From Russia to Nebraska City; From Cecchetti to DanceWorks! The year is 1890; the place is St. Petersburg, Russia. The participants are Peter I. Tchaikovsky and Marius Petitpa and all members of the Imperial Ballet. The concept of presenting a ballet at the beautiful Maryinsky Theater is in the works and Sleeping Beauty is the theme. The score is written for the orchestra by Tchaikovsky-one of his most beautiful. The choreography is done by Petipa-dances that will live on for over a hundred years and be repeated again and again, testing the agility, strength, and expertise of dancers thoughout the world. The dancers are cast, one of whom is Enrico Cecchetti, the virtuoso dancer, son of Italian performers, and father of the Cecchetti method of ballet instruction. And so it begins... 120 years later, DanceWorks in Nebraska City is presenting Sleeping Beauty. The Cecchetti trained dancers will take on the roles that were once danced in 1890 in Russia. Their ballet training is based on the Cecchetti syllabus founded by Enrico Cecchetti in the early 1900's. The dancers at DanceWorks will attempt the difficult and exciting Petipa choreography. Donna Whitesel will stage the ballet, adding parts as needed for the little ones, and changing choreography as needed for the lower levels. Very few changes will be made to the original score, and the story will be carried by dances, pantomime and facial expression (acting!). This fantastic work will be presented at the Nebraska City High School on June 3 and 4, 2011. Stay tuned for more exciting information as the show develops! ...read more

DanceWorks has started classes for this year! The first week went well with 104 students registered for classes in Creative Movement, Kinderdance and tap, Primary Ballet and tap, Basic Ballet and Tap I, Pre-Grade One and Tap II, Grades One through Six Ballet, Tap III and IV, Beg./Int. Pointe, Advanced Pointe, Intermediate Non-Syllabus Ballet and Advanced Non-syllabus Ballet. We still have room in all classes except for Kinderdance and Basic Ballet. Sign up now to join the dancers at DanceWorks! ...read more

Since Mary Poppins flew off on May 22, I have had the chance to travel to Colorado to see my new grandson, Quentin, and to visit my dad in PA. Summer is a great way to catch up with friends and family. No classes are scheduled until August, so the barres at DanceWorks are empty for now. Dancers, enjoy the break, but don't forget to work out! Cardio-strengthening-flexibility workouts are essential to have a smooth transition when you come back. Little ones, just play outside. Swim, run, play with friends. Quentin, born June 22 was 6 lbs. 3 oz. He is a very beautiful boy! ...read more