Chelsea Clinton and ballet Options

[scoop]

Not to distract from the very important main topic here, but what is Clinton's familial tie to ballet??

[BalletNut]

I believe Chelsea Clinton was or is a ballet dancer, or at least studied the art form.

[Alexandra]

Yes. Chelsea Clinton studied at the Washington School of Ballet until she graduated from high school. She often attended performances; her father would attend her recitals.

[coffee]

I am not sure if you are really 'alowed' to say, but just out of curiousity, was she any good? or maybe if you can say if she had 'career potential' that would be more acceptable...

[Alexandra]

I think in this era, no, because she didn't have the standard body, and I don't think she was a medal candidate. I only saw her in roles like the (tomboy) "Favorite Aunt" in Nutcracker, or a lyrical pas de deux, and she could hold the stage. What was interesting is to see how her posture and carriage changed year after year. By her senior year, she looked like a ballet dancer.

[Farrell Fan]

Anyone have recollections of dancer Ron Reagan?

[Mel Johnson]

Sure, he was good-looking, partnered pretty well, had good mime skills, but there were curious gaps in his movement vocabulary from having started late.

[Alexandra]

His father came to his performances, too (IMG:http://ballettalk.invisionzone.com/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Lovely to see all the Secret Service men lining the sides of Lisner Auditorium, looking everywhere except at the stage.

[Mel Johnson]

Further, young Mr. Reagan had an engaging stage personality, which he used to greater advantage and to a wider audience on his TV show. He made a pleasant and comfortable conversation, and bright, too. This was sort of his downfall in talk TV, sort of a lesser Dick Cavett, "Sam, you made the talk too smart." His problem came in steps that "everybody else" can do. Not the pirouettes and jetés, but the gallumphing demi-character stuff like the "tombé-coupé-coupé" hornpipe sort of thing as in "Pineapple Poll".

[pmeja]

i had some classes at the Stanley Holden school in los angeles in 1980, and there was at one point during the elections a sign on the board to the effect of 'students of the school are requested not to speak to members of the press regarding the reagan family'.

[Mel Johnson]

Well, that was a while ago, so I think we're safe. (IMG:http://ballettalk.invisionzone.com/style_emoticons/default/wink1.gif)

[Victoria Leigh]

Chelsea was an excellent student. Her progress in the years at WSB was in direct relationship to her intelligence, focus, and commitment. She made major changes in her physical appearance, and I think the training contributed greatly to her overall grace and aplomb as she matured into a very elegant young woman. She achieved the Release Time program and danced in Waltz of the Flowers in the WB's Nutcracker, in addition to her role as the Favorite Aunt. While she knew she did not have the physical facility for a classical dancer, she worked at it with the same determination and intensity as those who did, and her progress was quite amazing. In addition, she was always a total delight to work with and to know. She was extremely popular with her peers as well as with the faculty, and it was because of who she is as a person, and not because she was the President's daughter. I had enormous respect for her, and feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to teach her and to know her. (IMG:http://ballettalk.invisionzone.com/style_emoticons/default/flowers.gif)

[Treefrog]

What a lovely description, Victoria! Can we find a way to sneak it over to the dancers' board? I would so love for the dancers and their parents to read your high opinion of someone who knew she wasn't destined for a pro career, but still trained at (and to) the highest level she could.

[scoop]

I'm SO glad to know this! I've always admired how she handled the kind of life she was dealt as a president's daughter, and it warms my heart that her ballet education contributed to her development as a graceful -- in every way -- young woman. You should be very proud of the role you played in her life, Ms. Leigh!

[Alexandra]

That was beautiful, Victoria! Thank you. I'd like to highlight this for the Moms and Dads board:

She made major changes in her physical appearance, and I think the training contributed greatly to her overall grace and aplomb as she matured into a very elegant young woman.

She could have been a walking advertisement for The Good Effects of Ballet Training. I think it helped her confidence as well.