Active / Ballet and Contemporary Dance
UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
Dance Like Everyone ’ s Watching
LEARN HOW TO MOVE LIKE A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SUPERSTAR UNDER THE INSTRUCTION OF SANDRINE MATTEI .
By JESSIE DAX-SETKUS
W hen you witness any Cirque du Soleil show , you are bombarded by over-the-top creativity and impressive displays , with dancers , contortionists , aerial artists and more stepping into the spotlight . Who doesn ’ t want the core strength and athleticism that comes with that kind of training ? Sandrine Mattei appeared in shows like “ The Beatles Love ” and “ Mystère ” during her time as a Cirque du Soleil soloist , and is now revealing her moves during a series of ballet and contemporary dance classes at the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center . Here , Mattei shares a little about the program and how you can learn to perform like a contemporary circus star .
Sandrine Mattei ( left ) performing with Cirque du Soleil
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE : What is your background performing with Cirque du Soleil ? SANDRINE MATTEI : I was hired by Cirque du Soleil for their brand-new production at the time , “ The Beatles Love ,” … at The Mirage hotel and casino in Las Vegas in 2006 as a dancer / soloist . The show was a partnership between Cirque du Soleil and The Beatles . Sir Paul McCartney , Ringo Starr , Yoko Ono , Olivia Harrison [ and ] Sir George Martin were involved in the creative process of the show . I was lucky to have been on stage and perform alongside them as well as [ in various ] TV appearances , [ such as the ] Grammy [ Week ] celebration , MusiCares , [ the ] " America ’ s Got Talent " finale , the James Cameron 3D movie “ Cirque du Soleil : Worlds Away ” and many more . During my time at “ The Beatles Love ,” I became the show dance captain / artist coach and was featured in Dance Spirit magazine for my role . After seven years , I was offered a soloist role as The Black Widow in Cirque du Soleil original — and longest running production — “ Mystère .” This was my opportunity to be a part of a more traditional Cirque du Soleil show . I danced with “ Mystère ” until my retirement in 2017 .
LBM : What is involved in a typical class ? SM : In a typical classical ballet class , students start at the barre with a full progression of exercises that involves warmup , technique work , placement , stretching , core strength , balance [ and ] foot work , then you move on to center work where you will be doing adagio — slower , graceful movement combination ; pirouette turns ; [ and ] allegros — faster pace , livelier movement combination — with both barre and center . You ’ ll be moving through beautiful piano music tailored specifically for the different steps and tempo . Each level has appropriate difficulties . … For the contemporary classes , I run a warmup , including stretching , technique and a combo , which is a full choreography [ routine ] supported by more current music .
LBM : What are the fitness benefits of your class ? SM : The fitness benefits are , while moving gracefully — either at the barre or center — through beautiful music , you develop core strength [ and ] improve posture , flexibility , coordination , focus [ and ] cognitive function , and are able to express yourself artistically and release endorphins . Dance is really good for the soul as well as connecting with our community .
LBM : Is there any experience needed to take your class ? SM : [ There is ] no need to have experience for the beginner classes ; the curriculum is designed to ease our first-timers into the art of classical ballet with gentle , explicit classes . The goal is to make the students fall in love with the art , get the healthy benefits of dance and enjoy themselves to the fullest . I offer classes at all levels , from beginners to intermediate to advanced . Also expect a safe , judgment-free … space that encourages body positivity , lots of positive reinforcement , meeting great people [ and ] connecting with the local art community . I am really passionate … [ about ] creating such a space for all , sharing my love for the art form and making people feel good .
LBM : What should you bring to class ? SM : You should wear a comfortable workout outfit or anything you can move freely in . If you wish , you can wear a leotard with [ a ] skirt or pants … [ plus ] ballet slippers or socks for footwear so you can articulate your feet freely and not slip .
YANN C . ARNAUD
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