Assessment Stress?

Assessment week is right around the corner!  We all know these meetings are without a doubt stressful and scary, but there’s no need to freak out!  Keep these helpful tips in mind and your assessment will be a breeze. 

1.  Talk to your friends! 
Everyone is in the same situation, and everyone feels the same way you do.  Talking to your other BB members can help you get rid of some of your own fears and comfort dancers around you.  Sharing your feelings is definitely better than bottling them up and making your problems seem a million times worse than they actually are.  Sometimes some friendly perspective is all you need to see where you really are! 

2.  Be honest with the faculty
We all want to make a good impression on the faculty at our assessment, especially since we only get to talk to them like this once a year.  But don’t worry about getting lost in appearances and get down to the facts.  Don’t be afraid to ask real questions instead of just nodding along, and don’t be afraid to question their comments.  Your honesty will be greatly appreciated by the faculty and you’ll get the most out of your assessment.   

3.  Don’t be afraid of the staff- they’re people too! 

We know that having 6 professors sit in front of you and judge your dancing is a nightmare, but it helps to think of them as the individuals they are.  They’ve all had serious careers, and they’ve probably been in similar evaluations.  They know exactly how scary these situations are and can sympathize.  So don’t feel the need to treat them in that moment as if they’re gods deciding your fate- they’re just like us!

4.   Take the feedback with a grain of salt

The faculty definitely has some helpful corrections to give.  But, at the end of the day, you know how hard you work, you know your own body, you know what you’re capable of, and you know what you need to improve on.  Don’t let their comments completely shatter your world if you feel they’re coming out of left field.  No matter what anyone says, ultimately you are your own best judge. 

5.  Hold back the emotions
Don’t take every single comment too personally.  It can obviously feel like a huge blow, but if you respond objectively it will show your maturity and responsibility.  Just remember that their notes professional opinions, not a personal attack against your dancing.  It might be a good idea to think of some responses to touchy subjects beforehand so you don’t let your emotions control you in the moment. 

 6.  Ask questions

The professors will definitely expect you to ask some questions.  If you can’t really think of anything, don’t just ask how you’re doing or how to improve.  Think of some specific issues you might have and ask specifically what exercises you can do to improve them.  Even if they don’t have an answer they’ll see your initiative.  And don’t be afraid to ask the professors to explain some of their feedback if you don’t understand it, they want to make sure you’re getting everything from this meeting. 

7.  Dress nice

It’s not required to dress in dance clothing or any specific clothing to your assessment, but you should wear something nice or something you know you look good in.  It shows that you care about the meeting and respect the professors for their time.  It’s also nice to show them what you look like when your hair isn’t in a  bun or your in a leotard!

8.  Bring a notebook

I like to bring a notebook to my assessment to write down the notes I get.  It helps to solidify the problems and to look back at them in the future to work on them.  If you’re nervous it will also help you in case you forget everything they say.  But don’t let the notebook distract you from the meeting, just write down a few key words from each correction. 

9.  Enjoy your time off! 

Don’t let your 15 minute assessment ruin your whole week off!  It’s mid-semester, we just put on a whole show in less than a month, and it’s almost time for midterms!  Use this time to relax, get what you need to get done, give your body a rest and be like a normal college student!  Don’t let the stress of the assessment be the only thing you think about the whole week. 

10.  Butler Ballet Formal!!!!!

No matter how well or terribly your assessment might go, you can celebrate or blow off steam at the Butler Ballet Formal at the end of the week!  At that point Assessment Week will be over, and you don’t have to worry about your assessment for a whole year!  In the end, the faculty is here to help us, so there’s no need to worry.  

This article was written by a member of the class of 2018, Alex Tarnowski. 

Kegan's Helpful and HOPEful assistant

My name is Hope Hagen, and I am a current junior working on my B.S. in Dance Arts Administration. In addition to my studies, I also have a job working in the Butler Ballet Costume Shop. I volunteered extensively in the costume shop my freshman and sophomore year, and learned an incredible amount about costuming from our wonderful costumer Kathleen Egan (Kegan). At the beginning of this academic year the chair of the department, Larry Attaway, told me that they were going to hire me as Kegan’s assistant. This came as a very pleasant surprise. I now help with just about everything that goes on in the shop from costume fittings, to alterations, costume construction, beading, making headpieces, and some design. 

            Some of the highlights of things I have made include: a romantic tutu which I made in costuming class, I beaded the skirts and bodices of the prologue fairy tutus for our production of Sleeping Beauty last year, I redesigned and embellished the Russian headpieces for Nutcracker this past year, and I completed all the alterations for Snow Corps and Flower Corps. I help out in lots of small ways too such as sewing on buttons, adding hooks and bars, putting together pieces of bodices, and hemming skirts.

            Through all this experience I also learned how to make leotards and I now have my own business making and selling custom leotards for my fellow dancers. This is something I plan to continue after graduation to help make some money on the side for myself. Hopefully costuming in general will be something I can pursue further in my future as I really do enjoy it but dancing is my primary goal after graduation.             

While Butler’s dance program is incredible and prepares us well for the professional world, it has so much more to offer than just the dancing aspect if you use your resources. I would highly encourage any dancer to pursue another creative outlet, as it will only help them in the long run. Having these extra skills will make them more marketable as a dancer and could help secure a job.

This article was written by Hope Hagen, a member of the class of 2017. Here she is with Kathleen Egan, Butler Ballet's very own costumer.

All About Laura Byram!

This year we are trying to get to know our dance professors a little more. Last month we interviewed pointe and ballet teacher, Laura Byram. Here's what she has to say! 

What is your favorite ballet and why?  

Swan Lake!  I am so excited that Butler Ballet is performing it this year!!  The music is exquisite and deeply moving.  I love the storyline, costumes, and the rich emotional qualities that are expressed throughout this ballet.

What inspired you to pursue dance as a career?  

My father asked me at the age of 12 to choose between continuing my piano or dance lessons.  I chose dance because for me, it was the most challenging, and afforded me the strongest outlet to express myself.  I chose teaching because I love to work with young people!  Teaching is my passion and I love to pass this passion and love on to others.  I find it immensely rewarding!

What do you like to do for fun? 

I love to read!  My Kindle goes with me wherever I go:)  I also love to swim and spend time with my family and friends,  Dinners out with my husband are also high on my list of fun evenings.  I also love to teach which I consider a lot of fun!

What is your favorite genre of music? Favorite band or composer?  

I like any music that is current.  Love to drive in my car with the windows down singing and jamming to my tunes!  My favorite composers are Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and Bach.

What is your favorite place to travel? Where in the world would you most like to visit that you haven’t already? Why?  

As of this time in my life, my favorite place is Cape Town, South Africa.  It is absolutely breathtaking with the mountains, beaches, and wineries!  I have been to South America, throughout Africa, and almost all of the Caribbean islands, so I would like my next visits to be to throughout Europe.  My husband and I will travel soon to Mozambique to visit my daughter and her family as they are living there at this time.  She and her husband both work for the State Department  working at the various Embassies around the world.  It is such a gift to be able to travel and visit them, and see so many wonderful places around the world.  I am also expecting my second grandbaby next March so a trip to Mozambique is a must!  My first grandbaby just turned two, and she is the apple of my eye!  I just love being a grandma!!   

Do you speak any foreign languages? 

Only my French terminology for ballet:)

What is your favorite book? Favorite author? Why?  

Difficult to choose because I love variety in my reading choices.  I guess if I had to choose, it would be The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.  I love the rich history in the book and the wide breadth of character development.  The sequel, World Without End, is also amazing!

What is your favorite movie? Why?  

Gone with the Wind especially on the big screen.  It is so epic!

What is your favorite Olympic event to watch? Why?  

Ice Skating because of the dance aspect (of course), and the appreciation for how difficult it is.

What is your favorite dessert? Favorite comfort food?  

Baklava.  I love the honey and nuts.  Mac n cheese.  Just yummy and pure comfort!

Favorite “adult" beverage?  

Dirty Martini!!

Any other fun facts or general information that you’d like to put out there? You can make up your own questions to answer if you so desire :)  

I would just like to say what an honor and privilege it is to work with all of the talented dancers in Butler Ballet.  It is such a blessing to be a part of shaping your lives both as dancers and people.  You all inspire  and challenge me to be a better teacher and person.  I admire all of your hard work, dedication, commitment, and passion to the art of dance.  Thank you for sharing your passion and love of dance with me. 

10 Things You Need to Know About Butler

Dear Incoming Freshmen,

Welcome to Butler Ballet!  With your final weeks of summer approaching, your minds must be wandering to your upcoming school year on campus.  This time last summer I was both scared and excited to see what being a college dance major at Butler would be like.  Now that I know the ins and outs of being a Bulldog, here are 10 things about Butler Ballet life they don’t tell you during Welcome Week:

1) Keep an open mind in the studio

One of the best pieces of advice I heard about Butler is “to be prepared to completely relearn what you know about dance.”  The staff is 100% dedicated to make us all into the best dancers we can be, so try and apply everything they say, even if you think it’s weird, different or scary.  If you’re asked to be standing in a parallel releve on one count and to slide to the floor using nothing but your back, just go for it.  If you’re told you’re gonna be performing a mazurka en pointe, you better start practicing.  Once you actually do these seemingly impossible things, those 32 fouettes will be nothing.  

2) Be prepared for the hectic schedules

One word to describe life in Butler Ballet is “busy.”  Between dance classes, rehearsals, dance-related academics, non-dance academics, and required general courses, not to mention everything else you wanna do during your day, your credit hours will easily exceed those of normal students.  Try and find the time that you need for yourself and use it wisely: to study, to relax, to take care of things you need to do, to go out and when to stay in.  And plan accordingly for each day; we go from 8 am to about 5 pm straight, so get used to sitting in your FYS in your leotard.

3) Overcheck your Butler.edu

The communication choice for Butler Ballet is definitely email.  Rehearsal schedules, changes to the rehearsal schedules, changes to class schedules and different opportunities are always sent through Butler email.  Not to mention academic teachers that email about class cancellations, which you will definitely want to know about before you wake up and walk there in the freezing Indiana winter at 7 am.  The best way to stay updated is to connect you Butler email to your phone and check before all you classes.  And if you’re sick or can’t go to classes or rehearsal for any reason, be sure to email all your professors beforehand and let them know.   

   

 4) Get JCA credits out of the way

Just remember: 8 before you graduate, 5 per semester.  And always always ALWAYS swipe your ID and fill out the slips before each event (this might not make sense yet but you’ll find out soon).

5) Utilize the Facilities

Something all professors will say is to use the studios outside of class.  Luckily for us, Lilly Hall’s 5 studios are available at any time of the day.  Just ask Judy in the office for a studio key and you can work on your tendus all night.  The professors are always available in their offices, and if you ever have questions they are very willing to meet.  And if you wanna work on other things, there are also other resources that are available.  The physio room in the basement is fully equipped with rotating boards, ellipticals, exercise bands and a pilates reformer.  A few days during the week we even have our own physical therapist come in to check on things that are bothering you or help with previous injuries.  The Health and Recreation Center also has all exercise equipment imaginable, but I recommend spending your time in the hot tub, sauna, and pool.  Although it might be difficult to make yourself work after our long days, but it’ll only be beneficial for your body.  Just as Professor Ruffo says, “Try and use them as much as possible because you’re paying for it!”

6) Don’t be afraid to branch out academically

Your plans for a career will probably change throughout your years at Butler, which is ok!  One of the greatest things about our program is that it offers three different degree plans: a BA in dance pedagogy, BFA in dance performance, and a BS in dance/arts administration.  Most of you will be starting Butler as performance majors, but I guarantee that by graduation a majority of you will have switched.  Don’t worry, your major won’t affect your placement or your casting.  All three majors are required to perform, and require almost the same amount of dance courses.  And if you’re interested in something completely outside of dance, Butler offers a variety of minors that can accommodate to a dancer’s schedule.  Many dancers in the program have minors, from math to physical therapy to English.

7) Conserve your flex

No one wants to be the annoying friend mid-semester that’s always asking others to buy them something with their flex.  WIth $400 per semester and about 4 months per semester, stick to $100 per month.  Trust me, before Masterworks at 8 am or between Nutcracker shows, that grande coffee is gonna come in handy.  

8) Participate!

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved at Butler, in the dance department and outside of it.  Sigma Rho Delta, the Dance Fraternity of Butler, is a great way to meet and become friends with the other dancers, promote Butler Ballet, and get involved with other departments in the Jordan College of the Arts.  Greek life on campus is huge, and a great way to make bonds with friends outside of the dance department.  There are also many clubs, organizations, volunteer opportunities on campus to join.  And if you’re looking for work, the Butler Bookstore and other food chains around campus can offer flexible hours for dancers.  Your R.A. and unit will also have fun group activities throughout the year as well as both Schwitzer and Ross Halls.  

9) Don’t be scared of Atown food

Dining hall food can be difficult to get used to after home-cooked meals.  The best way to survive it is to find what works best for you and stick to it (whether it be salad bar, Miss Nikki’s sandwiches, bagels and cereal, or a raw tomato whole).  And if not, Butler has a free shuttle to a nearby Target on the weekends that you can use to buy groceries and Broad Ripple is fully equipped with Chipotle, Hot Box Pizza, Noodles, and other places to eat out.  

10) THE DANCING!  

The reason we’re all here!  When things get hectic and crazy, difficult or sad, or if you get lost in all the other amazing aspects of college, just remember the one thing that everyone in the department shares: we love what we do.  And think about how lucky we are to be doing it at one of the top dance colleges in the country!  Butler Ballet consists of students from all over the country, even from all over the world, and we’ve all sacrificed to be here.  As long as you keep track of that, Butler Ballet can make you into the best dancer you couldn’t even imagine yourself becoming.  

I wish you all the best for the start of freshman year!  

-Alex Tarnowski   

From Boardroom to Barre

Sometimes it's difficult to be in a industry so isolated from from the world. We sit in studios and theaters all day which naturally leads people to make assumptions about what kind of people dancers are. Butler Ballet is quite the breaker of the mold. Not only do most dancers take perquisite academics in various fields of study, but in addition many dance majors have other minors or even double majors. I am a current Junior BFA dance major with a minor in Strategic Communication, this means that on top of "twirling around all day" I'm over in Jordan Hall and the Fairbanks center most likely in full ballet gear with multiple bags by my desk.

With the minor I've taken several courses on Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, and various writing seminars these not only broaden my academic horizon but have really opened my eyes to all that is considered communications. Although balancing the two can be a bit of a struggle at times, and this summer in particular has been the ultimate balancing act. This summer I was fortunate enough to be offered a paid internship with an Event and Conference Planning Agency based out of Boston. However, as any dancer knows it is extremely important to stay in shape particularly over the summer as many of us are on our way to summer programs or back to school programs. Working with a 40 hour week can be quite difficult when trying to fit in ballet classes and gym workouts. But there is truly nothing better than taking a ballet class after a long stressful day and getting to chance to unwind with a slow tempo plié. So sure enough Jose Mateo Ballet Theater is only one short train stop away from my office and at 5pm each day I transform from the blazer wearing intern to the Trina in birkenstocks and a bun. What most people don't realize is that the industry is changing, dancers are just working on stage or in the studio but they're innovators, making their own businesses or working in out in business related fields. Being able to do both of the things I am most passionate about not only at school but during the summer as well has been a wonderful learning experience.

This post was written by Delaney Waldron, a member of the class of 2016, pictured left. 

Open Class for a Ballet Dancer

     Moving into my Junior year at Butler, I've found myself falling into a pretty standard routine for my supplementary training. Generally, when I'm at school, I find the curriculum to be extremely stimulating. There's enough variety between the ballet classes to explore several ways of moving, and enough other forms of dance presented to us to diversify our education. While the program does offer many important aspects of dance, it does not offer everything. It is important for the modern day dancer, ballet or otherwise, to explore several different ways of moving. That's why whenever I have the opportunity, I force myself to take open class.

Photo by: Allie Martin Photography

    If you're lucky enough, you live close to a major city that offers all kinds of dance. Your breaks can be filled with West African dance, Gaga improvisation classes, hip hop, or even Irish step dance. If not, it is important that you make the time to visit a major city (Chicago is only a bus ride away, and cheaper to fly out of than Indianapolis Airport) to explore these options. Taking open class is a skill that many ballet dancers lack. We get comfortable doing our style our way with our teachers.  If you only move one way, you're only marketable to a few companies. And if that's what you want then fine, but good luck trying to find a job!  

    Many students enter Butler with the idea that after their four years, they'll get a contract with a ballet company and that will be the end of it. Frankly that's not always the case. You have to be ready to open your mind to other ideas, such as freelance work. Most freelance work requires you to do things you've never done before. A lot of projects and directors involved with freelance work will watch open classes at places like Broadway Dance Center. You taking class may be an audition for someone you don't even know is watching. You have to always be on your A game and willing to try and go for anything.

   This is a scary thing for many "Trina's" but I'm telling you, it's a necessary part of the business. If you've gotta dance, you've gotta work and go that extra mile. You may never get to be in a professional ballet company after you graduate, but you also may do work that no one else you've ever danced with has the opportunity to do. Lots of traveling companies are project based, allowing you to see parts of the world you've never seen before. Opening yourself to new ideas is what college is all about!  So go the distance and take lots of open classes when you can!  Chances are you might find a way of moving that you never thought you'd enjoy. 

This post was written by Niklas Nelson, a member of the class of 2017 (pictured above). 

Kevin James

Kevin James is from Atlanta, Georgia, where he trained with the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education.  He graduated from Butler University with a BFA in Dance Performance.  After graduation, he joined Sarasota Ballet for two years, where he performed works by a variety of choreographers, including Yuri Possokhov, John Cranko, Andre Prokovsky, and Sir Peter Wright.  Kevin then danced with Minnesota Ballet for three years.  There he performed solo and principal roles, such as the Prince in “The Nutcracker” and Lysander in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream."  From there, Kevin moved cross-country to perform with Smuin Ballet, in San Francisco, where he performed works by Michael Smuin, Amy Seiwert, and Garrett Ammon.  Kevin is now retiring from his professional dance career to continue teaching, coaching, and choreographing in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was recently selected as a finalist for the 2015 Dance Gallery Festival in Texas for his work “One to Two.”

Photo by Keith Sutter

The instruction and support of all the teachers at Butler helped me develop as a dancer.  Susan McGuire gave me a foundation and appreciation for modern dance, which helped me when performing contemporary and modern roles.  Stephan Laurent and Michelle Jarvis believed in me and helped me realize I had a future in dance.  I hear myself echoing the lessons of Marek Cholewa and Cynthia Pratt whenever I teach, and Derek Reid’s “Ken Doll Lectures” certainly shaped aspects of my career.  For me, Butler was the perfect transition from a dance school to a professional career.

Read more about Kevin James and his "Dancer Diet" on Smuin Ballet's blog