AUDITION EDITION
January. February. March. 2024
The Akhmedova Ballet Magazine is a product of the collaborative efforts of the students of the Akhmedova Ballet Academy. We wish to spread our ideas and knowledge to connect with others in this uncertain time.
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For this year’s spring show, ABA is excited to announce that we will be performing some original unique choreographies, including Peter and the Wolf, Magical Garden, Avant-Garde, and more! We have already been working on them for a couple of months, and cannot wait to actually perform them for an audience. On June 8th, 2024, we will have two separate shows, the matinee at 3:00 pm and the evening show at 7:00 pm, both containing their own valuable and memorable parts. The matinee will include the production of Peter and the Wolf, followed by a short Q&A and photos with the dancers. The evening show, on the other hand, is a “three act” show with a diverse selection of masterpieces for dance enthusiasts (and non-dance enthusiasts) of all ages. With a variety of styles to enjoy, there is no doubt that our selection of pieces will make your night worthwhile!
To start, Peter and the Wolf is a riveting ballet, telling the exciting story of brave Peter, who tries to explore nature beyond the gate of his house without getting caught by his grandfather. While he meets new friends on his journey, including the fearless little bird, the ill-fated duck, and the fortunate cat, Peter has to think quickly and courageously to save his friends from the hungry wolf. One of the most notable parts about this ballet is that each character in the story is represented by a melody, or theme, played by a different instrument of the orchestra. This musical composition and was written in 1936, by Sergei Prokofiev, and has enchanted generations of children and adults. From curiosity and friendly encounters to fear and devastation, this story concludes with an enlivening surprise. Choreographed by Jessica Novakovich, she really considered and appreciated all the little moments within the music and put together an amusing tale for all to interpret. As Ivan the cat, I have truly enjoyed watching the creative process, as well as learning the choreography for Peter and the Wolf and all the interactions between the characters.
Next is Magical Garden, an enchanting original short ballet choreographed by Jacqueline Akhmedova after Mikhail Fokine. Composed by Mikhail Glinka from the Opera Ruslan and Ludmilla, this classical rare treasure is a delight for all ages and will surely catch your eye. Following this piece will be the Radetzky March and a Polka from the ballet Fairy Doll.
The last portion of the show is called Avant Garde, and will contain contemporary and character treasures choreographed by our very own teachers. Many of these creations have won awards nationally and internationally at countless ballet competitions, and were applauded by many audiences. Composed of an array of solos, duets, and group ensembles premiered and presented by ABA’s Professional Training Program students, we hope to entertain and inspire those who will come to watch us perform. Not only do we want to share our joy and passion for dance, but we also want to show that dance can be used as a rendition for all sorts of narratives, and is full of experimentation, culture, and the unexpected. Through our story telling, we can’t wait to engage with the audience and display these works of art on June 8th, 2024 at the Cultural Arts Center, Montgomery County in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Lucy
ABA’S SPRING PERFORMANCES
WITH LUCY
Summer intensives are extremely crucial for all students to attend. It is very important for current ABA students to attend ABA’s summer intensives as we continue learning and improve in the Vaganova style. Classes are taught by our professional highly qualified teachers who know our strengths and weaknesses and will make sure that we continue improving in the right way.
Summer students should be prepared and ready for a long and productive day, five days a week for 6 weeks. During summer intensives we spend longer hours at the studio where we can master our technique and stay in shape over the summer break. Taking various classes in ballet technique, pointe, contemporary, character, Pilates, acting, ballet history, etc. is very helpful to make faster progress. We also can focus better on more challenging steps and choreographies as we do not have the pressure of academic classes.
During summer Intensive we start working on new variations, group pieces, character dances, and learn a new contemporary choreography for the upcoming school year too. Every day during summer intensive we will take a Pilates class to gain more strength and have better stamina, which is extremely important for those who want to become a better dancer and prepare for the next schools year.
When auditioning for ABA summer or year-round programs expect to work hard, but at the same time know that ABA is a family, and we all are great friends ready to help each other at any time.
Emma
AUDITION SEASON
WITH EMMA
On February 29, ABA PTP students were able to take a masterclass with Ms. Hee Seo. Hee Seo is a principal dancer of ABT (American Ballet Theatre), one of the most well-known ballet companies in the world. She was one of the youngest dancers in ABT history to be promoted to principal at the age of 26, and became the company’s first Korean ballerina to be a principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history. She performed many lead roles in various ballets such as La Bayadere, Cinderella, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet and Swan Lake. Hee Seo is a beautiful graduate of Madame Akhmedova.
Everyone was surely very excited about Hee’s visit. It was a great opportunity to learn from a professional ballerina who is very well known for her beautiful artistry and technique. I personally loved the barre combinations in Hee’s masterclass. It was a wonderful chance to experience what class in a professional ballet company might look like.
Meeting Hee was very inspiring for me and surely everyone else. I felt incredibly lucky to not only meet a principal dancer, but to receive corrections and learn. Hee has such beautiful lines and artistry that it was hard to believe she was once a student, just like me. Her visit inspired me so much and encouraged my hope to be stronger and better. One day, I want to dance as beautifully as Hee Seo.
I feel extremely lucky to have such wonderful teachers that work so hard to give students amazing opportunities to prepare themself for their future of dance. I am also very thankful for Hee, who shared her time with us to keep young dancers dreaming.
Ella
On January 15th, ABA had the privilege of performing our award-winning piece, “Quantum Intuition”, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Birthday Tribute & Celebration. The event was held at the beautiful Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda Maryland. The theme of the event, “Where do we go from here…We choose”, was very meaningful to me because of Dr. King’s legacy of unity and civil rights for all. The Quantum Intuition ensemble is performed by a multi-cultural friend group that embodies Dr. King’s dream. I felt honored to be a part of the event and celebration. My favorite part of the day was being on stage with all of the performers at the end of the show and singing and clapping together. It was truly a beautiful moment when the performers and the audience celebrated Dr. King’s birthday together.
Charlotte
ABA’S SPECIAL EVENTS
WITH ELLA AND CHARLOTTE
This past February, ABA had a very special collaboration with the “P.O.M. Squad” (Positive Outcome Mentoring). P.O.M. Squad is a dance program that provides an environment that is accessible and affordable to all participants. Their goals are to mentor and support every dancer in developing important life skills, build confidence and share this gift as they grow.
ABA hosted the P.O.M. Squad students in our studios for a workshop that included girls from the ages of 9 to 18 years old. The girls were introduced to new ways of conditioning through a Pilates warm-up, and they had the opportunity to take a Vaganova ballet class. They learned the importance of discipline in movement and the importance of working hard. We ended the workshop with a contemporary dance class that allowed for the students to learn a different way of moving. Our workshop combined the strength of body and mind and introduced different art forms to these young dancers. We encouraged them to take these lessons with them into their daily lives and apply to everything they do. It was a wonderful experience for both ABA and the POM Squad.
P.O.M. Positive Outcome Mentoring Workshop
WITH JESSICA
Last month ABA attended the Universal Ballet Competition’s regionals in Boston, Massachusetts. It was an amazing experience, and I made many great memories while I was there. I had the opportunity to do my classical and contemporary solos along with three ensembles with other talented dancers from ABA. I believe we performed very well at the semi-finals, and I want to keep working hard to do even better at the Grand Prix finals! I’d like to improve my dances by really focusing on the smaller details and putting thought into every step in each piece to make them look the best they can. I loved dancing at UBC and I’m looking forward to performing at finals!
Bianca
My participation in the UBC regionals was an extraordinary experience that will remain etched in my memory. One standout moment during the competition was the completion of my second contemporary piece, “Gravitational Forces.” As I performed, the audience watched with anticipation, and the overwhelming joy I felt afterward was truly special. Despite my initial nervousness, the warm embrace from everyone present was the perfect ending to the performance. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Jessi, Ms. Marina and Madame Akhmedova for their professional coaching and excellent work with this piece. Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate the finals and the exciting prospects they hold for us.
UBC AWARDS
5th Place Senior Com Classical – Lucy Qian
2nd Place Senior Com Contemporary – Lucy Qian
11th Place Junior Com Classical – Erin Li
15th Place Junior Com Classical – Elaine Zhang
9th Place Junior Com Contemporary – Ella Kim
11th Place Junior Com Contemporary – Eliana Honda
2nd Place Senior Intermediate Contemporary – Isabelle Cespedes
2nd Place Junior Intermediate Contemporary – Charlotte Thomas
1st Place Primary Intermediate Classical - Bianca Jao
1st Place Primary Intermediate Contemporary - Bianca Jao
1st Place Junior Com Duo – Shadow Self
2nd Place Junior Com Trio – Bohemian Girls
4th Place Junior Com Duo - High Spirits
2nd Place Junior Com Ensemble – Viva Tarantella / Jessica Novakovich
4th Place Junior Com Ensemble – Quantum Intuition/ Jessica Novakovich
5th Place Junior Com Ensemble – Happy Boots / Jacqueline Akhmedova
2nd Place Primary Com Trio - Norwegian Dance
Isabelle
ABA at the Universal Ballet Competition
WITH BIANCA AND ISABELLE
HEE SEO
OLESYA NOVIKOVA
Ask the Artistic Director
WITH MME. AKHMEDOVA
AN INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA NICHOLSON
Q: What was your experience with your professional company Alabama Ballet so far?
A: My first two seasons with Alabama Ballet were very unique due to COVID-19. I was grateful to still be dancing in a company, but it was very hard. Once things started going back to normal though, I was able to see what the company had to offer. I grew to love the Alabama Ballet and the city of Birmingham. I absolutely love the repertoire that we get to do! We’ve done works by George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Agnes de Mille, and Garrett Smith, just to name a few. Our new artistic director, Christopher Stuart is an incredible choreographer and leader for the company. I truly believe in his vision for the company’s future.
Q: What do you like best about your job?
A: Performing! It’s such an incredible, euphoric feeling being on stage. It’s where you pour your heart out, and are rewarded for all the hard work you put in.
heart out, and are rewarded for all the hard work you put in
Q: How has Madame Akhmedova and ABA impacted your career and growth as an artist?
A: ABA truly prepared me for my career in just about every way. Madame Akhmedova instilled a discipline and excellent work ethic in me from a young age. The Vaganova method, taught at ABA, is the foundation for all my technique, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Madame Akhmedova’s love for ballet is contagious!
Q: What were the roles you enjoyed the most so far?
A: The most rewarding role I have ever performed was most definitely the “Sugar Plum Fairy” in George Balanchine’s, “The Nutcracker.” I have also enjoyed performing the duet, “Ring of Fire” in Christopher Stuart’s production of “Under the Lights,” as well as the “Summer Fairy” in Cinderella, and “Gypsy Queen” in Don Quixote.
Q: How did you know you wanted to be a dancer?
A: I feel as though it was never a question in my mind at all…rather, I feel that ballet has always been a part of me ever since I can remember, and I’ve always been passionate about it. I think I’ve always wanted to be a dancer!
Q: What advice would you give to dancers starting on their professional journey?
A: You have to maintain your work ethic, even after you graduate. You have to continue to push yourself daily, as no one else will do it for you. Secondly, don’t talk down on yourself mentally, or compare yourself to others. It will only strip away your love for ballet. Every dancer has a completely different journey in their career, and not a single dancer’s journey is perfect.
