 Greetings!
Thank you for your response to the first issue of Russian Pointe Newsletter. In this second issue, we introduce two new feature columns: "Spotlight" and "Connections." In Spotlight columns, we talk with stars of Russian Pointe, dance and the arts. In Connections, we fill you in on some of my business and artistic activities over the past month. This newsletter also includes our first "Russian Pointe Quiz" question.
What else would you like to read about? Please don't hesitate to let us know if there is something you'd like to see in the Newsletter.
Aleksandra Efimova, President
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| Online Shopping is Here!
Russian Pointe Dance Boutique offers the finest bodywear, shoes and accessories at our historic location on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Our collections include products for ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, skating and gymnastics, plus makeup, books, music and fine art. Now, these same products are available online.
Please browse our beautiful collections. |
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Marketing News
Beautifully designed mailing cards available for authorized retailers
Our mailing campaign now includes a series of cards highlighting the features of Russian Pointe pointe shoes. Cards are available for the Jewels, Classic and Polette collections, plus a special card about the skilled craftsmanship that goes into each Russian Pointe shoe. Please click on the image above to view the cards. Please contact Russian Pointe to receive cards for your own mailings. | |
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 The Bridal Collection
Wedding Shoes by Werner Kern, exclusively for Russian Pointe
Russian Pointe Dance Boutique presents a new collection of ballroom shoes designed for brides. Crafted in Italy by the renowned Werner Kern, the collection will include up to a dozen styles in white satin, from an elegant pump to a strappy sandal.  Many men's styles are also available. Both men's and women's styles come in a wonderful array of sizes and widths, for comfort for every foot shape. "Bridal couples need shoes that are beautiful for the wedding, and comfortable and supportive for dance lessons and the reception. In Werner Kern shoes, blisters and discomfort won't get in the way of enjoying your special day," says Aleksandra Efimova.
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Russian Pointe Quiz
What famous ballerina had a dessert named in her honor?
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Join the Russian Pointe Team!
Have you ever dreamed of combining your dance experience with your business expertise? Russian Pointe has exciting openings in the wholesale division and at Russian Pointe Dance Boutique. If you are truly dedicated to the arts and have spectacular customer service skills, please read our job listings.
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Spotlight...
Audrey Watson Talks Shop
 Chicago-area dancers are thanking their lucky stars for makeup pro Audrey Watson. Audrey teaches Russian Pointe Dance Boutique customers how to use professional stage makeup (the Boutique carries Ben Nye and Kryolan), and is also available for special seminars (such as one last summer for students at Ballet Chicago).
In the Boutique, she spends "from five minutes to two hours" with individual customers, to make sure that they are totally comfortable with using the makeup. Some are familiar with stage makeup and just need help choosing colors, but others are novices and need instruction and reassurance. "Dancers are sometimes afraid they won't put it on properly, or they see how it looks close-up and think they will look like clowns on stage," she says. One technique Audrey uses is to make up one side of the face, and then have the customer try to match it on the other side. To help customers understand that stage makeup has to be much stronger than everyday makeup, she encourages them to step back from the mirror to get a better sense of how the makeup will look from a distance, and reminds them of the effects of harsh stage lighting.
Every face is different, so that general instructions can't match the individualized advice and techniques that Audrey provides. She does offer some tips that apply broadly, however.
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Moscow Virtuosi
 On Sunday, May 18, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall welcomed the acclaimed Moscow Virtuosi chamber orchestra, led by violinist and conductor Vladimir Spivakov and joined by virtuoso pianist Olga Kern. The program included works by Shostakovich, Schoenberg, Haydn, Piazzolla and Gulda.
Aleksandra Efimova attended this one-night-only performance, which was part of the orchestra's 30th-anniversary world tour. "The concert was absolutely breathtaking," she said. Aleksandra enjoyed meeting Kern and Spivakov backstage after the performance. "They were very gracious, and so passionate about the music," she added. | |
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| Connections...
Visit to Boston and Cambridge; Chicago Arts Club with Ashley Wheater; Fox Valley Hall of Fame with Kenneth von Heidecke
 In late May, Aleksandra spent three days in Cambridge and Boston, paying a visit to Harvard Business School, where she will begin studies in a three-week session in the fall. "I'm very much looking forward to being part of this program," she says. "I feel that this will be a great opportunity for growth and development of Russian Pointe."
While in the Boston area, Aleksandra met with Boston Ballet company and school staff, and with dancers including principal Larissa Ponomarenko, a long-time wearer of Russian Pointe. She also found time to get to know Boston and Cambridge a little better, including
a walk down fashionable Newbury Street and a ride on the legendary Swan Boats in the Public Gardens.
 On May 12, Aleksandra was one of 20 members of the Chicago Arts Club invited to be present as Joffrey Ballet artistic director Ashley Wheater was interviewed by Chicago dance critic Lucia Mauro. In a fascinating interview, Wheater talked about his move to Chicago and his plans for the growth and development of the Company, Aleksandra reports.
Also in May, Aleksandra attended the induction of dancer and choreographer Kenneth von Heidecke into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. Von Heidecke is best known as the dancer chosen by Maria Tallchief to perform the premier of Balanchine's Orfeo and Euridice, and as the founder and artistic director of Chicago Festival Ballet.
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