Astri's Dance Project

Ballet Floor Barre Exercises

2012-01-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

If you would like to work on posture, alignment and placement in a safe way without a barre at home, why not read this article on Ballet Floor Barre Exercses and look at the dvd series. It is on my wish list for this year and we will often go to the floor to learn fundamental movements in class this year.

Warm-up and stretch before the first Plie

2012-01-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

The article http://balletomanehk.hubpages.com/hub/Warm-up-and-Stretching is written by one of my favorite authors, Lisa Howell. It has some important information about stretching and warm-up before class. The article also explains why not to do the reverse frog stretch and frog stretch and give great alternative stretches and exercises to improve your turnout.

Some lovely do it yourself skirts

2012-01-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

I have been gathering some skirt ideas for our next concert and thought I would share some of the links with you. Hope you have a lot of fun with these ideas.

First up is a lace ballet skirt - a fun use of an old curtain or table cloth?
http://www.lovemaegan.com/2011/01/maeg-it-yourself-tutorial-romantic-lace.html

Next up is a SAB skirt (or tango skirt) for dance class - it makes your legs look longer.
http://classicalballetteacher.wordpress.com/2011/12/22/easy-peazy-diy-sab-skirt/

A ballet rap skirt - there are a few sets of instructions online: Shiffon is pretty but not very durable so why not try it in other materials?
Try these: A downloadable pattern (gives you an idea of what it should look like)
http://selfishseamstress.wordpress.com/downloads/
and some instructions to draw your own pattern
http://www.ehow.com/how_7781437_make-ballet-wrap-skirt.html
or
http://www.ehow.com/how_12013794_make-chiffon-wraparound-ballet-skirt.html

A circle skirt and A hanky skirt (basically a square with a hole in the middle)- I just love it for it's simplicity
http://gothfashion.info/circlepixie.php
If you want more than 4 points, just lay two squares on top of each other with the top one rotated sothat the points don't lie on each other.

This is not for the faint hearted - hours of work. A petty skirt. Oh so pretty!
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/07/full-and-fluffy-pettiskirt.html?utm_source=feedburner

Have fun!

A great deal on a beginner dancewear pack

2012-01-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

At this online store you can get all you need for less than $60.
Choose the dark purple leotard and flesh coloured tights. Make sure you measure your child's foot from heel to longest toe and add at least 1cm for ballet shoe size. (We can colour the ballet shoes black for the exam if need be). Add another $5 and you get better shoes. I've asked how one chooses the type of sole and will post the answer. (split soles are the ideal).
If you want to make use of this special, let me know because we can get a 10% discount if we order 10 packs. Postage on 10 packs is $15, so just $1.50 each.
http://balletstuff.com.au/studio-range-pack-shoes-leotard-skirt-tights-p-33.html

New dance hub website.

2012-01-04T06:14:00.001-08:00

http://www.dancehub.com.au/

Registration 2012

2011-12-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

Boys and Girls, Ladies and Women. It's time to think about 2012 and all the activities you would love to do. I am excited about the new year and what it brings. Astri's dance project will be expanding this coming year. We doubled our numbers in 2011 and I hope to double again in this coming year.
Some exciting new classes will be introduced this year:

A class for mums/nans and tots will start on a week morning. In this class mums, nans and tots will dance together and have fun on music.

Dance through your times tables - this class is aimed at learning times tables while having fun with some dance routines. As a mathematics tutor I realised that very few school children make the time to rehearse their times tables. As a result some find it difficult to finish their math papers. So, schedule some time into your busy week and get them in your head for good.

Keep an eye out for our new timetable for 2012.

Tutu and ribbon Workshop a success!

2011-11-21T15:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the mums and dancers who attended the tutu and ribbon workshop. Your costumes for the end of year concert is now nearly complete - and looks really fantastic.

All mums who missed the workshop. Make sure to get your tutu pack at dance class so that your kids' costumes are done on time.
The cost is still $15 for the first pack and instructions and $10 thereafter for each extra pack.

So looking forward to the show-off night!

Angelina Ballerina at the Sydney opera house

2011-11-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

Check it out here.

Sound editing course - free for first 5 people

2011-11-15T05:58:00.000-08:00

Sound editing course - I need some volunteers to try this course out. It will be run free of charge for 5 people.

(I need to give some courses to finish off my cert 4 in teaching and assessment, so we will record the course, but otherwise it is run as normal. )
It will be run on the 26th November and 3d December from 3-5 pm at the Bayldon community centre.
If you are interested, have your own computer and at least know how to open and close files and use a mouse, let me know as soon as possible.

No sew tutu and ribbon workshop

2011-11-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

Last chance to register for no-sew tutu and ribbon making workshop this Saturday.

Registration closes on Thursday at 10 am as I need to get the material packs ready.
Contact me as soon as possible if you are interested.

Show off night - 3 December 2011

2011-11-09T03:38:00.000-08:00

Astri's dance project will have our second show off night on Saturday 3 December. It's going to be bigger and better and funds raised will be used to buy mirrors for the school. So make sure all mums, dads, nans and grandads, aunts, unkles, siblings and friends are invited. The cost is $5 per adult and $2 per child. We will also have a gift table to do some Christmas shopping at, and a raffle.

How to make your own toe shoes

2011-10-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

What are Astri's toe shoes? They are the front half of a shoe with elastic around the heel (no I am not the first to think of it, we used them in South Africa but I've not seen any here. These half shoes are great for practicing modern/contemporary dance as well as acrobatics. They can be made of stretchy material although you could probably make them from any material with a bit of adjustment. You could also add a pad of suede/leather under the ball of the foot for a bit longer life. The half shoe makes turning easy while your heel is exposed for traction. An added bonus is you get to choose the colour and decorations on them as well.

We will be trying them out this week in class and give feedback afterward.

Here are a few pics of two of the toe shoes I have made this afternoon. They aren't that neatly done because they were the prototypes.

And here are the instructions on how to draw the pattern and make the shoes.

Note: Use stretch material. Do not add seam allowances.

To make the toe shoes:

5. Cut out pattern. Lay on material and cut two (Left and Right).

6. Gather around the curved top edges marked with dotted line.

7. Stitch A and B together (at least 1 cm seam). Try on – stitch deeper if it is too loose around your foot. (It should fit neatly and stretch a bit but not constrict the foot.)

8. Pull gathers in so that round edge fits onto straight edges C and Zigzag together.

9. Then turn seam flat towards ball of foot and Zigzag to keep it flat.

10. Cut two pieces of elastic to fit just around foot. Attach elastic around rim, overlapping about 2 cm. You may choose to fold the rim to the inside and stitch to give a seam.

11. Fit on your foot and measure elastic to go around your heal. Attach elastic to the sides of the toe shoe (slightly towards the top of the foot to prevent it from slipping off – see X on pattern).

Optional:
Sew a pad of more durable material to the ball of the foot.
Sew a pad on inside if the gathers and stitching bothers your foot when you stand on it.
Decorate.

Giant sized toys

2011-10-08T06:29:00.001-07:00

Ever wondered where to find those giant parashutes, toys and balls for group play?

New photo's

2011-10-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

We posted some new pics of the little stars class!

Beautiful music - beautiful story

2011-10-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

Waiting by Benji Goodrich
Click on the album name to read the story behind the music.

Term 4 - a great time to start dancing!

2011-09-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

If you or your little ones want to start dancing, don't wait until the new year. Term 4 is a great time to start. All the children are well adapted to their school routine. There is still enough time to prepare for the June exams next year (if you want to be in it) and Astri's dance project will have a show-off night this term as well where the kids/teens can show grand parents, parents and friends what they are learning.

We also plan a few fun days at the end of the term, a no-sew tu-tu making workshop, a sound editing course and a ribbon making class. (If you are interested in any of these, please submit your name and interest in the "questions" block on this page and I will make sure you stay informed.)

Look at our timetable for term 4 and come and enjoy a class at just $9 or sign up for the term at the never to be repeated price of $70 for all 10 classes.

All classes are held at the Bayldon community centre, ideally situated for all in the Sawtell, Toormina and Boambee areas. School busses stop in front of the centre in time for the 3:30pm classes.

Holiday activity for kids

2011-09-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

We will have a fun dance class on the 27th of September 2011 at the Bayldon community centre from 3:30pm to 4:30 pm. All welcome! Bring a snack and water to drink. We will do some rhythms, play games, do ribbon and flag dances and have a good time. The cost is $9 per child with a maximum of $20 per family. Let me know if you are interested by filling in your details in the comments/questions block on this page. Join us for an afternoon of fun with Astri's dance project.

Have a girl on Pointe? Listen to this!

2011-09-11T01:37:00.000-07:00

Lisa Howell is a physiotherapist in Sydney with expertise in dance and has a great range of books and DVD's that aim to educate dancers, parents and teachers on issues pertaining to dance, flexibility and safety. She has done a pod cast for parents on pointe work. It is packed with information!
She also has a free parents manual to download - 200 pages of worth while reading.

One of my favorite resources, The Perfect Pointe Book has helped me personally to strengthen my feet and ankles to a point where I no longer hurt them as often as I used to. I think it is a must have for all dance teachers and dancers. I also use the exercises and information in my class to help my students to look after their feet and prevent injuries.

Please note: I do not teach or do pointe work, but believe this is a great resource for all dancers irrespective of your style of dancing!

What is contemporary dance?

2011-07-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some definitions
"Contemporary dance is a genre of concert dance that employs compositional philosophy, rather than choreography, to guide unchoreographed movement. It uses dance techniques and methods found in ballet, modern dance and postmodern dance, and it also draws from other philosophies of movement that are outside the realm of classical dance technique.
The term "contemporary dance" is sometimes used to describe dance that is not classical jazz or traditional folk/cultural dance^{[citation needed]}. The hallmark of contemporary dance is an awareness of the limitations of form^{[citation needed]}. Sub-genres recently defined by dance critics include non-dance, conceptual dance and pedestrian contemporary^{[citation needed]}."
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_dance

"Contemporary Dance: is an art whose working material is the movement of the human body. It doesn´t have fixed or established movement patterns but it’s rather in a continuous search for new forms and dynamics. Therefore its dancers make use of varied modern and classical dance techniques to train. It produces performances or shows in conventional and non conventional stages (such as theaters or public and private places), having a frequent dialogue with other aesthetic languages such as audiovisual technologies, visual or fine arts, lightning, architecture, music, circus and others."
From http://www.contemporary-dance.org/dance-terms.html

What is Contemporary Dance?

"If I could tell you that, I wouldn't have to dance it."
Isadora Duncan, asked what one of her dances meant.

"The name "Contemporary Dance" describes a range of techniques and styles used in classes, workshops and dance choreography. Contemporary dance was developed in the early 20th century as a reaction against the rigid techniques of ballet. Pioneers such as Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham searched for ease of movement using the body's natural lines and energy, allowing a greater range and fluidity of movement than conventional dance techniques.

Contemporary dance is characterised by its versatility: contemporary can be danced to almost any style of music, or united with other dance forms to create new styles of movement. Contemporary seeks to work with the natural alignment of the body, and is therefore safe and accessible for beginners. At the same time, the ease of movement promoted by contemporary dance technique allows experienced dancers to push new boundaries of body movement."

From http://www.blackfishacademy.com/dance.htm

In Astri's dance classes, contemporary dance elements feature in some of the adult classes as well as the exam dances choreographed for the children. The AIDT modern syllabus is an ideal way to start contemporary dance as it teaches modern dance techniques such as was developed by Isodora Duncan and other founders of the style. Adding other styles like Ballet, tap and acrobatics to your repertoire will make you a well rounded dancer if you are up for the challenge.

Term 3 classes

2011-07-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

The following classes are available in term 3 at Bayldon community centre suggested age groups in brackets for beginners):
Ladies fun and fitness class on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30.
Little stars/Pregrade (preschool class) on Tuesday afternoons from 3pm and/or join the stepping stones class.
Stepping stones (5 to 9 year olds) on Friday afternoons from 3:30 pm
Primary modern (6 to 11 year olds ) on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 pm
Junior lower modern (from 9 to teens) on Tuesday afternoons from 4:15 pm

Register now by phoning Astri on 0429112873, emailing your details via the block on the right of this page or come directly to a class.

How to do the perfect Tendu

2011-07-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a lovely article with video clips on how a Tendu should be done. Technique of the basic steps like the Tendu, the Plié and rises are very important to avoid injury. These basic steps also form the basis of many other (more complicated) steps.

Timetable updated for term 3

2011-06-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

Please check the new timetable for term 3. Little stars and stepping stones added. The ladies classes are back on Wednesday nights. Register now for term 3!

first Show-off night

2011-06-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Show off night - this Friday evening 6:30 pm -8pm at the Bayldon community centre.

Cost is 1 gold coin per person (dancers are free) and bring a plate of snacks to share and something to drink. No alcohol please. Coffee and tea will be provided. All our dancers and their family and friends and prospective dancers welcome.

Hair for the exam

2011-06-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a little video clip to show you how to do your hair for an exam at Astri's Dance Project.
Make sure that it does not move or shake loose while you dance by using enough hair pins, jell and/or hair spray.

Hope you are all looking forward to the exam on Saturday.
Good luck and have fun.
Astri Sjoberg

Exam drawing near

2011-06-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

It is such an exciting time for our school. The first exam is on the eleventh of June (just more than a week to go) and all four girls are working hard to remember all their steps and do them right. All the purple unitards are done and this coming week we will learn how to do our hair. I am so proud of you guys!

Remember to get your shoes and hair clips and hair gel in time.

For the stepping stones girls, you have 4 more practice opportunities left: the next 2 Fridays, 3:30pm-4pm at Boambee public school, Tuesday 3:30pm at Bayldon community centre and Wednesday 7-7:30 pm at Bayldon community centre. For Primary modern there are three more practice possibilities - this and next Friday 4-4:30 at Boambee public school and Tuesday 4:15 at Bayldon community centre. Try and make as many as you can possibly get to and keep practicing at home.

I love you guys - thanks for working so hard. Mums, dads nans and other family - thanks for supporting your princesses so wonderfully.

Ladies fitness dance class moves to Bayldon

2011-05-14T03:28:00.000-07:00

Dear ladies, the Wednesday adult class is now on at Bayldon community centre. (this class used to be in Bonville). It is a beautiful hall with restored wooden floor and ballet barre. The class is still at 7:30pm and it costs a mere $8 per class. Don't let the cold weather get you down. Come and have some fun while staying fit.

Have a great week
Astri's dance project

In good standing

2011-04-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

What is the correct way to stand as a dancer and as a human? Surprisingly the answer to both of these are the same.

What we call "neutral stance" has the following characteristics:
Your spine should not be completely straight but needs to have three little curves in it - one at the neck, one in the chest area (thorax) and one in the lower back.
To find this neutral position, stand in second (feet apart) and curve the spine to the back and to the front by tilting the hips backward (hollow back) and forward (tucking the bottom under) . Then try to find a position in the middle where the front of the hips are not sloping back or forward. When you lie on the floor, there should be a small curve in your lower back sothat a small space exists between your lower back and the floor. Try not to flatten the back onto the floor.

I find it helpful to pretend I have a string tied to the middle of my head and that it is being pulled upwards when standing up straight. It helps me to lift right through my body.

Now let's look at our feet: Imagine three dots on the sole of your foot - one in the middle of the heel, one on the cushion below your big toe and one on the cushion below your little toe. If you are standing on flat feet, try to put equal pressure on all the dots. If you are standing on demi point (on your toes) then put equal weight on the two dots on the front of the foot. Don't roll the feet in or out, especially when standing on your toes.

Correcting the spread of weight on your feet may well correct a host of little errors in your posture in many dance positions. For instance when doing a plie in turned out first position, if the weight is towards the big toe, the knees will probably roll in, the bottom will stick out and the back will curve too much (hollow back) or the body will drop forward. If the bottom doesn't stick out, you will need to lean back your upper back to keep your balance. If your feet roll in it may also be a sign that the feet are turned out too far. Make sure you are not turned out too far and correct the weight spread on your feet and your knees will point over your toes (if you use your turn out muscles) and your back will probably straighten.Why not experiment with what happens to your body when you put the weight on different points on your feet while standing up straight, rising or bending in turn-in and turn-out positions in front of the mirror. Then try to find that perfect balance with neutral spine several times in the day either with your eyes open or closed until this is your normal position. Also concentrate on starting each exercise in your dance class with close attention to where your weight is on your feet and whether you are standing with a neutral spine when standing up straight.

For some more great information on dancing see the links in the side bar.

Good luck with your dancing
Astri Sjoberg

New class for 9 to 12 year olds now running.

2011-02-22T02:23:00.000-08:00

Astri's dance project's first primary modern class for nine to twelve year old's start next week at Bayldon Community Centre on Tuesday afternoon. Come at 4:15 pm to warm up. We have lots of space in this class, so come and try a class (just $9 a class). Now is the time to join for the June exams.

So exciting!

All about shoes

2011-02-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Dancing bare foot is great for our feet as we need to work harder to keep control, but it has it's drawbacks. Doing drag runs can take all the skin off your toe knuckles and turns and slides are really difficult if your feet stick to the floor.

Here are some of the shoes available for modern/jazz dance and my personal views on some of them:

This is a jazz boot. As you can see these have split soles that make pointing easier and prettier. They do not have laces, an added bonus for children, but they are a bit more expensive. I have never worn one, so I cannot comment on their fit or comfort.

This is another split sole shoe without laces and with split soles. It is made by Capezio and is available in Coffs Harbour. They look really great on your feet and feel close to bare foot (very comfortable and definitely the next set that I will purchase). They do not have any heels (just like ballet slippers) which make them great when you are doing the floor exercises. They are slightly cheaper in Coffs Harbour than the standard laced split sole in the next picture.
They are fine for class and exams in my studio: Astri's dance project.

These are the standard laced split sole jazz shoes that I dance in at the moment (although mine have no heels, but I have not seen the heelless variety in the shops in Oz yet). The black version is fine for exams in my studio. I find them very comfortable. The laces can be a problem if they are not very thin as kneeling on your feet or rolling over your feet can be painful (see the full sole picture below for an example of thick laces). One can change the laces to thinner ones. Another solution that is great for children is to replace the laces with elastic that gets sewn together so that there is no need for tying your shoe laces. I recommend this for the children taking my class. I think these might last a little longer than the previous ones, but as kids grow out of their shoes so fast, this might be a mute point.

There is also a version with full soles. These are good for little children as they give more support than the split soles. However the sole can be very stiff and pointing does not look as good in them. If you buy these, give the sole under the arch a good workout with your hands so that they bend a little easier.

These are more like cross trainers with split soles. They are great if you do hip hop as well and absorb more impact. They are also great for adults who do open classes for fun. They are excellent for dance teachers who are on their feet all the time. These can be quite expensive though but should last a long time. I do not recommend these for the children in my classes because they are not aloud in the exams.

There are also canvas jazz shoes. They are also comfortable but could go through at the toes if you do drag runs and could smell. I have never worn them and prefer the leather shoes.

Some shoes have low heels while others have no heels. Both have their advantages. Those with a small heel combat shin splints (painful shins) because of the slight cushioning and may be more comfortable on the calves. Those with no heels are great for floor work as it is easier to point your toes if there is no heel in the way, but they provide no cushioning effect.

Also look up foot panties, foot paws and foot undies. They are the closest thing to being bare foot with the added advantage that you have a patch of sole under the front of your feet to make turning and sliding easier. I do allow them into exams if they are flesh coloured.

The prices on the internet seems much cheaper than in the local dance shop but it is hard to get a good fit and in the end it could cost you dearly if you need to keep posting them back or end up not using them. Also remember to factor in the postage - the local shop might be very competitively priced after all. I recommend that you get at least your first pair of dance shoes from the local suppliers in town. They know how to fit your foot perfectly - which is important. If you have finished growing you could always get a replacement of your favorite shoe on the web.

Here is a link to one of the web stores if you would like to go this route and save some money.
Hope this helps.

Fond regards
Astri Sjoberg

What is jazz dance?

2011-02-14T03:53:00.000-08:00

Definitions of Jazz dance on the Web:

Jazz dance is a classification shared by a broad range of dance styles. Prior to the 1950s, jazz dance referred to dance styles that originated from African American vernacular dance. In the 1950s, a new genre of jazz dance—modern jazz dance—emerged, with roots in Caribbean traditional dance. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_dance
Any of several forms of improvised rhythmic dancing to jazz music; tap dance
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/jazz_dance
A variety of theatrical dance, usually but not necessarily danced to jazz music, originating in the United States under choreographers such as Bob Fosse.
wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/543/556194/Glossary/meyer_keygloss.html
is an umbrella term that can refer to several related dance styles. All of them are connected via common roots, namely tap, ballet, jazz music, and African-American rhythms and dance. Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... Image File history File links Emblem-important. ... ...
www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/Jazz-dance

The AIDT modern syllabus that Astri's dance project offers, includes some jazz style dances and exercises as well as lyrical pieces.

What is modern dance?

2011-02-14T03:30:00.000-08:00

Definitions of modern dance on the Web:

a style of theatrical dancing that is not as restricted as classical ballet; movements are expressive of feelings
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Modern dance is a dance form developed in the early 20th century. Although the term Modern dance has also been applied to a category of 20th Century ballroom dances, Modern dance as a term usually refers to 20th century concert dance.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_dance
One of the important kinds of theatrical dance, developed in the early twentieth century by choreographers such as Vaslav Nijinsky, Isadora Duncan, and Martha Graham, and led by the Paris-based ballet company Ballet Russes.
wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/543/556194/Glossary/meyer_keygloss.html

Astri's dance project teaches the AIDT modern dance syllabus which is not only kept current and is beautiful but also well balanced to ensure students build overall strength while learning good dance technique. All AIDT associate dance teachers have studied the syllabus, teaching techniques, music, dance safety and anatomy to give students quality training.

Beautiful dancers at Boambee PS on Friday

2011-02-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

Well, we have had our first dance class at Boambee public school today (Friday 11 February) and it went great. Three girls tried out some of the new music for the Stepping stones syllabus. No nursery rhymes for this group! We are looking forward to a great term with this group, leading up to our first ever exams in June. Be there next week to learn the first part of the dance.

If your girls want to join this class but it is a tight squeeze to get them to Boambee PS from another school on time, don't worry. If they are regulars I will wait for them before I teach new stuff and I will make sure they get the full benefit of the class. However, I am there from before three for the girls that stay after school so that they are not on their own while waiting.

Have a great week.
Astri
from Astri's dance project

Comment: This class has moved to Bayldon community centre.

Purple is the favorite

2011-02-09T04:17:00.000-08:00

We have been asking the girls what colour they would prefer for Astri's dance project's dance wear.
To date purple is ahead by far. I love purple too!

Bayldon dance class is a go.

2011-02-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

It is so exciting to me to start a new class at the Bayldon community centre. The hall is perfect for dance classes with barres on the walls, a beautiful wooden floor and loads of space. The first class is next week (Tuesday 15 Feb from 3:30pm) . The class is for children aged 6 to 9. There are already five beautiful girls enrolled for this class and I can take only a few more into the class, so come along if you are interested.

I am looking for some brave 9-12 year olds for a second class which would start at 4:15pm.

Now is the time to start as we are doing exams in June. Come along and see if this is for you.
What an exciting time for Astri's dance project!

Registration at Boambee PS

2011-02-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

Don't forget, you can register for modern dance classes at Boambee public school hall this Friday the 4th from 3pm.

Another review - Physi

2011-01-26T04:09:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I do a little free advertising for a dance school in our area as I believe we are all part of one community. Today I would like to shine the light on the Bonville physi club.

This group has classes at Boambee public school this year and does their registration on Friday the 4th of February - the same day that Astri's dance project has registration day - at the school hall after school. They have an impressive track record with girls competing at state and national level and bringing home big bragging rights. Well done! This year they are also introducing a preschool class. Why not come along and find out more about this exciting group on the fourth at Boambee public school from 3pm.

Just a reminder that Registration for Astri's dance project is at Bonville Memorial hall on Wednesday the 2nd, at Boambee public school hall on Friday the 4th and at Bayldon community center on Tuesday the 8th.

A new magazine for the dance world

2011-01-26T03:37:00.000-08:00

I have just read through a Dance Ed magazine and found it to be great. It is a magazine for the dance world with an educational purpose. It is brought to us by the same people that gave us Dancehub, a web site to connect the dance community.
This is what they say about themselves: "Dancehub was created so parents, students and dance related businesses could communicate with each other in a safe, friendly online environment. Dancehub provides parents with a useful search tool to find businesses related to the dance industry through our location specific dance directory. Dancers can use the social community applications to keep in touch with dance friends whilst dance businesses can use Dancehub as a powerful marketing and communication tool for their clients or students."

Here is some more about the magazine: "Dance Ed is brought to you by Dancehub, Australia’s very own dance marketing company. The Dance Ed magazine focuses on educational content for aspiring dancers. Dance Ed contains reviews, studio and dancer profiles, shopping,
course information, health and nutrition advice and teaching articles from USA, Europe and Australia." (Quoted from the front page of the 2011 media kit)

This magazine costs only $5.95 in Australia - well worth it.

From Astri of Astri's dance project

Registration days

2011-01-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

Dear parents and dancers, Astri's dance project has registration days at the following venues:

Adult class: (Registration and class) - fun, fitness and flexibility.

Wednesday 2 February, 7:30-8:30 pm at Bonville Memorial hall.

Children and teens:

Wednesday 2 February, 3:15-4:00pm at Bonville Memorial hall
Friday 4 February, 3:00-4:15pm at Boambee public school hall
Tuesday 8 February, 3:30-5:00pm at Bayldon community centre

Little stars dance class

2011-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

There has been some interest in the Little stars dance class and I would like to get a feel for numbers. So if your little one (3-5 year old) wants a dance class this first quarter, please let me know. Also include your preferred morning and from where you would be traveling (suburb).

Thanks

Utopean dream

2011-01-04T05:21:00.000-08:00

This is truly a great event here in Coffs Harbour. I went to the 2010 conference and thoroughly enjoyed it. For dancers it is both inspiring and challenging. Dancing from morning to late afternoon is exhausting but in a good way. So much talent in one day is extremely inspirational. The evening shows are very entertaining and well worth the fee for every one, not only dancers.

Astri's Dance Project gives Utopean Dream the thumbs up!

2010-12-22T05:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some excerpts from the dance that the pregrade students did at the Boambee Idols at Boambee PS. (Cell phone - apologies for the quality)

Merry Christmas to all my students and their families

2010-12-22T02:52:00.000-08:00

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the families in my little studio (Astri's dance project) for their dedication this year. It has been a great privilege to teach the beautiful kids in my classes.

What a great last term! We had a few new stars join our Boambee class and all are well on their way to knowing the syllabus for their first exam. We also had to say goodbye to a few who are moving, or changing activities. I will miss you all. Our adult class also had a few sessions and it was enjoyed by all.

I took some pics of the first public dance ... at Boambee Idols. You guys did great. I am very proud of you. Unfortunately the camera ran out of battery life and I wasn't familiar with my cell phone, so the videos are on their side and not great quality...but I turned them and added them for all the parents who had to work that day.

The year 2011 is looming promisingly. It will be the first year that our little studio will do exams. We will also celebrate our first Birthday and I hope to expand the studio to include two more classes.

Classes start the first week of school and the adult class will start the second week of school.

A Very Merry Christmas to all and a prosperous New Year too.

Little stars dance class closed for term 4.

2010-11-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

Due to lack of interest the little stars dance class died a natural death. Let me know if you want it resurrected. Other great options for little ones are mainly music and dance classes at Julie Ross and gymnastics at the Links gym.

All geared up for the fourth quarter!

2010-10-11T03:17:00.000-07:00

The classes for this quarter start on Tuesday the 12th October for the little stars and on Wednesday 13 October for the adult class. Both of these classes have quite a few open places. Sign up for the whole quarter and you are eligible for a great discount.

The Pregrade class (Kindergarten and year 1) will start on Friday 15 October. This class will not only focus on getting the syllabus under the belt for exams in the winter of 2011, but will also prepare for a show-off dance at the end of the year.

New primary school students can register for classes on Friday 15 October and Friday 22 October at the Boambee public school hall straight after school or from 3:40 pm to 4pm. Class times will be scheduled for older children as is necessary.

I hope we will have lots of fun and that you will all work hard to attain your goals for this quarter.

We're news!

2010-09-09T03:58:00.000-07:00

Class at Boambee public school started

2010-07-31T03:13:00.000-07:00

Six girls and boys started their journey into modern dance on Friday at Boambee Public School. This is so exciting. There are still a few spots open in this class, so if you are in stage 1 and would like to learn modern dance, feel free to join us.

Little Stars class filling fast.

2010-07-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's little stars class has quadrupled in size. There were 7 new little faces in the class. They were very brave. We had a lot of fun and the little stars did really well. Good job, little stars. I hope to see you all again next week.

Where do we find a costume?

2010-07-25T03:37:00.000-07:00

So, say our little star has learnt enough to make it to a show and you are in charge of costumes, where do you go?

Of course, here in Coffs Harbour are a few sewing shops, like SPOTLIGHT that has a great range of materials and extra's if someone on the team can sew. My experience however is that we are a dying breed. If you live in Coffs Harbour and can make unitards, I would love to meet you and give you some business in 6 to 8 months time.

Stunning results can be achieved by starting with a simple unitard or leotard and adding sequence, ribbons or pieces of interesting trim or material, but don't overdo it. The studio I was in in South Africa got complimented on their beautiful costumes in the USA all thanks to a few mums that sewed sequence on their otherwise normal unitards. If you plan on doing this and you want the costume to last, here are a few tips.

Sequence cannot be glued on, they just pop off when the material stretches.
The best way to sew on sequence is one by one with a tiny glass or plastic bead on top of each. The thread goes through the material, then the sequence, then the bead and back through the sequence and the material. This stops the sequence from moving or turning on its edge or even cutting the thread.

For nursery school concerts in South Africa we often went to shops similar to Best and Less and let the mums decide on a cute little dress for the girls or put them in denims and brightly coloured T-shirts. It is cost effective and the girls love wearing their dresses again and again. Even face paint can be used with plain T-shirts, but beware not all children like getting their face painted and some even react to some of the face paints available.

Some online shops have great costumes on offer, both new and used. Here is a new internet based business, Dance Costume Supplies. There is also one based right here in Coffs Harbour named Dancewear Direct. Many others can be found through a quick internet search.

Happy hunting.

Astri

Astri's Dance Project

Flu stopped the wheels.

2010-07-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

I was so excited about the start of dance classes at Boambee Public School. Especially as quite a few people already expressed their interest. Then, in the middle of my adult class on Wednesday night the flu hit me big time. Luckily nobody else showed up for the class, so I could take it easy and get home. By Thursday morning every inch of my body ached, my head was exploding and I felt like I was fainting if I just moved. (I do not just faint, I go icy cold, nauseous hug the floor and wish I would die before I faint). In bed I stayed until Sunday. Dear hubby (thanks to his great bosses) was kind enough to stay at home and see to the sick kids and himself (also down with flu but not bedridden yet).

So on the up side, since I got into bed, my little stars class has potentially filled up, my daughter has taught herself how to do a forward role while hugging an exercise ball and how to bounce on the ball with her head and hands on the floor and coughing - no, kids never go to bed. Also, my son has learnt to make his own breakfast. It's all good.

God willing we will start classes at Boambee Public School this Friday.

If I'm still coughing on Tuesday I will have cat masks for all of us and we will have lots of fun in the little stars class anyway.

Astri's Dance Project - rearing to go - albeit slowly.

Little stars class doubled

2010-07-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, there are now two little stars dancing on a Tuesday morning at Boambee East community centre. My daughter is delighted to have a friend dancing with her. We all had a lovely time. The two little stars did a great job, pointing and jumping, running and doing little plies.

There are still quite a few places available in this class, so do join us if you are a little preschool star.

Interested in classes in Repton?

2010-07-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Let me know if you are interested in dance classes in Repton. I would love to branch out.

Astri

Astri's Dance Project

Interested in classes at Boambee public school?

2010-07-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Come along on Friday 23 July to the school hall after school to get all the details.

Astri

New time for preschoolers

2010-07-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

From term 3 (20 July 2010) the little stars class (3 to 5 year old's) move to 11:45 - 12:00 on Tuesdays. I know most little ones need a little sleep, so I hope this time suits everyone better. These classes are $7 per class or $50 for the term. If you cannot afford it, please speak to me and we will make a plan.

Best regards

Astri

Astri's Dance Project

What is available in Coffs Harbour for dancers - part 1

2010-07-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

There are some truly amazing resources available for dancers in Coffs Harbour and surroundings.

I will be posting a short list of these from time to time (in no particular order).

One of the finds of the week is the Beyond Movement Studio where dancers and non-dancers can improve their core stability, fitness level and flexibility by doing Pilates and Gyrokinesis®.

We are also privileged to have one of the best dance conferences in Australia, namely the Utopian Dream which happens in January every year. I attended the 2010 workshop and it was absolutely great.

The dance school highlighted for this week is the Julie Ross dance studio. This studio has a focus on ballet and hip hop among other disciplines and have classes for from preschoolers to adults.

Want to get your studio, business or service in the Coffs area for dancers in one of my lists? Just send me your web link or some details in the question box on this page and I will take a look.

Adult classes to continue through the holiday

2010-06-30T05:28:00.001-07:00

As there are some interest to continue the adult dance classes given by Astri's dance project in Bonville through the school holiday, I am all go, go, go. So, hope to see you there. Keeping fit in winter is hard, but so worth it.

Astri

comment: This class has moved to Bayldon community centre

Market research - Help me to bless you.

2010-06-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

If you are in the wider Coffs Harbour area and are interested in dance classes but have not found something in your area or on a day/time that suits you, let me know. If there is enough interest in an area, I will certainly investigate it.

Yours

Astri

Changes in the Timetable

2010-06-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

Please note that there are some changes in the timetable. We are closing children's classes for the school holidays. The adult classes will continue if there is interest, so be sure to let me know if you want to come.

Thanks to all that attended this term's classes

Astri

The difference between Warm-up and Stretching

2010-06-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Warm-up is a routine in which the main aims are to increase blood flow to the muscles, move the joints through their ranges to loosen muscles and connective tissue around these joints, push up the heart rate and "warm up" or prime the mind by going through movements and sets of movements (for example turns, movements containing transfer of weight or that cross the centre line) contained in the routines to be performed. A warm-up routine should be tailored to the movements that will follow.

There are a few types of stretches. I describe some here:

Static stretches are stretches done in a stationary position. When a muscle is stretched statically for around 30 seconds it loses some of its strength temporarily. This type of stretching is therefore preferably done at the end of the class or at the end of the day. You should be well warmed up to avoid injury. It is best to go to the point where you feel tension and then concentrate on relaxing into the position instead of forcing the stretch( which could cause micro tears and cause stiffness and soreness - I always feel it 2 days after a hard class). One can tense a muscle then relax into the stretch to improve the effectiveness.

Dynamic stretches are done by moving through the range of a joint in a controlled manner.

These stretches can be done at any stage of the class. In my opinion they are very effective as part of a comprehensive flexibility program. (See for example Frontsplitsfast by Lisa Howell).

Ballistic stretches are stretching done by strong ballistic movements, like throwing the leg up as high as possible. These should be done when warmed up and one should take care not to get injured.

There are also methods which employ someones help to stretch. Personally I prefer to avoid these as it is easy to get hurt. Only you can feel what is happening in your body, so be careful with these.

So, talking about the difference between warm-up and stretching is probably not accurate. It is more accurate to consider the appropriateness of the different types of stretching in a warm-up routine. For example, dynamic stretches are great for warming up joints and loosening up the body whereas static stretches are not ideal before a class or performance. Avoid sitting in a split position before a class for a long period of time as you might find your leg muscles to be sluggish in the class.

In the classes given by Astri's Dance Project we will warm up before moving into the syllabus/dance routines. The class ends with slow stretches and a cool down period to release stress in the body.

First dance class for pre-grades and little stars

2010-06-20T23:34:00.000-07:00

Today Astri's Dance Project enjoyed our first dance class for preschoolers and stage 1 students. The classes were held at the Boambee East community hall. There was one little star at the preschool class and two kindergarden children in the pre-grade class - small beginnings. Fun was had by all and amidst all the noise, we learnt about rhythm, pointing toes, and running, bending and stretching.

A heart felt thanks to the parents who brought their little ones.

To cover the hall rental we need a few more dancing feet, so don't be shy and come and join the fun.

Parents can help themselves to a cup of tea or coffee or join in if they so choose.

Astri

Timetable for Boambee public school

2010-06-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Please check out the proposed timetable for dance classes at Boambee public school for term 3 and 4. I hope to see many happy faces at the first dance class. These classes cater for stage 1, 2 and 3 children. If you are interested in dance classes for teens, let me know via the "ask a question" box. If there is enough interest, the timetable will grow.

Dance classes coming to Bonville Public school in term 3

2010-06-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Plans are underway to start dance classes for children at the Bonville memorial hall next to Bonville public school. If you are interested, leave your details in the "ask a question" box and I will keep you up to date.

Dance Classes coming to Boambee Public school

2010-06-10T04:33:00.000-07:00

The good news is that from term 3, dance classes will be running at Boambee public school. If you are interested in these, let me know.

More Children's classes soon to come. - Help us to serve you.

2010-06-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

Soon there will be classes for all ages of children in the Bonville - Boambee area. As interest grows, Astri's Dance Project will increase the number of classes given.

If you have a little star who loves to dance and is interested in dance classes in the Coffs area, please email their age and school to me and I will try and cater to your needs.

If you are an adult interested in an open class, but live too far from Bonville, let me know and I will see what I can do.

About the AIDT

2010-05-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

AIDT stands for the Association of International Dance Teachers. This association was founded by Nina Bodenham, Thelma Cripps, Thelma Isaacs, Rita Michaelson and Anna Nell in South Africa in 1967.

Today the AIDT also has branches in the USA, Canada, Cyprus, Israel, Namibia, Australia and Zimbabwe.

The AIDT has developed a beautiful Modern, Tap and Hip Hop syllabus which is regularly updated as dance evolves.

The Modern Syllabus is a carefully developed syllabus that caters for the serious dancer and the recreational dancer, teaching good technique and developing strength, flexibility and balance, with an interesting set of dances. Anatomy, musicality and presentation are also taught and practised.

More information can be found under "Favourite links".

Astri's Dance Project specialises in teaching the AIDT Modern syllabus and Astri is a member of the AIDT's Australian branch.

Flexibility

2010-05-30T03:54:00.000-07:00

Flexibility is not all about stretching or youth. This certainly gives me hope. I am not that young. Many people have stretched all they can and still do not attain the results they wish for, and for others it seems to come so easily.

I recently moved from South Africa to Australia. Among other things I moved from a very stressful situation where I was working full time, parenting and doing exams (enough to keep 2 people busy) and going through all the difficulties of relocating our family and moved into a very relaxed beautiful country and city with a much less complicated lifestyle. The interesting thing is that once I had de stressed I could kick up my leg at least 15 degrees higher without doing any stretching (in fact I had not done any classes for a month).

Another experience I had further illustrates the effect that stress can have on the body. About 2 days before I did three exams, I realised that I had not finalised who was looking after my children and all my options fell through. I got to my dance class and couldn't remember even the simplest steps and it felt like all my joints and muscles had ceased up. Interestingly, after a wonderful friend took my kids for the exam time, I went back to class (same night) and suddenly the pain was gone and memory back.

I recently came across a wonderful resource about flexibility that clears up a few myths that we all took for true for years. I am working through it myself and a few weeks in I already see results.

If you want to know more, read about The Front Splits Fast Flexibility program. I recommend it highly for all dancers, young and old.

The knowledge I found here will be used and taught in Astri's Dance Project classes for adults and children, so if you live near Coffs Harbour, come and join some classes to get a taste.

The importance of fun

2010-05-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

As a young girl I did ballet and loved it. My teacher was wonderful and her enthusiasm rubbed off. When I moved on to the more advanced levels I had to move to a more qualified teacher. Her focus was on making professional dancers out of us. I perceived her to be very critical of everything we did and the way we were built and looked. The fun dissolved for me and it was not long before I lost interest and my exams went from pretty good to mediocre.

It is so important that the things children are involved in should be (healthy and) enjoyable to them. The things we enjoy are most often the things we are good at and we are willing to put more effort into. Being in an up-building and positive environment add to enjoyment and also brings out the best in us. Both parents/caregivers and dance teachers should point out the positive in children, praising and building up a healthy positive self image in our little stars. It is easy to point out mistakes, but it takes a little more thought and effort to empower our little dancers to grow and learn while having fun.

As the dance instructor of Astri's Dance Project, I value the fun-factor and endeavor to stay positive and up-building in the children and adult dance classes. If it's not fun any more, let me know.

I look forward to meeting all the little stars who will be joining my dance classes here in Coffs Harbour. We will have so much fun together.

Less than a week to opening of Astri's Dance Project

2010-05-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

I am so excited as there are only six sleeps before the first adult class of this dance studio. Time to get my nose out of the documents and get moving...

Time table for 2010

2010-05-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

The dates and times for the Little stars, pre-grade and adult classes have been set and venues are booked. Please study the time table carefully as some weeks, classes are on Tuesdays in stead of Mondays.

2010-05-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Adult class now has a venue.

From 2 June 2010 there will be an adult open dance class every Wednesday 19:30 to 20:30 at the Bonville memorial hall.

Come and forget about the kids, work, the house etc. and have fun, get fitter and loosen up.

All welcome.

I am so excited to meet you all.

Astri Sjoberg

Acrobatic Pas de deux with pointes

2010-05-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

21 June 2010 - Our first day live

2010-05-13T04:33:00.000-07:00

The first childrens classes of Astri's Dance Project will take place on the 21 June 2010 at the Boambee East community centre.

I am so excited to present two classes on this day:

A class for pre-schoolers called Little stars at 14:00

and a class for stage 1 students at 15:10.

This promises to be a fun filled day and parents and caregivers are invited for a free cup of coffee or tea.

I also invite anyone who are interested in dance classes for older children, teens or adults to drop in between 14:40 and 15:00.

A venue and time for the fun and fitness adult open class will be announced soon, so watch this space...

Astri's Dance Project

2010-05-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Astri's Dance Project is a new dance school in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia. Astri's Dance Project specialises in teaching the AIDT modern dance syllabus and is headed up by Astri Sjoberg. The classes cater for pre-schoolers, school aged children and adults. The variety of classes will rise as needed, so let me know if you are interested in a dance class for a specific age group.

Fun, fitness and flexibility!