From The Barre by RocklandBallet

FROM THE BARRE September 2015

R OC KL A N D SC HOOL OF BA LLET

Rockland School of Ballet Founder & Director

Emily Jenks

Images Jacob Gerritsen Jessica McMahon Xara Sunne

Founded in 1997 to promote artistic, creative and healthy activity for the body, mind and spirit while providing a fun-filled dance experience in a safe, positive, educational and nurturing environment. www.rocklandballet.com missemily@rocklandballet.com 207-542-3556

The Snow Queen “The Snow Queen” is a delightful winter production adapted for ballet from the classic children’s story written by Hans Christian Andersen demonstrating that friendship, hope, integrity, persistence toward one’s goals and determination can enable anyone to overcome life’s obstacles.

AN G EL I NA BA L L ER INA

Contents:

Featured:

ANGELINA BALLERINA DANCE ACADEMY AT ROCKLAND SCHOOL OF BALLET..... P.11

Studio NoteA note from Rockland School of Ballet. p.5

Contemporary ClassesFlip inside to page 15 to read more about this exciting program at RSB... p16

Youth Dance ProgramA variety of dance classes offered to

L E AP ‘ N L EA R N AT R OCK LA ND SCHO OL O F BAL L E T

children ages 12 and up at Rockland School of Ballet. p.14

Adult Dance ClassesSee what Rockland School of Ballet has to offer for new and experienced adult dancers. p. 18

AN EDUCATIONAL DANCE PROGRAM TAUGHT TO DANCERS IN THE EARLY

A Girls Guide to Dance

CHILDHOOD PROGRAM TO HELP

Read on to find out how to properly wear

BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION AND A

you dance attire and what to pack in your

LOVE OF DANCE p 12

dance bag! p. 22 & 23

September Objectives-

DAN C ERS ’ M AN N ERS

Monthly objectives are back! Read inside to find out more about Septembers’s monthly objective and movement concept at Rockland School of Ballet. p19

THE BASIC GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW AT ROCKLAND SCHOOL OF BALLET THAT HELP OUR STUDIO AND DANCERS GROW.....P.7

Snow Queen Cast ListFind out which character you might like to be in this winters recital... p. 21

STUDIO NOTE

Rockland School of Ballet a note from the school Another year, another amazing start to classes at Rockland School of Ballet. Thank you to all those who have signed up for classes and continue to participate and show their love of dance at our studio! It is spectacular watching all of you grow and perfect your art. Each and every one of you is an inspiration. On the docket for this year? We have some exciting things waiting in the wings. We will be performing a a winter recital of the Snow Queen! All dancers please keep your eyes peeled for notices posted in the studio (and sent via e-mail) about casting, rehearsal schedules and more. This is one magical and enchanting contemporary ballet for all ages, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss. 5

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too late to sign up for classes! We still have openings in many of our classes and would love for you and your friends to join. Call or go online to find out more information today. Be sure to read on into this issue of From the Barre for more information about classes and happenings at Rockland School of Ballet. As always we look forward to seeing you in the studio, and keep dancing!

et Ball d n kla Roc

Happy Birthday to some very special

Rockland School of Ballet students: Helena - 5 Madison - 7 Isabella - 14 Ann - 52 Gemma - 8

September Objective Manners for Dancers Welcome to Rockland School of Ballet! Each year we like to introduce students to ballet traditions that will provide them with the key to a happy, fun and positive learning environment — good manners! We would like to please ask for your help in following these values that will make our dance classes and studio successful for years to come. Proper etiquette will not only take our

students far in the world of dance, but will also propel them through life. Thank you so much for your support of Rockland School of Ballet and for supporting the dancers in your family! We look forward to a wonderful year of dance! t alle B d an ockl

Dancers Show Respect for Themselves by: • Being prompt for class. • Being dressed in street clothes or warm up outerwear over ballet clothing when

coming to and leaving the studio. • Being dressed properly for class in assigned colored leotard without underwear under the leotard and tights, without jewelry (other than small earrings) and with shoe strings tied and tucked in. • Having their hair pulled back and secured in a bun. For shorter hair, pulled back from the face with a headband or clips is acceptable. No hair covering the neck or in the face will be permitted in class.

Dancers Show Respect for their Teacher and the Art Form they are Learning by: • Being properly dressed and ready for class on time. • Listening when the teacher speaks and always standing in a “proper dance stance”

while listening to the teacher give combinations or corrections. • Being prepared for their turn. • Always asking before leaving the room for any reason and upon returning, entering quietly and going around the back of room, never through the dancers who are dancing. • Always finishing every exercise, never walking off noisily showing anger or aggravation. • Staying at the barre until all exercises are finished. • Curtsying to teachers as a form of greeting and parting whether in the waiting room or in the studio for class.

Dancers Show Respect for the Studio by:

Dancers Show Respect for Others by:

• Leaving gum, food and drinks in the dressing room.

• Keeping their hands to themselves during class.

• Never hanging or leaning on the barres.

• Waiting quietly for others to have a turn and for instructions

• Never running or doing gymnastics in the studio or waiting

from the teacher. • Waiting until the music is finished before entering the classroom if they are late to class. • Talking with one another only during share time. • Supporting other students’ efforts and never laughing, pointing, whispering or gossiping.

room. • Putting trash in the proper place. • Putting away books and magazines when finished with them. • Being quiet in the waiting room. • Turning off and putting away cell phones. • Always keeping all belongings zipped and inside their dance

Parents Show Respect for the Dance Class, Teachers, and Studio by: • Coming inside the waiting room to drop off and pick up dancers. It

is unsafe to allow children to walk outside alone. • Bringing dancers to class on time and picking them up promptly after class. • Having students ready for class before they enter the classroom. • Making certain the dancer has used the restroom before entering class. • Clearly marking the child’s items with his/her name before leaving home. • Never leaving siblings in the waiting room unattended. • Knocking before entering the classroom if a class is in progress. • Making every effort to stand away from the viewing window if it becomes obvious that the students are being distracted. • Not letting children stand and hit the viewing windows or doors. • Never allowing children to hit the glass windows or mirrors. • Letting us know in advance if a student will be absent and making arrangements to schedule a make-up class. • Teaching dancers, and siblings, to sit quietly and read while waiting, remembering that our studio is close to the waiting room and dancers can hear excessive noise. • Teaching children to never run or scream in the studio, waiting room, or parking lot. • Reading the welcome packet, e-news, and bulletin boards. • Calling Miss Emily during office hours to discuss any concerns. • Always remembering Rockland School of Ballet is a gossip free environment, and talking negatively about others is an inappropriate behavior and benefits no one.

C Rockland School of Ballet

Here it is! BOOTCAMP September is set to begin with personalized measurements and fitness assessment on Monday August 31st. Set goals, develop a routine, see results! 6am & 7:15am 3x per week M/W/F. These classes feature a variety of formats with equipment provided and are open to all fitness levels. Classes located in downtown Rockland and is limited for this small group training, no crowds! Message me for more info and to reserve your spot. **Discount available for new students signing up for September AND October sessions. https://www.facebook.com/BrystleNobleFitness

207.458.2545 9

Adult Classes Ongoing this season! Monday 5:30 - 6:45pm Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00pm Saturday 4:45 - 6:00pm For more information contact 207.524.3556 missemily@rocklandballet.com or missjessica@rocklandballet.com

Space Available Rent Studio Space From Rockland School of Ballet Perfect for Mat Pilates, Yoga, and Zumba For more information contact 207.524.3556 or missemily@rocklandballet.com

Question of the Month: What is a pirouette? Write your answer and put it in the jar on the counter. Be sure to include your name!

Angelina Ballerina at Rockland School of Ballet TM

Wednesday: Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy

Age 4 9:00- 9:50 Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy Age 3

10:00-10:50 Saturday Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy TM

Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy classes are taught through a nationwide network of top quality dance studios, including Rockland School of Ballet. Your child will receive a quality dance education in a caring and fun environment, all based on the beloved Angelina Ballerina character. The Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy Curriculum is designed by internationally renowned master teachers and child development experts. Your child will be inspired to pursue their dreams of dance just like Angelina Ballerina! The Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy classes follow and bring to life the adventures of Angelina Ballerina, a remarkable mouseling who is armed with grace, determination and an unquenchable zest for life. Instructors will gently introduce your child to the world of dance and performance, through fun and endearing Angelina Ballerina stories and music. Register today and your little star with big dreams will develop the love and skills of dance that will last a lifetime.

Age 3 8:40-9:30 Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy Age 5

9:00-10:00

At Rockland School of Ballet we believe that smaller classes are best so that each dancer receives more individual attention. We do still have room in all of our classes for a few more dancers! The best form of advertising is YOU and your dancer. Please tell a friend and bring a friend. If you tell a friend and your friend registers for the 2015/2016 school year in the month of September or October, your dancer will receive a free gift!

Leap ‘n Learn Early Childhood Program at Rockland School of Ballet TM

Leap ‘n Learn was founded and developed by dance teacher Beverly Spell and child psychologist Annie Spell to encourage young dancers to be happy and thrive within their dance classes. It was also created with the intention of helping studios and instructors excel at teaching creative movement and ballet based in education. The early childhood dance program is designed for boys and girls ages three to seven, and Ballet I and II are designed for students ages eight to twelve. All Leap ‘n Learn programs aim to build strong foundations in dance. In addition to introducing and learning the basics of dance, Leap ‘n Learn is a strong advocate of proper and positive classroom behavior. Students learn the basics of taking turns, following another dancer or leading the group, waiting patiently, working with others, and having a positive attitude in class. Through the use of the Leap ‘n Learn curriculum, children in the early childhood program will build a strong foundation and love of movement. Leap ‘n Learn is a proven source for future education in dance and sports by helping children create strong foundations of understanding

Every time I dance I turn into a better version of me.

and awareness of movement, music, and creative problem solving. Rockland School of Ballet follows the Leap ‘n Learn curriculum in the early childhood education program as well as in Pre-Ballet and Primary Ballet. All Rockland School of Ballet instructors are licensed Leap ‘n Learn instructors and have the highest standards and best interests of each and every dancer. Our goal is to provide dancers with a fun and meaningful experience at dance class where they will grow to not only love to dance but will continue to learn along the way.

Leap â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Learn Early Childhood Program at Rockland School of Ballet Tuesday: Studio A (Lindsey Street) Tiny Dancers (Age 4) - 9:00 - 9:50 Studio C (Lincoln Street) Baby Dancers (Age 3) - 11:15 - 12:05 Hippity Hoppity Level I (Age 3 - 5) - 3:00 - 3:50* Hippity Hoppity Level II (Age 5 - 6) - 4 - 4:50 *

Wednesday: Studio A (Lindsey Street) Pre-Ballet (Age 5)- 2:30 - 3:30 Pre-Primary Ballet (Age 6&7) - 3:30 - 4:45 Ballet I (Age 8 - 11) - 4:45 - 6:00 Studio C (Lincoln Street) Baby Dancers (Age 3) - 3:00 - 3:50 Tiny Dancers (Age 4) - 4:00 - 4:50 Pre-Ballet I (Age 5) - 5:00 - 6:00 Pre-Ballet II (Age 6) - 6:10 - 7:10

Thursday: Studio A (Lindsey Street) Pre-Ballet (Age 5)- 3:40 - 4:30 Studio B (Lincoln Street) Pre-Ballet (Age 5) - 4:00 - 5:00 Pre-Ballet (Age 6) - 5:00 - 6:00 Baby Dancers (Age 3) - 6:00 - 6:50

Friday: Studio A (Lindsey Street) Baby Dancers (Age 3) - 9:00 - 9:50 Tiny Dancers (Age 4) - 10:00 - 10:50

At Rockland School of Ballet we believe that

Saturday:

still have room in all of our classes for a few

Studio A (Lindsey Street) Pre-Ballet (Age 5)- 9:40 - 10:40 Primary Ballet (Age 7) - 10:45 - 12:00 Contemporary/Jazz (Age 7)- 12:00 - 12:45

more dancers! The best form of advertising

Studio C (Lincoln Street) Tiny Dancers (Age 4) - 9:00 - 9:50

smaller classes are best so that each dancer receives more individual attention. We do

is YOU and your dancer. Please tell a friend and bring a friend. If you tell a friend and your friend registers for the 2015/2016 school year in the month of September or October, your dancer will receive a free gift!

*dancers must also be enrolled in a Leap â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Learn ballet or Angelina Ballerina program

Youth Dance Program at Rockland School of Ballet

Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another.

Rockland School of Balletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth dance program is a continuation of training and study in various forms of dance. At this level dancers will be asked to decide to choose whether they will continue in the recreational or training division. Rockland School of Balletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recreational division is designed for students ages twelve and up who wish to attend classes that meet once a week. In this program students will be exposed to and will learn proper ballet technique, terminology and correct body placement and form.

The training division is for the

students are encouraged to

Students enrolled in the recreational

more serious and dedicated student.

participate in other genres including;

program may opt into contemporary,

Designed for students ages twelve and pointe and contemporary dance. For

or additional ballet classes at any

up, students in the trainee program

further guidance in enrolling in the

time. The recreational division allows

will meet for a minimum of three

correct program please contact

dancers to grow their ballet training

times each week. As dancers progress

Rockland School of Ballet directly at

without a huge time commitment. It is designed specifically for beginning

in their training, more time, classes

207.542.3556 or missemily@rocklandballet.com.

students and those with busy

and commitment will be required to continue to improve upon skills,

schedules.

strength and technique. The program primarily focuses on ballet though

Youth Ballet at Rockland School of Ballet

It takes an athlete to dance but it takes an artist to be a dancer.

This class is designed for the more advanced and serious student with previous years of ballet training. In this class we will focus on technique, physical strength, flexibility and alignment. Additionally, an emphasis is put on artistry, musicality and personal growth.

Pointe Technique at Rockland School of Ballet This class is designed for the serious student, and dancers must be invited by Miss Emily to add this class to their studies. Foot and ankle strength, correct placement of body and toes, alignment and posture and technique are all studied in this class.

Junior & Youth Dance Program at Rockland School of Ballet Monday Studio A (Lindsey Street) Youth Teen Ballet - 3:00 - 4:30 Youth Ballet - Pre-pointe/Pointe Training*

Tuesday: Studio A (Lindsey Street) Youth Ballet (Age 12 - 20) - 4:30 - 6:30 Contemporary Repertoire (Ages 12 - 20) - 6:30 - 8:00

Thursday: Studio A (Lindsey Street) Youth Ballet (Age 12 - 20) - 4:30 - 7:00 Pre-pointe/Pointe Training - 7:00 - 7:45*

Friday: Studio A (Lindsey Street) Youth Ballet (Age 12 - 20) - 4:30 - 6:30 Contemporary/Lyrical (Ages 12 - 20) - 6:30 - 7:30 Studio B (North Haven) Junior/ Youth Ballet 1 &2 (Age 8 - 13) - 11:30 - 1:50

Saturday: Studio A (Lindsey Street) Ballet 1 & 2 Adv. Beg./Int. (Ages 8-13) - 1:45 - 3:15

*pointe and pre pointe classes by invitation only

Visit www.rocklandballet.com for more information or call us today at 207.542.3555

Dancing is an art. The floor is my canvas. And I am the brush. And whatever I create comes from the heart.

Contemporary at Rockland School of Ballet Have you seen So You Think You Can Dance on FOX or followed the likes of pioneer modern dancers such as Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and Jose Limon? Contemporary dance strives to connect the mind and body through fluid dance movements. It has grown to be one of the most popular styles of dance in the public eye today. Contemporary dancers use versatility, improvisation and expression. It is a culmination of more traditional forms of dance such as modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet and is performed to many different styles of music. This year Miss Jessica continues with Rockland School of Ballet bringing an exciting energy and teaching dancers this popular style of dance. Students will learn about different methods of expression and gain strength and flexibility along with the technical skills of contemporary dance. Dancers will explore movement and connection with mind, body and music, and will develop improvisational and choreographic skills..

Tuesday Contemporary Repertoire: 6:30 - 8:00pm In this choreography based class students will have the opportunity to move and gain a better understanding of the style of contemporary dance all the while discussing, discovering and dancing their way through different social issues that continue to affect our society. Friday Contemporary/Lyrical: 6:30 - 7:30pm In this movement based contemporary class, students will develop a stronger mind body connection. They will learn how to utilize different skills that will make their movement more powerful in a performance setting and set out to discover who they are as an individual dancer. Saturday Contemporary Dance: 3:30 - 4:30pm In this movement based class dancers will begin to discover how their bodies can move in different ways. Working with different styles of music and utilizing different movement exercises, dancers will discover different techniques and qualities that will continue to enhance their abilities.

Follow this link to register online now! http://www.rocklandballet.com/schedule.html

R E G I S T E R T O D A Y !

Adult Classes

at Rockland School of Ballet Whether your home on college break, just starting your first job, newly retired, or somewhere in between, Rockland School of Ballet has scheduled adult classes to accommodate the busy lives of adulthood. Knowing that life gets that much crazier as you age gracefully, Rockland School of Ballet has carefully crafted classes into our schedule in hopes that each adult interested in taking a ballet class (or two) will be able to find a class they can attend. Should you be unable to find a time the suits your schedule, please contact Miss Emily at: missemily@rocklandballet.com. We will do our best to accommodate your scheduling needs!

Adult Ballet Floor Stretch & Barre This class starts with floor stretching in ballet and yoga styles, then proceeds with basic ballet at the barre. Small jumps are done in the center before ending class with a traditional reverence. All abilities and ages (18-100) are welcome.

“Someone once said that dancers work just as hard as policeman, always alert, always tense. But I don’t agree with that because policeman don’t have to look beautiful at the same time.” - George Balanchine

Adult Ballet Ballet Class This is a traditional ballet class tailored to the abilities of those who participate. Starting with barre movements, this class will explore center floor combinations as well as across the floor movement. All ages and abilities are welcome in the adult ballet class.

Performances Spring Recital While most of the adult dancers at Rockland School of ballet attend weekly classes all year and are happy to do just that, we also invite our adult students to participate in the spring recital. If you are an enrolled adult student and are interested in participating in performing in this year’s show please notify Miss Emily.

Payment Adult Ballet Classes Adults are invited to attend classes at a drop in rate of $15 per class. Alternatively, purchase a Rockland School of Ballet dance card and choose from our two options. Purchase a ‘Dance Punchcard’ for $144.00 and receive 12 classes for $12.00/ class - a $36.00 savings! Seniors over 60, $12/class.

Rockland School of Ballet

September

Class Etique#e Monthly Objective

~ Being Properly Dressed for Class with Hair in a Bun ~ Being On Time & Ready for Class Every Week ~ Listening & Looking When the Teacher Speaks ~ Keeping Hands to Yourself ~ Talking Only in the Share Time Space ~ Waiting Quietly While Taking Turns ~ Waiting Quietly for Instructions from the Teacher ~ Never Leaving the Studio Without Miss Emilyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or the Class Assistantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Permission ~ Only Wearing Ballet Shoes in the Studio ~ Never Touching the Barres Unless Instructed by Miss Emily ~ Keeping Hands Off the Mirrors at All Times ~ Always Using the Restroom Before Class Begins ~ Always Giving Your Best Effort Throughout Class ~ Always Leaving the Studio, Dressing Room & Waiting Area Neat & Clean ~ Always Being Respectful of Teachers & Classmates 19

Rockland School of Ballet

September Movement Concept

Place & Size Place(n): a particular portion of space. A space in general, area or spot. Dancers can move in one place, or all around the space.

Size(n): The spatial dimensions, proportions, magnitude or bulk of anything. Dancers can dance with small, medium and large movements. 20

The Snow Queen Cast List Hobgoblin/Sorcerer Imps /Students of the Hobgoblin Town-folk Snow Queen Snowflakes Children Gerda Kai Kaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grandmother River Enchantress Garden Flowers Autumn Leaves - possible Crows Princess Prince Court Horse Robbers /Gypsies Robber Girl/Gypsy Girl Reindeer Lapland Woman Finland Woman Angels Guardian Angel

What’s in your Dance Bag? Being properly prepared for class is one of our most important Dancer’s Manners. Not only does this mean arriving to class on time with the appropriate attire, but it also means preparing and packing one’s dance bag with the essential dance wear, shoes, water, bobby pins and hair ties.

So what’s in your dance bag? Read through this list while

going through your bag, make sure you have everything you need are are ready and properly prepared for your next class. __ Dance Bag __ Before and after dance clothes: Tracksuit, sweatshirt, pants, sweater, sneakers, boots or sandals etc. __ Identify what class you are going to: What color leotard do you need to pack? __ Leggings __ 2 Pairs of tights (one for back up in case of tears, rips or runs) __ Ballet Slippers __ Pointe Shoes (if you are on pointe) __ Toe pads (if you are on pointe) __ Needle and Thread __ Foot Undeez __ Hairbrush or Comb __ Ponytail holders __ Bobby pins __ Hairnets/Bun-covers or Hair sticks __ Hairspray __ Water bottle filled with water and a healthy snack __ Golfball and Tennis Ball (ages 8 and up) In case of an emergency it is always a good idea to be prepared with essentials such as: __ Bandaids __ Ace Bandages __ Gauze __ Foot tape/toe tape __ Advil or Tylenol __ Neosporin

A prepared dancer is what teachers and choreographers look for. Advance preparation reflects that the dancer is experienced and committed to the art. Without the proper essentials circumstances could leave the dancer in a lurch. Dancers need to be self sufficient by preventing anything from standing in the way of performing their best. A dance bag is not just a place to throw all your shoes and dirty clothing. It is an emergency kit. Whether attending a class or audition, having the proper tools can help when disaster strikes.

How to dress for dance class For all classes dancers should: - make sure that hair is pulled away from the face with bobby pins or a headband and longer hair must be in a proper ballet bun - do not wear underwear under tights (Your tights will act as your underwear during class! Be sure to wash all clothing before your next time in the studio) - before entering the studio remove all jewelry (with the exception of stud earrings) and leave it in the dressing room

Appropriate class leotard

Pink ballet tights pulled up to the waist so as to avoid excess material on the leg and bunching at the feet

Ballet Slippers/ Toe Undeez/ or Bare Feet (depending on your class)

M$s Emily’s Etique#e &

Modeling In%itute

Now Accepting Names for Fall Programming For More Information Contact M$s Emily missemily@missemilysetiquette.com

Dear Student,

Miss Emily’s Etiquette and Modeling Institute would like to formally welcome you to Miss Emily’s Etiquette

classes. Here at EMI we specialize in social etiquette for children and teens. We believe that etiquette is more than just which fork you use at dinner but is also about building successful relationships by treating people with respect, kindness, and honesty. In our classes we teach the social skills each individual needs to be at their personal and professional best. Sign up with EMI and receive the best possible education in basic manners, basic self-confidence, presenting yourself to the public, dining at home and in public, leadership, personal appearance, starting, holding and ending a conversation, conflict resolution and so much more. For more information, or to sign up for classes, please contact Miss Emily at missemily@rocklandballet.com or 207.542.3556. Thank you for your interest in our programs, and we look forward to seeing you in the future.

I EM

Dance Parties, Birthday Parties, Celebrations and More! Let Rockland School of Ballet help you celebrate your next big day. Whether in our space or yours we will provide your party with music, dancing and tons of fun! Contact us today for more information about how we can help make your next party a smashing good time!

WHAT TO DO FOR SORE MUSCLES:

1. Soak the muscles in a hot bath with 2 cups of Epsom Salt 2. Rub the muscles with Arnica Oil or other holistic sore muscle balm 3. Gently stretch and strengthen the muscles every day What NOT to do for sore muscles: Skip Ballet Class

Meet Miss Jessica

Assistant to the Director/Instructor Jessica McMahon began taking dance lessons at the age of 3 with Jimena Lasansky at the Lasansky Studio of Dance. She quickly fell in love with the art form and hasn't stopped dancing since. While growing up Jessica furthered her dance education by taking ballet classes with Ivy Forest at the Belfast Dance Studio and Hip-Hop classes with Annie Laurita at the YMCA. Jessica also performed in the Atlantic Ballet Company's annual performance of The Nutcracker in the year 2000. In 2002 Jessica joined Rockland School of Ballet, and it quickly became her home away from home. In 2005-06 Jessica was an assistant teacher to Miss Emily at the studio. While attending college, Jessica continued to take dance classes at various locations and participated in dance performances including

photography: Jacob Gerritsen

the Five Colleges of the Fenway Dance Ensemble and Dance USM, and Rockland School of Ballet spring productions. Jessica graduated from college in 2010 with a degree in Culinary Arts and went on to work full time in Southern Maine as an Event Producer for a successful catering company. After four years in Southern Maine, Jessica moved to Boston, MA to further her career in events working for MIT as well as a smaller catering company. While pursuing her career as an Event Planner in both Southern Maine and in Boston, Jessica continued dancing, taking ballet and modern classes with Kate Marchessault at Casco Bay Movers in Portland, ME and ballet classes with Anna Myer at The Dance Complex in Cambridge, MA. In March 2014 Jessica returned home to Midcoast Maine, reconnected with Miss Emily and Rockland School of Ballet and is now Miss Emily's assistant. She is excited to teach ballet and offer her style of contemporary dance to the school and bring her love of dance to the young dancers at Rockland School of Ballet. Jessica is a trained Leap 'N Learn instructor.

ZFrog Princess Press