Last week was all about our older dancers. This week it's all about the littlest ones! Our studios are flowing with 24 dancers and 11 counselors for Beauty and the Beast Camp. The sweetness, the giggles, the fun, and friendships make camp week memorable for years to come. And, on the 4th day of camp, we always have a tea party!
Still Pointe's Summer Intensive Schedule
School's out for the summer! But, there is still lots to learn!
Summer Intensive is just around the corner! A chance to dance the whole day long! New styles, new teachers, and that oh so sweet my-muscles-are-killing-me feeling!
Summer Intensive at Still Pointe will be held June 12-16th from 10am-4pm each day. Students will be divided into two groups on the first day and take part in one of the following two schedules:
GROUP 1
Monday and Wednesday
10:00-10:45: Ballet Barre with Peter Doll
10:50-1:00: Contemporary/Contemporary Pointe with Allison Gupton
1:00-2:00: Lunch and Devotional
2:00-4:00 Flamenco with Martha Sidhamed
Tuesday and Thursday
10:00-12:00: Ballet Technique with Peter Doll
12:00-1:00: Pas de Deux with Peter Doll and Sean Steigerwald
1:00-2:00: Lunch and Devotional
2:00-3:00: Improv with Allison Gupton
3:00-4:00: Jazz with Sean Steigerwald
Friday
10:00-12:00: Ballet Technique with Peter Doll
12:00-1:00: Variations with Peter Doll
1:00-2:00: Lunch and Devotional
2:00-3:45: Contemporary with Allison Gupton
3:45: Review for friends and family
GROUP 2
Monday and Wednesday
10:00-10:45: Contemporary with Allison Gupton
10:50-12:30: Ballet Technique with Peter Doll
12:30-1:00: Repertoire
1:00-2:00: Lunch and Devotional
2:00-4:00: Flamenco with Martha Sidhamed
Tuesday and Thursday
10:00-11:45: Contemporary with Allison Gupton
11:45-1:00: Jazz with Allison Gupton
1:00-2:00: Lunch and Devotional
2:00-4:00: Ballet Technique with Peter Doll
Friday
10:00-11:30: Ballet Technique with Maggie Boggs
11:30-12:30: Repertoire with Maggie Boggs
12:30-1:00: Conditioning with Maggie Boggs
1:00-2:00: Lunch and Devotional
2:00-3:45: Musical Theater with Jessie Carey
3:45: Review for friends and family
Sign up for Summer Intensive HERE before prices go up and spots are gone!
The cost is $270.
Check back this week for more information on all of our fabulous guest teachers!
"...as if nothing was ever so hard, or mattered so much."
At The Diamond School of Dance
by Jon Loomis
It’s me and the mothers, out in the foyer.
Linoleum floors, knotty-pine, late ’50s rumpus room—
long row of trophies, blue ribbons on a shelf.
I’m here with my daughter, who’s four.
Who, because no one gives princess lessons,
has opted for dancing. She likes the tutus, the tap shoes,
the tights. The teachers are kind.
They’re graceful as egrets, strong in the thighs.
We chitchat, the mothers and I. We futz with our phones.
We’re large, rooted like silos.
Chopin leaks from the studio: a nocturne, full of rain.
The little girls dance—plié, sashay, arabesque—
earnest as death, as if nothing
was ever so hard, or mattered so much. Mothers!
Let us rush in and embrace them! Let us snatch them
up to our great bosoms, and never tell them the truth.
10,000 Hours
Practice is always a good thing. We believe strongly in practicing the qualities of persistence, dedication, and mindfulness. If you have a passion, why not invest your time in it? No matter where your life takes you, the time invested will be worth it.
Keep practicing, keep growing, and keep learning this summer!
Summer Intensive at Still Pointe:
Classes include ballet, pointe, pas de deux, conditioning, contemporary, and choreography.
Dates: June 12-16. Time: 10am-4pm.
Cost: $270.
*$10 Early Bird Discount for those registered and paid by May 15th.
Summer Term Classes:
5 weeks of classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Dates: June 20th-July 27th (Closed the week of July 3rd-8th)
Cost: Classes start at $123.75
REGISTER FOR SUMMER HERE.
Summer Intensive Guest Teachers
One of our favorite things about Summer Intensive is the chance to bring in guest teachers!
Still Pointe is excited to be hosting six fresh and unique perspectives for our students this summer: Peter Doll, Allison Gupton, Sean Stiegerwald, Martha SidAhmed, Jessie Carey, and Maggie Boggs.
Peter Doll: Pete began his dance training with his mother and aunt at the Ithaca Ballet. He went on to study at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet; he then won a full scholarship to the Miami City Ballet School and later danced with Miami City Ballet for three seasons. He has also performed as a member of Ballet Nouveau Colorado, the Suzanne Farrell Ballet in Washington D.C., and Georgia Ballet under Alexandre Proia. Pete is currently a freelance artist, ballet teacher, and coach living in Atlanta, GA.
Allison Gupton: Allison Gupton graduated with honors from the University of Alabama where she earned a B. A. degree in Dance and Public Relations. During her time at Alabama, she performed in and choreographed for several dance concerts and musicals. Her professional and local choreography credits include: Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, and Spring Awakening at Fabrefaction Theatre Conservatory; and The 25th Annual...Spelling Bee, Godspell (Shuler Nominated), and Pippin at Cartersville High School.
In 2013, Allison had the honor of working with Dakota Fanning, Kevin Kline, Bryan Batt, and Susan Sarandon as choreographer for the movie The Last of Robin Hood. She has appeared on various TV shows, including The Vampire Diaries and Drop Dead Diva. Ms. Gupton recently joined Dance Informa Magazine as the Administration Manager and is currently the resident choreographer for the CW Network show The Originals.
Sean Steigerwald: A Marietta native, Sean-Tristan Steigerwald began his training at the Academy Dance Company and Roswell Dance Theatre. He went on to receive additional training at the Nutmeg Conservatory, Houston Ballet, and Orlando Ballet. Sean earned a B.F.A. from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2010, where he trained with world-renowned artists Melissa Hayden and Gerald Freedman. While at UNCSA, he performed roles in Raymonda, Rodeo, and West Side Story.
Martha SidAhmed: Martha SidAhmed began ballet studies at age 6 in Boston. At age 13, she was exposed to flamenco which made a powerful impact on her and she began local studies with Juanita Cansino. Subsequent education in Spain came from legends Enrique el Cojo and Luisa Maravilla, followed by workshops with Manolo Marin, Juana Amaya, Eva Yerbabuena, Belen Maya, Andres Marin highlighted among many.
Performances have included touring with Boston Flamenco Ballet and many local appearances for schools and civic organizations.
Sidahmed has taught flamenco for Atlanta Ballet School and conducted workshops for the Ballet and Georgia Dance Educators, children and adults.
She was Artistic Advisor and choreographer for the Birmingham Hispanic Dance Company and has returned to Birmingham as Artistic Director of MosaicoFlamenco, leading workshops and choreographing performances.
Jessie Carey: Jessie began her classical ballet training at the age of five under Eleanor Rogers in Roswell, GA. Over the next several years, Jessie continued to expand her dance background and by seventeen she was leading master classes and workshops throughout metro Atlanta in contemporary, hip hop, and jazz. In 2005, Jessie was selected to be a member of the Generation: Dance! Performing Arts Company, founded and directed by Beth Leopard and Capezio Diamond Award winner Sharon Druzbanski. From 2007-2010, Jessie co-owned and operated Authentic Dance Studio in Marietta, GA, and has since been teaching for The Performer’s Warehouse and Creative Movement and Dance.
“Beyond the focus of great technique,” she says, “I love creating a space for dancers to develop their own personal style, their signature way of moving. Every single dancer is different and it’s the most amazing thing to see them get inspired by each other! That’s the kind of energy that makes people want to move.”
Maggie Boggs: Maggie has long been a loved figure at Still Pointe. She began her training under Eleanor Rogers when she was 12 years old. She went on to perform the title roles of Snow White and the Snow Queen in Still Pointe’s annual winter concerts. After graduation, she travelled with Bluebird Uncaged to Panama. She is currently continuing her dance studies at Kennesaw State University.
Dreamy, dreamy!!!
Even though there are still lots of costumes to launder and set pieces to put away, we're still swooning over just how dreamy our girls were in Cinderella a few weeks ago!
Many thanks to Pete Doll for being our charming prince! And to Brian Wallenberg of Saturnblu Productions for capturing our performances on video.
Upcoming Performance: Cinderella
The mice are almost done cleaning and sewing and putting on the finishing touches to make us feel ready for the ball!
Relive the beloved story of Cinderella, told in a fresh way by the Still Pointe Studio dancers. The entire family will be enchanted by this hour-long ballet, set to an original piano score by composer Karl Moraski. Watch a girl's dreams come true with the help of a Fairy Godmother, harvest garden fairies, and a troop of friendly mice!
The performances will be held at Forsyth Central High School on Friday, January 13th at 7:00pm and Saturday, January 14th at 11am and 2:30pm.
Online Ticket purchase is available until 24 hours prior to the event. General Admission tickets may be purchased at the door for $12.
Click HERE to purchase tickets online!
Recent Graduate: Maggie Boggs
Maggie Boggs has been dear to our hearts from the time she began her ballet studies at Still Pointe in 2008. With her dance bag packed and plans to double major in dance and an area yet to be determined, Kennesaw State University might be a frequented destination by those of us who are reluctant to let her go!
Here is Maggie's senior questionnaire:
How long have you danced? How many years did you spend at Still Pointe?
I have been dancing for eight years, all of which were with Still Pointe.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Still Pointe?
There are so many wonderful memories. I suppose that if I had to pick just one, my favorite memory is when I performed the role of Snow White in the 2015 winter concert. The ballet’s story of Snow’s grace and hopefulness really resonated with me. Jesus used the experience to draw me closer to Him and instill in me a humble confidence rooted in Him.
What was your favorite part of class?
Adagio is certainly a challenge, but it still might be my favorite! I love trying to connect each step and to continually grow and breathe throughout the movement.
What is your favorite kind of dance to watch? Do you have a favorite ballet?
Ballet, ballet, ballet! And my absolute favorite ballet is Giselle. I love watching videos of Alina Cojocaru and Marianela Nunez performing the lead role, and I’m especially fond of the Act I variation and the mad scene.
Where do you find inspiration?
For me, inspiration seems to come from three sources. First of all, nature! God’s creation always makes my heart sing—open fields and gloriously blue autumn skies always call for dancing, in my opinion. I love to choreograph outside, too, when weather permits. :)
I am also inspired by music, which is such an integral part of dance. Music sets both a tempo and a tone for a combination or for a piece of choreography.
Thirdly, I am continually moved by watching other dancers. By studying my Still Pointe peers and videos of professionals, I am always inspired to work harder or try something a new way.
What lessons from dance will you take into your future?
Dance has taught me so much. One of the main things I’ve gained is a sense of diligence and resilience, even when it seems as though improvement is at a standstill. Ballet is a very long-term project, but this shows just how valuable it is to keep trying and pushing through frustrations and doubts.
I would like to thank my beautiful Still Pointe family for all that they’ve blessed me with. You all are so dear to me and you have impacted my life deeply. Mrs. Rogers, you are such a gifted teacher and so full of Godly wisdom. To all my classmates, who also happen to be some of my closest friends, I am honored to have shared part of this life journey with you. I love you all so much.
As I ponder the precious years I’ve spent at Still Pointe, my heart overflows with joy and gratitude for the golden childhood I’ve had as I danced my way closer to the One who gives us limbs with which to dance and minds with which to dream.
Circa 1981
Eleanor and Rob Rogers sharing the barre circa 1981.
But, really, now that we have your attention, sign up for Still Pointe's Day of Dance on Saturday, August 13th from 10 until 4. Just $35. to dance and dance and dance all day. It may lead to a lifetime at the barre (or dinner table).
Eleanor and Rob Rogers sharing the barre circa 1981.
Recent Graduate: Francesca Rossi
Recent Graduate: Francesca Rossi
The end of Still Pointe’s 10th season was brimming with rehearsals, celebrations, changes, performances, and love. We have not wanted to say good bye to this season and especially to our 3 seniors. Recent graduate, Francesca Rossi, answered some questions that reveal a little about her time at Still Pointe. We are happy that Francesca won’t be too far away, pursuing pre-med studies at Emory University with plans to explore research. We send you into this new chapter of your life with our love and warmest wishes. We hope to see you in Saturday class when you aren’t too busy!
How long have you danced? How many years did you spend at Still Pointe?
I have danced for 15 years, 7 of which I have spent at Still Pointe.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Still Pointe?
I have so many memories at Still Pointe, but some of my favorite come from performance days. My favorite Still Pointe tradition is the pinky prayer circle that occurs before and after performances. I remember making the pinky prayer circle before the Snow White performance in 2011 and thinking it was the sweetest tradition for everybody to come together in the pandemonium before a show and settle our nerves while thanking and glorifying the Lord. It is an incredible feeling to be settled down by this prayer that unifies all of Still Pointe literally because of our connected pinkies but also because of our common faith. It is a beautiful sight to see the pinky prayer circle form from loud, exciting chaos, and I remember getting emotional during my last pinky prayer circle before the last showing of Gerda and the Snow Queen 2016, reminiscing and thinking about how much I would miss this.
What was your favorite part of class?
My favorite part of class would have to be when Mrs. Rogers or any other teacher strikes up a really interesting and slightly challenging combination that makes us really determined to succeed. The kind of combination that may yield 3 or 4 trails, but the whole time everyone is carefully watching and congratulating their classmates when somebody gets it. I also love Contemporary with Mrs. Kayla when she has a specific goal or agenda for that day, like when she says, “Today WE ARE FINISHING THE DANCE!” There is a certain exciting energy shared by everyone on those days, and it feels amazing once we finally finish that dance, or get those fouettés perfectly in-sync, or get that contraction to match the music perfectly. It’s just an amazing feeling.
What is your favorite kind of dance to watch? Do you have a favorite ballet?
I think a lot of different types of dance are very interesting to watch. I think classical ballet is really fun to watch because of the precision, tradition, beauty, and grace. It all just comes together to create an amazingly impressing performance that my eyes cannot stray from-it’s pretty mesmerizing. But I also love watching more contemporary or modern dances because of the way that the dancers connect with the music, and the movement is so not-traditional and experimental that it too is mesmerizing! I think I love watching these dances the most because they are the styles that I hold closest to my heart.
And a favorite ballet… I love a ballet that is theatrical and provides a dramatic show so call me cliché but I love Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find a lot of inspiration in music. Dance and music are the ultimate pair, so often I find myself compelled to dance when a certain song strikes a chord within me. When given choreography, I find inspiration in how the emotion from the music relates to my own life. I channel the emotion and I can feel myself truly performing.
What lessons from dance will you take into your future?
I think that dance trains you to be obedient and patient, just from waiting at the barre for a combination or waiting for your placement in choreography. My boss told me that she met a ballet dancer and she reminded her of me, and I thought it had to be the common poise and patience that we all seem to develop. Dance exhibits hard work at its finest, and I have learned through dance what it is like to put in hard work and reap the benefits later on. I have also learned to be confident in myself through dance. Still Pointe is not an overly competitive environment like other stereotypical dance studios so it has been a wonderful place to grow as a young girl. Here I was not pressured to be the best at everything and feel crushed when something didn’t go my way. I realized that we all have our strengths and weaknesses, in dance and any other aspect of our lives, and focusing on your strengths is what will give you that confidence.
I would also like to thank everyone at Still Pointe for giving me a wonderful 7 years. I have grown an incredible amount during this time, and I have been blessed to have been able to grow in such a loving environment surrounded by such inspiring people. I love you all!
And, we love you, Francesca! You are a gentle, brilliant, sweet, and determined woman. God bless you and be with you!!!