Although the Center of Creative Dance closed this past spring after 38 years at the corner of Wilmette Avenue and Green Bay Road, Ms. Mary Ann LaJoie-Sandroff will continue to teach a few special classes this fall at Light Opera Works’ new Wilmette rehearsal space at 516 4th Street, located at the corner of 4th and Linden. Classes will begin Wednesday, September 7, 2011.
Ms. Mary Ann is well known for teaching ballet and choreography to hundreds of North Shore children, many of whom were awarded dance arts scholarships to colleges and major universities. In 2008, all eight of her graduating students were awarded both arts and academic scholarships to college. She states, from experience, “that the discipline and concentration from the study of ballet and dance definitely enhance a child’s abilities in school. All my long-term dancers excelled academically. The arts enhance one’s ability to listen, absorb and then take action. Music and dance both are proven human enhancers. The creative impulse is fundamental to being human. The art of dance engages the body, mind and spirit.”
Over the years, her students also have been awarded scholarships to pre-professional summer programs with Joffrey, Blue Lake, Interlochen Arts Academy, Limon and Alvin Ailey summer workshops. Two of her past students are now Professors of Dance at major colleges. Ms. Mary Ann feels strongly that dance training can be highly beneficial in many ways – whether it be for college scholarships, performance opportunities and careers, teaching in different venues, or business success. Many of her students chose to double major in college, or minor in dance.
She continues, “Many of my students did not choose dance as a profession, but are successful business women. They can deliver a speech, run an office, or get that first job interview because of their poise, grace and special abilities. They keep in touch and share how dance has helped in their college or professional lives. Their continued contacts mean a great deal to me.”
Ms. Mary Ann credits her student successes to her professional background – training with the great George Balanchine, and studying with Latvian teachers who trained her in Russian, French and Cechetti methods. She reflects, “I was extremely fortunate that my parents sought the very finest teachers when I was growing up. It was the era when all of us studied different techniques of ballet, modern dance and drama. That combination was the basis of my teaching over the years. My students all had creative dance and acting lessons along with technique studies, so they stood out at auditions. They still do. I believe it is because of the influence of Mr. Balanchine. He corrected a finger, a tilt of the head, a leg raised in the wrong direction. I do the same, so my dancers are always noticed.”
Even after closing her studio, Ms. Mary Ann received many requests for lessons, so by popular demand, she will continue to teach this fall at the Light Opera Works’ new, spacious rehearsal venue at 4th and Linden. She looks forward to seeing her students accomplish new steps and movements, and create their own stories, ballets and messages. Two years ago her recital was completely choreographed by the students, including a group of six year olds who worked together and contributed ideas.
For more information about fall ballet classes with Ms. Mary Ann, please contact her at malasa@comcast.net.
