Ballet4Lifer of the Month- April

Spring Beauty 

We welcome Jacira "Jas" Pereira this month to share her thoughts on dance and dancing. Jacira performed the Character Dances created by Alina Luts  plus Ballet selections created by Mark Kelly and Beatrice Ghezzi with Ballet4life, before the COVID pandemic. She impressed us all with her quickly learned skills, confidence on stage, team work, and warmth.

Coming into Ballet and Dance training as an adult she has shown that it is not only possible to do this, but that this learning new skills and the joy of dancing brings so much to one's life.  We hope she will join us again at our next Showcase.

Jas centre of the photo- performing with Ballet4Life at the Belmont Primary School, Chiswick, 2019

Jas on the left at our last Dance Showcase July 2019 at Watermans Theatre 

When did you start dancing?

I started in Brasil when I was about 20.

 

At our performance at the Bedford Park Festival 2019 with Alina Luts, and the Character Dance performers

What makes dancing so special to you?

Since I was very young, I had the idea to become a Gymnastics teacher. At the age of 16 I became an acrobat in the circus. During which time I became acquainted with people in the entertainment world, some of whom were dancers. This in particular was a very important influence in my life, and along with my earlier experiences, evolved into making dancing so special to me.

 

Dress rehearsal -Dancing with Le in Mark Kelly's piece for the July 2019 Showcase

When did you start with Ballet4Life?

Approximately in 2018.

 

Jas- far right in photo- working hard in Beatrice's Ballet class, August 2018 

What makes B4l so special for you?

I enjoy the Ballet classes and have a great respect for the abilities of the teachers.

 

With Master Teacher Brian Bertscher during his Friday class on our previous extensive M-F daytime dance programme

Do you get to see dance performances regularly? If yes, any favourite companies, dancers, performances you have seen recently?

No, but I do enjoy watching various types of dancing, such as Riverdance and Flamenco.

What do your ballet classes do for you?

Develop my Ballet skills and keep me in touch with dancing.

Jas with her Ballet Buddies at Beatrice's previous Thursday Ballet4Life class.

Do you have a favourite Ballet4Life class?

I enjoy all the Classical Ballet classes.

Is there any dance style you wish to study but we do not offer presently?

Yes, Flamenco dance.

What do/did you do for your “day job?” and/or what were you educated/trained to do as a profession?

Early Years Teacher was my day job and was what I studied at University.

 

Do you have any tips for someone wishing to start dance training as an adult?

Just to enjoy themselves without worrying how they are dancing.

 

Enjoying a well deserved rapturous Curtain Call July 2019

Do you have a favourite part of class/ ballet step you love?

Yes, when we are being taught choreography.

 

How has Covid-19 changed the way you have dance in your life?

It stopped me progressing in my dancing for almost 2 years, which was very annoying.

 

Anything else you would like to add, please feel free to do so.

No, not at the moment.

 

Thank you, Jas! Here's to many more years of dancing with Ballet4Life.

All images are copyright of Ballet4Life and may not be reproduced without prior request.