Blue Diamond Dance / Flamenco Chicago Studio
4163 W. Barry Ave.
Chicago
773.725.8996
First, let me say that this is the studio owned by Rosetta Magdalen (me!). I offer a full range of flamenco dance classes and performance opportunities (including recitals twice a year and the chance for advanced students to perform in Flamenco Chicago professional shows). For more about our flamenco classes, visit www.flamencochicago.com.
I also offer private classes in ballet technique for those who have always had trouble accessing their turnout, can't seem to improve their extension, and so forth. We work on appropriate exercises to help in these areas of physical ability and technique, and try to get you to see quick improvement that you can build on over time in ballet classes at your regular studio. To learn more about one-on-one technique sessions, e-mail me.
The students who recommended me to be included on my own site ;-) say the following: "You are such a terrific teacher. You always find a way to improve my skills. Thank you very much for the fun classes, and your patience." • "Rosetta is a flamenco dance teacher of rare quality. She knows dance and music thoroughly from a technical perspective, and, in addition, she is able to clearly and concisely teach what she knows to students at all levels. She is encouraging, positive, and helps each student to learn at her/his own pace. Her sense of humor and openenss to each student's needs make her an especially wonderful trasmitter of the artform." • "When I started going to flamenco class just a year ago in Japan, I felt it would be a long way to complete sevillanas and could not expect to perform at a recital. But, I can't help recognizing that the continuation of practice has a great power. I really enjoyed the recital with wonderful company! Rosetta is not only a great flamenco dancer, but also has excellent talent to plan and create new things. I can get good inspiration from her every time. I really appreciate that she is taking care of us and supporting us!"
Hyde Park School of Ballet
5650 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Chicago
773.493.8498
Artistic director August Tye and sister Aimee Tye teach the ballet classes for adults. My correspondent says, 'The atmosphere is pleasant, noncompetitive and friendly. The students are serious, smart, and work hard. These are people who love to dance, but just happen to have alternative careers. Both Aimee and August teach with a warm, friendly manner, and are very welcoming and accepting toward students of all abilities. Corrections are excellent, and questions are welcomed.' Adult classes often include teenage students in class, so are not strictly limited to adults.
Faubourg Ballet
1114 Lake St.
Hanover Park
630.289.3030
I have heard good things about teacher Watmora Casey, who studied with the Alvin Ailey company in New York, and also coached and choreographed for a five-time U.S. National Champion acrobatic gymnastics team. He starts class with a 45-minute floor barre, which is great to help adult students find their center and work on turnout in the proper way.
Michelle Holzman
Northwest Ballet Academy
1069 N. Salem Drive
Schaumburg
847.885.3370
Here's a very interesting e-mail about an academy in the Chicago suburbs: "I have to recommend my teacher from the old days. I started back to dance in my late 20s and within two years I was there four days a week and performing. Michelle Holzman is wonderful. All the teachers are very nurturing to older students. They even got a bunch of us geezers on pointe and on stage! She offers a quality program and has many students go on to bigger and better things. But the best thing is that all students are encouraged to perform regardless of body type. She offered me many roles that I perhaps wasn't the best dancer for. But I worked hard and learned the parts quickly and was rewarded for that. I can't say enough good things about the school and all the teachers there. I miss them terribly."
Jo's Footwork Studio
1500 Walker St.
Western Springs
708.246.6878
My correspondent recommends ballet teacher Jackie Farina, and writes, "I have been taking classes from her for three years, and I continue to take classes with her, despite having moved far enough away to warrant finding a new studio. All of her adult classes are teen/adult classes so there are quite a few younger students, but adults get equal attention and critique. There are several of us 'older ladies' in class and we feel quite comfortable and never left out! Adults are allowed to progress as quickly as they would like, including pointe work."
School of the Salt Creek Ballet
98 E. Naperville Road
Westmont
630.769.1199
Here is what my informant has to say: 'I have been studying ballet since my early 20s, and have experienced many levels of teaching ability. The morning classes are filled with adults -- real adults -- many are in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Most are very accomplished. Susanne Wren teaches the morning classes. There is a very convivial atmosphere among the women here. Sue is by far the most conscientious giver of corrections I have ever studied under. And she sees everything, even through all the garb and black tights we adults insist on wearing! She was assistant artistic director of the Salt Creek Ballet Company until last year, and it is interesting to me how she seems to care equally for her adult dancers. Besides her ability to pinpoint appropriate corrections for each student, Sue also demonstrates her choreographic creativity through innovative and complex bar exercises and floor combinations. Her classes really challenge the dancer's brain! She changes these exercises every three weeks.'
Classes which adults may attend (as of 5/99) are:
Tuesdays at 9:15am (C-level), 10:30am (A-level), and 8:15pm (C-level)
Thursdays at 9:15am (D-level), 10:30am (B-level), and 8pm (B-level)
Fridays at 9am (C-Level)
Summer schedule classes may begin a half-hour earlier to accommodate the company's schedule. Check with the studio.
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