ISB blog: Dancing with the Masters 2012

In March, dancers at ISB and throughout the region participated in Dancing with the Masters, a master class series concept pioneered by ISB’s Victoria Lyras in 2008. The Penrod Society has supported the series since its inception. The two Sunday afternoon classes were a wonderful opportunity for students, teachers and dancers to experience some of these exemplary leaders.

The idea of Dancing with the Masters is to combine instruction and social interaction fostering an exchange of ideas and the occasion to expose talented students in Indianapolis to future employers. Michael Vernon, Ballet Department Chair at Indiana University's Jacob School of Music, and David Hochoy, Dance Kaleidoscope's Artistic Director, led the classes.

Ms. Lyras said, “I was thrilled to observe Michael Vernon teaching these young dancers… passing on knowledge and experiences he had shared with me during my career and when I danced in his company in New York. He is an influential presence. David Hochoy and I share a deep connection with the mentors who guided us to establish our careers… David with Martha Graham, and I with George Balanchine. The Graham and Balanchine connection dates back to the early 1940s when they were both faculty at the School of American Ballet, founded by Balanchine in 1934. It was fantastic for dancers to have this opportunity so accessible. I really feel this responsibility to the next generation, to give them access to great ideas. And, just as the dancers learned by doing, I learned by watching.” And, with a smile, Ms. Lyras said, “It’s also great to see that moment flash in a student’s eyes when they recognize something I’ve said to them, repeated by one of our master teachers.”

Renowned personalities in the dance world who have come to Indianapolis to conduct classes for Dancing with the Mastersin previous years include Edward Villella, Violette Verdy, Suki Schorer, and Barbara Weisberger. The series has evolved over the last four years. This year, in addition to the two afternoon classes, three remarkable teachers will come to Indianapolis to work with dancers at ISB’s Summer Intensives.

The roster of guest teachers slated for Summer Intensive residencies in 2012 includes-

Week of June 11: Zippora Karz, former soloist ballerina with the New York City Ballet and a recognized Balanchine repetiteur;
Weeks of June 18 and 25: Paul Vitali, former Principal Dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet and Feld Ballets/NY and faculty at Florida International University and Miami City Ballet School; and
Weeks of July 9 and 16: Scott Jovovich, former dancer in ballet companies around the world including The Joffrey, Pittsburgh, and companies in England and Korea; in musicals on Broadway and at Lincoln Center; now with New York City Dance Alliance and University of the Arts in Philadelphia.