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Join Our List
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Dear Guild Members and Patrons,
We are now in our third year of the Los Gatos Ballet Guild, and our growth continues, thanks to your support. We have raised over twenty-five thousand dollars the past three years, using these funds to further our mission of enriching our community.
We have had a fantastic spring. I have been particularly touched by several of our projects. First of all, I am very proud that we were able to collaborate with two additional non-profits in promoting the arts. As funding is extremely scarce during a difficult economy, the arts are especially hard hit. So it was our pleasure to work with the Museum of Art in Los Gatos and with the National Art Honor Society. Our collaboration on several projects promoted the arts and introduced each group's membership base to other art supporters. Additionally, we further developed our dance education outreach program Leaps and Bounds, having an impact on some adorable and enthusiastic second graders. Please see following articles on these two groups.
I would like to ask you to please help us continue the work that we have begun. Is it time to renew your annual membership? Would you like to volunteer your time? Pick up a Guild brochure at the studio or follow the link in the menu bar and join us in furthering the art of dance in our community and to our youth.
Barbie Aknin
Los Gatos Ballet Guild Council President
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COPPELIA
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by Julie Collier
In a small Bavarian village, the beautiful Swanhilda encounters a doll so life-like that the entire village mistakes her for a real girl. And so begins the story of Coppelia, the first full length production by Los Gatos Ballet. Coppelia premiered on May 15, 2009 at the Heritage Theater in Campbell, California. Danced in three acts, Coppelia was staged and choreographed by Marcie Ryken and Sarah Arnold, to the music of Leo Delibes. In all, 109 students participated this year. Included for the first time in this year's Spring show were the youngest students of LGB, ages 4 and 5, as well as members of the adult ballet class. The delightful Kristina Speidel, age 16, brought her grace and charm to the lead role of Swanhilda. Joining the Company and students of Los Gatos Ballet were Maximo Califano, principal dancer from Ballet San Jose, who danced the role of Swanhilda's fiancé Franz, and Rob Steacy, fresh from his role as Drosselmeyer in San Jose Dance Theater's Nutcracker, as the eccentric Dr. Coppelius. Lavish costumes in glorious colors beautifully accented the wonderful sets and backdrop created by the Valley Christian High School National Art Honor Society.
Following the dynamic finale of Coppelia, the audience was treated to the Youth Choreography Showcase. Each year Intermediate and Advanced dancers are given the opportunity to demonstrate their creative vision by choreographing numbers to music of their choosing. They have full responsibility for determining the style of dance, casting, costume design, lighting, and stage direction. The result was a truly impressive display of enormous talent. It was an evening to remember!
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National Art Honor Society Students Help Set the Stage
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by Julie Collier and Leighton Isaacs
Contributing to the charm of the Spring production of Coppelia was the beautiful backdrop depicting a quaint Barvarian village. Perhaps the most surprising detail about this beautiful backdrop is that it was designed and painted by a group of talented high school artists.
LGB Director Marcie Ryken's desire for this full-length production was to have a professional backdrop and props to complete the story. In early spring, Valley Christian High School art instructor Leighton Isaacs was contacted about the opportunity paint a backdrop for the production of Coppelia. Mrs. Isaacs is head of the Valley Christian High School chapter of the National Art Honor Society. Established in 1978 by the National Art Education Association, the purpose of the NAHS is "to recognize and encourage those students who have shown outstanding ability in art, to foster excellence and a dedicated spirit to the pursuit of art and to serve our community and those inneed through service projects related to the visual arts". Over fifty qualified VCHS Art and photography students from grades 9-12 participated in the program this year.
After meeting and discussing opportunity to partner with LGB, the officers of the club enthusiastically agreed to make this project their first community service project. Eighteen students volunteered to work on the backdrop, which was constructed of four large (6 by 10ft.) wooden frames with canvas stretched across them.
First, the student artists did research on the ballet's story and looked at Coppelia backdrops used by other ballet companies as well as collecting images of Bavarian villages and street scenes. The NAHS president, Cachet Whitman, age 17, designed a sketch of the village scene which was then scanned, enlarged and projected onto the primed flats. Various students carefully traced the basic outlines onto the large canvases. Then, the painting process began! Over the next several weeks, Mrs. Isaacs supervised as students painted the scene, from the first layer to the smallest details of the clock tower, window boxes and the cobblestone street.
After many hours of work, the dedicated artists finished the backdrop just a few days before the performance and it was delivered to the Campbell Heritage Theatre! The students were excited and extremely blessed to be invited to the Friday night performance of Coppelia. According to Mrs. Isaacs, "Watching the beautiful and talented dancers of the Los Gatos Ballet perform in front of "our" backdrop was an experience we will never forget."
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LEAPS and BOUNDS Guild Outreach Program
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By Alison Ahmed
 The Los Gatos Ballet Guild is committed to fostering the love of dance and making it accessible to all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds in Los Gatos and nearby communities. According to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation Arts and Culture Issue Brief, "studies show that arts education is crucial in developing well-rounded students...and exposure to the study and practice of dance helps students gain valuable skills." However, while 90% of adults in Santa Clara County would like to see public school students receive meaningful arts education, such training is difficult to find in Santa Clara County public schools. As schools compete for state and federal funding dollars, arts training is seen as less significant, and many programs are slashed. Seeing this need for local arts education, the Guild proposed an Outreach program during the spring of 2008. LGB selected Anderson Village Elementary, a San Jose Title 1 public school for a pilot project. Guild Council member Alison Ahmed served as the Outreach coordinator and was supported by co-coordinator Mary Imig. Together they worked to develop the following goals: - introduce ballet to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take dance classes - teach children beginning ballet basics including dance terminology, rhythm, counting to music, practicing ballet stretches and steps, and performing simple choreography - collaborate with the Anderson Village performing arts teacher to integrate ballet instruction into the regular classroom program The outreach, appropriately titled Leaps and Bounds, was a smashing success. In 2009 the Guild continued to work with Anderson Village elementary school for a second year. During the expanded seven-week program, which was highlighted in an article in the May 2009 issue of the Silicon Valley edition of Bay Area Parent magazine, instructor Christine Herrera and LGB students Aylin Awbrey and Bianka Bubic met with all four second grade classes for a weekly ballet class. During a culminating assembly at school, second graders demonstrated what they had learned over the course of the program and performed the role of the dolls from Coppelia for their parents as well as the entire student body in K-5th grades. LGB Dancers Bianka Bubic, Kendall Bovenizer, Olivia Ahmed, and Sophie, Chloe and Margo Aknin performed excerpts of their roles in Coppelia for students. The result? Second graders like ballet! "My favorite part of ballet class was plie, leaping, pirouette and bridge. I miss you so much!" (a second grade dancer.) Plus, Anderson Village Elementary staff noted other positive aspects of the program, specifically that students felt connected to Christine and LGB dance mentors, that students remembered dance steps and terms, and students began practicing stretches and dance steps at home. The program provided more than an exposure; it was a truly hands (and feet) on experience! The program concluded with the entire second grade, all 70 students, being treated to the Los Gatos Ballet's first full-length ballet, Coppelia. According to Anderson staff, this field trip was an especially exciting experience for students, who had the opportunity to view roles they had learned performed on stage at the Campbell Community Center Heritage Theater. The Guild hopes to continue this worthwhile program, fostering a love for dance in an underserved community. |
Dancer Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement
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 Aylin Awbrey
Congratulations to Aylin Awbrey, the 2009 recipient of the Guild's Dancer Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. This award recognizes a student who has consistently displayed a passion for dance, a disciplined work ethic, and peer mentoring abilities. Chosen by LGB Director Marcie Ryken and Associate Director Sarah Arnold, Aylin received her award before the Spring performance of Coppelia.
Aylin will begin her junior year this Fall at The King's Academy. While she admits that balancing her busy dance schedule with the demands of school isn't easy, Aylin says that "the fact that I get to dance everyday makes the hard, late homework nights totally worth it."
Aylin's repertoire at LGB includes a Hungarian Gypsy in Gypsy Caravan, a Lion and Seaweed in Carnival of the Animals, and Mazurka lead and the Scottish Doll in Coppelia. She has also danced numerous roles in the Nutcracker. Her favorite roles have been Mazurka lead in Coppelia and the Snow and Flower numbers in Nutcracker.
When asked how she felt when her name was announced, Aylin said, "I couldn't believe it! It was such a surprise because it didn't even cross my mind that I might win the Merit Award. I was so happy that I cried tears of joy!" Aylin has some advice for younger dancers: "Dance your heart out, keep a positive attitude in every situation, and never ever give up on your dreams! It's hard in ballet because it's very easy to get discouraged, especially since you are constantly staring in a mirror critiquing yourself-but don't let anything or anyone keep you from putting in your best effort, because if you put in your best effort, you will be blessed!"
The Dancer Merit Award includes a tiara for the dancer, a gift certificate to Discount Dance Supply, and the dancer's name on a plaque kept at the studio. The Guild is delighted to recognize Aylin's outstanding work, her consistent mentoring skills, and love of dance. Congratulations, Aylin!
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WHAT'S THE POINTE?
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Where has your investment been used this spring? We want to keep you updated.
The Guild funded:
ˇ Our dance education outreach program, "Leaps and Bounds", in which 2nd graders of Anderson Village Elementary School took an 8 week dance instruction and education program.
ˇ A trip to a performance of Coppelia for the entire 2nd grade of Anderson Village Elementary School. Most of these children have had few, if any, opportunities to experience the performing arts first hand.
ˇ The beautiful backdrop and props for the spring production of Coppelia.
ˇ The lovely color program for Coppelia.
ˇ 2009 Merit Award, which included a tiara, $100 gift certificate, and plaque awarded to Aylin Awbrey.
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PATRONS en POINTE RECEPTION
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Art and Dance Join Together
On April 25, 2009 the Los Gatos Ballet Guild hosted their annual Patrons on Pointe reception at the Art Museum of Los Gatos. This collaboration of the arts was the perfect way to thank Guild members and past donors for supporting Los Gatos Ballet and to introduce guests to the Guild and its mission. Paintings and sculpture provided the backdrop for an afternoon of wine and hors d'oeuvres in support of Los Gatos Ballet. A silent auction included café sketches of LGB dancers. The Guild wishes to thank the Art Museum of Los Gatos for graciously opening their doors in celebration of the performing arts in our local community.
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COLLABORATION OF ARTISTS
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Dancers Pose for Museum of Los Gatos Artists
 Several of our youth collaborated with the Los Gatos Museum of Art in their artist in residence program. Two advanced dancers were chosen to pose for local artists at the museum. The dancers wore tutus and received modeling instruction during the sitting. The girls were paid for their work, which was a thrill. Some of the artists then donated several works to our silent auction and sold some pieces as well. They have asked us to send several more girls in August for another sitting.
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JUNIOR GUILD Our Year in the Junior Guild
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by Heather Sabel,
Junior Guild Treasurer
This year the Los Gatos Ballet Junior Guild met once a month on Saturday mornings in order to organize the many events we planned. In the fall, we held a Adopt-a-Mouse fundraiser. Bag lunches were pre-ordered by dancers and their families and distributed at rehearsal for the Nutcracker. The proceeds were donated to San Jose Dance Theatre to help purchase new mouse costumes for the Nutcracker.
Next, we turned our attention to planning our Coppelia Doll Party. This was held immediately following the Los Gatos Ballet Open House, and was open to everyone ages 4 and up. Children could go to the Doll Party while their parents went to the Patrons en Pointe Reception at the Los Gatos Museum of Art. Junior Guild members transformed the ballet studio into Dr. Coppelius' Workshop. There were many activities to plan, such as taking pictures with Swanhilda (with costumes), decorating a picture frame for the picture, making necklaces, and face painting, as well as snacks, and games like "Pass the Hot Pointe Shoe", with prizes for the winners. It took a lot of planning and careful attention to details, but in the end, the Junior Guild was able to put on two successful events this year.
Besides planning events, we also went to see Ballet San Jose' A Midsummer Night's Dream at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. One of our teachers, Maximo Califano, danced the role of Oberon in the Ballet. It was fun to get together and get dressed up to see the show. It was also fun to sit in the audience at the CPA for a change! At the end when Maximo took his bow, we all waved our cell phones so Maximo could see the lights and would know that we were there watching him.
All of these events, plus our Ballet Buddies program at Nutcracker, helped us to come together and get to know each other better. Not only did we get to know dancers in our own levels, but also in other levels, helping to create a more unified atmosphere at Los Gatos Ballet. Personally, I loved putting on these events and being a part of the Junior Guild. We had a great, positive, productive and enjoyable year.
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What Are LGB Dancers Doing This Summer?
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While most high school students are looking forward to a little down time during summer vacation, some of LGB's dancers are gearing up for weeks of hard work in summer intensive ballet programs around the country. The dancers audition for these highly competitive programs in January and February. Participating in a summer intensive gives dancers the opportunity to be seen by schools of companies they may be interested in joining. The success LGB dancers have with being accepted by some of the most prestigious programs in the country is a reflection of the quality of the training provided by Los Gatos Ballet!
LGB dancers were accepted to the following programs:
ˇ American Ballet Theater-Texas
ˇ American Ballet Theater-California
ˇ American Ballet Theater-Alabama
ˇ San Francisco Conservatory of Dance
ˇ Joffrey Ballet
ˇ Alonzo King's Lines Ballet
ˇ Oregon Ballet Theater
ˇ Boston Ballet
ˇ Kirov
ˇ Ballet Magnificat
ˇ Bossov Ballet
Congratulations dancers!
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POMP and CIRCUMSTANCE
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LGB Congratulates Katie Laufman!
Los Gatos Ballet congratulates Katie Laufman on her graduation from High School. Katie was one of the first students at LGB when the studio opened in 2001. She reported feeling thankful that she was able to dance at LGB for so many years, and expressed gratitude towards Marcie and all the instructors and LGB for the high quality training she received. Katie's advice to young dancers-don't be afraid to take risks. Katie feels that this is one of the most important things she learned at LGB, and she believes that taking risks is an essential part of becoming a more confident dancer. Katie is heading to Sonoma State University in the fall. She plans to continue to pursue opportunities to dance while in college. Congratulations, Katie, and best of luck to you in the future!
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