ModernMoves

with Stephanie Fairbanks, resident ballerina and owner of Infinity Dance Center

story by MELISSA MCGAVOCK

photos by ERIN FELTMAN

Ballet is an art form and often tells a story through emotive and interpretative dance. Just like other forms of art such as painting and sculpture, architecture and fashion, ballet has evolved since its beginnings. As society changes, and likes and dislikes adapt, so does fine art.

What we know as Ballet today has its origins in 15th and 16th centuries’ Italian Courts. In this context, the “Court,” refers to a group of wealthy people, noblemen, and merchants, that were an extension of the King’s social circle. During the reign of political monarchy, western societies each had their own version. Furthermore, marriages between Courts would unite countries, tying them together politically. Those Royals would bring their own country’s customs and traditions to their new kingdom’s Court. For Ballet, that person was Catherine de’ Medici of Italy, who brought the art of dance to the French Court, specifically Versailles. Known for his lavish lifestyle and love for all things elite, King Louis XIV adopted “ballet de cour,” and instated the The Académie Royale de Danse founded in 1661. The five standard positions of Ballet, as we know them, were established at this time during the 17th century.

Since then, ballet has played an important role not only for entertainment, but for study and discipline. Its popularity spread quickly and the public’s adoration of it adapts with the spirit of the times. Eventually, ballet moved outside the King’s Court and into public theaters making it more available to the audiences everywhere.

Ballet was one of the firstmost art forms that transitioned to a female dominance. Ballerinas were (and still are) idolized by students, supporters, and spectators. By the 19th century, companies of ballerinas traveled Europe and so came the re-creation of some of the most popular ballet performances ever choreographed, Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Professional ballerinas were somewhat seen as celebrities, household names even; many rubbing elbows with famous diplomats and artists like Picasso and Matisse.

Ballet has continued to evolve over the last century, focusing at times less on narrative and more on emotion and athleticism. As it transforms and expands, so do its ballerinas. It will be interesting to see where Ballet takes us in the 21st century and what it means for young ballerinas, even our children that gather each week, right here at Infinity Dance Center in Godley, Texas with Stephanie Fairbanks as their coach and mentor.

Stephanie started dancing when she was three years old. She was the first to take dance classes in the family and she loved it from the beginning. She began with ballet and tap and by high school she was the Captain of the dance team at Midlothian High School. As a child, she had a lot of fun in dance class. As she got older, dance began to serve as a healthy stress relief for Stephanie. In addition to the dance team, she was a student of DanceWorks in Waxahachie. During college, Stephanie joined the Dance Arts Society at Texas A&M. There, she and a team of dancers took classes together, choreographed together and performed Fall and Spring shows for their peers.

She explains, “...Ballet is training for your body and your mind.” Through training, you gain self confidence and discipline. She adds, “Even my little ones (in class), the ones that barely talk or look up, by the end of the year, they’re holding their head high, they’re making eye contact, and they’re making friends. To me that’s the most important part of dance, to build those life skills and to build confidence.” Stephanie wants to build a community of dancers, who are able to give back to Godley, through performances or service projects. “The goal is to educate a dancer and they come out as a developed leader with a solid understanding of teamwork, they see the fruits of hard work, and my hope is that they are kind and they are confident.”

Let’s talk about confidence. It’s no secret that as teenagers get older, they begin to worry more about body image. And the idea of “perfection,” becomes a point of contention. This is also true, historically, for professional dancers and for ballerinas. As Ballet and dance practices continue to adapt, there has been a major mind shift in the world of dance, that is toward progress. Stephanie says, “...you’re looking for progress, not perfection. You’ll always find something to critique, to improve, instead aim for the best version of yourself.”

Instructors all over the country advocate for healthy eating practices and body image. Stephanie explains,

“If you’re performing a piece and telling a story, it doesn’t really matter how high your leg is in an extension.”

Each year, Stephanie attends the TATD (Texas Association Teachers of Dancing) “recognized as one of the nation’s leading dance teacher organizations.” This organization offers new methods in teaching. At the top is how to balance classical training with poise. This is relevant and Stephanie adds, “they’re working hard to pour out dancers that have a healthy body image.”

Ballet and dance continue to take new forms as trends change and society moves forward. For example, dancers of color have made the scene and young choreographers are always pushing the limits, even the definition of this time honored art form. Stephanie talked about a newly recognized dance style. It’s called “hiplet” and combines the classical positions of ballet to the sounds of hip hop. Hiplet started in Chicago with Artistic Director Homer

Bryant and evolved from rap ballet in the 1990s. It gained popularity on the world stage with 1000s of views on Instagram. Definitely check it out if you get a chance, it’s pretty amazing.

The future of dance and ballet is bright and interesting. It poses a place for self expression, and maybe more importantly, self affirmation. It encourages healthy self esteem and confidence. Successful people are often admired for these types of qualities. How exciting that there’s a place for dance classes in our small town with Stephanie Fairbanks at center stage.

Resources:

Stephanie offered some valuable resources for those that are interested in learning more. These include Winners All Dancewear in Fort Worth, a store for dancers’ clothing, shoes and gear. There’s also The Dance Shop of Fort Worth with barres and mirrors to try out your gear before buying.

For professional companies, there’s The Texas Ballet Theater Fort Worth, an internationally recognized organization for choreographers and pre-professional dancers that present world-class ballet. It is the resident company for Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth and the Winspear Opera House on the AT&T Performing Arts Center Campus in Dallas.

To stay up to date on all things dance, check out Dance Spirit Magazine. This national publication is available online and in print and is a platform where teachers, choreographers, and dancers collaborate and inspire one another.

Last she suggested the Dance Anatomy & Nutrition Workshop Presented by Erin Horne (thehealthydancerworkshop.com and @danceanatomynutritionworkshop on Instagram). This group educates dancers on the care and use of their bodies.

Infinity Dance Center Godley, Texas

Combo Classes: Intro to Ballet + Tap

Creative Movement: Ages 2-4

Ballet: Technique, Poise, Strength, + Flexibility

Pointe: Additional, Advanced Ballet

Tap: Broadway to Rhythmic Tap

Jazz +

Contemporary: Stylized + Technical

Hip Hop: High Energy infinitydancecenter.net

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