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Développé - 2008 - 3rd Quarter Edition - September 4, 2008 RBAI.biz  -  Previous Issue  -  Subscribe by email 
Contents:
  1. Festivals and Fairs
  2. Development Update
  3. Notes from the Executive Director
  4. Open House
  5. Encyclopedia of Honors:  IBC - Varna
  6. IBC/RBAI Season
Festivals and Fairsreturn to top 
As we move into the second half of the year, RBAI students will find plenty of performance opportunities await them. Please be sure to check the bulletin board in the RBAI lobby if you would like to sign up for the following events.

August 1st marked a landmark opportunity for RBAI to share the joy of dance with an even wider section of the community as we performed for Noble of Indiana. Since 1953, Noble of Indiana has created opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives. RBAI proposed to add dance to that equation as it develops its own inclusive programs that bridge cultural and physical boundaries.

August 4th, RBAI worked with the Ukraine Orphan Hosting Program, the Russian Speaking Student Association of IUPUI, and various members of the Russian-speaking community of Greater Indianapolis to provide activities and a performance for Ukrainian orphans hoping to find adoptive families here in Indiana. Please join us in welcoming these children and their escorts during their brief visit to America, and help us to promote their mission. This was a wonderful opportunity for our children to participate in cultural exchange! Donations of time, resources and linguistic skills are warmly welcomed for our future partnership opportunites with these wonderful organizations. To find out how you can help with future endeavors with the UOHP please contact Elizabeth Audet at outreach@rbai.biz.

August 22nd-31st our young dancers will have an exciting opportunity to participate in Fringe Next, the section of Indy Fringe that allows young performers to launch themselves into the professional performance arena. This year there will be the possibility of exchange opportunities for dance troupes with Toronto Fringe as well as other Fringe locations across America.

September 6th will be RBAI's third annual appearance at the Penrod Arts Fair, "Indiana's Nicest Day," on the beautiful grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Come join us for one of Indianapolis' favorite celebrations of the Arts.

September 7th will be RBAI will be attending the Zionsville Festival at the Lions Park, sponsored by the Zionsville Lions Club. Beginning Friday night, September 5th, Lions Park (at the intersection of Elm & Hwy 334 in Zionsville) will be transformed into the quintessential small-town fair with rides, games, crafts, an antique car show, a pet pavilion, local food, free entertainment and MORE for the entire weekend. There is fun for everyone from a parade on Saturday morning to a guest visit from Ms. Indiana.

September 13th, RBAI will return to Art in the Park at the beautiful Thomas E. Waver Municipal Complex in Fishers. Visual fine artists of all media will be on hand to display and sell their artwork. Artists will showcase their work and be on hand throughout the event to share their vision with the local audience of over 2,000 people who will gather for this event. Art in the Park represents the Fishers Arts Council's continuing effort to support and promote the Arts in the Fishers community.

September 28th: The eleventh Carmel International Arts Festival has invited RBAI to open their program of entertainment for the day. Boasting 30,000 visitors in 2007, this is a festival renowned for diverse artistic styles, and tempting array of food, restauraunts and shops in the heart of Carmel's Arts and Design District.

October 12th: IndyBabyExpo, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, is an event where you can come to find the latest and greatest products and advice to raise your child. Whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent or extended family member, each of you will be able to benefit from the knowledge that IndyBabyExpo will provide.

October 22nd: Fishers' Heart of the Arts: To the Pointe Š Understanding Ballet and Modern Dance will present an introductory workshop to those wishing to learn more about the art form. Students will assist the faculty by demonstrating a typical ballet class and performing excerpts from world famous ballets.

November 5th-9th: HSI's Christmas Gift and Hobby Show is the largest of its kind in the Midwest. Over 60,000 patrons attended last year, and the show now boasts over 350 exhibitors selling "something for everyone." For 59 years the city of Indianapolis has marked the beginning of the holiday season with the opening of the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show. Twice the show has been selected as "one of the 200 Best Shows in the United States" by Sunshine Artist Magazine. This event is a true Mid-Western Tradition that attracts tens of thousands of shoppers. We are thrilled at the invitation to be a part of this Hoosier holiday tradition!

November 20th-23rd, RBAI students will be appearing at Indy's International Festival at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Be sure to join us to sample an array of international entertainment, traditional dress and ethnic cuisine.

November 23rd will provide RBAI with a wonderful opportunity for dance and fundraising as we perform at Simon's Evening of Giving at the Fashion Mall at Keystone. This after-hours shopping event will offer exclusive access to amazing deals with top retailers; delicious free food and drink from premier restaurants; an evening of entertainment and a visit with Santa! If each RBAI student sells ten tickets to this event we can generate $7,000 for RBAI and $3,000 for the Simon Youth Foundation. Students selling the most tickets will win prizes that include a $30 Simon Mall gift card to jumpstart the Holiday shopping season. This year RBAI will also be receiving a tenth of all ticket sales at the door. Mark your calendars now and spread the word!
Development Updatereturn to top 
As RBAI's Development Director, I am gearing up to raise funds for the 2008-2009 school year. These funds supplement RBAI's income to help meet operating expenses and support our productions.

One of my goals is to meet with local corporations interested in supporting RBAI. This development activity will promote our academy as the leading provider of professional ballet training in Indiana.

If you have business contacts you would like to share, please contact Lisa Burns at 317-402-4771 or lisa@rbai.biz.

The 4th quarter issue of Développé is now accepting ad submissions until September 15th. If your company is interested in advertising in that or other issues of Développé please contact RBAI's Development Director, Lisa Burns at 317-402-4771 or lisa@rbai.biz
Notes from the Executive Directorreturn to top 
Can you believe it is the 3rd year for RBAI already? We have learned so much by trial and error and from you, the parents of these wonderful children. The end of year survey, lead by Carolyn Johnson (thank you so much), gave us much insight into what you wanted out of RBAI. It was invaluable to us. We will be taking a survey every year, but please don't wait until then to let us know what you are thinking. Our hallway talks and casual conversations have been instrumental in setting goals and standards for RBAI. I do, as does the Board, expect the Parent Association to be the voice of the families both for "atta-boys" and concerns; without the PA, we don't have that connection.

One facet of the survey that was remarkable (in a good way) was the level of tuition per hour you thought was reasonable. We worked hard to meet those responses. We did raise tuition but we are still $3 to $7 an hour less expensive than anyone in Central Indiana. I did notice that most people preferred to pay outright tuition and not fundraise. I do understand the time commitment and will do everything we can to save family time for family time.

Although tuition did go up, I believe this can be offset in fundraising efforts for those who want to participate--not only to raise money, but also to introduce us to people who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to know about RBAI. Also, while we are asking for an annual registration, instead of a semester registration, we are offering a payment plan with nine installments instead of the previous six. So, with those factors in mind, RBAI is offering a few voluntary programs that may assist us in meeting our common goals.

Program One: For every individual donation dollar, 75% will go to offset your child's tuition and 25% will go to RBAI. This 75% will be applied on your payment form to the last payment due, up to 100% of your account balance--we will work backwards from the last installment. WARNING! Donations must be made to RBAI and cannot be restricted (i.e., the memo field of a check should not have a child's name or a category like "tuition.") For this donation, the donor will get a charity donation receipt that they can apply to their taxes. Also: since RBAI's services are provided to the family, parents/guardians are not eligible for a charity donation receipt. Donations must be unrestricted and then we can allocate the funds in the most effective manner.

Program Two: For unrestricted donations from corporations, can allocate 25% to your child's tuition.

Several people have asked, "What about advertisements?" Advertisements constitute a purchased service/product and are not eligible for charity donation receipts.

Let's use 'Susie Q.' for an example. Susie has signed up for the following:

ProgramCost
Fall semester$1000
Spring Semester$1000
Summer Session 3 weeks$300
Summer Intensive 4 weeks$1500
Total Tuition$3800
(This is just an example cost and programs are not exact.)

Susie's parents register with $20% down equaling $760 and pay for 9 months $337 to cover Susie Q's annual tuition. Susie decides she wants to do fundraising and in September raises $406 dollars. RBAI applies 75% toward Susie's tuition and applies it to the last installment which is paid in full plus .50 cents is applied to installment 8. RBAI uses the other 25% for its operational overhead. Susie's dad introduced Walla Walla Inc., which makes widgets, to Mr. Russ and Ms. Lisa. Walla Walla Inc. donated $5000 dollars in unrestricted sponsorship funds to RBAI. RBAI applied $1250 or 25% to Susie's tuition which paid in full installment 8 and much of installments 7,6,5, and some of installment 4. Congrats to Susie and her family!

These programs are not required and are simply a suggestion to promote RBAI. If you wish to participate, we would like to reward your efforts in promoting RBAI.

I must say again, thank you for enrolling your children and the for the trust you put into our instructors. We will do everything in our power to be worthy of this trust.

Russ Smith
Executive Director
russ@rbai.biz
Open Housereturn to top 
RBAI accepts appointments for new and transfer students on an ongoing basis at the RBAI Main Campus, 2432 Lake Circle Drive, Indianapolis, 46268.

Interested students and their families are invited to schedule an appointment by phone or email. A placement appointment includes a tour of the school, an overview of RBAI's educational philosophy and process, a brief class placement evaluation, and a question and answer session with the Artistic Director. Instructors may also be available for introduction, and classes may be viewed in session.

Upon completion of a class placement evaluation with an RBAI instructor, each student receives a voucher for two complimentary classes.

Our main campus is located in Willow Lake Shopping Center on the corner of 86th Street & Township Line Road in Indianapolis.

RBAI is the official academy of the Indiana Ballet Company. For more information, please call (317) 228-1917 or email rbai@rbai.biz.
Encyclopedia of Honors:  IBC - Varnareturn to top 
RBAI Ballet Mistress, Tatiana Pali, holds a Gold medal from the IBC Varna competition.

The following background information about The International Ballet Competition - Varna is taken from the official website of the event, varna-ibc.org.
"The International Ballet Competition - Varna was established in 1964. Its first edition was held from 2 to 13 July at the Open-Air Theatre in the same city - the biggest sea resort of Bulgaria. It is the first professional international ballet competition in the world.

On this occasion the world-famous French ballet master Serge Lifar said: 'The Varna Competition is a unique event in the history of ballet, an event of huge importance...' And the great English ballet critic Mr. Arnold Haskell added: 'The Ballet Competition in Varna is a remarkable example of co-operation and friendship, of high professional requirements . . . One can speak of 'the spirit of Varna' with respect to ballet on an international scale. Long live 'the spirit of Varna!'

[T]he Varna Ballet Competition has . . . the privilege of being of the highest prestige and popularity. In the course of 38 years, its 20 editions have recorded the biggest number of competitors - over 2,000 dancers from 35 countries.

The indisputable authority of this exceptional cultural event is based on several basic distinctive factors:
  • Wide membership of the International Jury consisting of about 15-25 emblematic world ballet figures from at least 12 countries.

  • A highly professional competition programme. In complexity and volume it definitely exceeds, in some cases many times, the requirements of similar events in other countries. With an optimum balance and clear periodisation it comprises of three works of classical choreography and two works of contemporary choreography. This gives a chance for full, comprehensive and creative display of the dancers by different stylistic and artistic tasks.

  • A strict organization which recognizes the age of the participants. Seniors and juniors are judged individually and awarded separate prizes. All activities during the out of the competition are regulated by pre-announced regulations, whereby the relevant schedule is strictly adhered to. Maximum efforts are exerted to ensure adequate rehearsals in halls specially equipped for the purpose and on the stage of the Open-Air Theatre.

  • Special attention is paid to the work of the International Jury. Only in Varna, among all other competitions, full computerization of voting is implemented. Each member of the International Jury gives the relevant mark immediately after the performance of the dancer. By a special device the mark is entered, with a unique code, into the Jury's computer without any interference of an operator or mediator. A mathematical system is applied to prevent extreme personal opinions to influence the marks of the competitors.

  • The expenses of the competitors and their partners' stay - hotel and sustenance (for the forthcoming Competition after the First Round) are covered by the organizers. For its prestige an eloquent fact is that almost all the brightest stars of world ballet in the last three decades have received their first international recognition as laureates of the Varna Competition. It is sufficient to mention such brilliant names as Vladimir Vassiliev, Natalia Makarova, Eva Evdokimova, Mikhail Barishnikov, Natalia Bessmertnova, Patrick Dupond, Sylvie Guillem, Agnes Letestu, Yoko Morishita, Martin Van Hamel, Evelin Hart, Loypa Araujo, Vladimir Malakhov, Fernando Bujones, Maximilliano Guerrra, Marin Boierou, etc.
Highly popular is the definition of the French press that 'any dancer awarded in Varna has already a guaranteed prosperity in professional ballet. Even those not awarded, on their return from Varna, are already considerably more popular in their own countries'.

By tradition the Competition is held every other year in the second half of July at the Open-Air Theatre of the city. Its romantic setting, its stage covered with verdancy has become a symbol of the Varna Olympiad."
-----
Dimitrov, Emil. 'Varna 1964--The First.' International Ballet Competition--Varna. 15 Jul. 2008. http://www.varna-ibc.org.
IBC/RBAI Seasonreturn to top 
Tickets can be purchased at IndianaBalletCompany.com or by calling the IBC/RBAI Ticket Hotline: 317/501-9673. Click HERE to be notified by email when tickets become available for new productions.

The Phantom of the Opera (October 25, 31 & November 1, 2008)

"Though the audience is aware of the Phantom's presence, Christine is the only dancer that can sense him. During rehearsal, Christine's Phantom begins to manipulate and control her. She is succumbing to his powers and falling under his spell. Raoul, Christine's love, senses that something is amiss and tries to wake her, but once the spell is broken Christine is unable to explain what happened..."

The Nutcracker (November & December, 2008)

"The story opens at the Stahlbaum family's annual Christmas party. The guests arrive to dance and celebrate the holiday spirit. One of them is the enchantingly mysterious Herr Drosselmeier, who delights the children with life-sized dolls and games. When he produces the Nutcracker, the children are not as impressed with the lackluster toy. However, one very special girl, Masha, sees its hidden value and becomes enchanted..."

Shakespeare In Love (February 2009)

Harlequinade (May 2009)

return to top 
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