Inland Northwest Ballet

Please read your student packet to save you confusion...

2012-01-21T05:55:00.000-08:00

Each year, we design and send home (and have parents sign for) a student packet that answers most/all of your questions regarding how our dance year works. It can save you a great deal of time in phone calls and e-mails, but only if you read it...:)

When we are closed, as you can imagine, we do not answer e-mail, nor the phone. For this reason, please refer to your Student Packet that you signed for, if you have questions regarding studio closures due to heavy snow or extreme temps. The packet explains when we close, and how we decide on Sat. closures. E-mails and phone calls will be returned the next day that we are open, which may be too late to answer your question.

No school = no dance...

2012-01-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

No school at Mead School District or Spokane School District means no dance class today...:( Stay home and play in the snow! Hopefully the snow will all melt and this will be our only closure for the year...:)

Theatre feed and performance participation forms due by Jan. 31!

2012-01-11T06:18:00.000-08:00

Remember that we need this paperwork in by Jan. 31st to include your child in performance preparations...:) The form is located in your packet that had your costume order form inside.

Contemporary costumes 2012...:)

2011-12-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

The costume above will be worn with black leggings..The costume below will be worn in eggplant with the leggings as shown...

Christmas vacation!

2011-12-16T06:45:00.000-08:00

We will follow the Mead School District schedule and observe vacation from Dec. 19 - Jan. 2, returning on Tues. Jan. 3...We hope that you have a wonderful holiday!

Beautiful ballet costumes, our tentative choices...:)

2011-11-05T19:35:00.001-07:00

Creative Dance - Glimmering pearls...So adorable! More shimmering pearls for Creative Dance...:)

Ballet 1 - Amethysts...Please ask to see this costume in class, as it has been changed...:)

Ballet 2 - beautiful emeralds! This costume comes with the sparkling hair spray and the choker...:) Ballet 3 and 4 (in separate performances)...sparkling rubies! This pretty costume comes with both the hairpiece and choker...:)

Ballet 5 - Saphires! This costume will be in Saphire blue and black, but in the long style, as is shown in the background, and comes with both the saphire hairpiece and choker. Our kind seamstress will be replacing the clear straps with real fabric...:)

Ballet 6 - Black Opals...This is a classical style tutu and bodice, and will be adorned with a jewel cluster on the bodice, and worn with a glimmering hairpiece...:)

Soloist - Diamond...This classical style platter tutu and bodice will be worn with a sparkling tiara...:)

Help us choose...

2011-11-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

The cute polka dot dress...

The elegant velvet and pearls dress...
The frilly coral and black dress...

The very fancy party dress, shown below from both the front and the back...

We love pink and black together, and plan to choose one or more of the above for some of our Creative Dance tap classes. We can't yet ascertain which costume will be for each class, as we are still choosing music and must coordinate the costume with the music, but your feedback would be most helpful in letting us know what appeals to parents and little ones alike...:)

We would love your feedback either through an e-mail at inlandnwballet@aol.com, or on our facebook page. You do not have to have a child currently enrolled to share your opinion, we would love to hear from as many of you as possible...:) Thank you!

Fabulous costumes...:)

2011-11-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

This pretty little costume has been chosen for one of our Creative Dance classes in a beautiful shade of dusty teal...:)

This soft velvet and organdy dress will be worn by one of our darling Creative Dance tap classes...Though we still have a long time before performances, we can't wait to see them onstage!

Our Fri. 6:15 Hip Hop class will be jumping around in this cargo pants and top get-up, most likely in the color turquoise that you see near the bottom of the page!

This funky costume will be danced in by our Fri. 4:30 Hip Hop class...Looks like lots of fun! :)

This cute teal costume will be worn by the Tues. 6:15 tap class, but rather than the fringe skirt, they will wear the tap skirt shown here in yellow..very sweet for this age!

The costume below will be worn in a beautiful aqua blue by some of our Creative Dance tap students...adorable!

The costume below will most likely be worn by Thurs. 6:30 and our Fri. 5:30 in different shows, however the pants will be solid black instead of patterned...very cute!

The costumes shown here have been tentatively selected for our hip hop, jazz, and tap dancers
for our June 2012 performances. While it may seem early to begin planning for June, so much goes into preparation that our staff begins working on the following year's performances almost as soon as current year's performance is over. However, students will not begin working on choreography until Feb. or March, so much to learn before then!

New Paypal buttons added below...:)

2011-10-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

We have added two new Paypal buttons below right, one "buy now" for common tuition amounts and one "add to cart' for odd tuition amounts, such as siblings taking multiple classes, those on scholorship, etc. To pay an odd tuition amount, just "add to cart" the various amounts to reach the total that you owe for tuition or other charges.

Please remember that in order to be credited for your payment, you must include the 2.00 required Paypal fee. We hope this makes payment of tuition easier for our dance families!

We also have a drop slot in our east door, so you can drop off a check after hours or on weekends, and still get your payment in on time...:)

Be that change..

2011-10-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

"Everyone wants to change the world, but nobody wants to change"

In order to change the world, we have to be that change. We don't always want to do so, but the change begins with us, in a hundred little ways. How are you going to make the world a better place today? :)

Nutcracker auditions are set...:)

2011-08-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

Check out our facebook page by clicking the link on the right for updates on the 2011 Spokane Nutcracker auditions! This year the Nutcracker will be presented by the Spokane Symphony and State St. Ballet of Santa Barbara, CA. Our page has the times, dates, heights, ages, and study pre-requisite for all children who wish to audition.

If you would like more info regarding specific roles that are being offered, please see Studio Director Janine Fraser between classes next week, or check the studio bullitan board...:)

Wondering what to do with your 5 year old this summer?

2011-06-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Beauty Summer Dance Camp...The big kids get to go to camp, why can't I? :) Camp for 3 years old and up!

Registration taking place now, for camps to be held in July. Activities include ballet instruction, Princes Aurora story time, a video excerpt of the ballet, fairy tale make-up, a Sleeping Beauty themed craft (make your own princess Aurora crown!), coloring time, snack and juice, and lots more!

Each session last 3 days, and takes place during one week in July. You can register for one camp, or all three! Session one will be held July 12-14, sesion two will be held July 19-21, and session 3 (best for returning students) takes place July 26-28.

The camp is held between 9:00 am and 11:00 am for ages 3-5, and between 11:00 am - 1:30 pm for ages 6 -9. 5 year olds that have completed a full year of Creative Dance may register for the afternoon session.

Costs for the session are 55.00 for the morning session (for 3 year olds, 4 year olds, and 5 year olds), and 65.00 for the afternoon session (for 6 year olds, 7 year olds, 8 year olds, and 9 year olds).

If you are interested, please call 467-0765, or e-mail inlandnwballet@aol.com for available openings (a few of the camps are already full). we would love to have your little princess join us this summer! :)

Cute but age appropriate costumes...:)

2011-06-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for hip hop classes for your child but wary of skimpy costumes...You know what we mean...bare bellies, low cut tops, short shorts, and Las Vegas style make-up on 6 year olds? You will not find that here at INB, where our costumes are hip enough to make a 12 year old feel ultra cool, while still making the parents happy...:) Call for class info...467-0765.

Fall Registration

2011-06-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Deena prepares for our contemporary piece...:)

Registration for current students and their siblings hoping to switch clases begins on Saturday, June 4th, at noon. Pleawes call the studio today if you have questions...467-0765. :)

Miss Janine and Miss Kaiti will be on hand Sat. to asnwer questions regarding class placement.

We think that our current method of registratio will result in an easy registration process, with no standing in line at 4:30 am to get a spot...:)

Registration for new students begins on Mon., June 6th at 10 am. You may wish to ask which classes are full before filling our your registration form.

Scholarship for long time students...:)

2011-06-03T08:47:00.001-07:00

Do you know that we offer scholarships to long term students? In addition to the many scholarships that we award annually, any student who has been dancing for 10 consecutive years automatically receives an additional $500.00 scholarship her4 senior year of high school. Our way to reward long term parents and students...:)

Rewards for long term students...

2011-06-03T08:46:00.001-07:00

Did you know that long term committed dance students (those who have studied with us for 10 or more consecutive years) who have reached their senior year of high school, will automatically receive a $500.00 dance scholorship, for either our studio or for college? To qualify, one must be attending 3 or more days per week. A terrific way for us to reward both our students and parents for their commitment to dance!

Final Performance Schedule

2011-06-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Deena Smith balancing "en pointe"

Just a note to parents...The performance schedule has not been changed since it was sent home last Nov, Therefore, the once tentative schedule is now the finalized schedule, no changes have or will be be made. The only slight exception to this is the dress rehearsal change made for the Thurs. 6:30 class, which you were notified about last week...:) Thanks to al lparents who check in to our blog!

2011-04-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

Dancers and parents,

The next time you are in the studio, please check our tentative program schedule posted at the end of the hall, near the "Noise and Toys" room. We want to make certain every child's name is spelled exactly how you would like it for our upcoming performances. Here's to lots of upcoming fun!

One of Miss Janine's favorite quotes...

2011-04-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

"Life tends to respond to our outlook, to shape itself to meet our expectations"

Rich devos

So very true! Expect excellence from children, give them the tools to achieve such excellence, and that is often what you will be rewarded with...:)

2011-03-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

Miss Janine wants her level 6 dancers to know how proud she is of all of you, you are so hardworking, strong, respectful, and enthusiastic dancers, you make teaching you an absolute blessing...:)

2011-02-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

No school means no dance today...:( Our new 2:15 Creative Dance class will begin next week instead of today. Go play in the snow dancers!

Costume sneak preview!

2011-01-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

A few of our costumes are shown below...They are beautiful and we just can't wait to see our dancers shine when they wear them...:)

Above: The aqua dress with the flounce edged tutu will be worn by Miss Janine's Ballet levels 3 and 4, after being adorned with chocolate bows and fairy wings...:)

Above: Creative Dance Tap, for Tues. at 11:00 am, Tues. at 5:30, and Thurs. at 1:30

(all performing in different shows).

Above: Contemporary Pointe, level 7...Costume is lime and turquoise rather than orange or pink, and includesa lycra turquoise leg warmers rather than capris...the girls are so excited! :)

Above: For Miss Kaiti's Friday 5:30 Hip Hop Jazz class...Fun for the little ones!

Above: For Miss Kaiti's Wed. 8:15 teen jazz class...in hot orange!

Above: For Miss Kaiti's Friday 4:30 Hip Hop Jazz class, boys costume has
baggy cargo pants and a muscle shirt.

Above: Miss Janine's and Miss Karen's Ballet 6...will be adorned with aqua roses,

ribbons and chocolate wings...so pretty!

Above: Creative Dance Tap class...for Thurs. 5:45 and Wed. 3:00

(performing in different shows).

Above: For Miss Janine's Creative Dance Ballet, will be adorned with chocolate

ribbons and fairy wings...absolutely adorable!

Above: Ballet I...The aqua dress and tutu, adorned with chocolate bows

and fairy wings...just precious for Miss Janine's little ones!

Above: The oh so pretty periwinkle costume, for Miss Kaiti's Creative Dance Tap at 3:00 on Fridays...:) We didn't think these girls could get any cuter, but can't wait to see them in this pretty dress!

We hope you love all of our costumes as much as we do...:)

2011-01-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

Below: Studio Director Janine Fraser and instructor Kaitlin Cowell join a few dancers for a photo, just before the Spokane Nutcracker Ballet begins...:)

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the fiath that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!

Very wise words by Christian D. Larson, we hope that we may all strive to live by these words during the coming year...:) Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T05:51:00.000-08:00

Above; Malinda, Madeline, Miss Janine, Samantha, Shannon, Miss Kaiti and Heidi gather for a photo at the Nutcracker held in downtown Spokane...We had a wonderful time watching our dancers perform with Memphis Ballet Theatre onstage, and we were so happy to have 130+ parents and students join us in attending...:) Thank you to all who took part!
As 2010 comes to a close, we thank you for sharing this fulfilling year with us, it has been full of adventure and fun. We look forward to some terrific progress with our dancers in 2011...Happy New Year to all of our dance friends and familes!

2010-12-09T18:06:00.000-08:00

Dancers ages 1st through 6th grade...Some of our older girls who are dancing with the Mead Dance Team will be presenting a Dance Team clinic and halftime performance on Dec. 21st. For more info, ask your instructors...Sounds like lots of fun!

2010-12-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Since Mead School District has closed due to snow conditions, we will be closed as well both Fri. and Sat. Our new Contemporary class will begin and end one week later than planned. Stay home where you are safe and warm...:)

Costume orders due soon...

2010-11-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

Remember that costume orders are due by mail before Dec. 15th, getting your costume order in on time saves you 25.00 and ensures that you will receive your costume on time...:)

Studio Vacation Days...

2010-11-10T05:47:00.000-08:00

Please remember, the only scheduled vacation days that we have off are listed in your annual calendar sent home in September...essentially our only vacations all year are Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, and Memorial Day. All other days, such as Veteran's Day, President's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Teacher's Inservice Day, Columbus Day, etc. we DO have class. If you are in doubt, check the year long event calendar that we sent home in September...:)
Also, please check our policy regarding snow days, as we do close if Mead or Spokane School District is closed for extreme snow or other weather conditions. For Sat. classes, we abide by Fri. school closures.

Ballet Channel

2010-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Check out the video of the maryiinsky Ballet on Ballet Channel...beautiful! :)

2010-10-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

"The real reason I want to dance is that I want to explode"

Bill Evans

One of our favorite quotes! When children are bursting with energy, dance allows the child to let loose, and release this energy in the most joyful way, bringing an aftermath of calm and peace, for awhile anyway...:)

2010-09-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Zumba classes begin Mon. at the studio...how fun! Crystal will offer classes at no charge next week, just so you can try it...and you'll love it! Classes will be held on Mon. and Wed. at 9:45 am, so drop the kids off at school and join us! :)

Thoughts on progress in dancing...

2010-09-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

Remember, we are happiest when we focus on our own progress, not the progress of others...:)

Fall classes are in full swing!

2010-09-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

We are so happy to see our students that we have missed while on break, and are having fun meeting so many new dancers...

We hope you are all enjoying your new classes!

If you would like a copy of our fall schedule, please e-mail us at inlandnwballet@aol.com and we will be happy to send you an updated copy.
We have some fun events coming up, including Nutcracker auditions with Ballet Memphis, (tentatively scheduled for Oct. 15), our annual sleepover for grades 3 and up,and much more!
We have also added a new Ballet 1 class on Thurs. at 7:15, please call the studio at

509-467-0765 if interested...Happy dancing!

Fall classes begin Sept. 7th...

2010-08-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

Fall classes are set to begin on Tues. September 7th. If you need a fall schedule, please contact us at 467-0765 and we will be happy to e-mail you one. Many classes are full, so please call before mailing in your registration. We can't wait to see all our dancers again, we hope you hav e had a relaxing and rejuvinating summer! :)

Ballet Channel

2010-07-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

We love Ballet Channel...click to see why, and you'll fall for them too! Check out "Becoming Balanchine"...a must see for New York City Ballet lovers!

Ballet Channel

Spokane performance photos...:)

2010-07-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

Madi Maude with little ones backstage, just before the curtain rose...

Amanda preparing her make-up before our matinee performance...

Emily and Betsy warming up backstage...

Thoughts on advancement...

2010-04-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

Fall registration is upon us, and we are beginning to field many questions regarding advancement to higher levels, for students up to level 5 (children stay in level 5 until the instructor promotes them to level 6 or higher). Current students will receive letters regarding advancement, but essentially, the decision about whether a child should advance or not can come down to answering one question...

Are they among the top 2 or 3 students in the class? (Are they leading the others, and doing so with beautiful posture, turnout and foot articulation? Do they count and follow the music?) If so, then yes, they may advance.

If they are closer to the bottom level of the class (follows instead of leading, lack of turnout or foot articulation, does not count or follow music) then no, they should stay until the exercises that they are performing in class are polished. If they are in the middle, that's where you may need to ask the instructor. Most of the time the answer is "stay and polish", but for certain students in certain levels the instructor may wish for them to move up.

Remember, it is better to stay at a lower level and dance well, than to be in a higher level and flounder. Children can actually be pushed more in a lower level...They already (should) know the exercises and can focus on technique, rather than just trying to keep up with new and more difficult steps. When a child cannot keep up with the basic steps, the instructor offers little technique correction , because the child has too many other things to think about.

Happy dancing! :)

Check out our new button...and click to help save John, a local firefighter who is battling a fatal disease...

2010-03-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Check out our new button to the right, and help a local hero! :)

Spring Break!

2010-03-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Remember that we are closed March 29 - April 3rd for spring break...Enjoy this fun time of year! :)

2010-03-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

"I don't want people who want to dance, I want people to have to dance"

George Balanchine
(1904 - 1983)

The Wizard of Oz...

2010-02-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Make plans now to see Wizard of Oz, a fun-filled musical starring Spokane children, including some of our very own Inland Northwest Ballet students. This musical is presented by CYT - Spokane, performed on stage at The Bing Crosby Theater, Feb. 26th through March 7th. Call the CYT office at 487-6540 or go to www.cytspokane.com to reserve tickets.

2010-02-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Twelve-15 Costume will be closing for the season on Feb. 15. All loose ends regarding costumes should be tied up by that time, and no costumes will be ordered after that date (remember, the deadline was Dec. 15). Happy Dancing! :)

Presidents' Day...

2010-02-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

As always, we DO have class on President's Day. If unsure in the future, check your annual calendar that was sent home in September...:)

La Danse playing here in Spokane next week!

2010-01-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

LA DANSE
Documentary master Frederick Wiseman’s 38th film in a career that has spanned more than that number of years, turns his attention to one of the world’s greatest ballet companies, the Paris Opera Ballet. John Davey’s camera roams the vast Palais Garnier, an opulent 19th century pile of a building: from its crystal chandelier-laden corridors to its labyrinthine underground chambers, from its light-filled rehearsal studios to its luxurious theater replete with 2,200 scarlet velvet seats and Marc Chagall ceiling. LA DANSE devotes most of its time to watching impossibly beautiful young men and women — among them Nicolas Le Riche, Marie-Agnès Gillot, and Agnès Letestu — rehearsing the choreography of Mats Ek, Wayne McGregor, Rudolf Nureyev and Pina Bausch. For balletomanes and the curious alike, LA DANSE serves up a scrumptious meal of delectable moments, one more glorious than the next, made even more precious by their ephemeral nature.

This film will play in downtown Spokane on Thurs. Feb. 4th, as part of the Spokane International Film Festival, at River Park Cinemas at 7 pm. See Studio Director Janine Fraser for more details...This is not to be missed for any ballet lover! :)

Student teachers or class leaders...How we choose!

2010-01-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

We have been recently asked by a parent how we choose our Inland Northwest Ballet student teachers/class leader, and thought our answer would make a great blog post...:)

First, let us explain that at our Spokane studio, a student teacher simply means an assistant to the adult teacher, we never hire children to teach our classes, all our teachers are full grown adults...:)

We choose student teachers in a couple of ways. Usually a student makes a request, and if she is someone that could be a help (a good role model, a good leader, and someone that will say the words for the instructor), then Miss Janine or Miss Kaiti tries to find a suitable Creative Dance class for her to help with. She must attend a training session in the summer, where we go through a normal class, and discuss all of the important issues regarding student teaching.

At first the position is volunteer, but once the student proves to be a leader (knowing what exercises are performed in what manner and saying all the words while dancing with the students) then they are credited a small amount of tuition. A student teacher that does not say the words is actually a liability rather than an asset, as the instructor is then constantly trying to recruit help from the student teacher/class leader. In this case the class leader may be removed until she grows a little more responsible and is actually able to help.

Class leaders usually lead two classes in a row, and to get tuition credit, they must be Creative Dance classes, since this is where we need the assistance. Often you may see girls helping with older class, but the girls are doing this simply to enhance their own dance education, and for fun!

Important: If the student teacher is going to miss a class, she MUST find a replacement. This teaches them about the real world of teaching, that an instructor cannot just call in sick/busy etc. If we have problems with a student teacher missing without finding replacements, she will be removed. With little ones, consistency is vital.

On occasion, the class leader performs with them onstage, however this is only on occasion, and is in no way guaranteed, despite what may have bee done the prior year. Their is usually a soloist dancing with the ballet Creative Dance classes (to give them cues for their own choreography), but it is often an older soloist.

Also, please note that we also have a different kind of "class leader" Sometimes have "little class leaders" which are usually about age 5, and are chosen because they perform excellently in their own class, and are a good example for younger students who may be having trouble following. Sometimes little ones need to see how a peer follows the instructor in order to learn themselves. These students are given tuition credit for 100% of that class, and must take that class in addition to their own class. They learn leadership skills, and often increase their own confidence at the same time...:) They dance as a student, not up front with the instructor, and sometimes but not always perform with the class.

We hope this helps all student teacher hopefuls to understand what is required of this leadership position...:)

Pretty costumes...

2010-01-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

Below are a few photos of some of our beautiful costumes for our upcoming ballet performances to be held in Spokane in June...

This classical tutu will be worn by our level 7 soloist, but in a shade of pink...

This tutu will be worn by our level 5Bs, 6s and 7s, but in a romantic style, and in both pink and periwinkle...

This periwinkle dress will be worn by our little dancers in Ballet I...

This beautiful costume will be worn in pink by our Ballet 3s and 4s...

This pretty pink dress will be worn by some of our Ballet 2 and 3s...

The eggplant and pink costume will be worn by some of our little ones in our Creative Dance Tap class...

...and this darling coral costume will be also worn by our little tap dancers...:)

We love this quote...:)

2009-12-26T06:06:00.000-08:00

"There was simply from this quite early age the awareness that the only thing I wanted to do was dance"

Rudolph Nureyev (1939-1993)

December happenings...

2009-11-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

Costume orders will be due before Dec. 15, and please remember that you must mail them in, DO NOT drop them off at the studio, if you do this we must mail it in for you, only delaying your order. Orders received from Dec. 16th forward will be a full 25.00 higher...Yikes! Don't let this happen to you...:(

The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed in Spokane on Dec. 18- 20, we hope you are able to attend...What a fun weekend seeing our Inland Northwest Ballet dancers on stage with Ballet Memphis.

We will be closed for Christmas vacation from Dec. 21st through Jan. 3rd. In the future, remember that this info, along with all vacation day info, is also located in your student packet sent home this fall (the packet you had to sign for).

Miss Janine, Miss Kaiti, Miss Karen, Miss Lynne, Susie, and Cheryl all wish you the happiest of holidays!

Ballet Channel

2009-11-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ballet Channel

ABT Star Irina Dvorovenko discusses "Becoming Juliet"

2009-11-20T21:36:00.001-08:00

Inland Northwest Ballet Studio Director Janine Fraser is a huge fan of Irina's, and wants to pass this interview with Irina along to our Spokane ballet dancers...Just close out the ad at the bottom, click on the full screen button and enjoy!

2009-11-18T10:25:00.001-08:00

Hooray! Nutcracker on TV...On Tues. 12-1 at 10:30 pm on PBS (Spokane and Cd'A)...A behind-the-scenes glimpse at Anthony Williams' remake of Tchaikovsky's classic "Nutcracker" ballet as a multicultural production featuring traditional ballet, hip-hop, tap, swing and flamenco...Also, on Wed. 12-2 at 10:30 pm...The history of Tchaikovsky..."Nutcracker" ballet....A couple of great programs for our Inland Northwest Ballet dancers! :) Miss Janine says these are a "must watch"...:)

Though not announced yet, PBS usually shows America Ballet Theatre's production of the Nutcracker" starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland...Details regarding this showing will be posted here when available! :)

We love Empire Dance!

2009-11-18T05:31:00.000-08:00

A huge thank you to Empire Dance for treating our Spokane ballet dancers so well at their first pointe shoe fitting last weekend. The girls learned so much about the fit and care of pointe shoes, and had lots of fun as well! The first week of pointe classes went well, due to your excellent fitting...:) Inland Northwest ballet loves Empire Dance!

PS Though you may be able to find less expensive dancewear online, you will NOT get the availability and care of Philip Broadbent and his staff at Empire Dance. If you have to return what you purchase because it does not fit, or it was not quite what you wanted, than it may cost you much more in the long run. Need another reason? Empire Dance supports local arts programs. That means they are putting their money back into the community where it benefits our dancers...They are worth every penny! :)

First Pointe Shoes!

2009-11-16T05:16:00.000-08:00

Above: Jemima, Madi Maude, and Emily releve in 5th position...very pretty!

Below: Mackenzie, Ciara, Jemima, Madi Maude, and Emily show off their new pointe shoes, and are joined by Sarah and Shannon, who have been dancing on pointe for awhile...All smiles!

Finally! A group of our level 7 Inland Northwest Ballet students from Spokane made a much anticipated trip...Miss Janine, along with parents, took the girls to get fitted for their very first pointe shoes!

Empire Dance, located in downtown Spokane, is THE place to go for the best fit. The owner Philip Broadbent, along with his wife Sally, both danced professionally in Europe for many years, and truly know ballet. It can be a long process to get the correct fit, but so important to asssure the health of the dancer's feet, lower back, and hips. After the fitting, Philip gives the girls a talk about the care of pointe shoes, along with ribbons and elastics and what to do with both, and answers any questions they may have.

At Inland Northwest Ballet, we are very cautious about whom we allow to dance on pointe, some of these girls have been dancing for 12 years! They had their first class on Saturday, and said it felt "amazing" to go on pointe. What fun!

2009-11-15T20:01:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again! Performance packets have been sent home so that our dance families may begin to make preparations for our June performances. Costume order forms are enclosed, and are due before December 15th, or your costume fee will be a full 25.00 higher. Yikes! Don't let this happen...order on time...:)

Also, dates and times of your performance are enclosed as well. This way, no one should be wondering when and where to be come springtime! Save this packet until the end of June for a no stress performance seaso

Our little ones at Inland Northwest Ballet...:)

2009-11-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

When Miss Kaiti opened the door to let her little ones last week, she found them out in the hallway...they had started without her...:)

Happy Monday Spokane dancers!

Happy Monday Spokane!

2009-11-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

We'll start the week off with one of Miss Janine's favorite quotes by Carlos Castoneda...

"The trick is in what one emphasizes, we can make ourselves miserable or make ourselves strong, the work is the same" ...In other words, it's all about ATTITUDE! We hope you start your week off with a fantastic attitude! :)

2009-10-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet during their visit to the Martin Woldson Theatre in Spokane. Miss Janine chose "Red Sweet" as her favorite, while Susie and most of the girls chose "Blanc Noir", a Moses Pendleton piece.

Click on our Facebook page for a sampling of Aspen Santa Fe's work...:)

Nutcracker Audition Info...

2009-09-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Important notice regarding Ballet Memphis Nutcracker Auditions...For pointe dancers, you may wish to attend a pointe class held on Fri. afternoon at Ballet Arts, just prior to auditions. E-mail School Director Janine Fraser for more info, or call Ballet Arts at 838-5705.

It's that time of year again...:)

2009-09-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

...when parents come to Studio Director Janine Fraser, seeing that their may be some new children in the class this year, and want to move their child up up up up up to the higher levels...:) Please read Miss Janine's thoughts on advancement in class levels, and how we promote children by ability, rather than simply desire. Don't get us wrong, we LOVE desire, but that won't get you through a "glissade pas de chat entrechat quatre, entrechat sinq, pas de bourree pas de bourree, couru grande jete" unless you have actual training and ability to perform...:)
Copies of the notes below are also in the parent letter file near our inner studio door if you would like a copy.

Miss Janine’s note regarding class advancement…
Specifically, a parent/dancer wanting to move up to a level that she does not truly belong in…and yes, this applies regardless of how badly the parent or child wants to move up, as advancement is based upon physical ability, not desire…

Imagine a house. A messy house, things out of place, things that don’t belong there. If you have a messy house and want it to look better, you don’t just go out and buy a bunch of “fancy” furniture to make it look nice. That doesn’t solve your messy house problem, it’s still a mess. You have to clean it up FIRST. You put things where they are supposed to be. You get rid of things that don’t belong there.
Now liken dance technique to a messy house. Examine the dancer that thinks she should move up to a harder class. Visualize how she looks when doing a simple “retire tombee pas de bourree, grande jete grande jete grande jete”. Is it clean and precise, or messy, just like the house? If it’s messy, regardless of the reason, whether that be due to recreational training (only one or two classes a week, or classes without focus on true ballet technique), too
few years of training, insufficient training, lack of discipline, lack of focus, or many other reasons, what should she do to improve her dancing? Does she go out and ask to be taught a bunch of new “fancier” steps, to make her appear better onstage? No, because just like placing stylish new furniture into a messy house does not make the house beautiful, moving a child up into a class to do new, harder steps will not make her dance better. In fact, because the steps are harder, she will probably dance even more poorly, and more insecurely, because it is beyond her ability. The answer is to stay and clean up the house, or the dance technique. Get rid of the bent knees, or sickled feet, the poor posture, or whatever is “messy” in her technique. Just like the house, you put things in the right place (tummy/ribs in, not out for example) and get rid of the things that don’t belong (is that hand supposed to fly up in the air like a claw when you saute?).

Often a parent feels it will be better for the child’s self esteem to be moved up, when in fact it can do exactly the opposite. The child is now expected to perform skills they have not even been taught yet, and at a higher level, and when they cannot, a once secure and confident child can become very insecure in his or her dancing. I have moved a child up a time or two that this has happened and felt very badly when the child became frustrated and quit altogether. I am now cautious about any child moving up too quickly, as continuing their natural love of dance is my first and foremost goal!

I know it’s hard as a parent when you want so badly for your child to move up, and I know that every parent wants their child to be with the “big girls”, but please realize that some dancers have to be the “big girls”. Realize that when you tell me the other girls in her class are below her level, that you may be asking me to place your child in a too high level, where guess what happens…
Other parents then call me complaining about the girl (your child) who is below her daughter’s level, who doesn’t really belong there, so can they move up to the next level?

My last note, and perhaps the most important, is this…Before you ask to advance your daughter, please ask yourself this…Is she obviously THE MOST ADVANCED CHILD IN THE CLASS? If so, then you may well have reason to seek advancement, and I welcome your questions about possible advancement. If not, then I will need to know why you feel that we should move her up ahead of the girls who are more advanced than her (since of course, promotions in level are first offered to the most advanced child). If you have any questions, please see me,
Studio Director Janine Fraser…

Hooray! Nutcracker Auditions with a new company!

2009-09-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

For many years we have had Alberta Ballet visit Spokane to present the Nutcracker Ballet. However, this year, we have a new company, Memphis Ballet, bringing us this holiday classic, and we are thrilled! Memphis Ballet is a nationally aclaimed company known for their kindness and professionalism in working with the local instructors and dancers, and for their unique choreography.

Cut and paste this link for a video of the company dancing...http://www.balletmemphis.org/box_office/box_office_detail.php?content=Video&navone=Video

Memphis Ballet will be holding Nutcracker Auditions on Friday, September 25th this year. Memphis Ballet has different requirements than the Alberta Ballet, and will be offering roles to slightly younger and smaller children this year, as well as pointe roles for upper level students in Spokane.

We are excited about this opportunity for our Inland Northwest Ballet students to work with a new company, and see what they have to offer! For more info on the auditions, either speak with School Director Janine Fraser, or e-mail her at inlandnwballet@aol.com. She will be happy to give you details on audition times, as well as height and age requirements. Happy Dancing!

Fall Orientation this week!

2009-09-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to meet our new dancers, and are looking forward to New Student Orientation, scheduled for Thurs., September 3rd at 7:00 pm at our Spokane Studio. This is a great time for our younger (ages 11 and below) students to meet the instructors, become familiar with the studio, and learn how our dance year unfolds. We can't wait to see you! :)

Happy Wednesday Spokane!

2009-08-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a quote we love to live by, we hope you do as well...

"I am always doing things I can't do, that's how I get to do them"

Pablo Picasso

Meeting for class leaders (student teachers)

2009-07-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

For those Inland Northwest Ballet Upper Level students who will be assisting our instructors with Spokane classes for the coming year, your required meeting will take place on Wed., August 5th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the studio. This meeting will review the requirements and responsibilities of assisting with classes. Remember, each class leader is on a one month trial basis as a class leader. At the end of the first month, your performance will be assessed, and evaluated by Studio Director Janine Fraser, and if your review is positive, you may continue as a class leader throughout the year. Tuition credits may be received for some Creative Dance classes. Please wear dance attire as if you were actually assisting a class. Happy dancing! :)

Open house for fall classes!

2009-07-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hooray!
On August 4, 5, and 6, we welcome you to come join our open house for fall class registration. Open house week is a great time come visit us at the studio, meet our instructors, ask questions, and allow your child to become familiar with the studio before his or her first day of class.
E-mail us ahead of time (inlandnwballet@aol.com), and tell us you will be visiting, that you read about the open house on our blog, web site, or facebook, and you will receive one 15.00 registration fee free of charge! Our hours of open house are 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on Tues., Wed., and Thurs, and on Wed. evening from 5:00 - 7:00

2009-06-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Summer Dance Camp for our Spokane Inland Northwest Ballet upper level students (those who have completed one or more years of level 5, 6, or 7)...

Summer is a great time to round out our ballet study, as we have a little more time for trying new, more complicated exercises, partnering, the study of ballet history, French terms, stretching games, and just plain fun!

July 7-9

1:30 – 3:30 for levels 5 – 7 - class, snack games, and projects

3:30 – 4:30 for levels 6 and 7 only – a more intense class/ballet study

Each day, we will have ballet barre and center class, work on a little partnering, enjoy a snack, watch a short dance video, study our ballet history and play our French terms and stretching games. In addition, we will do our own fun project, such as creatively painting pointe shoes or butterfly wings (you can paint your own pointe shoes and take them home, or paint an old pair of Miss Janine’s and hang them in the studio…plan must be drawn out ahead of time for this). For level 5, this will be a challenging class, which will help you prepare for the additional Sat. barre class that you may participate in next year. Expect fun and progress in your ballet study!

Levels 5-7 $45

Levels 6-7 $70

Price includes instruction, art supplies, fun prizes for games, and snacks.

Must be pre-registered by July 2nd to participate!

Spokane performance season 2009!

2009-06-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

Above: Miss Janine with Beck and Allisen ...

Above: Make-up artist May Hafkamp applying make-up base, a wonderful swiss skin care product supplied by Gerda Spillmann...http://gerdaspillmann.stores.yahoo.net

Above: Emily preparing applying the finishing touch...

Above: Emily and Nora backstage..

Above: Ballet I onstage and ready to perform...

Above: Creative Dance smiles!

Above: Ballet I dancers relax and color pretty pictures while they wait to be taken onstage..

Above: Leaving the Black Box Theatre, to the "real backstage"...

Above: Smiles from the Hip Hop dancers...:)

More photos to come soon!

2009-06-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Above: Miss Kaiti's girls smiling for the camera, everyone is excited to finally perform for an audience...

Performance season is upon us! We had our first two Inland Northwest Ballet Performances last weekend, with our Spokane students dancing to very full audiences in both the matinee and the evening shows. What wonderful support we enjoyed! We presented "A Celebration of Mozart", and other dances, and were fortunate to have make up artist May Hafkamp and her assistant Randi Hafkamp on hand to do make up for all our upper level girls. More photos and info on our make up session after next weekend!

Above: Miss Janine's little ones sit and color while they wait to be taken backstage...

Above: Abby helps keep the tiny dancers occupied while they wait...

Above: Sweet smiles from excited dancers!

We have another full weekend ahead of us, and we promise photos of the upper level girls!

All ballet classes full for fall, ages 6 and up...

2009-06-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

An update on our Inland Northwest Ballet class schedule for fall...at this point, all of our ballet classes for ages 6 and up are completely full, most with students on the waiting list. Some jazz/hip hop classes are full as well. Due to our more flexible schedule, we do have openings in most classes for Creative Dance (ages 3-5).
Our registration has been phenomenal this year, thanks to all our Spokane families who made great efforts to enroll in the class you desired! We are looking at restructuring a few classes, combining a few tap or jazz classes with lower enrollment so that we may add another ballet class or two. Before you register, please ask for an updated schedule, to see if the class you desire is still available. If you have any questions, please e-mail Studio Director Janine Fraser at inlandnwballet@aol.com, we would love to help! :)

All we can say is WOW...

2009-06-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

We arrived at the studio Saturday, our Inland Northwest Ballet Fall Registration Day for current students, only to find a long line of families who had arrived very early, some as early as 5 am! By the time registration opened at noon, the line had wrapped around the building, with families camped out in picnic chairs, visiting, reading books, snacking, and taking turns making java runs to the Rocket Bakery next door. To help pass the time, Miss Janine invited families to take turns coming inside to watch our rehearsal taking place in the studio.
We feel so blessed that we have so many Spokane families willing to do what it takes to secure a spot in the class they desire...If you were one of those families...THANK YOU, WE TRULY LOVE YOU!

For new students, registration begins today, Monday June 8th. However, many classes are full, so please check the list below before you fill out your registration form. If you need a form, send us an e-mail (inlandnwballet@aol.com, or use the link to the right) and we will be happy to send you one ASAP. If you have questions, we will be happy to help you try to find a suitable class that your child will find fun and rewarding! :)

Classes listed below are full, or expected to fill within a day or two

(note: this will change daily, so please check back for updates!)

· Ballet IB on Friday (though may have one opening after some shifting has been done)

· Ballet IA on Monday has just two openings left

· Ballet II on Monday - full

· Ballet 3 on Tuesday - full

· Ballet 3 on Thurs. has one opening left

· All Ballet 4 classes - full (accidently overfull, some changes may be made)

· All Ballet 5 classes - full

· All Ballet 6 classes - full

· Ballet 7 - full, but some flexibility for advanced level 7 dancers

· Fri. 5:30 Hip Hop I

· Tues. 4:45 Hip Hop II has one opening left

· Wed. 7:15 full (though may have one opening after some shifting has been done)

Questions? Just ask! 467-0765

Amazing! You must see this...:)

2009-05-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Check out this video that Malinda found of a girl "Playing" with a bouncy ball.. .Phenomenal!

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=010e47ee95ef84ce0316&sp=1

Summer Dance Camp for little ones!

2009-05-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Summer Dance…for ages 3-9!

The “big kids” get to go to camp…why can’t I?

Join us for "Swan Lake Dance camp...

This year, our summer camp will include craft activities, story time, watching a short video excerpt of the Swan Lake Ballet, juice and snacks!

Swan Lake Day Camp

Session I - July 7-9

Session II - July 14-16

Session III - July 21 – 23 (best for returning students)

9:00 – 11:00 3-5 year olds, 55.00 for one session

11: 00 – 1:30 6-9 year olds, 65.00 for one session

(5 year olds completing Creative Dance II may attend the 11:00 -1:30 session)

Activities include welcome and story time, a short viewing of excerpts of the video of the Swan Lake Ballet, fairytale make-up (simply sparkles and blush), warm-up and basic ballet exercises, a Swan Lake themed craft project (create your own Odette crown, wand or princess bouquet!), more extensive dance with props or tutus, snack and juice, coloring time, and even more dance with the props we have made… Many fun activities packed into each day!

To reserve your place in camp, simply e-mail us for a registration form, or cut and paste the info below, and mail it to the studio at PO Box 28434, Spokane, WA 99228, along with your tuition payment. Tuition is non-refundable, as this payment reserves a spot in the class. Once each camps fills (they do fill quickly!), registration for each camp will close. We hope to see you this summer!

Name ______________________________ Birthdate/Age _______________________________

Parent name _____________________ Special medical condition/allergies________________

Address (if a new student) ______________________________________Phone # ____________

Session registering for (dates and time of day)_________________________________________

More Summerdance, ages 6 and up

July 14-16

· 2:00 – 3:00 Hip Hop / Jazz I – II (ages 6-10)

Tuition is 40.00, non-refundable, and must be paid in advance to hold your spot

(tuition only 35.00 for 2^nd child)

July 21-23

· 2:00 – 3:00 Hip Hop / Jazz II – III (ages 10 – 14)

Tuition is 40.00, non-refundable, and must be paid in advance to hold your spot

(tuition only 35.00 for 2^nd child)

· 3:00 – 4:00 Ballet II – III (ages 6 and up)

Tuition is 40.00, non-refundable, and must be paid in advance to hold your spot

(tuition only 35.00 for 2^nd child)

E-mail Studio Director Janine Fraser regarding classes for levels V and above...

Thoughts for a happy Tuesday...:)

2009-05-05T05:25:00.000-07:00

Happiness, I have discovered, is nearly always a rebound from hard work.

David Grayson

So simple but so true...If you are searching for happiness/achievement/success... it may not come to you, but you can almost always find it by putting forth an effort...Hard work, sometimes long hours, always a sacrifice of some kind, but it is almost always there for the taking...:)

Upper level photo session...

2009-04-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

For those enrolled in Ballet level 7, remember our photographer will be coming to Spokane on Mon., May 4th at 7:15 pm, for our Inland Northwest Ballet photo session. You will be receiving a letter on Thurs. May 30th with the details, make certain you are prepared with costume, shoes, tights, and make up. If you have any questions, please see Miss Janine ASAP!

Theatrical Make-Up Class this Saturday...taught by May Hafkamp!

2009-04-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

This Sat. from 10:00 - 11:30 , our level 6 and 7 will enjoy a stage make up class, taught by theatrical make up artist May Hafkamp. Plan to arrive at your normal class time of 9:30, during which Miss Janine will give you a short barre to wake you up...:).

While May will be bringing her theatrical make up, (it is very different from normal street wear make up) please bring a few products from home, if you have them. Essential products are some form of base/foundation, blush for contouring, eye liner, shadow, and mascara. There will be some make up at the studio you may borrow, but for sanitary reasons, it is best to bring and use what you have from home (especially when using mascara and other eye products).

While for our little ones, stage make up is optional, for our upper level ballet classes, stage make up is an essential part of dance performance…normal street make up is simply not professional, as you will look completely washed out, and your mouth and eyes disappear. We want to present bright vibrant faces to our audience!

Also, please note…If you are not going straight home after class, you may wish to bring make up remover (baby oil works well) and a washcloth, as stage make up may looks a little intense on the soccer field…:)

We are so excited to have May Hafkamp share her expertise and experience with us at Inland Northwest Ballet!

Costumes are arriving!

2009-04-08T05:48:00.000-07:00

Costumes are beginning to arrive at Inland Northwest Ballet, and they will be tried on and sent home soon!

Please note that they can only be tried on and sent them home if the balance is paid in full (the deadline was Feb. 15th) so please double check to make certain you have completed payment.

What a fun time of year, we can't wait to see the girls looking ready to perform!

Please note: If you did not order a costume, you may wish to find out what day your class will be trying on costumes, and possibly skip that day, so your child will not feel left out. You can arrange a make up class for the missed class if you wish…:)

Unity and discipline through dance...:)

2009-04-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

At Inland Northwest Ballet, we always knew that when our Spokane dancers work together, they develop unity and enjoy fellowship, as well as create discipline, both within themselves and the group. However, we never knew it could work in a Filipino Men's Prison! Watch how 1500 prisoners, some incarcerated for some very heavy crimes, work together to create this "Thriller" video, and other dance/video productions. If you want to see more videos created by the inmates, including one explaining how and why this video came about, or other dance video productions, such as the 1970's disco hit "The Hustle", or even Michael Jackson's original "Thriller",follow these directions. Click on the arrow at the lower right hand side of the box, then click on the small box above. This will give you many similar videos to choose from.
It is very commendable and creative that the Cebu Prison created this idea, and even more so, that they saw it through.

A note from Miss Janine...

2009-03-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will
forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Anonymous

A note from Miss Janine...At Inland Northwest Ballet, we hope that our little ones grow up remembering that in dance class, they felt strong, smart, pretty, and that they have the ability to achieve anything they pursue...Have a great weekend dancers and friends!

Encore Costumes closed as of March 10...

2009-03-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

Our first order of costumes arrived yesterday, we are getting so excited!
As stated in our earlier post/literature, Encore Costumes is now closed, so we hope you have completed your final balance payment, so that you may get your costume on time. If you did not order a costume, of course it is too late now (the deadline was over three months ago) so please ask us for our costume try on date, and our picture date, because you will probably wish to not attend class on that day, so your child will not feel left out when the other children get their costumes. What a fun time of year!

A dynamic performance...

2009-02-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

Above: Miss Janine and Cynthia share a laugh with the girls at the Fox Theatre
Below: Ailey II, the company, in "Revelations", the girl's favorite piece

Today, we took our upper level dancers downtown to the beautiful Martin Woldson Theatre to see "Ailey II", the touring company for Alvin Ailey's Dance Theatre. We try to expose our dancers to as many different styles of dance as possible, and Ailey's performance in Spokane allowed them to see some wonderful choreography, performed by a group of very powerful and explosive dancers. What a treat!

Costume transactions complete!

2009-02-20T06:26:00.000-08:00

Costume transactions are complete...hooray! Now we can move on to more fun areas of performance, such as beginning to learn choreography...:)

Now that the deadline has passed for completing your costume transactions, Encore Costumes will be closed for the season. If you have any questions, please check out the "Latest News" on our Spokane studio web site (click the link on the right).

Alvin Ailey this weekend, in downtown Spokane!

2009-02-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

We, along with our upper level dancers, are taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity this weekend, to see "Ailey II", the touring company of New York City's Alvin Ailey's Incredible Dance Theatre. Among the modern pieces selected for Sunday's performance will be "Revelations", an Ailey signature piece that is bound to fascinate any dance enthusiast.

Tickets are available by calling Ticketswest at 325-SEAT, or going to www.ticketswest.com.

For those whom have never seen Ailey, his style is ballet based, integrated with modern dance, and uniquely innovative body movement. It is a style that can be enjoyed by those who enjoy classical dance, and because of Ailey's creativity, by many who don't. We hope that you join us this weekend for this enciting Spokane performance!

Costume balances due!

2009-02-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

Remember that your costume balances are due to Encore Costumes (PO Box 28023, Spokane, WA 99228)by Feb. 15th. Any dancer not completing full payment is in jeopardy of losing his or her costume...yikes! Don't let this happen. Refer to your Inland Northwest Ballet costume balance letter for the exact balance and payment address.
If you did not order a costume, of course no balance is due (and for most costumes it is too late in the year to order now, as we are over two months past the deadline) You may want to keep in mind though. that during class in April, costumes will be passed out during class. You want to ask ahead of time and skip this class, so your child will not feel left out. You may also want to withdraw before June, so your child will not feel left out during costume photo day and performance prep. If you have any questions, please ask Susie or Cheryl.

New classes for little ones!

2009-02-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

So many of you have asked, so we are offering two classes beginning in March of 2009, assuming we have a sufficient number of students for each class.

The first one is our Tues. 11:00 a.m. class. This class is a Creative Dance tap and ballet class for beginning 3-5 year olds. This class will be taught by Miss Kaiti Bri.

The second is our Friday 3:00 class. This class is also a Creative Dance tap and ballet class for beginning 3-5 year olds. This class will most likely be taught by Miss Janine.

Because our last two Friday 3:00 sessions have filled with students on the waiting list, there is also a possibility of a Friday 2:15 class, most likely with the same structure and age group.

The Tues. class would begin on March 2nd, the Friday session would begin on March 13th. We have not yet determined whether they would be 6 week sessions, or 8 week sessions. The tuition for a six week session would be $60, and the cost for an eight week session would be $80. All tuition must be paid at the time of registration, and please note that short session tuition is non-refundable, since we are holding your place in class.

If you are interested in either of these sessions, please let us know by Feb. 15th. We can hold your place in class for two days by phone or e-mail, before paperwork and tuition must be paid.

You may e-mail Studio Director Janine Fraser at inlandnwballet@aol.com, or call the studio at 467-0765...thank you!

2009-01-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

Listen to the mustn’, child, listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

Shel Silverstein

Have a terrific week Inland Northwest Ballet dancers, parents, and friends!

...and you thought you've seen Swan Lake before...

2009-01-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Note from Inland Northwest Ballet Studio Director Janine Fraser...I have seen many productions of Swan Lake in my career, but never quite like the video that Malinda found...dancers and non-dancers alike will be amazed! Just cut and paste the link below...

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=feca9a3ee15c7de848d4

At first you will just think you have found an ordinary Swan Lake Ballet, but keep watching, you will see what you thought was not possible! Something for us to work on in the upper levels perhaps...:) Enjoy!

Note: If you have trouble with the link (this one was being fussy), or just google "Godtube", search "Swan Lake" and you will find "Swan Lake, amazing dance, part II").

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day…

2009-01-19T07:05:00.001-08:00

(note: As always on MLK day, we DO have class today at Inland Northwest Ballet)

Below is MLK's infamous "I Have A Dream" speech. With the upcoming inauguration of our first black president, though we still have a long way to go, we have to believe that MLK is smiling down upon us. Rather than look at today as a day off for many people, it might be wise to take a moment to contemplate the meaning of MLK day, and what his "dream" is all about, and share that with our kids.

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Happy Monday from Miss Janine...:)

2009-01-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

A quote to contemplate as you begin your week...

" What would you do......if you knew you could not fail?"

anonymous

Learning from our Inland Northwest Ballet Little Ones…

2009-01-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday from Miss Janine.!

Here is a quote I want to share with you as you begin your week...

While we try to teach children all about life,
our children teach us what life is all about.

Anonymous

Something to reflect upon ...:)

Back on track...

2009-01-07T19:40:00.000-08:00

Now that Mead is back in session, Spokane School District is out, however, we will continue to hold classes unless we have some new crazy weather that causes safety issues...Which we don't anticipate in the near future (of course who anticipated this?).

We are having a fantastic day of classes today at Inland Northwest Ballet, the kids were very ready to get out of the house and move...I think some parents wished we would keep them all afternoon! Have a great day and we hope to see all of you dancing soon!

Enough already..:)

2009-01-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

Our recurring theme? No school again for Mead students tomorrow. However, we have decided that we will go ahead and open the studio tomorrow for classes (however, office hours are limited). We miss our dancers, and think they probably need to get out and help calm the cabin fever! If you feel you can transport your child to the studio with minimal risk, please come to class tomorrow. If not, please stay home where you are safe and warm! Make up classes are available, and those classes can be taken any time within the next month.

We will note the attendance level of classes tomorrow, and that will help us make our decisions for future school closure days.

If you are reading this, thank you for staying current and checking our web site and blog. If you speak with any fellow parents, please encourage them to do the same. It is the only way we can stay connected in crazy weather days such as this!

For more info on school closures, please go to Mead School District

No school again???

2009-01-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

Once again, Mead School District has chosen to close on Tuesday. We will follow their lead and close as well, but are considering opening on Wed. regardless of whether Mead is open or closed. We would love to hear feedback from parents on this thought. We see no reason not to be open, except that parents who do not check the website/phone messages and assume their is not class, may be upset when they find out the following week that we did have class after all. I guess that is the reward for staying current by checking the web site, though isn't it?

Of course, those of you who stay updated by checking out the wes site are informed and know what's going on..and we love you for that! Please stay tuned for our decision on Wed. classes, and let us know what you think - inlandnwballet@aol.com.

Update from Mead...

2009-01-04T16:51:00.000-08:00

From Mead School District's web site...
"Snow Update - No School on Monday, January 5th's District5
The Spokane County Sheriff's Department has closed all Spokane County public schools for Monday, January 5th, due to expected hazardous road conditions.County crews will be out trying to remove snow from the winter storm expected tonight and Monday. The District will determine if school will resume on Tuesday based on an update from the Sheriff's department expected late Monday afternoon."

Wow, we can't believe that it has lasted this long, but once again both Mead and Spokane School Districts, (and just about everyone else around!) are closed tomorrow Monday, Jan. 5, due to weather conditions....When will this end?
We are having our roof cleared of snow as we write, and we are ready to dance! However, if it is not safe for you to be out, it is best that you stay home where you are safe and warm! We hope you have had a restful and safe holiday so far...:)

Following are alternate class times for those who will miss class tomorrow...If these times do not work out for you, e-mail School Director Janine Fraser at inlandnwballet@aol.com for other classes you may attend...We hope to see you on Tuesday! The district will update tomorrow afternoon.

3:00 class - May attend on Wed. 5:30

3:45 class - May attend on Fri. at 3:45

4:30 class - May attend Wed. 6:15

5:30 class - May attend Tues., Wed., or Thurs. at 3:45

6:15 class - May attend on Thurs. at 4:30

7:15 class - May attend on Wed. at 8:15 (if not already enrolled in that class), though we will have several extra hours of Sat. class in the spring that will more than make up for any classes missed due to weather! Also, keep an eye out for news regarding our stage make-up class taught by May Hafkamp, which will also serve a partial make-up for hours missed!

If you have questions, just send us an e-mail, we will be checking in frequently!

It's costume time again...

2009-01-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when our costume orders have all been sent in,

and we anxiously await their arrival in the spring... Here are a few photos of the beautiful costumes our dancers will wear this year in our Spokane performances. Above is the beautiful platter tutu that will be worn by our level 7 pointe students. All of our ballet costumes this year are designed in shimmery coral-peach shades, with accents of soft ivory or very pale yellow...

Above: This dress will be worn in coral by our level 6/7 dancers.

Above: This pretty costume will be worn by our Ballet I students...They can't wait!

Above: The coral shade has been selected for our level 2s and 3s!

Above: The back of our level I costume...so pretty! The tutu is made of a fine ivory tulle with a very delicate "lettuce edge" which makes for a pretty finish to the tulle.

As far as our jazz, tap, and hip hop costumes go, they are always cute, but age appropriate, as well as flattering, and our choices follow these rules...

No bare bellies, "no way too low cut" tops, no ripped pants, no bustiers, no pleather, no Las Vegas showgirl style costumes, no short shorts that could double as "undies"...in a nutshell, no making a 9 year old look like she is 21! As you can see from the photos, jazz or hip hop costumes can be appropriate and still totally cool!

Above: Miss Janine's favorite...a turquoise and chocolate camo number that

will be worn by both Miss Kaiti's and Miss Laura's pre-teen and teen classes...so funky!

Above: Both Miss Janine and Miss Kaiti have selected the above costume (with the long pants on the right) for their tap classes...so cute!

Above: One of Miss Kaiti's tap classes will wear the above number in turquoise and black!

Miss Janine's Tuesday hip hoppers will dance in this pink and black camo number

(with cargo pants on the right)...so fun!

We can't wait to see our dancers when they try on these cute costumes next spring!

New class to be added in January!

2008-12-31T05:21:00.000-08:00

Because our current Creative Dance I classes are all full, and we still have many Spokane children wanting lessons, we will add a new Creative Dance I class beginning in January...The tap and ballet class will begin on Friday, Jan. 16th at 3:00 pm for new dancers age 3-5. Tuition is $80 for the eight week session. The class will be taught by Miss Kaiti, and will include two young leaders (little ones with two+ years dance training, that help lead the class by example).

To enroll, you must turn in your registration form and your tuition (non-refundable) before the class fills. Once the class is full, no more students will be enrolled (please do not show up the first day unregistered, as the class will be full, and we really dislike disappointing a little dancer).

You can get this form via e-mail (click the link on the right) or at the studio when we re-open on Monday, Jan. 5. Once your spot is confirmed, you will receive information regarding the dress code for this class. For more information on our classes, click the link on the right that will take you to our main web site!

For more info, e-mail us at inlandnwballet@aol.com...We will be happy to answer!

We also may add a class Tues. mornings at 11:00 AM, please e-mail Studio Director Janine Fraser if interested!

Inland Northwest Ballet Fudge Recipe...Yummy!

2008-12-30T05:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, we give up...We had planned to try to reschedule our fudge party for this coming Wed., but with the incredible amount of snow outside now, the terrible road conditions, and the expectation of at least 3-6 inches Tuesday evening, with 1-3 more on Wed. morning...we are giving up thoughts of rescheduling this season.

Some of you have asked for the recipe we use to make our yummy fudge, so here it is....Keep in mind this is not a low cal, low fat fudge...A couple of years ago Kraft changed their recipe to include only half the sugar, and less butter...:( We had to go searching all over north Spokane to find the original recipe that is so yummy! Healthy eating is important for a dancer/athlete, but burning it off in with a bazillion entrechats in ballet class helps to balance out the high calorie indulgence! Enjoy!

Inland Northwest Ballet’s Fantasy Fudge recipe…This is a double batch…yummy!

You will need 3 sticks of butter (the good stuff, not margarine)

6 cups of sugar

2 cans of evaporated milk (but you won’t use all, you must measure)

24 oz. chocolate chips

One 14 oz. jar of marshmallow crème

2 tps. Vanilla

Begin with the butter, of sugar, and evaporated milk…Mix, and boil on high for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Gradually stir in 24. oz Chocolate Chips

Then add in one 14. 0z. jar of marshmallow crème (we microwave for a few seconds first to soften…but only a few seconds or you will think Mt. St. Helens blew in your microwave!)

Add 2 tsp. of vanilla. Stir all together.

Pour into two lightly greased 13 x 9 inch, or 9 x 9 inch pans…cool and eat. Be certain to scrape all bowls, pans, and lick all spoons…you do not want to waste any of this yummy fudge!

Take in the Nutcracker Ballet on television this week...

2008-12-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

The Waltz of the Flowers in San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker...

We know that many of you in the Spokane area took the opportunity to see Alberta Ballet's production of the Nutcracker earlier this month, and enjoyed it very much. Now, just days before Christmas 2008, PBS will be presenting two versions of the Nutcracker Ballet on TV, and Studio Director Janine Fraser wants our Inland Northwest Ballet dancers to know about them...Record the ballets (there are two different versions) so your child can watch whenever he or she wants, or sit as a family and watch them together, either way, don't miss them...:)

Here are the viewing times for both the San Francisco Ballet and the Royal Ballet productions...

San Francisco Ballet's `Nutcracker'...Monday, Dec. 22nd at 4:00 am pst (yes, that is a.m...best to record!), on PBS, our local channel 7.
Kristi Yamaguchi , who grew up in the bay area, introduces the San Francisco Ballet production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" that is set in 1915 San Francisco during the Panama Pacific International Exhibition. Clara is portrayed by the beautiful Maria Kochetkova. The Nutcracker Prince is danced by Davit Karapetyan. See links below.

Click here to learn more about Maria...
http://www.sfballet.org/about/company/dancers/view.asp?id=12340121
or here to learn more about Davit...
http://www.sfballet.org/about/company/dancers/view.asp?id=12340011

The Royal Ballet of London...Thursday, Dec. 25th (Christmas day!) at 2:00 pm, on PBS, our local channel 7, KSPS...Dancing to music of Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky, the Royal Ballet performs the holiday tale about Clara (danced by Alina Cojocaru) who falls in love with a toy. Anthony Dowell also stars as the toymaker Drosselmeyer.

Pay tuition online...

2008-12-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

We now have an easier way to pay your Inland Northwest Ballet tuition...You can now pay online using Paypal or a credit card. Just scroll down our blog, look to the right and choose a menu. The upper menu is for those of you paying a simple standard tuition amount. Say for example, one child taking one class, or two sibling taking one class each. You simply select your tuition amount and click "buy", which will take you to the next window to complete your payment.

The second menu is for those of you with a child taking three ballet classes, one jazz class, two pointe classes, who also has a sibling taking a class as well. You must add various amounts to your cart, and then click "pay" to complete your payment.

A 2.00 fee is required to cover Paypal costs. Please note that any payment over 200.00 requires a 6.00 fee, since fees are calculated by percentages.

This feature will soon be available on our web site as well!

Note: If you don't already use PayPal, we recommend it, as only Paypal has your credit card or bank numbers, not each vendor you pay.

SNOW DAY!!!

2008-12-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

Needless to say, due to the schools being closed, we are closed Dec. 18, 19, and 20th...stay home where it's safe and warm! :)

The level 6/7 fudge party has also been cancelled,and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Have a terrific break, we'll see you Jan. 5th!

In the meadow we can build a snowman...

2008-12-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder, that if the Mead School District or Spokane School District #81 makes the decision to let school out early or to cancel school altogether, we DO NOT have class. For instance, today, Dec. 17th, we did have class because school was still is session. We will have classes tomorrow as long as Mead has school. However, if Mead or Spokane closes, we will not hold class.

You may check here...http://www.mead354.org/, or here...http://www.spokaneschools.org/

We will post any closure on this blog and our web site both, so check back if in doubt! Note: We usually only post closures, so if not notice is posted, assume we do have class. However, we respect your decision if you choose to stay home where you are warm, safe, and dry!

Fudge Party!!!

2008-12-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

For level 6 and 7 Spokane dancers, your annual fudge party is this Friday at 7 pm...

For location, see your invite.

Please remember to RSVP to Inland Northwest Ballet by Wed. evening...

There is lots of fudge making (and even better, fudge eating!) to be done!