community commu n i t y life l i fe Les Sylphides ballet It's all in theFamilies 60 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F Emagaz ine.com Napa Valley Ballet enters its seventh year as dance program Napa Valley Ballet is Napa’s only non-profit dance school and one of this community’s best-kept secrets. It was uniquely conceived after the director of a beloved Napa ballet school retired and closed her doors. The school’s forty families collectively raised funds, launched and then operated this unique venture that is now over 100 families strong. NVB is a dynamic program focused on providing the level of classical ballet training usually found in larger cosmopolitan cities. After only seven years of operation, the school boasts graduates in college and pre-professional dance programs, and dancers appearing professionally in local companies. NVB’s high quality of instruction is all due to its staff of current and former Bay Area dance professionals, who are passionate about maintaining high standards of technical training and in fostering the love of ballet as an art form. While stressing artistry and the beauty of movement, NVB’s curriculum builds self-esteem and improves students’ posture and physical strength. Classes promote individual growth, respect, and personal discipline. Sessions are available to students ages 3 to adult. Also part of the curriculum is a men’s class, pas de deux and choreography taught by an experienced male instructor. Napa Valley Ballet has begun its 2013-2014 dance year with additional staff members and a new performing company of advanced dancers. Kevin Hockenberry, an accomplished dancer and master teacher/choreographer, has just joined forces with newly appointed NVB Ballet Mistress Emmee LaRose to create the area’s first performing dance company fashioned to perform in venues throughout the Valley. Hockenberry has appeared in works by Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine and Thaddeus Davis. NVB has held performances at the Lincoln Theater, Jarvis Conservatory, the District Auditorium and the Napa Valley Opera House, and has staged such classic ballets as Les Sylphides, The Firebird, and excerpts from Swan Lake as well as several other truly original pieces. Currently on the boards at the school’s Napa studios and set for a December 15 performance at the Napa Valley Opera House, is a ballet inspired by local pianist Tom Flesher. Five pieces by George Gershwin are now in the works and being staged by Ms. LaRose. This ballet, entitled “Rhapsody!”, will feature the school’s advanced students as well as some of our local dance professionals with Flesher accompanying the dancers live onstage. Also on the December 15 program will be the popular holiday piece “A Visit to Santa’s Workshop.” In this ballet, two hard-working toymakers craft rare and wonderful toys, but often have trouble controlling them when they magically come to life. As an added treat, after the performance audience members will be invited to a party with Santa and toys in the downstairs Opera House café. Napa Valley Ballet also serves as a Cultural Resource Partner for Cope Family Center, providing scholarships and access to performances for underserved families in our community. For more information visit www.NapaValleyBallet.org Young ballet students Families
NVLife_NovDec_2013
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