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What was the inspiration for the creation
of the Hartfel Ballet? How long has it been
in operation? |
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| The Hartfel Ballet has been
in operation since 2001. Artistic Director
John Welch was inspired to form a company
that challenged the stereotypes of the ballet
world, proving that anyone with enough passion
and commitment can become a great dancer.
His dream is to have a company of twelve
soloists performing virtuosic and inspiring
dance works. |
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What is the "Cradle Method"? How is it different
from traditional ballet training? |
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| The Cradle Method is the
training method used at The Box Dance Studio,
and was developed by John Welch as a way
to promote continual progress and growth
more rapidly than traditional methods. While
traditional methods depend on learning at
an unconscious level through rote repetition,
the Cradle Method employs conscious learning
through systematic study that allows the
serious student to learn more quickly and
effectively. Hartfel’s philosophy honors
the individual and does not try to fit dancers
into a "perfect" ballet mold. Individual
expression is highly valued and every student
is encouraged to develop at his or her own
pace. Each student is held to a high standard
of commitment and is expected to give 100%
of effort and attention. Hartfel believes
that when art is taken seriously it teaches
lessons that can be carried into all areas
of life, regardless of whether the student
wishes to pursue a professional career.
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When and where can I see the Hartfel Ballet
perform? |
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| Check our
Calendar of Events for upcoming
performances, or call (714) 925-9806.
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Do you perform the classic ballets, like
the Nutcracker and Swan Lake? |
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| Hartfel performs the original
choreography of Artistic Director John Welch.
The choreography is based in the classical
tradition, yet emphasizes freedom of movement
and artistic expression. Rather than make
a political point or depict a storybook
tale, it offers an intimate connection that
allows the audience to live vicariously
through the performance. To see a sample
of our choreography, please visit our Photo & Video
Gallery.
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How can I audition for the Hartfel Ballet?
Are there any special requirements?
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| Please see our Audition
page for requirements and audition dates.
You may also call (714) 404-8767, or email
kate@hartfel.org.
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Do you have classes for young children? |
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| We have formal ballet classes
starting at age 7 and up. For those ages
5-8 we offer Introduction to Dance classes
that emphasize appreciation for dance and
the fundamentals of musicality. We believe
that children below age 7 should not be
entered into formal ballet training, as
it stifles creativity and the natural exploration
of movement. Please see our Class Schedule
for more information, or call (714) 925-9806.
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I am an adult and don’t have very much dance
training. Is there a class for me?
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| Yes, we have an open adult
class that meets several times a week. Please
see our class schedule for more information,
or call (714) 925-9806.
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Do you offer private lessons?
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| Yes, we offer 2- hour long
private lessons, taught by Artistic Director
John Welch. To arrange a private lesson
please call (714) 925-9806, or email
john@hartfel.org.
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Do you offer scholarships? |
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| Hartfel offers a student
scholarship training program for serious
students who are interested in joining the
company. Fro more information please call
(714) 925-9806, or email
kate@hartfel.org.
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How can I become involved in the company?
Are there volunteer opportunities? |
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| We are always looking for
helpful volunteers. Currently we are seeking
a volunteer bookkeeper, graphic designer,
help in advertising/promotion, fundraising
and help at performances. If you wish to
volunteer please call (714) 925-9806 or
contact
info@hartfel.org.
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How can I get Hartfel to perform in my area?
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| We would love to come to
your area to perform. If you know of a venue
that is appropriate, please call (714) 925-9806,
or email
veronica@hartfel.org. Please keep
in mind that our minimum space requirement
is 35’ by 40’ dance space.
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I am interested in donating but would like
more information before I decide. How can
I learn more about the company and your
philosophy? |
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| You may request materials
by emailing
veronica@hartfel.org or calling
(714) 925-9806. We will send you brochures
and a promotional DVD with performance footage
included. For more information on donating
please see our Donate page.
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How can I get on your mailing list? Do you
publish a newsletter? Can I get it through
email? |
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| The best way to get on our
mailing list is to sign up on our Newsletter
sign-up page. Along with our quarterly newsletter,
Counterpointe, you will receive invitations
to performances and special events. At the
moment we send our newsletters through regular
mail, but are planning to put together an
email newsletter in the near future.
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What is "The Box" Dance Studio? Why is it
called the Box? |
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| The Box Dance Studio is
the home of the Hartfel Ballet and the Hartfel
Academy. It serves both as a ballet school
and as a rehearsal space for the company.
It is called The Box because it is just
that – four walls and lots of space for
dancing.
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What does the word "Hartfel" mean? Is it
a person’s last name? |
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| The Hartfel Ballet is not
named after a person. "Hartfel" comes from
a coffee shop conversation between John
and one of his dancers. She observed that
"everything you’re about is so heartfelt"
– it fit. The name Hartfel was born.
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