Hosanna Dance Newsletter
Fall Edition 2023 ∙ 119 N Deadwood St ∙ Ft Pierre ∙ Artistic Director, Sunny Hannum
We are looking forward to catching up with all of our dance family. Nine of our Ballet V dancers are already taking classes and working on one of the large corps dances for Nutcracker. Three of our younger dancers moved up to this class and are doing well.
Ms. Sunny, Ms. Sarah, and Mr. Josh have attended two weeklong Cecchetti workshops this summer, one in June in Sioux Falls and one in July in Holland, MI.
The Cecchetti technique enables dancers like Becca Brusven to get into pre-professional levels with companies like Ballet Magnificat. Beccas spent an entire month in Jackson, MS, studying at their summer intensive. Due to being placed at the highest level, pre-professional, she learned and performed an entire Ballet Magnificat ballet. Congratulations, Becca!
The Cecchetti technique enables dancers like Becca Brusven to get into pre-professional levels with companies like Ballet Magnificat. Beccas spent an entire month in Jackson, MS, studying at their summer intensive. Due to being placed at the highest level, pre-professional, she learned and performed an entire Ballet Magnificat ballet. Congratulations, Becca!
At the Dance Gallery Summer Cecchetti Intensive in June, Shawnie Zeeb was chosen for a classical ballet variation solo and Kourtney Hughes and Walter McVey were selected for a duet in their group's dance. All three of these students have started working on Cecchetti Grade III after passing Grade II exams this spring.
Hannah Vasalie and Hadassah took their Cecchetti Grade I exam in June and will soon be working on expanding their ballet knowledge and technique as they begin Grade II class in the fall. Becca passed her Advanced Grade VII exam; similar to a masters in ballet. Only one syllabus left to work - Diploma, the doctorate of ballet and a two inch book.
Hannah Vasalie and Hadassah took their Cecchetti Grade I exam in June and will soon be working on expanding their ballet knowledge and technique as they begin Grade II class in the fall. Becca passed her Advanced Grade VII exam; similar to a masters in ballet. Only one syllabus left to work - Diploma, the doctorate of ballet and a two inch book.
We teach the Cecchetti ballet method in our ballet classes in addition to nonsyllabus classes. Students who wish to take ballet exams have to attend a separate class in order to prepare and focus on executing the technique, developing their quality of movement, learning the terminology and theory, and eventually memorizing set syllabus exercises.
Hosanna Dance sets itself up for excellent ballet instruction by attending continuing education, workshops, and teacher training events. We also offer great modern dance instruction where students can learn Horton technique, Graham-based movement, and other modern techniques. And of course ballet and pointe nerd teacher, Ms Sarah, is always looking at the best ways and proper methods to develop and improve dancers technique.
Save the Dates
Nutcracker Run-throughs - Tuesday in November, 5:30-8:00 pm, in-studio for all classes
Nutcracker Run-throughs - Tuesday in November, 5:30-8:00 pm, in-studio for all classes
Thanksgiving Break - November 22-26
Nutcracker Dress Rehearsal - Thursday, December 7, 5:00-8:00 pm, Riggs Theatre for all classes
Nutcracker Performances - Friday, December 8, 7 pm
Saturday, December 9, 2 pm and 7 pm
Nutcracker Performances - Friday, December 8, 7 pm
Saturday, December 9, 2 pm and 7 pm
Christmas Break for PreBallet-Ballet V -- December 22 - Jan 1
Christmas Break for Modern, Acro, Adult classes -- December
Nutcracker - The Gift of Christmas
Cast List
Sugar Plum Fairy/Holy Spirit - Becca Brusven
Michael the Archangel/God - TBD
Beelzebub - TBD
Beelzebub - TBD
Clara - Kourtney Hughes
Papa, Mama, Grandma, Grandpa- the Easters
Maid - Mindy Dorsey
Fritz - Ezra Dorsey
Party dances - Ballet I
Party dances - Ballet II
Party Couples - TBD
Doll solos - Shawnie Zeeb, Kylie Vermundson
Little Dolls- PreBallet
Little Dolls- PreBallet
Rats/Flies - Beginning and Advanced Modern
Expectant Mary- Sarah Easter
Wisemen - Jason Vermundson, John McVey, Noah Calvert
Mary & Joseph - TBD
Snow/Angels - Ballet V
Waltz of the Flowers/Redeemed - Ballet V
Russian - Ballet V boys
Chinese - PrePointe/ Beg Pointe
American - Ballet III/IV
German - Beg-Int Pointe
Spanish - Beg-Int Pointe
Arabian- Int Acro Dance
Jewish- Ballet II
Finale - Beginner and Advanced Modern
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:... and a time to dance -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
We Encourage All Our Students to Prepare for Cecchetti Examinations
This is such an excellent way for students to become technically proficient and thoroughly learn the terminology of ballet. There is something about preparing for an exam that makes students work harder and helps them develop as dancers. And bonus, you get a certificate as a memory of all the hard work, study, and effort.
If you or your student(s) are interested in getting started with Cecchetti student examinations let us know.
⇒ Ballet III and up are eligible to start working on Grade 1. Examinations take a lot of preparation, study, and commitment. (Normally 1-2 years is spent studying per grade. More as you progress through the grades.) Examinations - read more about what to expect here
Our studio is affiliated with the Cecchetti Council of America. We added the Cecchetti syllabus to our classes in 2013. All teachers are professionally examined by the CCA to hold certificates in the Cecchetti Method grades.
Hosanna Dance instructors attend all the Cecchetti intensives and workshops at Dance Gallery in Sioux Falls and attend the International Cecchetti Teacher's Summit at least every other year.
