Paris Ballet's The Nutcracker
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POLICIES: REHEARSALS
REHEARSALS - KNOW YOUR ROLE
No matter his or her age, it is a performer’s responsibility to know what they are doing. Whether doing a major role or dancing in the corps de ballet, before rehearsals begin, it is imperative to do your proper research and know what the ballet you are about to perform is about and who your character is.
It is important to start figuring out the relationship of your character and the others in the productions and how they might react with each other on stage. This is when character development begins and that at the very first rehearsal. Never wait until two weeks before opening and then ask, “What is the ballet about?”
ROLES AND REHEARSALS -- IN GENERAL
So many times, it can be heard in the school lobby, “My child knows what they’re doing. We’re going to Disney World this weekend.” First and oddly enough, those are usually the EXACT children who need the most rehearsal time. Second and most importantly, rehearsals are not -- just for them.
While rehearsals are held for each individual to learn and properly be prepared for their role, they are also held so the entire cast can learn, work and react with each other, and within the group or ensemble with whom they perform.
Also during a rehearsal, things may change and EVERYONE must be aware of it -- at the time it happens. It is a waste of valuable time teaching a child something they missed due to a previous absence.
In rehearsals, all the repetition can eventually create what is called "muscle memory." During a performance, muscle memory can kick in when the brain has a momentary "blank" moment. (It happens to most all dancers, from time to time.) Because they have rehearsed so much, the body can naturally do what it has been doing in rehearsals in the previous months.
In life, while walking down a crowded street or at a mall, there are people wondering around while on their own private “mission.” They are unaware of you may as you may not be concerned with them.
However, in dance, opera and theatre, a choreographer or playwright creates – EVERYTHING -- for a specific reason. Each and every role is important or it would not have been “written!”
As a performer, from the first time they set foot on the stage to their present performance, just being on stage is a valuable lesson -- on many levels. A first role may be a "spear carrier" or "a person in the village."
No one gets a leading role the very first time. They must work hard, be diligent and dedicated while “honing” their craft. In show business it’s called, “paying your dues.” There are countless, yes countless numbers of very talented dancers in major ballet companies who for years, dance in the corps de ballet waiting for their turn to dance a soloist or a leading role.
REHEARSALS -- SPECIFIC
• Paris Ballet and Dance considers your signed performance Commitment Letter as a Contract and is VERY serious about your Commitment. Be responsible and take that commitment seriously, as well!
• Rehearsals are MANDATORY – NEVER AN OPTION!
This should never be a shock or a surprise. Besides here, this is always stated CLEARLY in all materials before a parent/student makes the Commitment.
• The Director sets the Rehearsal Schedule
…The time for rehearsals to begin and when they are over. Parents do not. It is not a parent’s decision what is or isn't important concerning casting, rehearsals, rehearsal times or performances.
• Rehearsals generally start approximately three months BEFORE a specific production.
If one signs a Commitment Letter to be in a production, it is NEVER a wise idea to plan a trip or excursion during that time period. So, when telling The Director that a child will be absent because of their need to see Mickey Mouse, don’t be surprised with his reaction!
• Like ALL Paris Ballet and Dance communications, the rehearsal schedule are sent via email and
posted online on this website, as well as the bulletin board in the school lobby.
Schedules are emailed and posted on the school bulletin board by Monday afternoon/evenings and on the website by no later than Tuesday. There is no reason to call or ask at the school office
…Or have the excuse to not have or get the correct schedule.
• Never be late for a rehearsal – BE EARLY (at least ten minutes) -- and READY TO GO.
Rehearsal starts at the time posted. It is not the general time when a child should arrive at the studio
Besides, arriving late is rude and discourteous to others.
Remember tardiness affects not only the children in rehearsals but their parents, as well!
• Never assume a child can leave rehearsal early.
• Please, never lie about an absence. Never ask a child to lie either.
• NEVER -- EVER -- be absent during the month before a show.
At this point, no matter the reason, a child may be removed from the show.
If a child leaves or is removed from a show, there are no refunds on the Performance Fees or tuition.
• Paris Ballet and Dance does everything in its power to start and end rehearsals ON TIME. However, sometimes they may run over a bit.
Here are the one of the main reasons why: Students are late and extra time must be taken to help children who were previously absent to catch up.
Paris Ballet and Dance understands things may come up like weddings and such. One exception can be made. On the other hand these kinds of things are known -- well in advance. These types of absences should be discussed with the Director also – well in advance.
Also, Paris Ballet and Dance can be very lenient about “Rights of Passage” events in a student’s life. Extra time off may be given for personal/family Graduations, Homecoming, personal Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, personal Quinceaneras, Proms, First School Dances and such.
However we are NOT very lenient when one is simply attending an event as a guest.
Remember: One can always explain to a party host exactly why they might be a few minutes late for a party or a dinner. That host will understand.
It is imperative any child to learn that a commitment, of any kind, is most important. The first and main people whom they learn this are their parents,
Understandably, with this type of ethicial, responsible and correct behavior -- keeping a commitment can be difficult, at best. it the right thing to do.
IMPORTANT: When casting for other productions, rehearsal attendance and punctuality is ALWAYS a huge factor in decisions. Like in life, what one does now DOES affect them later.
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