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.