BY LEANDRA ACOSTA

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. ​ 
​
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.

How MIP® & MIP2® Alumni and Guest Artists are staying moving and motivated at home
By Kaitlyn Esposito

MIP® alumni, MIP2® alumni, and FORCE MAJEURE FESTIVAL Guest Artists share how they are able to stay dancing and motivated while being home.

During this time, Adam has been teaching his three University classes online: Marymount, Fordham, SUNY Purchase. He has also been offering my own Zoom Dynamic Sequencing Classes as well as teaching choreographic phrase work on Movement For Hope's Instagram account. Adam uses his love for movement exploration to stay motivated, “I want to always understand the vehicle I embody and how it relates to the world around me. I am forever fascinated with the incredible intelligence that underlies life and I try to search constantly how to connect and learn from it.”

One of Adam’s favorite MIP2® memories was, “creating an installation for MIP2® at Reeves Reed Arboretum. I remember creating movement sequences based on elemental energy and it was beautiful to see the dancers moving amongst the landscape of the gardens.”

BY LEANDRA ACOSTA

BY LEANDRA ACOSTA

In order to stay inspired, I know that I have to keep moving. I'm inspired daily by how the dance community is coming together virtually. It is overwhelming how resilient our community is and it is amazing to take classes, watch performance and rehearsal footage, and listen to people discuss our art form on social media. Connecting through Elisa Monte Dance's classes, and the companies of my peers has been incredible. Our art is physical, but it is also emotional and mental, too. Knowing that I'm not alone has helped me get by. I have had conversations and engaged in a number of projects with musician friends and other dancers. It's amazing to be able to take part in these things when in a "normal" circumstance I might not have the time. Beyond moving my body and connecting with other artists virtually, I'm making sure to keep a routine, speaking with family and friends often, and then also taking time away from my phone and the computer to connect with my husband and puppy. We have been making some really great dinners that under a normal circumstance we would be rushing home to do!​

BY LEANDRA ACOSTA

​Please provide some advice for our NJDTE Dancers. 
Plans can always change, and finding inspiration right now is all about learning to adapt to the changes. Whether we are experiencing a pandemic, or not, I think what is most important is to know that each day we have a choice to practice how we react to the evolving world around us. If an emotion you are experiencing will not help, release it from your thoughts.

Shanna will be teaching an Advance Ballet Master Class for NJDTE Sunday May 3rd, 10:30AM! ​

Courtesy of Dr. Adrienne Stevens
​
NJDTE Board Member, Dr. Adrienne Stevens  reflects on performing There is a Time while a student at Juilliard and the relevance of this work today as we face the circle of time.

Borrowing from Ecclesiastes, or more appropriately from the classic Jose Limón dance, There is a Time, we are living in tumultuous times. As dancers, what can we learn?

​Refocus and stay positive on what you can do to stay energized, centered, and taking care of your well-being in order to come out on the other end stronger, more resilient, and more tolerant. Use this time productively and reflect.
​

• Music is the dancers’ lifeblood. How does music move you now? Can you pick out the different instruments in an orchestration?
• When is the last time you truly savored the taste and sensation eating a juicy orange?
• Have you noted the different phases of the moon and the clouds that cross it?
• How slow can you inhale and exhale? Note how it impacts your mind and heart rate.
• Can you articulate the muscles in your right foot with the same flexibility as in your left foot?
• Discover learning something new about your city in the time your great grandparents lived.
• What new exercises can you do today to stay fit?
• Sing!

​Dr. Adrienne Stevens is a Board member of New Jersey Dance
Theatre Ensemble, and President/Founder of Performing Health®
a company whose mission is to maximize performance and sustain
wellness at every stage of the dancers’ life.

​For more information visit www.PerformingHealth.com

BY LEANDRA ACOSTA

How has COVID-19 impacted your professional dance career?
I am currently a dancer in the Saarländisches Staatsballett in Saarbrücken, Germany. As of now, all of our training, rehearsals, and performances have been cancelled until the end of April. Luckily, we will still be paid, but it is unclear if the cancellation will extend until the end of the season. ​

​What were your plans before all of this, and how have they been affected by this pause?
​​​​​The company was about to begin the creative process with choreographers Marioenrico D’Angelo and Mortiz Ostruschnjak for a premiere in May, which has unfortunately been cancelled. Before everything was shut down, we were able to premiere a double bill with works by Richard Siegal and Stijn Celis.

"Seeing the performing arts community come together in this time is something that has really lifted my spirits".

What are you doing to keep yourself inspired?
​
​I am trying to stay aware of what I feel I need day to day. Some days I feel it’s healthier to make a clear schedule and to-do list for myself while other days I dedicate to letting myself indulge in laziness and rest without judgement.
​
When it comes to inspiration, I’ve been blown away by the accessibility of online classes as well as the amount of companies posting free full-length performances for viewing.
​ 

BY LEANDRA ACOSTA

Meet Ellen Mihalick. NJDTE Alumni graduating 2013. After NJDTE, Ellen performed with renowned companies in NYC and around the country. In the middle of her American tour with An American in Paris, we had a chance to catch up with Ellen.
 
Can you update us on your experience in the professional dance world since leaving NJDTE?
“When I graduated from NJDTE in 2013, I became a Radio City Rockette. I performed in the Christmas Spectacular in Nashville, TN for one year and then in NYC at Radio City from 2014-2019. Currently, I am on the US National Tour of An American In Paris, performing in 84 venues across 42 states until June 2020. Since I graduated NJDTE, I have also worked with various contemporary Ballet companies and choreographers including Exit 12 Dance Company (Roman Baca), Sheep’s Meadow Dance Theater (Billy Blanken), 911 Table of Silence (Jacqueline Buglisi), and with Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish at INKUBATE®. This past summer, I was touring throughout Europe with the American Swiss Ballet Company (Sonia Melo). I have had many opportunities, as well, to come home to NJDTE to help teach, set repertoire, and perform as a guest artist, including dancing in Nancy Turano’s Shadow of Truth commissioned work at SOPAC in 2018.  Additionally, I teach and choreograph at multiple studios and am the Program Director for American Dance Training Camps. I am a certified Barre Teacher (AFAA), Group Fitness Instructor (NASM), and Personal Trainer (NASM). Additional credits include: West Side Story (Graziella/DC), Shrek the Musical (Ensemble/DC), and Grease (Associate Choreographer/DC), NY Fashion Week (Model), and Amazon TV’s Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
 
What has been your most recent project/performance?
“I am currently an Ensemble member on the US National Tour of An American in Paris. Rehearsals began in NYC December 2019, and we have been on the road since January 5 2020 until June! This show is a beautiful Gershwin classic that includes jazz, tap, singing, acting, and a lot of ballet and pointe.  Traveling on a bus all day then performing one or two shows is challenging, so it is important to take every opportunity to stretch, stock up on healthy snacks, run, and do Pilates and a barre at any stop the bus takes, sometimes even in the aisle while on the go.  Being in a different theater almost every night keeps the show so exciting and fresh. When we arrive to the theater we begin with our make-up and hair regime, then I have plenty of time to prioritize taking care of my body to be ready for the rigorous, athletic, and balletic production. This has been an incredible journey, to be able to perform a show that has always been a dream of mine 147 times while traveling all over the United States! It is a dream to have such a musical with so much pointe work.  The choreographic process was one that was both  artistic and collaborative.”
 
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
That is a difficult question because as dancers we are always striving for more. I am goal oriented and the list never stops. Dreams of mine have included being a Radio City Rockette where I got to dance for 6,000 people up to 4 times a day, in a contemporary ballet company, touring  and Broadway. I am extremely proud of everything I have accomplished thus far as a dancer.  There is  still so much I am working towards.   There is no limit when you put your dedication and passion into your dreams.”

​What is something you wish you knew before beginning the professional audition process?
“Know who you are and what YOU have to offer. What makes you special and makes you stand out?  Do your research about who and what you are auditioning for. At times castings are type-casted, and it is not a personal thing. Just be your best self, keep your confidence, and approach auditions as master classes.”
 
What gives you inspiration?
“I make it a point to see as much live dance as possible. I think seeing live performance is so important. Nothing beats the energy of a theater to be reminded how special this art form truly is. I am constantly  doing research online, on Instagram, or looking up to individuals who are my role models like Misty Copeland or Desmond Richardson.
 
What has been the biggest challenge you have come across in your career so far?
“You are your own boss.  You can have an agent or manager, but at the end of the day YOU make it happen. Being an artist and living in NYC is not easy. Financially I have been fortunate to never need a temporary job as performing is my main income. But this did not come easy. I have been to endless auditions from 6am until 8pm, sometimes never even arriving in the audition room or being told no. I have learned to time manage a crazy teaching schedule, mixed with multiple freelance companies and performances at once while taking classes, and auditioning. Finding balance is very difficult. Even when I am tired, I go to ballet class, as that’s my happy place. Listen to a podcast or your favorite song, find your escape and keep the bigger picture in mind. Do what makes you happy.”
 
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“I have ENDLESS Nancy Turano quotes journaled throughout my years with her since 2007.  She is truly one of my biggest inspirations and motivators, still to this day. She has given me so much advice, especially when it comes to manifesting into the universe what you wish to achieve, embracing all the positive energy and being clear in your visions, as well as how to have the longest, best, healthiest career possible (and get up on hyperextension and bowleg).  She always said, “Ellen what do YOU want to achieve? So why not? I know you can do that and more. Don’t let anyone tell you no or let anything stand in your way.” Even though I graduated 7 years ago, Ms. T will still answer her phone at all hours of the day to give me advice, guidance, and opportunity, which I am forever grateful for and appreciative of.”

BY LEANDRA ACOSTA

Sasha went on to become a triple threat performer: singing, acting, and dancing for theater and commercial dance projects across the country. Even at this young age, Sasha was aware of how powerful his self confidence was. He was able to be true to himself and what he loved no matter what obstacles he faced or what people said about him.
 
NJDTE Artistic Director had this to say about Sasha.
 
“He truly excelled quickly and was chosen as a featured dancer in a NJDTE work by Cherice Barton, in addition to training and working with other renowned artists. He left NJDTE to continue pursuing commercial dance and I find it a wonderful circle of life, that he is in one of the most prestigious universities pursuing concert dance. His journey is truly inspirational and supports the concept to “always keep your options open”.”
 
Sasha is currently in his third year at the University of Southern California majoring in Dance at The Glorya Kaufman School of Dance with a minor in Cinematic Arts. His studies have been integral in developing his true voice as director, cinematographer, and screenwriter.
 
A huge congratulations to Sasha as he pushes forward in his professional dance career at USC. NJDTE wishes you the best always, and we will be there when the curtain goes up. 
 
Want to support Sasha and his work:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/a/usc.edu/sasha-haydn
• Instagram: @sashahaydn
• Twitter: @sashahaydn

 
Original article credits to VoyageLA: http://voyagela.com/interview/art-life-sasha-zitofsky

Floor-Barre® is a technique inspired by ballet that counteracts the intense, weight-bearing conditions often used by dancers and athletes alike. The class's low-impact and great attention to muscle alignment acts as a prominent resource for dancers to isolate muscle regions and strengthen joints along the body. NJDTE faculty member Lenore Pavlakos-Morales shares her experience with Floor-Barre® and the benefits of the dance-inspired fitness practice. Through the practice of Zena-Rommett's Floor-Barre® technique, dancers practice lengthening the legs and creating more space in the hip sockets. When moving to a standing position, dancers recall their muscles feeling elongated and body awareness increased.

How/why did you start training in Floor-Barre®?
I discovered Floor-Barre® while taking classes at Steps on Broadway in New York City. I would often pass the studio and notice all of the dancers working on the floor moving in parallel and passing through many familiar ballet positions. I was curious and decided to take a class and loved it!
​Zena Rommett was teaching at the time and I was very fortunate to study with her. 


Photo courtesy of New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble

What is the purpose of Floor-Barre® for dancers?
Working on the floor allows for dancers to focus on correct alignment of the body beginning at the pelvis. Basic ballet movements are executed in parallel and then turned out. In Floor-Barre®, all exercises are done slowly with careful attention to the alignment of the hip and toe. Weak points of the body such as misaligned hips, sickled feet or bent knees are quickly spotted and corrected. These points can often lead to injury as well as ailments such as tendonitis. Their correction and proper alignment is the best injury prevention.