After four days of access to New York City Ballet (NYCB) dancers, I’m going through withdrawal!

I started this wonderful long weekend with a master ballet class team taught by Abi Stafford, Principal Dancer, NYCB, and Andrew Scordato, Corps de Ballet dancer, NYCB.  They took turns giving combinations as we worked our way through a warm-up and did across-the-floor movement. Then we learned steps from Tony and Maria’s dance from West Side Story. It helped to have the two of them teaching us- Andrew demonstrated Tony’s part and Abi did Maria’s part.

The next day I made the trip to Williams College, where twelve NYCB dancers performed Alex Ramantsky’s Russian Seasons. It was different watching the piece in a small venue. Plus at the end there was a Q&A session so we heard some behind-the-scenes info.  Earlier in the day, I was also able to observe a master class taught by NYCB Principal Dancer Jenifer Ringer.  She gave wonderful combinations and was able to provide corrections to the participants in a down to earth manner. It would have been fun to take the class, but it was a treat to watch, since NYCB company members took the class along with college students and people from the community. Guess who my eyes were focused on throughout the class!

Then it was back to the Capital Region the following day with a chance to watch six other NYCB dancers rehearse and perform two pieces choreographed by Justin Peck, NYCB Dancer and new choreographer, Apollo by George Balanchine, and Swan Song by Debra J. Fernandez, Professor of Dance, Skidmore College. The whole performance was magical, especially with the Zankel Theatre, Skidmore College, providing windows to the outdoors as a stage backdrop!

The last event was my favorite. Andrew Scordato stayed an extra day to teach a master class at Albany Dance & Fitness. He has guest taught at my studio a few other times and each time it brings me great joy. I get to take class with my students and I love seeing them have so much fun! Andrew just wanted us to enjoy dancing and we did.

The dancers have all left the area, so for now I’ll have to just watch one of my many DVDs or take a trip to NYC in November when they perform Nutcracker. And then in March 2013, Andrew will be back to teach a class at Albany Dance & Ffitness!