in March, two in April, one in May, and then
Nationals in June.”
Logan Manning, now a freshman at the
University of Georgia, is one of many dance
students who have graduated high school since
Jennifer took ownership at Vidalia Ballet.
“Logan was one of only two freshmen at UGA
that made their fifteen-member competition
team this year. I think there were over one
hundred dancers that tried out. I saw that they
actually just won their first competition this
year, too,” said Jennifer.
Competition dance is only a part of all
that Vidalia Ballet offers. “About half of our
dancers are noncompetitors. Whether you
compete or don’t compete, you take the
same ballet classes. We divide the jazz, tap,
and contemporary classes only because
competitors have to learn different dances
to compete. But even then, the techniques
are the same. That’s something that is really
110 Toombs County Magazine
Vidalia Ballet offers traditional ballet technique as well as
tap, jazz, comtemporary lyrical and Acro. Students can add
competition to their training if they wish.
PHOTO BY STUDIO 508 PHOTOGRAPHY
port-de-bras: Carriage of the arms.
cambré: A bend of the body from
the waist to the front, back, or
side, with an accompanying
port de bras.
Arabesque: a pose on one leg with
the other extended behind
Rond de jambe: circle the leg
chasse: a triple step pattern of
gliding
elevé: A rise upward onto the toes
échappé: Escape
glissade: Slide or glide
piroutté: Whirl or spin
promenade: A slow pivot of
the body while standing on
one leg.
relevé: A rise or spring onto the
toes
jazz hand: Fingers are spread.
shimmy: Alternate shoulder shaking
in a rapid motion.
ball change: Two quick changes of
weight from one ball of the foot
to the other.
bells/clicks: Clicking the heels
together while in the air.
flap: Brush and step with transfer of
weight.
tap: Striking the ball of the foot
without weight transfer.
KNOW THE TERMS