Sara Komatsu: The Road to Harvard University

Congratulations to CFB Student, Sara Komatsu, who will be graduating from Central Florida Ballet's Academy this June and attending Harvard University this Fall!

We sat down with Sara to discuss her time at Central Florida Ballet and what she looks forward to this Fall at Harvard! Enjoy our interview below.

Pictured: Sara Komatsu

When did you start classes at the Ballet Academy of Central Florida?
I began training with CFB in 2009 - I have been with the studio for 9 years.

What classes have been your favorite over the years? Did you participate in the Summer Intensives?
My favorite classes have always been ballet, but I did enjoy when we had the opportunity to do Acrobatics, Body Conditioning, and Contemporary.  I did participate in multiple Summer Intensives with CFB.

Sara in class at Central Florida Ballet

What performances did you enjoy dancing the most with the Central Florida Ballet?
I enjoyed the Nutcracker performances the most because of the atmosphere and the feeling of camaraderie that would form among the whole cast.  It was always so much fun to be at the studio for long hours with everyone, and of course theater week was always the best week out of the whole year.  The best part about Nutcracker by far, though, was always going out into the lobby after a show and getting to interact with the audience members - particularly the little kids who would be so excited to see us in costume.

Sara poses in costume for CFB's The Nutcracker.
 

When you did you first consider applying to Harvard and what was the process like of applying like?
I really couldn’t tell you when I first considered applying to Harvard - it was certainly always on my radar, just like everyone knows about Harvard.  I’ll be honest, the process of applying was rather stressful, mostly because of my essay. I love to write, but I am never entirely satisfied with my writing - there is always something I could change.  I’m also a perfectionist, so I really wanted my essay to be perfect… the end result being I rewrote my essay probably over ten times.

Sara visiting Harvard University

What is their acceptance rate?
Harvard’s acceptance rate was 4.5% this year. 

Did you apply to other colleges? If so, which ones?
I applied to Boston University, Columbia University, University of California Los Angeles, and University of California Berkeley.  I was waitlisted at Columbia and accepted to the rest.

Pictured: Sara Komatsu

 
What will your major be?
I plan to major in Creative Writing and minor in Film, though at Harvard, undergraduates don’t officially declare their majors until sophomore year.

What did you learn from the Ballet Academy of Central Florida that will/has helped you in your transition to being a student at Harvard University?
The discipline that I learned in ballet is, I think, what will help me most in my transition to being a student at Harvard.  That, as well as the time management skills I acquired from so many years of juggling dance and school, will most likely be crucial for me in college.

Sara takes a stunning leap in downtown Winter Garden 

What does it mean to you to be graduating from CFB and is there anything you'd like to say to your teachers and classmates?
It seems so unreal to be graduating from CFB - and it is probably the place I will miss the most.  To my teachers and classmates - thank you for making the studio a place that I could come to to dance away my problems and just focus on always improving.  Thank you for constantly pushing me to work hard and be the best I could be. And finally, thank you for your endless love and support in everything I do, it truly means the world to me, and I consider CFB to be my family.
 

 

 Sara stretching at the barre 

You recently participated in the World Ballet Competition. Tell us about your experience. What did you enjoy and learn?
Competing was arguably one of the most difficult things I have ever done - but looking back, I’m very glad I challenged myself and grateful to have had the opportunity to compete.  I was coached by Natalia Bashkatova, one of Advanced A’s teachers at CFB, and I thoroughly enjoyed our privates together over the months leading up to WBC. It was nice to have a teacher’s full attention, and I felt that that one-on-one training was extremely beneficial to my dancing.  As for the actual competition, I always love being on stage, and so the performance opportunity was a great experience, and I felt good about the way I performed my solos. I was also in an ensemble piece, and rehearsing/performing that piece with four of my friends was so much fun.

Sara with fellow CFB Students and guest artists at the World Ballet Competition

Where will you live at Harvard and are you nervous?
All freshman live in Harvard Yard, so that is where I will be living next year.  I’m not nervous at all for life next year - I feel that my experiences going away for summer intensives and living in dorms during those times showed me that I’ll be fine in college.  I’m mostly excited to meet new people!

Sara visiting Harvard University

Have you ever been to Boston? Are you ready for their cold winters?
I have now been to Boston a total of 3 times, though only for short visits.  During all of those visits, it was very cold, so I don’t think I’m ready for their cold winters.  I’m not sure I’ll be able to stand not seeing the sun for so many long winter months, but that’s alright - I always have the sunshine state to come home to during breaks!

Learn more about the Central Florida Ballet on our website at www.centralfloridaballet.com or please call 407-849-9948 ext 10. The Academy is currently enrolling new students for Summer and Fall Programs.

Dance Phenom, Dusty Button, Announced as Guest Teacher for Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive

Pictured: Dusty Button

Central Florida Ballet announced today that Dusty Button, a nationally-renowned dancer and former Boston Ballet principal, will be a guest teacher during the Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive to be held in Orlando, Florida from July 8 - August 2, 2019.

Dusty Button, a native of South Carolina, moved to New York at the age of 16 to train at the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and subsequently completed her studies at the Royal Ballet School in London. She received the coveted Dame Ninette de Valois bursary and graduated with honors. She performed with the Boston Ballet In 2012 as a corps member and in 2014 was promoted to principal dancer. Ms. Button was also featured on the cover of Pointe Magazine in 2015.

Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive is open to dance students ages 8 - 21. The program has earned a reputation for quickly improving student technique by offering up to 30 hours of dance training per week, a varied class schedule taught by world-class instructors, and concludes with a public performance.

"Our Summer Intensive students will be lucky to learn first-hand from Dusty. Not only does she have exceptional abilities as a ballerina, she is very generous and open with her teaching style. Our students will be sure to learn a great deal from her." said Central Florida Ballet Executive Director Vasile Petrutiu.

Acceptance to the Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive is by audition only. Open Auditions will be held at Central Florida Ballet Studios in Orlando, FL on February 9, 2019. Students (ages 8 and up) from any dance studio may audition. Video Auditions are also accepted.

For more information and to register for the Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9948.

Ballet Phenom Dusty Button Assumes Role of Sugar Plum Fairy in Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker

An American Ballet Theatre alum, World Ballet Competition All-Star and Instagram sensation, Dusty Button joins the Nutcracker cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy on behalf of former CFB alum Hannah Bettes.

Pictured: Dusty Button

Central Florida Ballet announced today that Dusty Button, a nationally-renowned dancer and former Boston Ballet principal, will perform the role of Sugar Plum Fairy for their three Nutcracker presentations on December 15 and 16, 2018 at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center. The role was originally to be performed by Hannah Bettes, a CFB alum and Boston Ballet soloist, who recently suffered an ankle sprain.

Dusty Button, a native of South Carolina, moved to New York at the age of 16 to train at the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and subsequently completed her studies at the Royal Ballet School in London. She received the coveted Dame Ninette de Valois bursary and graduated with honors. She performed with the Boston Ballet In 2012 as a corps member and in 2014 was promoted to principal dancer. Ms. Button was also featured on the cover of Pointe Magazine in 2015.

Pictured: Dusty Button

Described by Shape Magazine as "...the punk rock Black Swan ballerina who is crushing any preconceived ideas of what a prima ballerina is "supposed" to look like," Ms. Button challenges the status quo and is a sought-after soloist by a multitude of ballet companies around the world.

"We are grateful to have Dusty perform in Hannah's place. Dusty is a powerhouse ballerina with exceptional abilities. Our audiences are sure to be wowed by her performances," said Central Florida Ballet Executive Director Vasile Petrutiu.

Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker is the only local company performance that has received consistent praise and positive reviews from local, national and international media. Tickets for all three performances are selling quickly and available now at CentralFloridaBallet.com

For more information and tickets to the Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker performances, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9948.

Interview with Olivia Spade, cast as Maria in CFB's Nutcracker

The Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker production returns December 15 & 16, 2018 at the Linda Chapin Theater featuring newly - designed sets, pyrotechnics and aerial acrobatics.

Enjoy our chat below with CFB Student, Olivia Spade (age 14), who shares insight into the role she will be performing and discusses her holiday traditions. 

Pictured: Olivia Spade

Photo by Lisbet Photography

1. What role are you performing in CFB's The Nutcracker?
I will be playing the role of Maria (also known as "Clara" to many). It is an extra special year for me, because it is my 10th year in a row performing in the Nutcracker for CFB, and to play this role makes it even more special!

2. What is your favorite part about the role?
The battle scene, I am excited to throw the pointe shoe at the Rat King! It is a challenging role and I am really excited to dance for the audience!

 Pictured: Olivia Spade

Photo by Lisbet Photography

3. How does the role challenge you?
I have to dance onstage by myself for parts of the show. I am excited to be challenged by having the chance to do partnering with the Prince during the dream scene. This will be the first time I am partnering for a performance.

4. When was the first time you saw The Nutcracker and where?
Actually, I have never seen a live performance of the Nutcracker! I have been a performing in it ever since I was five years old! So, I enjoy watching the DVD of our Nutcracker.

  A young Olivia as a Treat Carrier in CFB's The Nutcracker

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

5. What holiday traditions do you have?
I love Christmas Eve because the whole family gets together at our house and we spend time together laughing and opening presents from one another and having a delicious meal.

6. What is your favorite holiday treat?
My favorite holiday treats are the cut out sugar cookies that we make from scratch and decorate! And of course some Hot Chocolate with marshmallows!

  Pictured: Olivia Spade

Photo by Lisbet Photography

7. What is your favorite part of CFB's Nutcracker production?
My favorite scene in the production is the dream scene. I love the music! I also love the fact that I get to spend time with my dance family preparing for the shows and getting in the Christmas spirit! Theater week is always my favorite!

8. What do you hope audience members takeaway from their Nutcracker experience?
I hope that the audience loves our performance and can’t wait to see it again next year!  And that it fills them with Holiday cheer!

Olivia performing the role of Bon-Bon in CFB's The Nutcracker

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman 

For more information and tickets to the Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker performances, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9948.

Interview with the Nutcracker Snow Queen: Saaya Pikula Mason

The Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker production returns December 15 & 16, 2018 at the Linda Chapin Theater featuring newly - designed sets, pyrotechnics and aerial acrobatics.

Enjoy our chat below with Saaya Pikula Mason who shares insight into the roles she will be performing and discusses her holiday traditions. 

Pictured: Saaya Pikula Mason

1. What roles are you performing in CFB's The Nutcracker?

This year I will be performing Snow Queen and Spanish pas de deux

2. What is your favorite part about the roles?
My favorite part about the snow scene has to be the wigs and the dumping of snow at the end of 1st act!

Saaya performing the role of Snow Queen in CFB's The Nutcracker

Photo: Pink Afterglow Photography

3. How do the roles challenge you?
This will be my first time performing Spanish in any nutcracker. It's a nice challenge to take on a different character!

4. When was the first time you saw The Nutcracker and where?
My first nutcracker I saw and performed in was with Southern Ballet Theatre. (Choreographed by CFB's Founder: Mr. Vasile Petrutiu)

 

Saaya (far right) posing backstage in 2001 as a Party Teen in CFB's The Nutcracker

5. What holiday traditions do you have?
For the past few years I have been spending Christmas out of the country. Bahamas, Costa Rica,  Mexico to get away from the cold! This year I will be spending Christmas with my husband and family in the Dominican Republic 🙂

  Saaya celebrating the holidays in the Bahamas

6. Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper?
I'm totally guilty of being a last minute shopper!!

7. What is your favorite holiday treat?
My mother in law always makes mince pies with powdered sugar on top! They are amazing!

8. What is your favorite part of CFB's Nutcracker production as compared to others?
CFB's Nutcracker will always be my favorite! It's what I grew up, I've done almost every role from the little lambs to sugar plum. But most of all dancing with some of the regular cast! Always nice to be around the CFB family 🙂

Saaya performing the role of Sugar Plum Fairy in CFB's The Nutcracker

Photo: Pink Afterglow Photography

9. What do you hope audience members takeaway from their Nutcracker experience?
I hope they get a bit of holiday joy and feel the love we all share for the stage!

For more information and tickets to the Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker performances, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407.849.9948.

Renowned Ballerina Hannah Bettes to Headline as Sugar Plum Fairy in Central Florida Ballet's Nutcracker Performance

The homegrown and exceptionally talented Hannah Bettes, now a second soloist at the Boston Ballet and featured dancer on the cover of the November issue of Pointe Magazine, will return to Orlando in December for this special holiday performance.

Central Florida Ballet announced today that Hannah Bettes, a former Academy student who is now a rising star with the Boston Ballet, will perform the role of Sugar Plum Fairy for their three performances of The Nutcracker on December 15 and 16 at the Linda Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center.

Photo by Jayme Thornton for Pointe Magazine
(Click on image for full resolution)

Ms. Bettes, originally from Deland, trained at Central Florida Ballet under the direction of Vasile Petrutiu and Vladimir Bykov. She moved to London shortly thereafter to further her training at the Royal Ballet School. While studying in the United Kingdom, she performed at the infamous Buckingham Palace and was named the Nadia Nernia Scholar. Ms. Bettes has received numerous awards including second prize at the Prix De Lausanne in Switzerland, silver medal at the World Ballet Competition, and a bronze medal at the Beijing International Ballet Invitational.

"Hannah's immense flexibility, talent, and artistry made her destined to become a star. She is sure to charm and delight our Central Florida audiences as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Her dancing always leaves a lasting impression," said Central Florida Ballet Executive Director Vasile Petrutiu.

The Central Florida Ballet Nutcracker boasts classically-trained performers, exquisite sets, aerialists and a unique pyrotechnics display. The performance has received consistent praise and positive reviews from local, national and international media.

Tickets for all three performances are anticipated to sell quickly and are available now at centralfloridaballet.com.

(Click on image to view in detail)

Our Tips for a Successful Audition for CFB's Summer Intensive

Since the Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive Auditions are this Saturday, February 10, we asked our students and staff for their best advice to have a great audition. Enjoy their tips below!

Eddie

 

Go into the audition and have fun! Look as if you enjoy dancing, and dance because you love it!


Sara

 

Maintain a professional attitude throughout the whole audition, don’t lean on barres and such.

Elizabeth

Be confident and just be yourself because there’s no such thing as failing if you are being yourself and trying your best. 

 Ms. Missy

Photos by Michael Cairns
Auditions can be intimidating but remember it’s a class, so try your best and pay close attention. I like to see a dancer who looks like they’re enjoying themselves. It’s more important to see that a student respects their art form rather than doing four off-balance pirouettes.

For information on CFB's Summer Intensive Audition, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407-849-9948

Academy Teacher, Melissa D'Avanzo, Reveals Benefits of CFB's Summer Intensive

 

Academy Teacher: Melissa D'Avanzo, 

Photo by Michael Cairns

What makes Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive unique?

CFB has a great Summer Intensive because it brings the student into contact with a variety of dance forms and instructors from ultra-classical ballet variations to Rockette-style jazz. The students have an opportunity to learn from teachers from around the world in an intimate studio setting with lots of personal attention.

 Photo by Lisbet Photography 

What tips do you have for students auditioning for the Summer Intensive program?
Auditions can be intimidating but remember it’s a class, so try your best and pay close attention. I like to see a dancer who looks like they’re enjoying themselves. It’s more important to see that a student respects their art form rather than doing four off-balance pirouettes.

How do you prepare for teaching ballet?

I usually like to prepare my combinations ahead of time. That way I can work on things at the barre that will help the steps in the center. If I have a class level more than once a week I will work on perfecting certain steps that whole week.

 

Courtesy of Central Florida Ballet Instagram

What advice do you have for students to get the most of out their classes?
Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Take and apply every correction you hear. Don't wait for your name to be attached to a correction, just use them all! And have fun! Ballet is a lot of hard work but so rewarding!

What major benefits do dancers receive by participating in the Summer Intensive?
The intensive is especially good for improving pointework. Our program has students dancing for up to 6 hours per day which helps them to strengthen their technique and sharpens the mind’s attention to detail. At the same time, our dancers get to make new friends and experience different types of teaching styles.

Photo by Lisbet Photography

Which do you love teaching the most - ballet technique, pointe technique or variations?

I like teaching all three, but I think teaching ballet technique is the most rewarding because a teacher can really see improvement over the course of the year. Also I find theory and the scientific principle behind many ballet movements fascinating.

What has been your favorite part of teaching over the years?

I like to see when a new student has come to our Summer Intensive for the first time and so enjoys it that they decide to come back to our studio as a full time year-round student.

For information on CFB's Summer Intensive, visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407-849-9948 ext 10.

Academy Student, Elizabeth, Shares her Summer Experience

 We recently spoke with Academy Student, Elizabeth Cotter (age 16), about her experience at CFB's Summer Intensive. Enjoy our chat below!

Academy Student: Elizabeth Cotter

Describe a typical Summer Intensive day:
A typical summer intensive day actually changes depending on the day, which is one of my favorite things about the intensive. We usually have ballet and pointe in the mornings and sometimes variations afterwards, then lunch. On other days we might have yoga in the morning, which is a really fun and relaxing way to start your day. After lunch we usually have 3 classes such as character, jazz, contemporary, repertoire, dance history, yoga, pilates, and acrobatics. It’s really great because these other genres of dance will alternate day by day.

Elizabeth works on her technique at CFB Studios
Photo by Lisbet Photography 

What makes CFB's intensive stand out when compared to other programs?
The positive energy of CFB definitely stands out. Kids from all over the country, and even from other countries come to CFB’s summer intensive, and every year we always seem to bond quickly and become one big family. The studio is always a safe place with positive energy.

Also, CFB has a much larger range of classes that we take other than ballet programs. Some intensives that I have been to only have two or three genres of dance other than ballet, and doing that for 4-6 weeks straight can become slightly boring. CFB’s summer intensive has sometimes 6 other genres of dance other than ballet that can alternate day by day and that makes the intensive much more interesting than others.

Elizabeth posing for a dance portrait
Photo by Lisbet Photography 

What is one tip you would give to those auditioning for CFB's Summer Intensive?
One tip I would give for auditioning for the program would be to be confident and just be yourself because there’s no such thing as failing if you are being yourself and trying your best.

CFB's Summer Intensive introduces dancers to new classes like Acrobatics, Improv, Hip-Hop, and Nutrition & Acting Seminars to name a few. What was your favorite new class and why?
My favorite class would be improv because as a ballet dancer, we do not have a lot of artistic freedom, especially with movements. An improv class gives you the ability to show your inner emotions and really helps you get the stress of the day out by showing your emotions through movement.

Elizabeth displays her flexibility in a dance portrait
Photo by Lisbet Photography

The program concludes with a Showcase performance. Tell us about the pieces that are performed and the rehearsal/learning process.
The performance is always a super fun way to end the summer.  We usually have one dance per genre and each level gets to perform. The learning process is definitely fun. We usually spend the last two weeks of intensive learning the pieces for each of our classes.

Do you get nervous to perform? What are some tips you would give to overcome nerves?
I usually get slightly nervous like most people do. To overcome the nerves I just remind myself that I definitely know the choreography and that if I just try my best then things will go smoothly. I also try to realize that a mistake is just a mistake and even if you mess up pretty bad, although it might seem like the world is ending, in a few years it will just be another thing to laugh about.

For information on CFB's Summer Intensive, visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407-849-9948 ext 10.

 

Madeleine shares her experience at CFB's Summer Intensive

CFB Academy student, Madeleine Hall (age 15), has participated in Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive for three years. She recently shared why she has enjoyed the program, enjoy our chat below!

Pictured: Academy Student, Madeleine Hall

Describe a typical summer intensive day:
The day starts off with a ballet technique class followed by pointe, variations, or partnering depending on the day and level that you’re in. After that there’s about an hour break for lunch and then more classes. Usually the second part of the day isn’t just ballet. There are other classes including modern, character, tap, contemporary, jazz, acting, and pilates/yoga. In a few of those classes, each level begins working on a repertory piece to perform at the end of the intensive. Each level always performs a ballet piece and a few other different styles from what they’ve been working on in class.

How is CFB's Summer Intensive different from the full year program?
During the intensive you spend more time each day dancing. We have 6 hours of classes each day, which is different than the full year program which is about 3 1/2 hours each day. The training is more intense but the level of focus and commitment is definitely the same as during the year.

Madeleine (front) at CFB Studios

What benefits do you gain through the program?
Since you’re dancing all day long, you have more time to work on your technique and grow as a dancer in a shorter period of time. Summer intensives help you gain more strength, versatility, and confidence.

CFB offers new classes during the Intensive not available during the year long program. What have been your favorite new classes? 
I really like that they have a Nutrition Seminar because it’s important to know and understand how to keep your body healthy. As dancers, food is very important to us because it gives us the energy to keep dancing. I also like that there’s an Acting Seminar because when we dance it’s not enough for us to only do the steps, we also have to convey emotions which we do with acting. Learning more about these two topics can be super helpful for us to know so we can apply it.

Madeleine receives extra inspiration on acting 

during a weekend excursion to a nearby theme park: Walt Disney World

What do you enjoy most about the intensive? 
One of the best parts about the intensive, aside from the dancing, is meeting new people and making friends with those who share the same love of dance as you do. It’s kind of a way to put yourself in the dance community and make connections with people that you wouldn’t have known before.

For information on CFB's Summer Intensive, visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407-849-9948 ext 10.

 

Interview with Artistic Director: Vladimir Bykov

To learn more about the Central Florida Ballet's upcoming Nutcracker production,  we spoke with CFB's Artistic Director, Vladimir Bykov. Enjoy our chat below!

Artistic Director of the Central Florida Ballet: Vladimir Bykov
Photo by: Michael Cairns

How many dancers participate in CFB's Nutcracker production and what is the rehearsal schedule?
We have 75 dancers, 4 instructors, and 27 pieces in the production. Rehearsals are held each weekend from October through December.

What do you look for when casting dancers?
Technical ability,  performance skills, and ability to learn choreography fast.

Vladimir Bykov rehearsing dancers at Central Florida Ballet Studios
Photo by Lisbet Photography

What can we expect new this year? 
For the Arabian dance, we will have 6 aerialists. It's never been done before so that will be very exciting for the audience. Also we are debuting a new Act II set which replaces the original first used in 2001.

 

Video Preview of CFB's The Nutcracker

You've played the role of Drosselmeyer for many years, do you ever get nervous before going onstage?
I don't get nervous myself but sometimes do for our dancers.

Have you ever had any unexpected moments onstage?
Of course. It is a live performance and there is always something going wrong. Luckily, the majority of the audience members don't notice it.

 Vladimir Bykov as Drosselmeyer in CFB's The Nutcracker during a pyrotechnics explosion. Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

 What do you find most rewarding in producing The Nutcracker?
Knowing that someone out there in the audience enjoyed it very much.

For information and to purchase tickets to The Nutcracker, please visit www.centralfloridaballet.com.

The Central Florida Ballet brings you an unparalleled Nutcracker performance - complete with uniquely composed sets, aerial acrobatics, pyrotechnics and an exceptional ballet company you won’t soon forget.