Book by Sarah Martinez

Leyla Boissonnade Sarah Martinez

Lëÿlå Bøïssøññådë The Face Behind Acuity Sarah Martinez

Leyla Boissonnade The Face Behind Acuity Sarah Martinez i

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Dedication

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would like to deidcate this book to Leyla Boissonnade, without whom I wouldn’t be the person, student, or dancer that I am today. Thank you for making this project possible and for allowing me to document all the amazing work that you have done.

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Acknowledgements

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want to thank my teachers at Freestyle Academy for helping and guiding me through the documentary process. I would also like to thank everyone at Bay Area Dance School – dancers and staff – for all their kindness and support, and for granting me the special opportunity to do this project.

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Contents

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Preface

xi Chapter One

16 Chapter Three

24 Works Cited

ix Introduction

12 Chapter Two

20 Conclusion

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Preface

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went into the Junior Documentary project knowing that I wanted to focus on something I was truly passionate about and that I would be more than happy spending a great amount of time studying. Though I haven’t been at Bay Area Dance School for long, I have always felt that this was a very special and unique environment that was worth documenting. This process has really opened my eyes to just how lucky I am to have a space like Bay Area Dance School, and a teacher and mentor like Leyla Boissonade who is so loving and passionate about her students and her job.

Over the course of this project, I got the opportunity to interview Layla, The Bay Area Dance School founder and owner, and some of the Bay Area Dance School staff, students, and alumni. All of these interviewees shared such important stories about their own experiences at the studio and working with Leyla, all of which became a vital part of my project.

Photo by Sarah Martinez

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Introduction

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rofessional dancer Shanna LaFleur famously said, “It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer.� Plastered on the wall of Bay Area Dance School, this quote continues to inspire the very nurturing, healthy, and well-rounded environment that many young dancers have enjoyed for the past eight years.

Founder Leyla Boissonnade has created a very unique and innovative environment for young dancers in the Bay Area by integrating her background in psychology, a college prep program, and a ballet-based, recreational and competition dance studio. Her tight-knit, small studio environment is very rare, providing academic support, superb dance training, and a sort of second home for the children who attend.

As a dance teacher, Leyla provides some of the highest caliber dance training in the area. Bay Area Dance School has brought in many highly esteemed professional dancers to teach master classes in the hopes of exposing young dancers to what the professional dance world is really like. The small class sizes also ensure that each student receives individual attention in every class and is inspired to think outside of the box and dance to their fullest potential.

Furthermore, Bay Area Dance School also acts as a college prep program. Here, students can receive all sorts of academic support, such as ACT/SAT preparation, help on college applications, or just help studying for tests and/or AP classes.

Most importantly, however, in addition to all these useful components, Bay Area Dance School has become a space where students, mainly teens, feel comfortable discussing their problems and where they can go for help. Due to the small size of the studio, classes, and the dance team, very strong and real friendships have formed and will continue to form in this space for years to come.

Photo by Sarah Martinez

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Chapter one Leyla’s Beginning

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ost commonly, when loved ones think of Leyla, they think of someone who is caring, nurturing, and loving – a person they can depend on and turn to for any kind of support that they need. She is someone who always knows how to help, no matter how hard the problem may be – someone who genuinely wants to listen to what you have to say and can contribute a quality perspective to the conversation.

Through her great personality and human connection, she has led an amazing life, becoming highly successful in fulfilling her dreams.

Born and raised in Menlo Park, California, Leyla lived with both her parents full time and attended Menlo-Atherton High School, where she was a very successful student. Leyla was always very driven to do well in school, with the goal of attending college. After high school, she attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with minors in Dance and Education. Later, she attended the University of California Los Angeles Graduate School of Education and received a preliminary credential in secondary English.

Besides her obvious passion for education and psychology, Leyla could always be found in the dance studio when not focusing on school.

Beginning at the young age of three, she danced locally with the Menlo Park Academy of Dance. She excelled in many different styles of dance, specifically tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary, and acrobatics, though Leyla’s main focus was ballet. She trained in the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum and passed all exams up to the advanced level. During that time, Leyla also started teaching a variety of different dance classes when she was a teenager. This is when Leyla first discovered her passion for psychology and teaching.

Leyla describes what sparked her interest in psychology: “I remember that I really liked science and I like that it let you explore the neural pathways of the brain and why people do what they do on a biological level as opposed to socially or environmentally” (Boissonnade). Leyla, always keen about science, found a new interest after she began teaching dance classes. She became more and more curious about the neurological development involved with becoming a dancer.

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Previous photo by Sarah Martinez

Photos by Menlo Park Academy of Dance

"I remember that I really liked science and I like that it let you explore the neural pathways of the brain

and why people do what they do on a biological level as opposed to socially or environmentally."

-Leyla Boissonnade

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Chapter two The BADS Journey

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fter college, Leyla felt inspired to continue her journey in the education field, though she didn’t know exactly how to do this.

She continued to teach classes at Menlo Park Academy of Dance until she decided to go off on her own and embark on the greatest journey of her life.

Leyla dreamed of having space not only where she could combine and utilize all her passions but also where she could help people and still make a difference in their lives. In order to do this, she knew she would have to create her own unique place. Her outlook on this project was not just to create a dance studio where she could teach dance, but also to create a space where she could educate children about school, college, and life in general. She wanted to provide a space that truly prepared her students for the future while still providing a safe space where they could go for help of all kinds.

Once Leya made the decision to open her own studio, she realized this process would be much more tedious than she had previously anticipated. “Within six weeks, I had to find a space, form an LLC, file a business name, get a local business license, purchase flooring and equipment, advertise, build a website, and hire faculty.” Leyla continued, “Without a business background or even a solid business plan, I was in way over my head” (Boissonnade). Though despite all these obstacles, Leyla knew that this was what she wanted, so she found a way to make all of it a reality. Eventually, thanks to friends and other connections, Leyla got all the legal and physical material necessary to make Bay Area Dance School happen. Also, given her past experience working at dance studios and her knowledge about psychology and education, Leyla felt that making curriculum and scheduling would come easy.

After all her hard work, Bay Area Dance School was finally open for business in Los Altos, California. Leyla was ready to start the work that she had dreamed of doing her whole life. Leyla, fortunately, was actually followed by many of her previous students from Menlo Park Academy of Dance. She was very loved where she taught previously, and when news surfaced that she was opening her own studio, many were very excited. Because of her following, Leyla, had a very successful start. She lead her first team to competition that same year, and immediately began to win awards not only for her outstanding dancers, but also for her exceptional choreography.

Though despite her initial success and all her drive, Leyla did face other hardships. Socially, Leyla had to deal with backlash from previous colleagues and other studio owners due to her recent success, jealousy and social interaction between students, and personal sacrifice. At first, Leyla was not bothered much by the jealousy, as she was used to it from her previous dance experience. Though when she began notice the jealousy between parents and children due to things like awards, it really bothered her. This issue went

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Previous photo by Sarah Martinez

Photos by Lyela Boissonnade

as far as a student quitting dance all together due to her recent losses to a less experienced dancer. Aside from jealousy issues, Leyla also had to learn how to adjust her lifestyle to fit her new life as a studio owner. Shortly after the Bay Area Dance School opening, Leyla had to start making some serious sacrifices. She found herself feeling left out from social events due to all the time she was spending at the studio and with her students. “I’ve had to make sacrifices especially financially, to make sure my students receive the best I can provide for them. This means not going on vacations, missing birthdays and parties, or letting down some of my best friends” (Boissonnade). Leyla’s motivation for all this sacrifice was her being able to do what she loves for a living. “Unlike the end of ballet class when students curtsey and say ‘thank you’ I don’t expect to hear those words very often. But when I do, I remind myself of how much my dance studio meant to me growing up and why I need to handle whatever life hands me with patience and grace” (Boissonnade).

Leyla’s plan to utilize all her education and different areas of expertise, was a big reason for her success.

Dance is a very body sensitive sport that commonly triggers many issues such as eating disorders or body dysmorphia. According to National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the overall prevalence of eating disorders was 12% but 16.4% in dancers

"Bay Area Dance School is a treasure in the dance world."

(“Prevalence of eating disorders amongst dancers”). Due her degree in Psychology, Leyla wanted to ensure that she created a space where these issues were not as taboo. According to “Understand the Complexity of Eating Disorders in Dancers,” eating disorders are commonly caused by a need to do too much and a feeling of constant pressure.

Though, thanks to Leyla, Bay Area Dance School is a pressure-free space. Her efforts to minimize this type of attitude towards the dancers bodies has really payed off.

Since opening, Bay Area Dance School has grown drastically. Thanks to Leyla’s obvious love and passion for her studio and her students, she has been able to grow her studio and touch the lives of many people.

Parents and students can tell just how lucky they are to be able to be part of such a unique environment. Joann Martinez, Bay Area Dance School parent, said, “Bay Area Dance School is a treasure in the dance world. Not only has Leyla given my daughter a great foundation in dance, she has also continued to instill a love of dance in her. Leyla personally knows every child and builds strong relationships each of them. Leyla goes above and beyond most dance studio owners.”

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Chapter three The Acuity Team

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ust as Leyla had hoped when founding her studio, all of the Bay Area Dance School alumni have gone on to be extremely successful. Schools that alumni have attended include the University of Southern California, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Duke, Vanderbilt, and a plethora of other very prestigious colleges.

These students have studied a wide variety of different fields, either pursuing dance or other personal passions. Some have gone on to graduate with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance and have pursued dance careers or danced for professional dance companies, commercial or industry dance, or Broadway. Despite all their different interests, these successful Bay Area Dance School Alumni have one thing in common: they would have never been where they are today if not for Leyla.

"to have a well-rounded education where they were able to do multiple disciplines of dance all based or rooted in ballet training as well as pointe while still having exposure to multiple sides of the dance world" When Leyla first founded Bay Area Dance School, she knew she wanted to make a strong impact in her students’ lives. After getting the studio off the ground, Leyla decided to create the Acuity program.

Leyla explains her initial plans and hopes: “to have a well-rounded education where they were able to do multiple disciplines of dance all based or rooted in ballet training as well as pointe while still having exposure to multiple sides of the dance world, whether it’s the musical theater performance aspect, the commercial dance of jazz and hip-hop based movement, the concert dance world with many different kinds of modern and ballet, or just having the entertainment value of let’s say a dance team.” She continued, “The purpose of the team is a college prep program in a sense, a program designed for kids who want to dance beyond high school, in some capacity. Whether that be recreational, in student clubs, as a dance major, or possibly pre-

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Previous photos by Rachel Neville

professionally. It presents its own set of challenges to try and balance life and school and dance for students that are already driven.

However, there are only twenty-four hours in a day and therefore scheduling is always going to be a problem, especially when there’s always something going on, it’s standardized tests or school events or competitions.” (Boissonnade).

Despite that Leyla wants to help as many teens as possible, the Acuity team is a very intense and exclusive group. There are currently only nine teens on the 2018-2019 Acuity team, all of which participate, no only, in weekly classes, but also in additional rehearsals.

According to the Bay Area Dance School website, in Leyla’s words, “Acuity Dancers is a competition team for serious young dancers who are committed to the art of dance and have a passion to perform. Participation is by invitation and audition only.”

In addition to all the rigorous hours of intense dance training, teens on the Acuity team also benefit from academic support and emotional support. Leyla wanted a program not only where she could provide her dancers with quality training, but also make sure that they were healthy inside and out – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Employees and students spoke in interviews about their experiences and connections to Leyla and Bay Area Dance School.

Mariana Sobral, dance educator, choreographer, and founder of eMotion Arts Dance Company, said, “Working with Leyla is super easy because we both have the same mission and ideology... not only to bring out their artistic voices but also taking care of their overall health. How their body is being developed, how their technique is being developed with their body, their musicality, their artistry, The mental health, how much pressure they have on them. Sometimes they have other things, like school, which comes into it and come into class with them. We all really try to make sure we are on the same page and try to help them succeed especially as a dancer but also as a human being. That is why I feel Leyla’s approach is different and why I love to be here.” Senior Acuity team member Katie Baik also remarked, “It’s an extremely supportive environment where I can explore movement while still improving my technique. I also have fellow peers that know what if going through If I am having a rough day.” Students and employees at Bay Area Dance School speak openly, and with much pride, about their feelings and love for Leyla and the studio. With just these few examples, we can tell just how loved this space really is, and how much it has helped many people.

Leyla is, and should be, very proud of her studio and of all her students. She shares photos and videos on all of her social media pages on things as simple as class combo or big accomplishments and awards. Leyla also loves to promote her alumni on social media.

Whether that’s promoting their performances, or just a simple appreciation posts to show how proud she is. The Bay Area Dance School website also includes a list of all the summer intensives and colleges that have been attended by Acuity team members. Leyla loves showing the world just how much she cares about her students and her job and how much she loves doing what she does.

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Conclusion

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ay Area Dance School provides the perfect medium and outlet for students to get the dance training they desire while still learning how to manage things like school work. For many teenagers, it is exceptionally difďŹ cult to ďŹ nd a balance among school, sports, and their social life, which is exactly why Leyla Boissonade has been so successful in creating a space that helps teens do exactly this. While providing the highest caliber of dance training in the Bay Area, Leyla still helps students manage their time in all aspects of their lives in efforts to ensure that they grow into talented, passionate artists and also exemplary people.

As for the future, Leyla hopes to continue helping local teens in the Bay Area. She is truly very passionate about all the work she does at Bay Area Dance School and wants to convey her ideology to not only teach her students about dance but also to focus on them as people in the hope of preparing them for their own future.

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Works Cited Arcelus, Jon, et al. “Prevalence of Eating Disorders amongst Dancers: a Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.” European Eating Dis orders Review : the Journal of the Eating Disorders Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pubmed/24277724.

Baik, Katie. Personal Interview, 15 March 2019.

Boissonnade, Leyla. “Bay Area Dance School | Los Altos, CA | Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Dance Teams, Competition.” Bay Area Dance School | Los Altos, CA | Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Dance Teams, Competition, www.bayareadances.com/.

Boissonnade, Leyla. Personal Interview, 13 March 2019.

---.Personal Interview. 24 April 2019.

Boissonade, Leyla. Photo #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #8. Los Altos, CA. Imogen, et al. “The Role of Psychological Factors in the Career of the Independent Dancer.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 19 Oct. 2015, www. frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01688/full.

Neville, Rachel. Dance Photo #4, #6, #7, #8. Los Altos, CA, 2018.

Ojeda, Danielle. Dance Photo #3. Los Altos, CA, 2017.

Rossum, J.H.A. Van. files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ682811.pdf Rpowell. “Mind, Body and Sport: Depression and Anxiety Prevalence in Student-Athletes.” NCAA.org - The Official Site of the NCAA, 11 July 2017, www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/mind-body-and-sport-depression-and-anxiety-prevalence-studentathletes.

Sobral, Mariana. Personal Interview, 22 April 2019.

Taylor, Jim, and Elena Estanol. “Understand the Complexity of Eating Disorders in Dancers.” Human Kinetics, Human Kinetics, us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/understand-the-complexity-of-eating-disorders-in-dancers.

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About the Author

Sarah Martinez is a junior at Freestyle Academy and Mountain View High School. After school, she can usally be found at her local dance studio, Bay Area Dance School. When she is not dancing, she also enjoys singing, drawing, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Sarah is mainly focusing on dance and mathematics. She wants to attend college to study math and dance, and hopes to later become a teacher in both subjects.

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Leyla Boissonnade Sarah Martinez