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! ​

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

​NJDTE Alumni and George Mason University Senior Dance major, Lauren Stucko is a prime example of students who go above and beyond to chase their dreams. As a result of her perseverance and hard work, Lauren was chosen to perform at the Joyce Theater in New York City, where she will take part in the 50th anniversary season of the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, this Sunday, April 22nd. Lauren is featured in a DANCE Magazine article, which explains in detail how this opportunity became a dream come true. The students began learning A Brahms Symphony from Ginger Thatcher last fall. Approximately 80 dance majors from George Mason attended a two-part audition, and from there Thatcher narrowed it down to a dozen, one of which is alumni Lauren Stucko herself. We had the chance to catch up with Lauren and hear more about her experience working with Lar Lubovitch, as well as the mental and physical preparation leading up to the performance. 

How do you feel to have this wonderful opportunity to work with Lar Lubovitch and could you describe the experience? 
It feels like a dream. Or as my GMU director, Susan Shields, who has also performed the role of  pink girl with Lar, would call it "Sublime". I am very grateful for being a part of such a legendary work. Not a week goes by that I don't think of my experiences that have led me to this point in my life. This experience has inspired and motivated me each day to step into the studio and reach towards excellence.
​

What thoughts can you contribute about learning A Brahms Symphony and how is it different from other choreographic pieces you have previously performed? 
We have been working on Brahms since the audition in October. Ginger Thatcher has worked closely with us ever since selecting the group of dancers. The process happened within 3 residencies; the first involved learning the full 24-minute work, the second was in preparation for GMU's gala, in which Lar Lubovitch himself accompanied Ms. Thatcher.
Ms. Thatcher will now return to work with us in preparation for The Joyce Theater performances in New York City.
To be privately coached by Lar for hours was and will always be the most memorable, extraordinary moment in my dance career so far. His intuition, choreographic intelligence and appreciation for the dancers in space is unlike any other artist I have had the pleasure to be in the presence of. During the rehearsal process, since October, the piece really evolved, and when Lar Lubovitch visited our GMU studios, the movement and everything changed. It was magical. 
​

How would you say NJDTE has prepared you for some of the wonderful opportunities you have experienced during college?

While at NJDTE, I was able to learn from some wonderful artists, and two of those individuals included Elisa Clark and Kate Skarpetowska, who both happen to be former dancers and assistants to Lar Lubovitch. I remember taking their classes and intuitively feeling so in love with Lar's movement. It was a pivotal moment in my training when I thought I want to dance this type of movement. At that time, I was young and a high school student who had plenty of aspirations and dreams for myself in the dance world. I believe 100% that all of the artistic opportunities I have had the chance to experience at NJDTE and elsewhere prepared me and organically led me to successfully audition and achieve such an amazing role as Pink Girl in "A Brahms Symphony." 

What advice might you share with current NJDTE students and aspiring professional dancers who are greatly inspired by alumni like yourself?
I wanted to be a dancer ever since I began taking classes at a young age. However, it was not always easy. I was typically an understudy, and did not have a lot of confidence in myself, but felt determined to persevere, and work hard. NJDTE alum success stories inspired me so much. I knew I wanted the performance life, to travel the world and so much more but knew it would take work. I had many goals and determination was a driving force. I signed myself up for classes, intensives, workshops, and anything that could further my progression and become the dancer I aspired to be. Four years ago, I would never imagine performing the lead in Lar Lubovitch's work at the Joyce Theater. 
So dancers, excellence is a habit. Persevere even if you don't think you are the best, make connections, dance your hardest in class, be attentive in rehearsals, stay open and who knows, maybe you will be getting interviewed one day for the role you landed! Thank you Ms. Turano for instilling so many skills in me that I carry with me day to day and for encouraging high standards that can absolutely be lived up to if you try your best. 
​

​http://www.dancemagazine.com/lar-lubovitch-george-mason-university-2559042560.html

​After completing high school and finishing up your training at NJDTE, you enrolled in the BFA in Dance program at Tisch School of the Arts. What brought you to NYU?
​
I knew that I wanted to pursue dance in college, but academics were also a big priority for me. NYU offered the best of both worlds. In between technique classes and rehearsals, I got to take classes in psychology, writing, and French literature—whatever subjects I found myself drawn to. Also NYU’s dance program is three years long, which was attractive to me because I wanted to get out there and start my dance career as quickly as I could.
​

​Did you notice any earlier signs of an interest in medicine? While training at NJDTE did you find yourself drawn to both art and science?
​
Growing up I was not interested in medicine per se, but I have always loved science. I remember dragging my mom to Barnes & Noble when I was younger so I could read about everything from volcanoes, to atoms, to the Big Bang. I was always very curious. For me, science and dance have always been intertwined. I applied that same curiosity toward ballet technique and figuring out how to make it work for my body. Learning about anatomy and body mechanics through the context of dance was an initial spark for my interest in medicine. Many experiences since then have expanded and confirmed that interest, but it all began with having my mind blown at eleven years old at NJDTE learning about how turnout is achieved by the femur rotating in the acetabulum.

​Science can definitely help create a deeper understanding of dance! Do you think it works the other way around too?
​
As dancers we commit wholeheartedly to our craft and that work ethic can be applied to any endeavor. We know how to keep going through fatigue, sickness, injury, you name it. When I was up all night before a physics final last year with a stomach bug, I was able to rely on the lessons I had learned through my dance training to stay cool under pressure and perform well regardless.
 
We also know how to work as part of a team. If you consider the beauty of a corps de ballet, there’s no denying what dancers can achieve by working together toward a common purpose. Movies and television like to portray the world of dance as being very cutthroat and competitive, but that has rarely been my experience. We know how to support our friends and colleagues (sometimes literally!) and that is another important skill that we bring to the table. 

​Students who are not pursuing dance careers often worry about how they will incorporate the performing arts into their lives when they no longer take class, rehearse choreography, and perform on a daily basis. How do you maintain that connection to the arts?
 
Does dancing in my living room count? I’ll admit that between juggling the premedical curriculum at Columbia and volunteering in a hospital, I don’t get to dance as often as I would like. But dance will always be a part of my life. I savor the opportunities when I get to take a ballet class, but I try to stay active regardless through running or yoga.
​

​As another group of dancers completes their study at NJDTE this season, what advice would you give to a student in the midst of considering his or her future career?
 
Your goals and priorities now may not be the same years from now and that is perfectly okay! Whether you decide to pursue a career in dance or in another field, you should never feel like you are stuck in the career path you are choosing now at eighteen. It is never too late to try something new!
​

​And to the next generation of NJDTE dancers currently working hard in the studio, what would you say? Is there anything you wish you knew when you were in their shoes?
 
I would say to simply recognize how fortunate you are to train at such a wonderful organization and to not take anything for granted. Being able to study dance at NJDTE is such a privilege and it will all go by in the blink of an eye.
 
Oh, and whatever you do, do not hit the wings when you exit the stage. You will owe Ms. Turano a trip to Mexico! 

​A big thank you and congratulations to Sam Parsons. NJDTE wishes you the best of luck, and is rooting for you as you take on medical school! 
​

NJDTE alumna Madelyn Eltringham (2011) recently graduated from SUNY Purchase. As a student in the BFA program, Madelyn had the opportunity to learn from brilliant faculty and peers and work with many emerging and renowned choreographers, including Sarah Mettin, Adam Barruch, Gabrielle Lamb, Ori Flomin, Rosalind Newman, Nicolo Fonte, and Bettijane Sills staging pieces by George Balanchine. Madelyn also gained performance experience as a member of the Purchase Dance Company, dancing in productions at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College and New York Live Arts, as well as many student projects. Other highlights from her college career include a semester abroad at the London Contemporary Dance School.

She credits NJDTE for giving her valuable skills, such as a high level of technique, drive, and professionalism, that enabled her to succeed not only in college and have prepared her for a bright future in the professional world. 

Madelyn’s future plans include auditioning for a vast array of artists and choreographers around the world. She is excited to discover new dance opportunities, and shares this advice for the NJDTE dancers who are now preparing for college and the next steps in their careers: