDTE’s Faculty as a ballet teacher and Pilates instructor. Through teaching at NJDTE the Fall, she looks forward to seeing all of the student’s smiling faces. She feels that a new season is like a fresh start and that she is excited to see what her and her dancers can accomplish this season.

As a teacher, Alex has stayed motivated by connecting to the dance community on both a large and small scale. On a larger scale, the number of classes and resources teachers and dance companies have been able to provide to keep dancers moving and learning has amazed her. She believes COVID has proven to everyone how valuable the arts are and how resilient the dance community is.
On a smaller scale, having the opportunity to teach current, old, and new students weekly via the Zoom classes NJDTE offered was a huge motivation for her in the spring and summer. If there were no students, Alex says that she could not call herself a teacher and she is so grateful she had the opportunity to continue to do what she loves even during quarantine.

Alex shares that NJDTE’s prioritization of true technique paired with a holistic approach to dance education is what sets this organization apart from other dance training programs in New Jersey. She comments, “as an alumni, I have been amazed at the different paths my peers have chosen and succeeded in both in and out of the dance studio. I have seen firsthand how building a strong base for dancers helps them develop as not only artists, but as people. I truly believe every experience had in the dance studio can be transferred to life skills outside the dance studio and NJDTE excels at producing strong, intelligent dancers. By creating space for dancers to investigate and experience all facets of dance performance and dance creation, NJDTE gives dancers the tools to make decisions and take ownership of their experience. Whether they move on to become, dancers, choreographers, teachers, producers, or anything else under the sun, students of NJDTE are more confident and successful because they have already been exposed to a professional setting and the expectations and experiences associated with it.”
"NJDTE gives dancers the tools to make decisions and take ownership of their experience."
​During this time, Alex’s advice to dancers is to just keep showing up and doing your best. While these are definitely not “normal” times, she believes the only thing 100% in your control is how you react, adapt, and overcome. She recommends to set an intention or a goal each day and strive to reach it no matter how small or big, and to be kind to others and most importantly be kind to yourself. Her favorite inspirational quote is one that was given to her by NJDTE. As a graduation present, all of the seniors received a paperweight shaped like star with the words “Excellence is a habit” engraved into it. She loves this quote so much this paperweight has traveled with her and always sat next to my makeup mirror so she could look at it while getting ready in the morning. 
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It reminds her natural talent is great, but success is truly dependent on your choices and actions to work hard towards your dreams and goals.
"The only thing 100% in your control is how you react,
​adapt, and overcome."
Alexandra Dalli (BFA, NCPT) is originally from Cranford, New Jersey. She began her dance training at the age of three at the Westfield School of Dance and continued at the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble while participating in Cranford High School’s Dance Academy. At NJDTE, Dalli performed works by Sidra Bell, Adam Barruch, Bradley Shelver, and Nancy Turano. Over the years, she has studied at several summer and winter intensive programs including American Ballet Theater’s Collegiate Summer Intensive, Pre-Movement Invention Project, Joffrey Ballet School’s summer intensive, and 10 Hairy Legs winter and summer intensives. She graduated cum laude in 2018 from Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts with a BFA in Dance. At Rutgers she was fortunate enough to perform works by Brian Brooks, Chien-Ying Wang, and Keith Thompson. During her time at Rutgers she completed the Polestar Pilates 450-hour Teacher Training Program and had the opportunity to complete an internship at Polestar Pilates España in Madrid, Spain. She was certified through the Pilates Method Alliance in 2017. Currently, Alexandra assists Polestar Pilates’ NYC Comprehensive Teacher Training as a Mentor-in-Training, teaches group and private Pilates to all ages, and is excited for another year as a faculty member teaching ballet at NJDTE.
 
In addition to teaching ballet, Alex is available for private Pilates lessons on the apparatus at NJDTE. For anyone (dancers or parents) who is looking to get stronger, prevent injury, work on alignment, or simply be introduced to Pilates she would love to help!

 
Contact [email protected] or visit www.njdte.org for more information.
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NJDTE: PRESERVING A LEGACY OF OVER 50 YEARS

6/4/2020

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BY LEANDRA ACOSTA
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In 1969, a group of teachers from the New Jersey Federation for Dance founded the New Jersey Dance Theatre Guild (NJDTG) establishing their own ballet syllabus. Soon after, several charter members of NJDTG met with Dr. Alfredo Corvino to form a ballet company with students from the Guild schools that he would audition, teach, and cast in productions. Maestro Corvino remained NJDTG's Artistic Director for 13 years and had a profound influence on the students and teachers of the Guild.  

​Since its inception, NJDTE has provided pre-professional performance opportunities with internationally renowned choreographers including Sidra Bell, Shannon Gillen, Adam Barruch, Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish, Cherice Barton, Loni Landon, Belinda McGuire, Andrea Miller, Kate Skarpetowska, Bradley Shelver, and Artistic Director Nancy Turano. NJDTE dancers have also performed works by master choreographers Twyla Tharp, David Parsons, and Robert Battle. ​ 
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In 1994, Nancy Turano became the Artistic Director turning NJDTG into the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble. In that same year, NJDTE took up residence at Drew University in Madison, NJ. Since becoming Artistic Director, Ms. Turano has created innovative training and mentoring programs for dancers and choreographers in the New York City metro area, including MOVEMENT INVENTION PROJECT®, MIP2®, AiR® contemporary choreographic residencies, and INKUBATE®. Then in June 2015, NJDTE moved to its current 9,000 square foot home in Summit, NJ. 
 

NJDTE now celebrates its 51st Anniversary Season: 51 Years of Excellence in Dance Education. From founding Artistic Director Alfredo Corvino to current Artistic Director Nancy Turano, NJDTE has remained steadfast in its goal of providing dancers pre-professional dance training and forward-thinking programming that empowers its dancers.

Since March 16, 2020, NJDTE dancers have been taking their classes virtually from home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Closures. NJDTE dancers have held onto their dreams and passion for dance during this difficult time.  ​
“This time has been an incredible testament to our dancer's and their determination. Every day, I open Zoom and thirty students are ready to dance in their homes. This time is an affirmation of importance dance has in the lives of our student's and why the arts are important to the cultural landscape of New Jersey and America,” says NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano. 
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Please join us in celebrating our 51st Anniversary virtually on June 7th at 4:00pm which includes: a Virtual "Year in Review" premiere video with at home and rehearsal footage, in-studio and zoom class videos, candid moments, and interviews with dancers, followed by a Zoom Party to celebrate our dancers and the final day of our season. 

​Proceeds from this event will kick off the NJDTE Emergency COVID Relief Fund Campaign that will continue
online until July 14th.
 To purchase your ticket, please visit: https://NJDTE.networkforgood.com/events/21255-njdte-virtual-fundraiser-performance 

To donate directly to the NJDTE Emergency COVID Relief Fund Campaign, please visit: https://njdte.networkforgood.com/projects/101436-donate-to-njdte 
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