Month: August 2013

1. The Nutcracker Composed in 1891 by Tchaikovsky, this timeless classic is the most performed ballet of the modern era. It wasn’t until 1944 when the first production of The Nutcracker was performed in America by the San Francisco Ballet. Since then it has become a tradition to perform during the holiday season, as it rightly should.… Continue reading Top 7 Ballets

https://youtu.be/q1xgzGLCvw4 A ballerina is known for her ability to stand on the tips of her toes in shiny, satin shoes. Pointe shoes are special ballet shoes that support the foot and allow a dancer to achieve this feat. Because all of the dancer’s weight is distributed over a very small platform at the tip of… Continue reading What are Pointe Shoes?

Beenleigh EisteddfodEisteddfod Co-ordinator –Heather ChristensenAssistant: Moya McKeon 07-3804-048807-3382-7604Established: 1985www.quotabeenleigh.org.au Biloela EisteddfodContact: Jo Robins0488 923 624PO Box 27Biloela QLD 4715 Held: May (Music/Speech and Drama) September (Dance)Year Established – 1965Categories offered:Instrumental, Singing, Speech & Drama, Dance Border District EisteddfodJoan Smith – Secretary13 Matthew StreetStanthorpe QLD 4380 07- 681-1586Entries Close: AprilHeld: JuneYear Established – 1971 Brisbane Eisteddfod… Continue reading Queensland Eisteddfods 2013

Ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century. Noblemen and women were treated to lavish events, especially wedding celebrations, where dancing and music created an elaborate spectacle. Dancing masters taught the steps to the nobility, and the court participated in the performances. In the 16th century, Catherine de Medici, an Italian noblewoman,… Continue reading History of Ballet

Biography of Fred Astaire With his older sister and dance partner Adele, vaudeville performer Fred Astaire became the toast of Broadway during the Jazz Age while partnering with composers George and Ira Gershwin to redefine American musical theatre. After Adele’s retirement in 1931, Astaire tried his luck in Hollywood, pairing with Ginger Rogers at RKO… Continue reading Great Dancers-Fred Astaire

Breaking in new pointe shoes is important to make them easier to dance in, and they can be bent, molded, massaged and even scraped to get the proper flexibility and traction. Find out how to safely break new a brand new pair of shoes with helpful instruction from a ballet and pointe teacher in this… Continue reading How to Break in Pointe Shoes