January Newsletter- L'étudiante- The Training Issue

Photo features the 23.24 Trainees

Photo by Quinn Wharton

Ballet Idaho's Trainee Program

Finish your training. Start your career.

Trainee programs bridge the gap between student and professional, allowing dancers to grow artistically and technically, all while preparing them for the life and career of a professional dancer. These dancers are typically between 18 and 21 years old and come from all over the US.

So what makes Ballet Idaho’s Trainee Program different from other programs in the country? Many things… but definitely the company time.

“The company involvement the trainees receive really sets us apart from other programs,” says Trainee Program Director Stephanie Orza. “The trainees take class three times a week with the company dancers, working with the Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director. As a way of supplementing the cast for large ensemble works, trainees perform with the company in programs throughout Ballet Idaho’s season, and all dance in every show of The Nutcracker. Many trainee programs keep the trainees separate from the company. Ours are vitally involved with the company; they see how it works, how rehearsals are run, they shadow and understudy company dancers, and perform alongside them.”

First-hand company experience, while crucial, is not all that trainees receive with this program. They are mentored and guided through the pivotal audition season, and are provided individual coaching for their audition videos and resumes. Additionally, guests from all over the world come in to work with the trainees- world-renowned artists and choreographers- often staging world premieres on these young dancers.

Every single year since its inception, two trainees have been hired into the company at Ballet Idaho. Former trainee Flynn Ericson was hired into the company as an apprentice for the 21.22 season. “Ballet Idaho’s Trainee Program gave me a supportive environment and the tools to hone my classical technique while exploring other styles of dance,” Ericson says. “I cherish the versatility of this program, from the training and repertoire to the opportunities to choreograph and create with my peers. It has been instrumental in my growth as a dancer and person.”

Sometimes, the trainees trade the studio for the red carpet. A highlight of the 22.23 season was the deliciously dark Quinn Wharton dance film, titled Sister, which premiered at The Flicks in Boise last spring. Wharton also created a dance film the year prior that was shown during Ballet Idaho performances at the Egyptian theater as part of Treefort Music Festival.

The work of the season culminates with an annual performance, Emergence, which showcases the technical and artistic prowess of the trainees every spring.

Applicants interested in auditioning for the 24.25 cohort should send their resume and video reel to Trainee Program Director Stephanie Orza. The deadline for submission is March 1, 2024. For more details, please click here.

Academy News and Updates

Ballet Idaho Academy students prep for YAGP

Ballet Idaho Academy students are gearing up to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix, a worldwide ballet and contemporary dance competition.

Former Academy Director Emily Wallace and BIA Youth Company Director Jessica Sulikowski decided last spring to develop a YAGP competition program and enter BIA students. They reached out to several students to gauge interest, wanting to keep the program small in order to be successful. “We wanted to pick students who had the time and desire to dedicate themselves to this program. The majority of work would be after normally scheduled classes, and there would be late nights,” says Sulikowski. “The goal is to give BIA students more opportunities to perform onstage, to see how competitive ballet is, to take masterclasses with judges and current performers, to have the chance to receive scholarship money to summer intensives or year-round programs… and really, just get their name out there.”

Fourteen-year-old Academy student Scarlet Fields is competing in Salt Lake City this month. A BIA student since she was a toddler, she is now in Advanced 2 (the top level) and chose Swanilda’s wedding variation from Coppelia for the competition. “I tried to pick a variation based on my strengths”, she says. “I love doing attitudes and piqué turns and there is this large piqué manège at the end so that got me excited. Plus, I love the costume!”

In the beginning, Fields says she was a bit unsure of herself but over the months felt herself getting stronger, and her technique getting better. Rehearsing two days a week with private coaching in addition to all of her regular classes proved helpful. “Scarlet is in the zone when she performs.” says her coach Jessica Sulikowski. “She is so incredibly focused.”

“When I’m rehearsing, it is a lot different than performing,” Fields explains. “I'm thinking about all of the corrections I have been given and the technique, but when I'm on stage, I try to really bring that character to life and focus on the artistry.”

Dahlia Fields, Scarlet’s younger sister, is also competing in YAGP. “It’s so fun because she is always practicing at home, or we will rehearse together and I’ll give her tips and advice, and she does the same for me," says Scarlet with sisterly giddiness.

The opportunity to have intense one-on-one coaching doesn’t happen often in class or performance, so students who work toward a competition like this will see a lot of growth. Classwork improves, as does artistry.

“I think it’s so cool that we spend all this class time working to build a strong technical foundation and it's really interesting to refine your technique within the context of a variation,” Fields says. “You have these tendus and then you’re doing all these complex things on pointe, and I think that is so rewarding.”

Best of luck to Scarlet, and all the BIA students who are competing in YAGP!

Photo features BIA student Scarlet Fields.

New Academy Classes!

New Pre Ballet 1 Class

Monday, 4:30 - 5:20

Tentative start date January 29, must meet minimum enrollment

New Foundational 1 Adult Class

Saturday, January 20 - March 16, 11:00 - 12:30

Tuition - $ 175

For more information, please contact Sada Popick-Ogburn here.

The Ballet Idaho Board of Directors is pleased to announce the formation of the Ballet Idaho Academy Subcommittee. The purpose of the Subcommittee is to enhance communications among Academy dancers, parents, staff, the board of directors, and the Ballet Idaho community to create a more robust and interactive experience. Additionally, the Subcommittee is part of a Board strategy to grow the size and impact of the Academy.

Committee members include Wes Jost (Chair), Mary Ann Clifton, Stacey Pilcher, Adrienne Smith, and Jessica Sulikowski. Please reach out to Wes Jost for any Subcommittee inquiries.

Ballet Idaho Academy

Summer Intensive

2024 Audition

Cost:

$35.00 audition fee

Location:

BALLET IDAHO

501 S 8th Street Boise, ID 83702

Date and Times:

Saturday, January 13, 2024

3:00 - 4:30 Group 1, Intermediate

Onsite Registration 2:30

4:30 - 6:00 Group 2, Advanced

Onsite Registration 4:00

Ballet Idaho’s 2024 Summer Intensive is for intermediate and advanced students, ages 11 - 22. The four-week program is July 8 – August 2, 2024, and will focus on Ballet, Pointe & Variations, and offer supplemental courses in Conditioning, Contemporary, Jazz, and Choreography. Faculty includes Ballet Idaho artistic staff and guest faculty from other distinguished companies and schools. Unique to our Intensive is the ‘Company Experience’, taking place in the 4th week. Replicating a day in the life of a professional dancer, each day students will work with Ballet Idaho company members and artistic staff as they delve into Ballet Idaho Repertory. An informal showcase will take place on Friday, August 2, 2024, highlighting student accomplishments and creativity. Our full schedule will be both rigorous and rewarding as dancers cultivate technique, strength, and versatility - all while making memories that last a lifetime. We hope you join us in the City of Trees in July!

Ballet Term of the Month

Check here every month for a new word!

The January ballet term is: Polonaise

A processional dance in 3/4 time with which the court ballets of the seventeenth century were opened. It may be seen today in such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. The polonaise is a march in which two steps are taken forward on the demi-pointes and then the third step is taken flat with the supporting knee bent in fondu and the other leg raised in front.*

*description courtesy of American Ballet Theater

Isabella Knott

The 2nd year Ballet Idaho Trainee is in her perfect space and excited for the future.

by Cassie Mrozinski

Photo by Quinn Wharton

CM: When did you start dancing?

IK: My parents put me in ballet when I was five years old because they were afraid I was going to inherit my dad’s posture. Upon realizing dance was rather pricey, they told me I could try other hobbies if I wanted, but by then it was simply too late. I was hooked.

CM: How is Ballet Idaho’s Trainee Program different from other programs you looked into and what affected your decision to come here?

IK: Ballet Idaho’s trainee program is tightly woven with the company. Whether it be company class or performances, it is such a rich experience. The thought of dancing next to so many seasoned and successful artists was beyond exciting to me. There are multiple benefits of the program but one that stood out to me the most was the way Ballet Idaho prepares dancers for auditions. It is insanely difficult to balance a full-time schedule away from home while feverishly auditioning for companies. Variation coaching and guidance on the dos and don’ts of auditions are just some of the wonderful benefits of this program. As a young dancer, advice on how to thrive in this area is invaluable. Ballet Idaho was easily one of my top choices. After receiving my acceptance email, the generosity and support I felt from corresponding with the artistic staff let me know I found my perfect fit.

CM: What would you tell a dancer who is considering Ballet Idaho’s Trainee Program?

IK: I would tell them that being a Trainee at Ballet Idaho is an unmatched experience. The environment cultivated by the artistic staff and dancers is warm and uplifting. Each company artist in Ballet Idaho brings a feeling so unique to themselves and yet together they blend seamlessly. This is mirrored in the way the trainees’ individual voices are refined and nurtured. This time in our careers is about testing the waters. It’s about the transition from student life to professional careers. This program provides the perfect space to do just that. Countless choreographers visit Ballet Idaho and share their wealth of knowledge. The small group size also makes for connections you’ll take with you far beyond your years as a trainee. Your time in this program will help you grow not only as a dancer but as an artist.

CM: What is something you have learned about yourself during this training?

IK: My training here has taught me about my ability to adapt. When starting at Ballet Idaho I had very little experience with contemporary dance. However, with Ballet Idaho being such a contemporary heavy company, I had multiple opportunities to work in different styles and with many choreographers right off the bat. It was like learning a whole new language with my body. At first, it was daunting, but soon I found myself exploring new ways to use my extremities and express deeper emotions facially. I was also lucky enough to be surrounded by so many dancers whom I could learn from and go to for guidance. As weeks passed, I found it easier to pick up the movement and my love for contemporary quickly grew. It is now my favorite style to dance and one of my biggest accomplishments while training at Ballet Idaho.

CM: What is your favorite role you have danced while here and why?

IK: My favorite role I’ve performed at Ballet Idaho was dancing as a swan in last year’s production of Swan Lake. Associate Artistic Director Anne Mueller choreographed swans on us right there in the studio. I loved every second of the process. Watching the trial and error. Being there for the inside jokes. Things the audience would never know about from the finished product but felt so personal. It was many long days of demanding work, but I feel like those are the moments that we as dancers bond the most. As a corps of sixteen swans, that collective power is so important, and it was wonderful to feel that on and off stage. I cherish the strength, beauty, and comradery I felt while performing. The whole experience was truly magical.

CM: Is there a dancer at Ballet Idaho or elsewhere who truly inspires you?

IK: Ashley Baker, a soloist here at Ballet Idaho, has stood out to me ever since I started here. She has such an authentic aura, a gorgeous port de bras, and watching her in class is like seeing the human embodiment of music. Ashley’s deliberate and unwavering work ethic is something I truly admire. I love that you can see the intention behind every movement. No transition goes untouched or unnoticed. It is a privilege to take class with her and watch as she meticulously develops her work. I aspire to put purpose behind my dancing the way Ashley Baker does.

CM: What are your professional goals as a dancer?

IK: It is hard to pick a handful of goals when there is still so much of my professional career ahead of me. As a young dancer, the future can often look scattered and unnerving. I see myself in a company that does a large amount of contemporary, as well as classical ballets. I hope to find more depth in my art and experiment in areas that are still new to me, such as improv. I hope to fit like a piece of a puzzle wherever I end up. The only feeling better than the love for your art form is being surrounded by people who share that same passion and hunger. I would also love to go on tour. So much of performance is fueled by audience feedback, and what an experience it would be to have a brand-new audience every night. The traveling, the anticipation, the energy of a tour would be an adventure like no other. A trip around Europe doesn’t sound too bad either. There is still so much exciting unknown ahead of me and I can’t wait for my future to unfold.

Opera Idaho

Operatini:

Resident Company Singers

Come enjoy an evening of music, food, and drinks! The ticket price includes dinner and members of our Resident Company performing some of their favorite musical theatre and opera selections.

Thursday, January 18

The Sapphire Room

Click here for tickets.

Boise Phil

Rachmaninoff the Romantic

January 20, 2024

Is there anything more romantic than Rachmaninoff? His Piano Concerto No. 2 features swoon-worthy melodies, heart-wrenching harmonies, and a sense of bittersweet yearning. This piece packs a satisfying emotional punch while also delivering some of the most impressive fingerwork you’ll see on stage. You won’t want to miss Haochen Zhang’s virtuosity in this romantic romp.

Click here for tickets.

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