CHOREOGRAPHING FOR STUDENTS

When I’m working with young dancers -- whether setting a ballet or choreographing a student performance -- I focus on making the rehearsal period a positive experience. It’s important that aspiring dancers enjoy rehearsal time, look forward to coming to the studio, and remain excited about the performance. After all, rehearsals last a lot longer than the performance itself, and it’s during this time that a teacher can really connect with his or her students. During rehearsals, dancers discover their strengths and weakness and learn how to deal with them.

I believe that what happens on the stage is largely the choreographer’s responsibility. When I am choreographing for young dancers I take great care to observe each student’s abilities and to tailor the choreography to their strengths. You can’t ask an inexperienced student to do 32 fuettes just because that’s in the original choreography. While I believe in challenging my students and encouraging them to grow as dancers, I will never put a student in a precarious position in front of an audience.

Bottom line: it’s very easy to tell if a student is struggling with the choreography… they’re not smiling.-– DF

RECENT CHOREOGRAPHIES For Students Include:

The Sleeping Beauty, City Center Ballet, Spring 2007
In April 2007, David presented his setting of The Sleeping Beauty after Marius Petipa with a cast of all ages and levels.

Microkutz, Youth American Grand Prix 2007
David's student was awarded First Prize in the Semi-Finals in Connecticut in March, advancing to the Final round. Following the competition she was awarded a full scholarship to The Stuttgart Ballet.

Coppelia, City Center Ballet, Spring and Fall 2006
The cast of 40-plus included aspiring dancers as young as 6-years old. More

The Toy Store
Performed at The Metropolitan Opera House by students aged 6-12 from Casita Maria Community Center in the Bronx as part of the American Ballet Theatre’s Make a Ballet program.

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