The Dynamic Duo!

Cutting Edge Dance Center is a force to be reckoned with in our competitive dance scene. After interviewing these two, I now see why. The studio has set an expectation and their dancers and staff, rise to it and exceed it. The love for dance that co-owner Patrice Barakat and instructor Mark Meismer have for dance is immense and it trickles down to their students. You can see it in their social media posts and most importantly, their dancing. Read on to see what inspires these two, how they work together and some of their favorite moments!

DanceTchrProbs: Go ahead and introduce yourself and give us a brief history of your dance experience and studio history.
Patrice Barakat: Hi, I’m Patrice Barakat. I co-own Cutting Edge Dance Center in CA with my sister, Suzanne. This is our 6th year in Business. I grew up training with the industries top teachers & choreographers in the competition world. For the past 18 years, I have had the privilege to travel nationwide as guest choreographer for numerous studios/events.
Mark Meismer: Hi 🙂 my name is Mark Meismer I have been in the entertainment industry working as a professional dancer and choreographer for the past 18 years. I have had a blessed career in TV, film and concert dance. I currently teach on the dance convention NUVO and choreograph and work for Cutting Edge Dance center.

DTP: How did you two meet? What is your relationship in regards to the studio?
MM: When we were little. We used to compete against each other…
PB: We went to the Orange County High School of the Arts together and were kind of always the “go to” dance duo.
MM: After HS we went on our individual career paths, but when Patrice opened Cutting Edge, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Each year, I get more and more involved and I would definitely say we are creative partners.
PB: Yes, we make a lot of the decisions together.

DTP: I know you two are close. How do you maintain a strong work and personal relationship?

MM: We don’t really know. We genuinely laugh a large majority of the time we are together.

PB: We have such a history and so much respect for one another that our trust level is immeasurable.

MM: We always get the job done, we know what the other is going to say before we even say it.

PB: So, somehow, that works for us. Our friendship and working relationship is one in the same.

DTP: Patrice, as an owner, what have you found to be the most effective way to stay in communication with your staff? And with your dancers and families?

PB: Definitely email and social media.

DTP: Now to learn more about the studio. What sets Cutting Edge Dance Center apart from the rest?

PB: I don’t know that it’s apart from the rest, so to speak, but the quality I am definitely most proud of is our bond. The love. The laughter.The hard work. But we laugh our way through the most intense of rehearsals, and the kids are sweating and “dying” but living and laughing as one cohesive unit. Our motto is, “We BELIEVE in One Love” and we really stand by that. In-house competitiveness is NOT tolerated and it’s really made such a difference. It’s a beautiful, supportive energy and I’m so proud of it. We also stress the importance of versatility to our dancers. They train in all styles and it’s just so fun to watch them be stunning in a lyrical, then ghetto in hip hop and then not taking themselves too seriously, they go out and kill a cheesy musical theatre. It’s so much more fun that way.

MM: I was going to say the same thing. You have to find the right fit for you, but our motto really works for us and the kids truly dance for the person next to them. We strive to continue to push the kids to grow and grow and grow. Each year they HAVE to be better. It’s amazing to be a part of.

DTP: I think that is a beautiful thing. When you set a standard, people rise to it or don’t. Mark, you hit the nail on the head with having to find the right fit. How many hours do your competitive dancers spend in class a week, on average? How many of those are ballet?
PB: We have dancers that drive from as far as Redlands, Redondo Beach, Wrightwood and Newport – all an hour one way in different directions. So we try to accommodate the schedule to get as much in as possible. They’re required two, hour and a half ballet classes per week, many take 3. And they are required to take a technique class in every style that they compete in, with additional optional classes such as progressions, stretch/conditioning etc.

DTP: That is a great schedule. Ballet is where it’s all coming from, so I applaud your dancers tenacity with taking as much as they can. What have been some defining moments for you as teachers and as a studio owner?
MM: A defining moment for me was Star Showcase at KAR Nationals in Las Vegas 2012. We won Intermediate Grand Champions with “Gentle Savior” and Elite with “Fix You.” I honestly didn’t think we’d win both. The kids truly were dancing for their lives and for every ingredient to come together TWICE, it was magical and a moment we’ll never forget.

PB: A moment I will always remember is, in our 3rd year of existence, we qualified with two dances for the FDC’s World’s Championship. Our Hip Hop, “Who We Are,” choreographed by Marissa Osato, placed 4th, and Mark’s senior small group “Heaven,” placed 2nd. But the best part was the buzz there. Dancers from all over the country in the holding area stopped what they were doing and applauded our dancers as they walked off stage. Our dancers were dumbfounded by the support and that in itself felt like we won. It’s not always the trophy that matters. It’s the experience. The way it feels in your soul. The memories the dancers create together – it’s priceless.

DTP: Do you have a preference of competition or convention? Pros and cons of either or both?

MM: Being that I teach on NUVO, I understand the importance of conventions. It’s about pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and seeing/experiencing other dancers to grow from. Convention is such a great venue to be inspired by. I feel like dancers work harder at convention than their own studios. I like to do competition and convention, they’re both important. Convention is about the education and classes while competition is an amazing performance opportunity and to see beautiful pieces from surrounding studios as well.

PB: We have studio staff on two major conventions. As mentioned, Mark is on NUVO and Marissa Osato, our contemporary and hip hop teacher, is on West Coast Dance Explosion. So we definitely stress the importance of attending to our dancers. There is so much knowledge to be gained and we love the kids to be exposed to so much incredible talent in the world. We love competitions as well. We do six regionals per season. We value the benefit of being on stage numerous times with the same pieces. We stress that if there is growth, they’ve done what we’ve asked of them.

DTP: All very valid points. When choreographing, what inspires you? Do you guys work together often?

MM: First and foremost for me is music.

PB: I agree, 100%.

MM: Every year, we do more and more together. We work quickly and finish each other’s movements, like we finish each other’s sentences.

PB: We choreograph about 10 pieces at Cutting Edge together, aside from our individual pieces. We are taking our “act” on the road this year. Mark and I will be choreographing the University of Tennessee’s Jazz Nationals Dance together. We’re SO pumped.

DTP: A real life Roxie and Velma! Minus the crime ha! Any favorite dances or moments as a team in the studio?

MM: “Heaven” for me. It was a piece I created for my dad, as he passed away from cancer days before I choreographed it. It was something I will always treasure and hold dear to my heart. “Fix You” as well. That was for my mom, battling cancer at the time, and she beat it. Those were powerful for me, but I truly love so many.

PB: “Thataway” was a Musical Theatre piece I created in 2009 – our first competitive year. It won our very first National Grand Championship that year. A huge accomplishment for year one. I just loved how the kids dove in to the characters. This year, I’d have to say, “Rhapsody”… Mark and I created it together and it’s just a fun mix of jazz/lyrical/silliness and I love it so much. One of my favorites I’ve ever created is also a Trio called Name of Love. It was one of those where everything just came together and clicked and the 3 girls’ passion, friendship and bond made them take my work to another level. That was a year people knew their names. I wish I could list 33 dances! I love so many!

DTP: What is your favorite part about being a teacher?

PB: The relationships. Watching the growth, week after week, year after year. Being so many of the dancers “rock,” I just love it. I feel so lucky to have been a teacher for so long. This is my 21st year. What?

MM: Making an impact on a child’s life is such an important job and to be able to make a difference in so many kids lives is so rewarding. Most of these kids won’t go on to be professional dancers, but we’re teaching life lessons. I love being a part of shaping and molding the next generation.

DTP: Most definitely. So man life lessons to be learned through dance education. What is your favorite style to choreograph and why?

MM: Lyrical. It’s just so amazing to express the lyrics through your body of movement. It’s the most emotional style and I love bringing that out in dancers.

PB: Musical theatre and lyrical. I love musical theatre cause it’s just so fun to portray different characters. A lot of people do jazz to musical theatre music and that’s not who I am at all. I love authentic, straight off the Broadway stage movement. [And] Lyrical because it’s just so beautiful. The feelings and emotions you can express through your body is everything.

DTP: What have been some of your favorite gigs?

PB: For the last 8 years I’ve been the jazz choreographer for the University of Tennessee, including 3 National Championships. The journey with that school is amazing.

MM: Being the assistant choreographer to Mia Michaels on the Celine Dion show “A New Day” in Las Vegas was definitely one of my favorites.

DTP: How do you stay current and educated as a teacher?

MM: Teaching with the amazing NUVO faculty and seeing amazing dancers across the country each weekend def inspires me.

PB: I travel across the country as a head judge for Kids Artistic Revue and seeing what people are doing and taking our dancers to conventions along with the desire to always bring new life to our dances keeps me inspired.

DTP: If you could work with anyone, dead of alive, who would it be?
PB: Marilyn Monroe. There is an energy she possessed that is so vibrant and inviting. I think it would have been amazing to create on her.
MM: I’ve been so blessed to work with so many amazing and wonderful people as a dancer and choreographer, I can’t think of anyone off the top of my head!

DTP: If you could leave every student who took your class with one piece of advice, what would you leave them with?
PB: I would leave them with the importance of believing in themselves. Our world is tough and we have to be on our own side. I’ve looked at dancers that fall out of something so many times and said, “You weren’t believing in it. Do it again and believe…because you can.” And almost every time, without exaggeration, it’s significantly better. So as Tinkerbell as it sounds, I truly feel like if I died today, I will have made a difference, because of the huge amount of dancers who have thanked me for teaching them the power of believing.
MM: My advice would be always leave with your heart and dance from a real and honest place. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You give and put in a 100%, and you get 100% out of class. If you put in 5%, you get 5%. Dance like it’s the last time you will ever dance again. We don’t know what tomorrow holds so be present and live in the moment. Cherish each moment you get to dance and walk out of the door proud of yourself for the work you put in. Being a dancer is an incredible gift!

DTP: Thank you again to the both of you for your love and passion that you share and spread through our community! I applaud you and look up to you both!

Be sure to follow Mark on his Twitter and Instagram and Patrice on her Twitter and Instagram! Also, check out the Cutting Edge Dance Center website for more information on the studio And Mark’s website for more information on him!

10 Tips for a Successful Convention Audition

We are all familiar with it. The important, and often times dreaded, convention scholarship audition process. While convention scholarships are great to receive because your parents can some a buck or two at a later date, they are not everything.

I think the entire process of scholarship auditions is a great learning tool for those dancers who would eventually like to pursue dance as a career. Just remember that even though you are coming with your A game, so is everyone else, and that sometimes your A game isn’t what they were looking for. Don’t let that defeat you. If you, or your teachers, feel good about your audition process and how you looked in said dances, take that as a win as well. Teachers can play a pivotal role in the overall feel of auditioning in convention rooms. I often tell my dancers to go in with no expectations and no limitations. Sadly, there are teachers out there that set such a high pressure on their kids that the studio must come home with X amount of scholarships. Bottom line, just remember you are out there for exposure and experience, not to prove that you are better than someone.

Just like anything, auditioning is a skill. There is a way to improve if you take the proper steps. After years and years of both convention and professional auditions, and many auditions not booked, I have come up with things that have made myself and my dancers successful. There are also points that I have noticed from those kids that are continuously winning scholarships. Our peers can be great teaching tools to us as well, so don’t be afraid to learn by observing in class.

1. SMILE. The last thing the convention class teachers and judging panel want to see is a bunch of kids that don’t like like they are enjoying what they are doing. So practice performing with some sort of emotion on your face. It doesn’t have to be a big ol’ Broadway smile, but there has to be some resemblance of love and passion for what you are doing. Even if you don’t like the combination you are required to perform, you must make it look like you do. My ballet teacher growing up always used to tell us, “a great dancer isn’t great if they aren’t a great actor.” Obviously, within reason – make sure it is or appears to be genuine.

2. Pay attention. Asking questions in a class of 250 kids can be intimidating, but don’t let that interfere with your success. Make sure you are paying attention and asking the right questions! You can sometimes ask someone next to you for a quick clarification, but don’t let that become a habit. Don’t only pay attention to the teacher, but also to their assistants. A lot of the time, these assistants have been doing this same combination all season and they know exactly what the choreographer is looking for. Watch them. Look at their body posturing and gestures. A TON can be learned just by watching, so take the time to just watch. When you do, don’t watch to talk about how good they are, watch them to take something from them that will benefit you.

3. Go in more than one group. Just like anything else, practice makes progress. Some days, our body needs more than marking it on the side, trying to avoid the 25 other people doing the same thing we are right next to us. Don’t be afraid to jump in more than one group. If it is not the group you belong in, go to the back of the group. This is your extra practice time – that way, when it comes to your actual group, you can feel more confident and you can get in the front and utilize your time to shine.

4. Take chances. Don’t be scared of yourself. If you have skills that you aren’t showcasing, figure out a way to do so. Now…that doesn’t mean change the combination completely and just do 16 fouettés to a triple pirouette and a jazz split because that’s what you do well. It means, play with the dynamic of the choreography. Find what you sections you can play to your strengths and the moments where you can stand out and catch eyes. Again – watch those around you. If three other people are throwing those dang tilt drop things or aerials, chances are…you shouldn’t. Even if you don’t feel 100% with the choreography, still go for it. I would rather someone be wrong and strong then right and boring.

5. Don’t be afraid to get to the front of your group. It can be intimidating. I know. But, if you don’t push yourself, no one will do it for you. You might be going 100% full out and living your life in the back of the room, but unless you don’t get yourself to the front or at least middle of the group, you may not get noticed. Not that the judges are only watching the front few people, but I know for me, I would translate you staying hidden that you don’t completely believe in your talent and what you are giving. Take your place at the front of the group and don’t let anyone move you. This is also a big lesson for the rest of your life. It’s a hustle, especially if you want to be a teacher or choreographer. Nothing is ever handed to you and unless you can look at yourself as a product and are able to market yourself as such, you will get stuck. Fight for what you want.

6. Be aware. Watch the judges. See who or what they are paying attention and looking for. If in class, they specify that you need to hit fourth position on count 4, MAKE SURE YOU DO IT. That is a one way ticket to get noticed. If it is being drilled, that means they aren’t seeing it. The best dancer in the room could be next to you, but if you hit fourth on 4 and they don’t, I bet you’ll get a callback. Attention to detail is necessary.

7. Be supportive of others. Believe it or not, you might be dancing with these people for a really long time. Maybe not directly, but the dance community is small and tightly knit and I can almost guarantee that you will run in to them in the future. Be supportive. Tell someone that they did a great job. If someone tells you good job, say thank you. Be genuine. You may not know each other or work in together now, but you never know what could happen in the future. Start making networks now to benefit your future.

8. Be thankful. When you get that call back, but don’t get the scholarship, go thank the people running the audition. Take that chance to introduce yourself. Chances are, they will ask you where you dance and will keep an eye out for you next time. Again, it’s all about establishing a network.

9. Life goes on. I know that getting on that stage for the awards ceremony is a big deal. I really get it. I’ve been there. I also know that we work our butts off and want the best and what we are worth. But, we also have to know that we aren’t right for every scholarship, and eventually every job, that we audition for. Life will go on. I promise. When I didn’t get something I wanted, my parents would always ask me what I learned from the experience. Take a second to ask yourself that. Notice what you did well as well as what you can improve on. Ask your teachers and LISTEN to everything they say – not just the critiques.

10. Have fun! Dance is fun. We started because we had dreams of becoming this prima ballerina, a male soloist in some company, or because we wanted to be on SYTYCD or dance for Beyoncé. (That second one is still my goal.) If we lose that personal drive, then it becomes a job and very one-noted. Remind yourself why you dance and why you love it so much. Remember that you are surrounded with your dance family, both immediate and extended, and realize that sharing these learning moments are to be cherished. You may hate that one convention weekend now, but when you go back to think about it later in life. You will remember more of the friends and memories you made. These weekends are exhausting in the now, but teach us so much for the later.

From time to time, I will treat a class at the studio as an audition. I will let them know what they are auditioning for, what I am looking for and we will have at it. Teachers – I would implore you to use that tool as well. It can work wonders as a tool and sometimes, these dancers we see all the time, will shock you. If they are able to feel comfortable auditioning in their own familiar space, it will translate in to the other arenas for auditions as well.

Dancers – realize your worth. Keep working for what you want. Don’t give up. Don’t get defeated!

XO,
#DanceTchrProbs

Mad About Christina!

You all know her. Some of you may even envy her. You fawn at her every move. If you don’t, you may now. Christina Ricucci is a young and extremely talented dancer.

DanceTchrProbs: Tell us a little about yourself. Age, Studio, When you started dancing, and anything else you would like to include!

Christina Ricucci: I started dancing when I was 2, my mom put me in combo class and I wouldn’t pay attention at all! I just sat on the floor in front of the mirror and made funny faces haha! I guess I never stopped dance class since then! I am now 15, I dance at Murrieta Dance Project and Dimitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy and I’m just as busy as ever! But I love it!

DTP: What made you want to start dancing?

CR: When I first started dancing I was 2, and my mom signed me up so I kind of just went along with the ride. It wasn’t until I was 9 and I moved to my current studio MDP, that I realized that this is really what I wanted to do.

DTP: How many of hours do you spend in classes? How many of those hours are dedicated to ballet training?

CR: I train 35 hours a week in ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, tap and hip hop. I have about 5 private lessons a week and I take about 18 hours a week of ballet/pointe. Ballet is very important to me because it really strengthens my dancing and technique and if I miss a couple ballet classes here and there, I definitely notice a huge difference in my dancing! Usually before a competition, I will try to squeeze in a few extra ballet classes in to my schedule because it really helps that much!!

DTP: I am very pleased to hear that! Maybe that will shape the image some students have of ballet. What is your favorite thing about dance?

CR: My favorite thing about dance would be how I feel when I dance. It’s kind of an indescribable feeling, but it makes me almost forget about other things going on in my life and let’s me be free. It puts me in a state of openness and it makes me feel passionate and grateful that I am able to do what I do.

DTP: That’s beautiful. Nothing is more rewarding than being able to surrender to music and movement. What’s been your greatest dance accomplishment to date?

CR: My greatest dance accomplishment would have to be winning Teen Best Dancer 2013 at The Dance Awards last summer. It was something I had trained for all year,  When I won, I was so overwhelmed, thankful and honored. I felt such a sense of accomplishment because it was my dream to be able to tour with JUMP and NUVO, learning from and working with those amazing choreographers and it came true! I still can’t believe it!

DTP: If you could share one bit of information to dancers, what would it be?

CR: A piece of advice for dancers would definitely be GO TO BALLET CLASS!! It seriously is SO important for your training and I can’t stress it enough! It may not be fun sometimes and it’s hard work, but it is the foundation of every dance style and there such beauty and strength in ballet.

DTP: Tell us about your first solo.

CR: Hahahah my first solo! Wow. Okay, I was 4 years old, and I did a singing/tap solo to ‘Hey, Look Me Over’ ! I was wearing a black and pink dress and a pink and black striped hat.  I remember that I didn’t really know what I was doing and I was just having fun with it! That’s all that really matters!

DTP: Tell us about your favorite solo?

CR: My favorite solo I’ve ever done, would have to be my solo last year, “Remember” choreographed by Travis Wall. It meant so much to me. I remember when Travis was telling me what he wanted to do for my solo that year. He said he wanted to push my performance and really get an emotion out of me that would add to my dancing. It took me so long to figure it out, but one day I had a break-through and my teacher and I were bawling haha! It was just a solo that pushed me so much and made me a better dancer.

DTP: Who is your favorite choreographer or teacher to work with to date?

CR: I have been so lucky to have worked with amazing choreographers like Travis Wall, Stacey Tookey, Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance, Jason Parsons, Lauren Adams and Jessie Hartley-Riley.  But, my favorite would definitely be Travis Wall. He is seriously my idol haha! I freak out a little whenever I see him! My friends make fun of me haha! He is just so talented and he always pushes me so much. I’ve been lucky enough to assist him this year at NUVO and it is the best feeling ever being onstage with someone you look up to so much! I really hope to be in his company, Shaping Sound, one day.

DTP: You now travel a lot as The Dance Awards Teen Best Dancers. What has that taught you? Have you noticed a difference in the dancers in different parts of the country?

CR: Traveling the country as Teen Best Dancer with JUMP and NUVO had been the greatest dance experience of my life!!! You build a super close relationship with all of the teachers and they really care about you and your career as a dancer and they want you to be the best you can be. It’s amazing! The tour experience has taught me so much – how to pick up choreography really fast and demonstrate it, knowing what each individual teacher is looking for, and of course being a more versatile dancer! I am really working on my hip hop this year! It’s funny because I actually notice a huge difference of the dancers in the different parts of the country I go to! They all have a really distinct style and I enjoy watching all the different ways the dancers approach the choreography. It’s an experience like no other.

DTP: If you could work with any instructor or choreographer, who would it be?

I’ve been so fortunate to work with people I admire SO much like Travis wall, Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance, Stacey tookey, Jason Parsons, Mandy Moore and so many more! Someone who I haven’t worked with would be Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson from Complexions, or Crystal Pite who works with Netherlands Dans Theatre, or Andy Pellick.

DTP: What are some of your dance related goals? Some of your non-dance related goals?

CR: My dance goals for the future would be to eventually get into my dream college, The Juilliard Scool! I went to their summer intensive and fell in love. Some companies that I would love to be in someday would be Shaping Sound or Stacey Tookey’s company, Still Motion. Or even some European companies like Netherlands Dans theatre. Some of my non-dance goals would be to work in the acting/singing business. I do both, and they both interest me very much. I definitely want to be involved in the entertainment business no matter what.

DTP: What’s your favorite genre of dance?

CR: My favorite style of dance would be contemporary or ballet for sure. Hard but fun!

DTP: If you would work with any musician, who would it be and why?

CR:If I could work with any musician, it would definitely be Lorde!! She is my favorite!! I’m seriously obsessed with her. I really want to see her in concert one day! But, either Lorde or Beyonce because they are my two faves!

DTP: Quick – six things you can’t live without! GO!

CR: 6 things I can’t live without! Wow! Ok…God, my family, my best friends, my phone, dance, and FOOD haha!

Thank you so much for taking the time to interview with me! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better and I know that my readers and followers will as well!

Be sure to follow Christina on Instagram and Twitter, and stay tuned for more great interviews, tips, and other fun dance stuff!

XO,
#DanceTchrProbs