Ms. Salwa

When we made the move to California there were a number of factors that influenced the decision- Southland Ballet Academy was strongly recommended by my mentor and friend, Fabrice Calmels and it put us much closer to family, who were needing support with health issues. 

We've found it a huge blessing to be closer to family, and we have definitely seen first hand why SBA came so highly recommended. I have come to greatly appreciate and respect my Artistic Director, teacher and mentor, Ms. Salwa. 

Unlike many before her, Ms. Salwa has taken the time to understand who I am, what I want and what I need. Dancing takes a huge toll on my body and Ms. Salwa understands that there is a time to prepare, to push yourself during shows and rehearsals but she also notices her dancers needs while they're training. Ms. Salwa takes time to teach us how to care for body and get the rest necessary to continue to strengthen and build longevity for our careers instead of encountering major medical issues and cutting off our dreams before we've really even began to live them.

Ms. Salwa has been an inspiring and crucial part of my training and I am a better dancer because of her. 

Plié

Almost every ballet step starts and ends with a plié; a bending of the knees while the feet are planted on the ground.

To every person who is pursuing a dream, we collectively know that the journey is as important as the goal itself. Often, the journey is filled with challenges and triumphs we could never have seen coming. I have been pursuing the art of ballet from the time I was 5 years old. I love each studio, each performance, each time my feet have had the chance to dance. I’m chasing my dream, I’ve found over and over again the undeniable importance of plié, in the studio and in my heart.

In ballet, plié is subtle, you’ll hardly notice this grounding step between other movements. However, in life, plié has become obvious, but equally as important. It’s the art of finding your flexibility and willingness to make changes, a bending of the knees, while you remain firm in the pursuit of your dream. For me, plié has meant a lot of movement as I passionately seek the teaching and technique of the best instructors in the country to grow in my skills and grace as a dancer. Are moves easy? Absolutely not. You leave your routines, your comforts, your friends and you start over on those things each time- but my feet remain planted in my passion and from that, I won’t be moved.

-S