Toby Batley Toby Batley

Reasons to Learn Ballet as a Classical Dance

Learning ballet offers numerous benefits for children and adults, including those that come with learning a celebrated classical dance form known the world over. This timeless art form goes beyond the grace and beauty it exhibits; it represents a journey through history, culture, and global influences.

Here are some reasons ballet can make you or your child a passionate classical dance fan and why aspiring dancers from all walks of life should be googling “classical dance classes near me.”

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Toby Batley Toby Batley

Understanding Ballet as a Classical Dance

Classical dance, a revered art form, has captivated audiences for centuries with its grace, precision, and expressive power. Among the various types of classical dance, ballet stands out as one of the most well-known throughout the world. Understanding what defines classical dance and how ballet fits into this category helps us deepen our appreciation for these art forms and better understand our own culture and others.

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Toby Batley Toby Batley

Things to Know About Working With Music in Ballet

Ballet is an art form that relies heavily on music to enhance its aesthetic and expressive qualities. From training classes and rehearsals to performances, the integration of music is essential for setting the mood, pacing the choreography, and deepening the audience’s emotional engagement. Here are some key things to understand about the relationship between music and ballet, offering insights into its selection, application, and significance.

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Press, Coverage, News, Current Dancers Toby Batley Press, Coverage, News, Current Dancers Toby Batley

Southern California Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' goes virtual

Poway OnStage has teamed up with the Southern California Ballet to present “The Nutcracker” virtual field trip, available now through Dec. 18.

Southern California Ballet traditionally performs the classic Christmas ballet on the stage of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts every holiday season. With COVID-19 restrictions, the dance company and Poway OnStage have a found a way to bring the show to life in a safe manner for children.

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Press, Coverage, News, Current Dancers Toby Batley Press, Coverage, News, Current Dancers Toby Batley

SD Union Tribune: Creative versions of ‘The Nutcracker’ will keep holiday tradition alive

Those not quite ready to attend an in-person performance can catch unique twists on virtual productions, starting with Southern California Ballet.

The Carmel Mountain-based company and ballet school is partnering with Poway OnStage to create a virtual “Nutcracker” field trip for school groups, special needs groups and senior groups.

[…]

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Press, Coverage, News, Current Dancers Toby Batley Press, Coverage, News, Current Dancers Toby Batley

Article Features SCB: Dance studios and gym teach online due to COVID-19

“Dancers are making it work,” said Martha Leebolt, co-artistic director of Southern California Ballet. “They are finding ways ... and we are really proud of them.”

[…]

Immediately upon learning Poway Unified School District was suspending classes, SCB faculty started filming themselves doing components of their classes’ syllabuses on March 13. The videos were uploaded on a website so students could practice at home. On March 23, they added live classes via Zoom and now most teachers film from their homes, Leebolt said, with only she and her husband, Toby Batley, filming in the studio. As they got more became familiar with the technology’s capabilities, teachers offered corrections based on what they saw students doing during interactive sessions.

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Kayla Kressin describes her dance experience at SCB

The highlight of SCB's annual fundraising gala on February 9, 2019 was an eloquent, inspiring speech given by company dancer Kayla Kressin, whose words resonated with everyone in the room and illuminated the capacity that dance has to empower and enliven not only young dancers, but indeed everyone.

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