About Ballet
Alexandra Lengyel has danced professionally since the age of nine and received her diploma from the esteemed fine arts and dance school of Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts in Connecticut. She has an extensive knowledge of Ballet and Folk dance and experience working with children ages 3 to 18.
Students in her class will get the opportunity to learn the principles of Vaganova method and other major international methods. Students will learn the true and pure principles of ballet and folk dance. They will not only learn correct steps and forms, but how those steps and forms relate to the classical music on an artistic level. The goal here is not only teaching students to dance at a high level, but to educate them on genuinely appreciating cultural values.
Classical ballet classes
As a major element in any dancers training, this class will follow the Vaganova method, which offers the best structured ballet education system all over the world.
Folk dance
The true nature of folk dance is not widely known in the U.S. Folk music and dance however, have rich traditions in certain parts of Europe, and they are as popular now as they were hundreds of years ago. In the 20th century, folk dance has evolved into a stage art, but its roots go back to times when it was exclusively danced in traditional villages by the people for their own joy and artistic enrichment. Students of all ages will enjoy learning this type of dance. It has a much more relaxed atmosphere than a ballet class. After learning a few basic steps it can be a fun experience for the entire community.
Historic dance (Renaissance and Baroque)
The renaissance and baroque era have been a the true treasure trove of “grande danse”. Literally, there have been hundreds of dances danced at village mansions, lavish castles, or at royal palaces. Music and dance training were a crucial part of every young lady and gentleman’s basic education. Often, we only do have a superficial image of that era, as a Fairytale like period. Through this course, we would like to introduce interested dancers to the true nature and essence of this refined and elegant art of dance.
Ballet Workout
Ballet workout is developed by, and for professional dancers. Dancers regularly perform these routine exercises to keep their strength, flexibility, to improve alignment of the spine and hips. Even injured dancers can train and keep their bodies in shape without the pressure of gravity. These classes will effectively build a long and lean muscle structure, graceful posture while enjoying classical ballet music.
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About the Instructor
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
I have started my professional ballet training at the HUNGARIAN DANCE ACADEMY /Magyar Táncművészeti Főiskola/ at the age of ten. The Dance Academy is the biggest professional ballet school in Central Europe, following the Soviet-Russian training method.
I have also participated at several summer courses, e.g. at the ROSELLA HIGHTOWER INSTITUTE in Cannes, FRANCE, coached by Monique Loudieres /Paris Opera Ballet Etoile/ WIENER TANZWOCHEN in Vienna, AUSTRIA coached by Marcia Haydee /principal of Santiago Ballet, Chile, Stuttgart Ballet, Germany.
Having completed five years at the Hungarian Dance Academy, and following a Youth America Grand Prix competition in New-York, I was admitted to the NUTMEG CONSERVATORY FOR THE ARTS in Torrington, State of Connecticut, USA. At Nutmeg, I have obtained the prestigious four year diploma.
I have been coached by the finest ballet teachers and masters, including the legendary ABT prima ballerina , Eleonor d’Antunno, Basel Ballet principal dancer, Victoria Mazarelli or Theresa Cappucilli, the Graham technique expert, Alexiy Tchernikov from Bolshoy and our wonderful resident choreographer, Mr Scott Thyberg, not even mentioning several other guest teachers. Though training at Nutmeg has been also based on the Vaganova method, the approach was far more up to date, and I had the chance to familiarize with other so called “Western” styles, including the Balanchine technique, French school and others.
At Nutmeg, I was awarded by the “Artistic Potential Award”.
Shortly after graduation, I started to teach at a newly established school, at the NEW ENGLAND BALLET CONSERVATORY in Burlington, Vermont. With my artistic director, Vanina Wilson, formerly with Paris Opera Ballet School, we have staged and choreographed several performances, including Delibes’ Coppelia, and a ballet version of the Beauty and the Beast, as well as smaller etude concerts. At the New England Conservatory, I gained further insight into the French School of Ballet, which I consider to be my most favorite school of artistic expression.
My artistic director unfortunately has decided to return to France and she closed the school. We did have a wonderful working relationship; Vanina has provided me with a letter of recommendation.
Last summer, I returned to Budapest, completed a teacher training course coached by Hungary’s most renowned dance historian, Rita Szell focusing on a rare genre of dances from the renaissance until late XVIII. Century. Currently, I am doing further research at this field, including period social-court as well as stage dances.
PERFORMANCE AND WORK EXPERIENCES, SKILLS
According to school traditions, as ballet students we have been involved in different ballet and opera productions at the National Opera House in Budapest, including Nutcracker each season, Swan Lake, Aida, Salome etc.
At Nutmeg we have practiced and danced all major repertoire ballets, including the gems of the romantic era/ Giselle, Le Sylphide, Chopiniana/ classical repertoire /Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Bayadere, Raymonda etc, neoclassical / La fille mal gardee, Les Patineurs/ and also modern choreographies choreographed by our resident choreographer and guest teachers.
As a professional dancer, I am also trained at different ‘’historical dances”’ such as polonaise, mazurka, palotas, often danced in classical repertoire ballets.
I have been teaching students from a tender age of 3 to teenagers, and also adults. I am interested in developing necessary skills with very young students, and also in teaching and co-dancing repertoire ballet variations and pas de deuxes.
Contact Me
ALEXANDRA LENGYEL
alexandravlengyel@yahoo.com
925-238-6440
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