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Saturday, March 01, 2003
Teaching ballet the Russian way
When Ballet Academy of Cebu (BAC) was launched late last year, children and even young adults couldn’t wait to enrol and start learning the artistic, smart and classical art of dance—that is ballet.
Christine Javier Samonte founded the school because of her passion for it. “It is more than a dance,” she said.
“Ballet covers just about everything—balance, hands and feet movements, posture, elegance, creativity and projection. It basically entails a lot of flexibility and grace,” she added, emphasizing that what they teach the kids and adults is the Russian technique.
After being in the United States for more than 20 years and having studied the Russian technique for five years, she found out “it is classical, very exact and is strict in poses, projection and execution.
Samonte was a principal dancer with Ballet Center’s Queen City Ballet in 1976. She had her comprehensive training on the Russian technique with the John Barke School of Classical Dance in New York and Svetlana Stanova Ballet Art in Arlington, Texas.
She has also taught ballet in various academies. Other than BAC, she established the Mabuhay and Tina Samonte Ethnic Ballet and The Filipinas Ballet Arts in Dallas, Texas which stage annual productions.
Are you really from Cebu?
Yes. I have been abroad for long though but I came back to Cebu in June 2002 and later decided to put up Ballet Academy of Cebu (BAC).
Why put up one which teaches ballet?
I was once an active ballerina and even up to now, I dance the art for the kids and adults to follow. I used to be a professional dance artist of the Young Audiences of Greater Dallas for nine years. From then on, I have continuously trained and kept myself updated on the latest methods of teaching ballet effectively.
You believe ballet is more than a dance. How is it so?
Ballet poses, especially the Russian technique, are strict and very appropriately projected with grace. Not only is ballet a dance, it is also an art which develops one’s flexibility, posture and control.
How important is grace in ballet?
Grace is part of the technique. I am just fascinated that the kids in my center project so naturally. Kids who learn ballet become more creative and smart.
What is the best age for an aspiring ballerina to start learning the craft?
For one, my daughter Megahn Fortich started when she was younger than 14. But you can actually start learning at any age, however, it is faster to learn when you are between 10 and 12.
What do you envision for the learners?
I just want them to come, learn the art and love doing it. My greatest objective is for them to be able to perform it with pride anywhere they can. I would like the Cebuanos to fall in love with ballet.
How distinct is the Russian technique?
Unique. It is very exact. It follows a strict syllabus. I really want my students to learn the Russian technique as it should be. Remember that you can’t fool the audience especially the ones who really have the grasp of the dance. (RDE)
(March 1, 2003 issue)
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