ast of
Friday, July 11. 1958 Summer Session Kansan Page 5
THE BALLERINA
SPANISH DANCE
(Summer Kansan photos by Ron Miller)
60 Enrolled In Ballet Camp
ROBERT BELL
The ballet theatre this season is in its fourth year, which makes it one of the newest divisions of the Midwestern Music and Art Camp. "We started in 1954 with only four or five students and this year we have more than 60 enrolled in ballet," said Robert Bell, director.
The ballet division offers a full program of instruction to the student of the dance. In addition to the two hour rehearsal periods held each day, courses in advanced dancing are offered. Included in the series are courses in classical ballet, interpretive dancing and character dancing.
Moving picture sound films concerning famous ballets and ballet performers are shown to supplement the courses. Lectures in the history of ballet are given regularly to the students.
"Because much of the history of ballet and the names of the movements are in French, I also give beginning lessons in that language," Mr. Bell said.
Instruction in the dance is given in four categories. Depending upon the amount of training they have received prior to this summer's camp, the students are assigned to beginning, intermediate or advanced rehearsal groups. A special children's group, with Lawrence children the principle participants, is also given instruction as a part of the camp's program.
A recital for the advanced and intermediate ballet groups will be held July 26 in Hoch Auditorium. Four group numbers will be presented as will several solo performances. The group numbers will include examples of classical, Slavic and interpretive dancing.
Ballet is considered to be the culmination of the arts—sculpture, music, folklore and painting. In order to acquaint his students with other art forms, Mr. Bell encourages them to participate in other activities of the Midwestern Music and Art Camp.
"Ballet is not just toe dancing or the performance of the 'Swan Lake,' but includes every form of artistic expression. Appreciation of the arts is necessary to the performance of ballet," Mr. Bell said.
Students in the ballet division are encouraged to swim several times a week to maintain physical condition and for relaxation.
Mr. Bell said that one of the highlights of the summer is the annual "exploration trip to the carillon."
Mr. Bell, who has directed the division since it was established, is recognized as one of the outstanding teachers of ballet in America. He is director of the Robert Bell School of the Dance in Oklahoma City and is director of ballet at the Oklahoma City University. Mr. Bell is assisted in his work with the ballet theatre by Ann McElroy, a member of his Oklahoma City staff.
A ballet performer since the age of twelve, Mr. Bell has also appeared with the Metropolitan and Paris operas as a featured soloist.
As a performer, Mr. Bell was for many years a featured soloist with Colonel de Basil's original Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. While a member of this troupe, Mr. Bell made five transcontinental tours of the United States and appeared in Europe for six seasons.
CLASSICAL BALLET