Photos: Kolman Rosenberg (2021)
STRENGTH IN CHARACTER Dancers who aspire to perform in the
Character training helps bring stylistic
She was a former principal dancer with
great classical ballets are required to
detail to classical and contemporary
the Eifman Ballet. Her first education
know what is called, Character Dance.
roles and develops the coordination
began at the Odessa State
In multiple act classical ballets,
required to become a versatile dancer.
Choreographic Institute in Ukraine.
there are sections where folk dances
She then went on to graduate with her
from various countries in Europe are
Dr. Carlson met Inna Stabrova when
Masters in Choreography from The
part of the choreography. Character
she immigrated to the United States in
Vaganova State Academy of Ballet in St.
dance is not something you would
the 1990's. Dr. Carlson was then the
Petersburg, Russia. After graduation,
normally associate with Verb Ballets.
Director of the University of Akron's
she received a teaching certification in
Many dancers today have not received
School of Dance and felt Inna was a
Character Dance from Bella Ojegova.
that training or have not studied it to
perfect match to supplement the
an advanced level. Dr. Margaret
students' training. So began a long
Inna Stabrova set two character works
Carlson, Producing Artistic Director of
friendship.
on the company to debut on the Going
Verb Ballets, wanted to bring the
Solo program. The men will dance a
character variations into the repertory
Inna Stabrova has a reputation as a
Spanish Jota and the full company will
to provide a deeper education for our
gifted teacher and was an exceptional
dance a Ukrainian folk dance.
dancers.
dancer as well. verbiculture | February 2021
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