Minds In Motion begins 3rd Israeli Residency!

It's been a while since we've posted, so today we're excited to bring you Katherine Smothers' first update from Minds In Motion's third annual Israeli residency!

Shalom! Jordan Livermon and I made it to Israel! After tricking our bodies into ignoring the 7 hour difference, we began teaching Minds In Motion at Beit Yitzhak Elementary School Sunday morning at 8:00 am. It is so exciting to be here and we were greeted with the smiles and hugs from hundreds of students. This year, we are teaching three 4th grade classes back to back. Then we work with a group of the Israeli students chosen for Team XL after last year's residency. These students will soon be joined by new 4th grade XL dancers. Like last year, we are also teaching the entire 5th grade. For the very first time, there is a special addition to our schedule and to the final Minds In Motion performance- participation by a class from the neighboring Arab village, Kalansawa. These Arab students will dance alongside the students from Beit Yitzhak. All of the dancers we worked with our first day were great and very enthusiastic. My Hebrew has improved, Jordan is learning some, and we are both learning bits of Arabic.

After our 6 classes yesterday, we were whisked off to Apollonia, an archeological site sitting on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It was spectacular! The weather here was near 80 during the day and, as the sun was setting over the Sea, we walked along a boardwalk watching surfers and families, saw a wedding, then ate dinner during a sudden thunderstorm!

We are looking forward to Brett joining us next week as we prepare for the final performance of this residency. Virginia's Governor McDonnell and the first lady will be in attendance and the preparations for that visit are underway!

Now we're off to explore & eat!! ~Katherine

Cleopatra Avery: A New Apprentice

Cleopatra Avery was a trainee for 2 years before becoming one of our new Apprentices for the 11-12 Season. We asked her what it's like to make the exciting transition...

What was it that first attracted you to the Richmond Ballet?

I honestly didn’t know much about Richmond Ballet before coming here, but when I came for my audition class I had the chance to watch the company rehearse Cinderella. I liked everything that I saw. Valerie Tellman was rehearsing the role of Cinderella, and I was impressed by her facility and artistry. I also remember her wearing a hot pink leotard with a matching pink skirt; she looked just like a princess!

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your experiences as a trainee with the School of Richmond Ballet?

I really have enjoyed the chance to take modern dance classes.

How did your two years in the trainee program at Richmond Ballet prepare you to earn the apprenticeship?

Being a trainee for two years made me aware of the way that the artistic staff likes things, stylistically. Plus, I already am familiar with some of the company’s repertoire; for instance, I already know a lot of the choreography from The Nutcracker from dancing in it as a trainee.

How does it feel to be starting out your career dancing full time with a ballet company?

It’s definitely exciting, but I know it's a lot of hard work. Starting at 10am instead of 1pm is definitely different, but it's a relief to not get up at 5:30am to go work before ballet class, like I did when I was working on my own in addition to doing the traineeship.

What are you most excited for this season?

I can’t wait to begin working on Coppelia. I love that ballet!

What are you most nervous about?

Picking up and learning modern choreography. The company is so quick when it comes to learning new movement!

How have your family/friends supported you in this process of preparing to dance with a professional company?

They’ll be coming down to see as many shows as they can! They’re definitely happy for me, and are glad that I’m here.

So far, how has your perspective towards dance/this profession changed since your being promoted to an apprentice?

Sometimes it’s frustrating to think about how far I have to go in my growth as a dancer. Even after dancing for 10 years, I feel like I know nothing, and want to be able to do certain things already. But, even though I have so much to learn, I’m glad to be working on it every day a little bit more!