The Los Angeles Times calls Judy Morr "perhaps the most important dance figure in in the past quarter of a century in Southern California." Morr is the Executive Vice President of the 25-year-old Segerstrom Center for the Arts and is responsible for the dance programming at the Center. In this Q&A, Morr offers tips to gain the attention of people in charge of programming decisions. She also shares her ideas about the symbiosis between emerging arts scenes and growing audiences, her vision for the future of dance in Southern California and more.

How do you decide which dancers or companies to include in a season?

It varies. Sometimes I include them because I'm confident that we can work on a project that will meet the goals of what the Center is projecting for that year. Sometimes it's because I'm in awe of their talent and creativity and I want to help them with their next project. Sometimes it's because there's an opportunity that you can't pass by. Dance is so in the moment. You have to be ready to do it when the opportunity is there, because that particular concept will disappear. I'm not saying something new wouldn't come along, because it always does. But if you feel real empathy for, or really simpatico with, the people and ideas involved in a certain project, you have to go for it.

Do you see your role as supporting the artists in Southern CA, or more to grow appreciation of all the arts - from anywhere - with Southern CA audiences?

I would like to see both. I think there's still work to be done before there is the desire to have a large dance company in Orange County. Orange County isn't quite ready for that, although I'm a great admirer of the artists who work here. I'm working with Segerstrom Hall, which is a 3,000-seat theater. What might be appropriate for a smaller venue often times doesn't work on a giant stage with such a large number of seats. It's like your home - that's what you have to work with and you have to find the artists who would work best in your house.

By doing that, is it possible to nurture a growing audience that will in turn support the artists in Southern CA?

That's so what we need to do and it's a constant effort. My colleagues and I talk about it all the time. A lot of what we do and think about and plan for is how to increase interest and introduce audiences to dance.

Judy Morr and Alexei Ratmansky at the ABT Firebird Premiere Party April 2012

What advice would you give anyone who would like to pursue a job like yours?

I would recommend that they work in as many areas of the theater as they can, which will give them the background to go in any direction they want. 

by Tamara Johnson   

Prima Soft  Silhouette Pointe Shoe

The first question I am often asked by mom or dad bringing their daughter for her first pointe shoe fitting is, "What is the best beginner pointe shoe?" The reply is simple. There is no single pointe shoe that can be classified as "beginner." It is imperative to determine what shoe(s) will work best for this dancer's individual needs.

A dancer attending a reputable ballet school has been guided carefully, slowly and repetitively preparing for pointe work. Strengthening pre-pointe exercises were introduced in her technique class and these same exercises will apply in her pointe training. If the dancer was instructed to have a shank-less pointe shoe (often called a "pre-pointe" shoe) we would hope she was instructed never to try to stand en pointe in these shoes as they have no support, neither in the shank nor box, and she would risk an injury.

Take the time to seek out a dancewear store that has a good reputation for specifically fitting pointe shoes, as these are fit very differently from any other type of shoe. When calling or stopping by the store, do not hesitate to ask questions. Is there an expert who specializes in pointe shoe fitting on the premises? Do you need an appointment to be sure she/he will be available? Be sure to tell the fitter that this is your first experience with pointe shoes, the name of your ballet instructor and that you have your instructor's approval to purchase your shoes.  READ MORE.