Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks’ Post

Seriously, what is so wrong with stick figures?! 😂 When you see someone dancing with abandon at a club, is your first thought "Pfft, they're not a real dancer! Where are their ballet shoes?" If you see someone happily strumming a few chords to themselves on a guitar, do you think that they don't deserve the instrument because they aren't whipping out some wild finger-plucking skills? Of course not! And yet, so many adults instantly snuff out any flickering creative spark because they believe that if they can't create realistic art, (eg. draw a person that looks like the person does in the real world), then they shouldn't be making art at all. But why should only one type of artist get to play with the crayons? Realistic art is a STYLE of making art in the same way that ballet is a style of dance and Spanish guitar is a style of music. It is only one style of many, MANY out there. There is no one right way to make art and the more you can let go of that limiting belief, the more joy you'll be able to find in your creative explorations.

Growing up, I resented the fact that I trained in Irish dancing and not ballet. It’s been 10 years since I’ve retired and I’ve got 10 lessons I want to share with you: 1// The value of repetition. 2// Dancing is a reflection of life. 3// Discipline is a choice, not a punishment. 4// Being at the bottom and working your way up. 5// Sometimes other people can see what you can’t. 6// Stage presence is something that comes from within. 7// Listening is a whole-body activity and an active process. 8// Trusting yourself is more important than trusting what others say. 9// Remember only you know what you did to get here, but others will feel it. 10// Your body is not something you can boss around and expect to get in line. — Which one resonates with you right now? My answer is in the comments…

Does Perfection Have To Be The Measure Of Ballet? Is it possible to imagine the ballet world without a primary teleology of aesthetic perfectionism and a baseline of low self-worth? Is it possible for our culture at large to stop conceiving of art and fame in this way?

Ballet is not an easy path, however it has definitely had a major impact on the person I have become. The discipline and teamwork that dancing taught me are only some of its many benefits. Read these testimonies to learn more!🩰 👉 https://lnkd.in/e8MsPEig

What are you brave enough to suck at? I took ballet for the first time at age 24. Every evening for a month, I drove across town and practiced ballet for two hours. I was in waaaaaaaay over my head. Ballet terms are in French--who knew? Not me. I was clueless when the teacher called out 'tendu,' 'rond de jambe,' etc. And it was *hard.* I got into amazing shape that summer. Now, I watch ballet and wonder how the dancers are not all red-faced and puffing. You know what, though? I had the *best* time. That ballet class is one of my most joyful memories. Being an absolute beginner is okay--exhilarating, even. We think we need to have stuff figured out before we begin; and yet we only figure things out by doing. (And the doing turns out to be...fun. Surprise!) If you want to write a nonfiction book but you're an absolute beginner and have no idea where to start--I've got you. I created Book In Six to take aspiring nonfiction authors all the way from "idea" to "the end" in six months, with 183 days' worth of specific action items. It's everything I've learned about writing nonfiction books, all in one place. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gmJyzfpK When is the last time you were an absolute beginner? My most recent experience with this: salsa lessons! So fun! 💃 [Image: the author in a jean jacket, white shirt, floral shirt and white chunky shoes. Dressed up like a girl from the early 2000's for a "dress like you did in high school" event]

✨ Real Stories, Real Success in Dance Studios ✨ Hearing feedback like this from Ms. Allison, a Studio Director, reinforces the impact of the Fairytale Princess Ballet Curriculum. "Our beginner classes have never been more popular since its introduction. Parents and teachers are equally thrilled with the cultural richness and ease of teaching." This testimonial is a testament to the curriculum's effectiveness in enhancing dance studio offerings. It's not just a curriculum; it's a transformative tool for studios, bringing joy to teachers, students, and parents alike. 🔗 Discover how this curriculum can elevate your studio at https://lnkd.in/g26qKurc #DanceStudioSuccess #HappyDancing #TransformativeTeaching

Believe it or not, ballet and DEI share many aspects. Let us break down three avenues in which businesses can follow in the footsteps of ballet to weave DEI into their organizational practices. https://lnkd.in/gpg3sNxk #Industry #Humanity #Career #Business #Advice

Warming up and cooling down the body may seem basic for many dancers, but for Indianapolis Ballet, Inc. principal Yoshiko Kamikusa it’s of optimal importance. Learn about Kamikusa's daily conditioning regimen, certification in sports medicine, and more: https://lnkd.in/eZjXG2Mu #conditioning #dance #workout

🎬 Abstract Edit: Transformed an ordinary clip of a ballet dancer into a more dreamy and ethereal vision. I let my creativity flow with this one; always cherish working with abstract concepts. Created using After Effects & Premiere Pro

Case Study: Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet Company and School Website Overview: The website for Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet Company and School is an online platform that serves as a dynamic hub for engaging with parents, guardians, plus ametuer, and professional dancers. Designed with a focus on movement, the site embodies the vibrancy and fluidity of contemporary dance while providing essential information about classes, events, and promotions. Client's Goal: The primary goal of the website is to effectively connect with parents and guardians of potential school attendees, as well as professional dancers seeking opportunities to market themselves and engage with schools and studios. The client expressed the necessity for a dynamic and engaging online presence that accurately reflects the energy and creativity of Royal Expressions. Design Elements: 1. Movement: The design of the website emphasizes movement, mirroring the grace and agility of dancers. Through strategic use of animations and custom icons depicting dancers in motion, the site captures the essence of contemporary ballet, ensuring a visually stimulating user experience. 2. Deep Contrast for Accessibility: Deep contrast was employed throughout the design to enhance readability and accessibility for all users, especially considering the diverse audience of parents, guardians, and professional dancers visiting the site. 3. Custom Icons: Custom icons featuring dancers were crafted to add a unique, personal touch to the website, reinforcing the theme of movement and artistry central to Royal Expressions. These icons serve as visual cues that guide users through the site and create a cohesive aesthetic. Unique Feature: The standout feature of the website is its dynamic nature. By focusing on capturing the essence of a dancer's movements without resorting to intrusive background music, the site achieves a balance between creativity and user experience. The incorporation of animations and custom icons ensures that visitors are immersed in the world of contemporary ballet while navigating the site seamlessly. Through a harmonious blend of design elements and a commitment to maintaining a dynamic online presence, the Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet Company and School website successfully fulfills its purpose of engaging with parents, professional dancers, and the wider community, embodying the spirit of innovation and artistry that defines the institution. #beardedBlackbrandnerd