Editor’s note: Staff writer Colleen Volz was a participant in Thursday’s ballet master class with the artistic director from Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Company. The company will be performing at Memorial Hall this Friday night. Check out Ali Rockett’s preview of the performance in Friday’s Daily Tar Heel.
You could say that I was once a classic “bun head.”
In high school, I would spend up to 10 hours a week in my local dance studio learning to pirouette, to leap and to bend in unnatural ways.
When I came to UNC and decided to focus all of my dance energy on a modern company, I finally retired my pointe shoes.
And after taking part in the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Company’s master class Thursday afternoon, I soon realized my ballet days are long gone.
Benoit-Swan Pouffer, the ballet company’s artistic director, lead a class that was meant for advanced ballerinas — a title I can no longer claim.
Pouffer, with a heavy French accent and a friendly smile, taught combinations at lightning speed, encouraging all 27 dancers in Gerrard Hall to look up and project to an imaginary audience.
While a strong subset of the class — some from Duke — was able to keep up with class, others, like myself, struggled.
Luckily, Pouffer wasn’t looking for precision — he just wanted dancers willing to try new movements.
After a fairly classical ballet warm up with plies and tendus, I was excited to end the class with a contemporary combination that allowed me to utilize my more modern experience.
It was fun to watch the prima ballerinas slide across the floor — a skill necessary for a modern dancer.
While much of the advanced ballet footwork and complicated turns were difficult, I was left amazed by the amount of talented dancers in the room — especially for a school without an official dance program.
Many of the girls showcased strong dance technique, as though they trained daily.
While my ballet days might be over, I’m grateful that Carolina Performing Arts offers these free classes to students who wish to train with world class professionals.
And my feet — I danced barefoot after forgetting my ballet shoes at home — will definitely be sore tomorrow.
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