Judith Svalander School of Ballet

FROM THE DESK OF MRS. SVALANDER: 

Summer is fast approaching…as you well know, and having just received the spring information, here at J.S.S.B. we are in full planning mode for the Summer Workshop, June 23rd through August 2nd. Not a moment too early, many of you say! Here is the scoop: It is always tailor-made because we are constantly watching, thinking, planning the next best need for your student. This includes what faculty can best fulfill these needs, what space is available, how can the whole program produce the anticipated result and keep all of this within an affordable price range. Our faculty and staff are professionals and this is their profession.

This school you attend hosts a history of successes both within the current faculty and the many prominent students before you. They are a myriad of people in all professions with theatre and dance the stronghold. I am, as I write this, completing a booklet that gives you information on over 40 of our dance/theatre successes. I may try to go beyond that and include as much info as possible on all of our former students for our 40th anniversary - who knows with some help maybe it will turn into a huge bash and terrific reunion (we did that at the 20th!!) I would love that. The class of 2013 (my daughter, too!) that’s a number of you and we hope that you will still be dancing strong! It is an exciting thought…

I am getting a bit ahead here, back to Summer 2008. We have such growth and exciting fun that culminates in a unique performance at Prairie Ridge High School on August 2nd. So many young students turn that corner of dedication and determination during the summer course - just ask most Level IV students who are surpassing our goals in ‘08. It is thrilling to see.

While glowing let me share with you some wildly exciting news about senior Kirsten Torchalski…she was offered a full scholarship to Ball State University in Indiana. She will be a Miller Scholar (Business Degree) and that comes with many additional benefits. Yes, she is a Company dancer and has been studying  at JSSB 5-6 days a week and fulfilling all of her commitments here as well as maintaining her honor status in school. Her father has remarked that the organizational skills, tremendous push and value of such an outside activity has given Kirsten the edge needed to graduate above all expectations. Those of you who worry over time, dollars and the future need to know that the returns here can be multiplied beyond expectation. Ask me if you would like phone numbers for testamonials Congratulations and our best wishes go out to her for such an outstanding job! You can see her final performance soon. Check back on the website for details! More on our other seniors to follow…

You may have seen on the bulletin board the discount the Company level has earned. They have been doing performances for some payment and then that goes into the “Company pot” in order to help defray costs. If you know of anyone who would like entertainment, please recommend Svalander Concert Dancers (fees vary and are available upon request…usually whatever we get!!!) To date we have done:

• Bastille Day/La Petite Creperie
• Wine Tasting at Woodstock Opera House
• Prom Fashion Show at Woodstock High School
• Birthday Party at Crystal Lake Country Club

Future engagements:

• Cinco de Mayo at Sunrise Assisted Living
• Global Warming Program at Woodstock Opera House

Call Mrs. Pelt or Mrs. Svalander for more information and costs. We do theme parties, children’s birthday parties with a lesson, party parties, weddings, funerals, holiday events, special occasions…where there is room to move, we can dance for you. We also have access to singers, musicians and announcers for your event. Coming in September - Ballroom Dance at the Waverly and then we can do Ballroom events too! We will keep dancing. Think of us for your next fundraiser. We are the best and we only want a piece of the pie. You get the rest.

 I close with this:
“I have sent you my invitation, the note inscribed on the palm of my hand by the fire of living. Don’t jump up and shout, ‘Yes, this is what I want! Let’s do it!’ Just stand up quietly and dance with me.” - Oriah Mountain Dreamer

I look forward to a beautiful Spring - Mrs. Svalander