Meet Leigh Donlan, our new ballet instructor. Ms. Leigh began her dance education at the age of three. Classically trained in the Russian tradition, she began her professional dance career at the age of twenty. More recently, Ms. Leigh danced with the Alexandria Ballet Company and served as the Director of the Athenaeum School of Ballet, both of northern Virginia. In 2007 she was invited by Septime Webre, Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, to serve as Children's Ballet Mistress. Ms. Leigh has sat on numerous arts councils and other professional organizations, and we believe she will make a fine addition to Sonoma Ballet Conservatory too. We know you'll take a moment to greet warmly and welcome Ms. Leigh into the close-knit community that is SBC.
This autumn you will find Leigh leading our youngest dancers through the three levels Joy of Movement on Saturday mornings and our oldest and wisest dancers through Adult Ballet, offered on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00AM and Sundays from 10:00-11:30AM.
If you have ever been tempted to slip your toes into a pair of ballet slippers, please join us! As with our student classes, our Adult Ballet classes welcome all levels of ability and experience. Not entirely sold? Here's some personal encouragement from Ms. Leigh:
Ballet benefits both the mind and the body. The nature of ballet exercises promotes a stronger memory with attention to detail and a longer attention span in general. Endorphins released into both the brain and body allow for the release of tension and stress. Physically, ballet improves the body's alignment and flexibility, which improves the body's overall circulation and health. Ballet develops better balance and core stability by strengthening all the major muscles, especially the back and lower abdominal muscles. Whatever the depth of one's interest in ballet, he or she is sure to reap many benefits!
So, step onto the floor with us this autumn to strengthen your body while enlivening your mind...and say hello to Ms. Leigh. You could even bring flowers.
