Behind the Curtain: Costume Style

From party girl dresses to the elaborate design of Chinese costumes, months of preparation go into readying the countless costumes of the Central Florida Ballet's annual Nutcracker.  We invite you to discover what goes on behind the curtain with - Mrs. Debby Williams. She takes the role of CFB's Wardrobe Coordinator every year for this beloved-holiday tradition. 

In our first edition of "Behind the Curtain - Costume Style", Mrs. Williams discusses how she prepares for The Nutcracker and reveals her favorite costume.

1. How far in advance do you start preparing for The Nutcracker? 

I actually begin thinking about next year's Nutcracker during this year's production. As I watch the rehearsals and see the dancers in their costumes, I notice what costumes are beginning to look tired and worn. Then I already have an idea what we need for next year. In the summer, I start gearing up for the mad rush toward Nutcracker season.

2. How many costumes do you have in storage? 

Oh, my!  I’m not sure, but there are hundreds!

A sneak peek into the Central Florida Ballet's costume room...lambs, bon-bons, and soldiers costumes are ready to be tried on new Nutcracker cast members. 

3. What is the process of fitting dancers for costumes? (From measurements to the stage..)

During Nutcracker auditions, all the dancers who come to try out are measured.   After casting, I try the costumes on each of the dancers and then make alterations as necessary.  If a brand new costume is made for someone, then there will be several fittings to make sure the size is correct and the costume is comfortable for dancing.  The costumes must be durable and well-made in order for them to withstand all the turning, stretching, lifting, and movement from the dancers.  We also want to be able to use the costumes for several years, so it is important that they aren’t flimsy.   

4. Do you have a favorite costume? 

That’s a hard question because so many of them are gorgeous, but I guess I am partial to the Spanish because they are bold and bright and beautiful.

5. Are you working on revamping or creating any new costumes this year?

Right now I am working on sprucing up the Waltz costumes to make them last a little longer and look a little more colorful on stage.   

Mrs. Debby Williams concentrates as she sews and adjusts a tutu for the Waltz of the Flowers dance. 

6. What do you think is the most important part of your job?

I see my job as making every single person, from the Treat Carriers to the Sugar Plum Fairy, feel comfortable and confident in their costumes so they can concentrate on dancing and doing a great job on stage.  I want all the dancers to be dressed beautifully and appropriately for their particular part, and for each of them to feel like they are important to the production, because they are!

7. Where do you find your fabric and what inspires you when creating new costumes? 

I love looking at fabric, and I go out of my way to browse fabric shops whenever I can.  I also watch other productions of the Nutcracker or look at pictures on the internet to get ideas.   It’s fun to go see other Nutcracker productions and see what their costumes are like.  

8. Was there a time when you thought a costume would not be ready or some other mishap that happened right before a show?

Every year I think I am not going to get everything done.  The closer it gets to Nutcracker time, the less sleep I get.  My friends bring me coffee and then hang out and help me sew, mend, glue, and iron.  I definitely could not do it by myself.  I am very grateful for the many willing and efficient volunteers who do whatever I ask, and do it with a smile!   As far as mishaps, one year during a show, Drosselmeyer’s eye patch broke and I had about 30 seconds to take a few stiches to repair it before he had to rush back on stage.  Another year, the zipper broke on a dancer’s Chinese costume and I had to whip-stitch it closed as she quickly dashed off to go on stage.  Ultimately, it seems like everything works out, and I try to learn from experience how to make the next year better.

It can't be work all the time! Mrs. Debby Williams chats with friends and the CFB School Director while discussing changes for the Waltz of the Flowers tutus.

Discover which costume you love the most and see them in all their glory when the Central Florida Ballet takes center stage at the Orange County Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec, 23. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/.

Be sure to check back soon for an update from Mrs. Williams!

Taking a hint from area theme parks, CFB's Nutcracker Returns to OCCC

Orlando, Florida, USA - Taking a hint from area theme parks, the Central Florida Ballet is gearing up for one of its ‘most entertaining’ performances of the year: The Nutcracker taking center stage in Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center on December 22^nd at 7:30pm and December 23^rd at 2pm. 

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

Using thrilling pyrotechnics, unique aerial acrobatics, and special effect fiber optics in its production; the Central Florida Ballet (CFB) has garnered attention from ABC Nightline News who filmed CFB’s Nutcracker for a national feature in 2011 and earned recognition from the Wall Street Journal for “delivering aerial acrobatics and mini-explosions”. Becoming accustomed to the national spotlight, the production is also labeled “The Pyrotechnic Nutcracker” in the USA Today and recognized as “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN Headline News. 

These unique touches make The Nutcracker ‘come to life’ for audience-goers says the Central Florida Ballet’s founder & executive director, Vasile Petrutiu. “By adding such thrilling elements ballet audiences do not normally see, you become truly immersed in the story. Making it a crossover between the best of ballet and an entertainment show combined.”

Amongst glowing national recognition, this full-length, professional production will feature Dragos Milhacea of the Royal Swedish Ballet among Anna Dorosh of Kiev Ballet in Ukraine. This year will mark Dorosh’s debut in Orlando while Mihalcea will make a much-anticipated return having previously performed with the Central Florida Ballet in The Nutcracker and Giselle.

Above all the glitz and glamour, Petrutiu’s production of the Nutcracker is about having a good time. Two popular events complementing the ‘Nutcracker experience’ are: The Nutcracker Holiday Brunch held in partnership with the Peabody Hotel. This event hosted before the Sunday Matinee will offer families the opportunity to enjoy a Meet & Greet with characters from the Nutcracker while delighting in the Peabody’s delicious brunch favorites and warm hospitality. The second event, the Nutcracker Silent Auction, will return for two days this year to raise funds for the 2012/13 season and offering unique, last-minute holiday gift opportunities for family and friends.

“It’s about not just watching the dancing; it’s becoming a part of the fun. Not everyone is born with the ability and coordination to dance,” Petrutiu explains. “But everyone can certainly enjoy it and pass on this fantastic holiday experience to each generation”.

Tickets are priced at $80 for “VIP” package, $48 for “Gold Circle”, $36 for Section A, $24 for Section B and $10 for Section C and may be purchased by calling 407 849-9948 or at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/ . 

Performances will be held only at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center.

For more information about the Central Florida Ballet please call 407-849-9948 or visit their web site at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com/

Sasha de Sola, CFB Alumna, Promoted to Soloist at San Francisco Ballet

Hansuke Yamamoto & Sasha de Sola in Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15.
© Dave Morgan and courtesy of San Francisco Ballet.  

Sasha de Sola recently had one of the greatest moments of her career with the San Francisco Ballet. During the second act of a performance on tour in London, SFB's Artistic Director, Heigl Tomasson, took the microphone to announce De Sola's promotion to Soloist! Sasha de Sola, who trained first at Southern Ballet Theater under direction of Vasile Petrutiu and then later at Central Florida Ballet, was featured as Maria in CFB's first and second Nutcracker productions in 2001 and 2002. She later trained at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. for two years. Upon graduating she became an apprentice with the San Francisco Ballet.  

Dance Review: "These dancers are, quite simply, a joy to watch. The most Mozartian performance in the Balanchine is that of Sasha De Sola, who dances as if dispensing fragments of some sublime, heart-locked secret." - The Guardian UK, September 2012

Dance Tabs Review and News Article on De Sola's Promotion

San Francisco News Article on De Sola's Promotion

Top 5 Nutrition Tips for Dancers

A dancer's diet is one of the most important to keep healthy and pirouetting through the day. To ensure your diet is helping you dance the best, we talked with our Central Florida Ballet Nutrition & Pilates Instructor, Lorraine Spack, on her Top 5 Nutrition Tips for a healthy dancer. Read below to discover the best food to eat to have energy during dance, without getting that too full feeling, and more of her expert tips!

1.     ALWAYS EAT BREAKFAST

Breakfast jump starts your metabolism and gives you energy for the day.  Even just a small breakfast of fruit and whole grain toast will energize you and keep you mentally focused throughout your morning activities.

2.     ALWAYS COMBINE A PROTEIN WITH A CARBOHYDRATE

              

Carbohydrates give you the energy needed to dance, while protein provides your body with the essential amino acids needed to build lean muscle.  They work as a team when eaten together by slowing the rate at which your blood sugar rises and falls. This will prevent you from becoming hungry to quickly and will help keep your energy level sustained for a longer period of time.

3.     EAT FREQUENT SMALL MEALS THROUGH OUT THE DAY OF “REAL FOOD”

This is the best way to maintain a consistent high energy level throughout the day, without getting that too full feeling while having to dance.  Avoid many snack foods that are  marketed as “healthy”.  They often contain much added sugar and fat. These do not provide the best nutrients for optimal performance energy and building lean muscle.  Real foods like vegetable sticks and hummus, fruit and yogurt, low fat cheese and brown rice, nuts, seeds and whole grain crackers are much better at fueling the body.

4.     ALWAYS EAT WITHIN 45 MINS. AFTER DANCE OR EXERCISE

Research shows that a window period of about 45 mins. exists after completion of exercise when the body is at its peak for absorption of nutrients. Getting food into the body during this time period allows for improving the recovery rate of muscles, replacing the stored energy in muscles, preventing muscle soreness and encouraging the growth of lean muscle tissue better.

5.     MAINTAIN ADEQUATE HYDRATION

Proper hydration will help fight off fatigue, muscle soreness and electrolyte imbalances. Do not wait to drink until you are thirsty—this is to late. A good rule of thumb is 1 ounce of water for every kilogram of body weight.(1 pound = 2.2 kilograms)

About Lorraine Spack: Fitness Professional

Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Registered Nurse CPR / First Aid / AED Certified

AFAA Certified Personal Trainer & Group Exercise Instructor Specialty Fitness Training & Certifications in Stott Pilates, Yoga, Spinning, Weight Training and Sports Nutrition

  

Lorraine currently teaches Pilates and Nutrition at the Central Florida Ballet Academy 

For more information on the Central Florida Ballet & Academy, please visit http://www.CentralFloridaBallet.com or call 407.849.9942. Fall classes have started! Call today and enroll now before classes fill up.

New Introductory Level Offers Great Addition for Young Dance Students During the Summer

The Central Florida Ballet Academy has announced a new Introductory level for its annual Summer Intensive Dance Program to be held from July 23 - August 11, 2012. Added by popular demand, the level was customized to make a great addition to the training of young dancers over the summer. Students, 7 - 9 years old, will train two days per week in dance classes that include ballet, pre-pointe, theater dance, jazz, modern, and repertory! Plus at the end of the session, a performance demonstration is given for parents and extended family. Students will also benefit from small class sizes and exemplary instruction by the Central Florida Ballet Academy's acclaimed teaching staff.

For information on the program and how to register, click here: http://centralfloridaballet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=112&Itemid=193


Have Questions on the program? Please call the Central Florida Ballet at 407.849.9942.

*Registration is accepted on a first come, first serve basis and is closed when all spots are filled. It is strongly encouraged to register early to skip being waitlisted.

CFBA Student, Photo By Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

CFB Alumni, JoAnna Schmidt, Talks Life Before and After PBT

After graduating from the Central Florida Ballet Academy in 2010, JoAnna Schmidt immediately joined the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Graduate Program on full scholarship. During her two years at PBT, JoAnna trained under Janet Popeleski, Majorie Grundvig, and Dennis Marshall and was even featured in "The Nutcracker" as a Snowflake, Flower, and Shepherdess.

Recently JoAnna had one of the most exciting experiences of her life when she was offered a contract for the 2012-13 season with Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. Join us as we speak with Joanna as she revisits her training days at Central Florida Ballet Academy and discusses her new life at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater....

JoAnna Schmidt in class at the Central Florida Ballet Academy. 

Photo By Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

At what age did you start training at the Central Florida Ballet Academy (CFBA)?
I started taking classes at Central Florida Ballet when I was seven years old.

What are some of your most memorable highlights during your years training at CFBA?
I could write a novel about memorable moments I've had at CFB! I will never forget when Mr. Vasile promised the Level 2 class that if we all got our splits down to the floor, he would demonstrate his own split for us. I remember when he finally did, we all ran over to him and started jumping on him to push him down further. Of course, I could also never forget the first time Mr. Vladimir called me Joni. The first time was an accident, but afterward it became my permanent nickname.

What featured roles did you enjoy dancing the most with the CFB professional company? Getting to dance the role of Maria was my dream since the first year I came to CFB, and I was lucky enough to do it twice! I also loved being a Wili in Giselle.

How was the transition to Pittsburgh? Was it tough to leave your family and friends? How do you keep in contact with them? It was definitely enlightening; I had a lot of growing up to do when I first came to Pittsburgh (still do, of course). It was tough, but I've met so many marvelous people here. Some of my friends and I exchange letters, but mostly I stay in touch over the phone.

What is a typical day in the PBT Graduate Program like?
The days vary a lot. In the morning, we either start at 8 or 9:30 with ballet, modern, or pilates. Then, for the rest of the day, we go back and forth between regular dance classes (partnering, variation, etc) and rehearsals for upcoming performances. The days typically ends somewhere between 3 and 6pm.

What did you learn from CFBA that has helped you at PBT?
One thing I am so thankful I learned at CFB is the ability to pick up choreography quickly. That is so vital, especially when you're competing against other students to get cast in company productions. The director is going to pick the people who learn fast. I miss reversing petite allegro combinations at CFB! Sometimes here in Pittsburgh, I'll reverse the combination in my head, just to make sure I still can!

What surprised you most about training at PBT?
I think the biggest shock was getting used to wearing pointe shoes in ballet class. At first I couldn't stand it, but now I actually prefer wearing pointe shoes!

You took a six month break from dance at age 17 (something many dancers could never start back from). What influenced you to keep dancing? 
The support from my parents was a major factor. Plus, everyone at CFB made me feel so welcome, as if I'd never left. That made it so much easier to come back. I'm sometimes tempted to be ashamed of that part of my life. For me personally, though, the break was necessary. It made realize that ballet is one of the most profound sources of joy I have in my life. It made me realize that I never want to stop dancing now.

What is your dream role to dance at PBT? 
Honestly? PBT has these little bumblebees in The Nutcracker. They just run around with jazz hands in the beginning of the Waltz of the Flowers. It looks like so much fun, but that is one dream role that will probably never come true for me.

Overall, what do you think about your accomplishment of receiving a contract with PBT?  It is an overwhelming honor to have received this contract. I am so thankful for the years I spent at CFB! I believe I wouldn't be where I am now if I had trained elsewhere.


Thank you for the interview JoAnna! Everyone at CFB gives you a big Congratulations on your accomplishment and we wish you all the best in your blossoming career!


For more information on the Central Florida Ballet, visit http://www.CentralFloridaBallet.com or Call 407.849.9948.

SNEAK PREVIEW of "An Evening of Dance"

Enjoy an exclusive SNEAK PREVIEW of 'Tea Time', an excerpt that will be performed at the Central Florida Ballet's upcoming performance "An Evening of Dance". "Tea Time" pokes fun at formal tea parties and the proper etiquette of guests during the 1900's. For tickets, call 407.849.9948 or visit http://www.CentralFloridaBallet.com.

 

"Tea Time" is choreographed Viktor Plotnikov. Read our recent blog post on his creation here.