I want to take a moment to acknowledge the families with children in their first or second year of dancing with Valerie. It wasn't too long ago that I was a "first year mom" and my 6 year old daughter, Austin Eder, was enrolled in pre-primary classes at The Valerie Mahabir Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts. I dropped her off twice a week in her little white leotard and skirt, and watched her disappear into the "big room" to work on her tendus, releve's, and plies. It wasn't until I sat in the audience, on a beautiful spring evening, watching my daughter in the 2005 production of Cinderella, that it hit me - this is much more than an after school activity! This is life training! Austin is now in her third year with the studio. She has become part of the Desert Youth Ballet and it is her second family. She has had unbelievable training and mentoring from Valerie in the classroom and the chance to perform all around the desert.
In that first year, I also wondered about how the studio was set up and what the difference between the Desert Youth Ballet and The Valerie Mahabir Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts. I now understand and thought it might be helpful information to pass on to you.
Most girls enter the program through The Valerie Mahabir Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts. Some girls take classes through the Children's Discovery Museum and others sign up directly at the studio. It is a classic dance studio that teaches according to the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) principals. The studio also offers Musical Theater, Hip-Hop, Tap classes, Trapeze classes, Yogalates, and Ballroom Dancing to children and adults throughout the community. Each year, several dancers who have worked hard and shown tremendous commitment to dance are invited to perform with The Desert Youth Ballet. It is by invitation only and age is not a requirement or prerequisite to be part of this group.
The Desert Youth Ballet is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which provides professional training and performance experience by raising funds for scholarships, underwriting performances and providing community outreach. The children of the DYB are invited to perform around the community year round. It provides a fantastic opportunity for the children to translate what they have learned int he classroom to the stage. All of this cannot be possible without the generosity of the community and the hard work of the children and Valerie.
In those three short years that my daughter has danced, it has become clear to me, The Valerie Mahabir Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts and The Desert Youth Ballet are forums where little children with big dreams have a place to discovery themselves through a delicate balance of self-expression and self-discipline. They learn the valuable skill of teamwork (and dance, in my humble opinion is the ultimate team sport)! The children learn body awareness and awareness of others. They learn that they are a vital part of something larger than themselves. They learn patience, communication, and build friendships that will last a long time. And they learn (very intimately) one of life's biggest lessons ... when things go wrong, just smile, improvise, and get on with the show.
If you have chosen to support The Desert Youth Ballet in any way, rest assured that you are supporting one of the best "causes" in the Desert and you are also contributing greatly to your child's education. Most of the dancers are leaders and honor students at their schools, because they have learned from an early age what it takes to be successful. And know that while they are here, your children are in good hands. Valerie and her accomplished teaching staff play a vital role in mentoring our children. As you all know, her hands on, "gentle but firm" approach works wonders.
Thank you, Valerie, from the bottom of our hearts for all you do. And, for providing such a wonderful forum for our children to blossom into the young ladies and gentlemen they are becoming!
