Jennifer Neuser - Ballet Rincon Tucson, AZ
The second interview in our Studio in the Spotlight Series features Jennifer Neuser, Artistic Director of Ballet Rincon in Tucson, AZ.
The best part of AZ Dance Store is the people we meet. And I have met some amazing people in the dance world. Ballet dancers must be a perfect combination of technique and artistry. This describes Jennifer Neuser to a tee.
We had the opportunity to speak about her and her studio and this is how it went:
Good morning Jennifer. Thank you for speaking with me this morning. Let’s start by telling us about your background.
Like many Tucson residents, my family moved to Tucson by way of the Air Force. I began dancing in Wisconsin and studied ballet through College. I had the opportunity to study with many professionals but mainly with Nikolai Makaroff from the School of American Ballet, Ronn Guidi of the Oakland Ballet, Robert Lingren, North Carolina school of the arts, Markus Algord and Richard Berhoeven. Jennifer graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You may read her full bio at ballet-rincon.com.
What originally inspired you to start dancing?
When I was a child, I was amazed by watching Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire float across the T.V. I wanted to be just like them. After I started in tap class, I was introduced to Ballet and that’s all it took, I was hooked. You may also visit Jennifer’s Blog “En Pointe” to read more.
The University of Arizona is in your back yard and has one of the best dance programs in the US. Have you had students enter their programs?
Yes, they do have a good program and we have sent several students. I have a former student in their program right now. In addition, we have a student at the University of Utah right now. Our students also have the benefit of learning from University of Arizona graduate students working in our studio.
You obviously are very focused on your studio’s goals. What would you say is a focus of you teaching?
Technique is definitely a priority. However we hold the dancers’ sense of well-being in the same esteem. Meaning that they will know themselves and become productive, good citizens and that comes through as a love of dance and they display a personal confidence.
It is impressive that every spring your studio puts on a ballet. Full length classical ballet is a big undertaking.
Yes, we perform two full length ballets each year. We have performed Coppelia, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Paquita as well as the Nutcracker at Christmas. Currently, we have three leveled ensemble groups that participate in our Ballet, Spring Showcase, and our community performances. Auditions are held at the beginning of each year.
Tell me more about your community outreach projects.
We have partnered with the Tucson Museum of Art and have performed in their Art in the Park series. Art in the Park is a free afternoon of performances by Arizona Theatre Company, Tucson Boys Chorus, Vail Youth Orchestra, and of course, dancers from Ballet Rincon and The UA School of Dance and Art in Reid Park in Tucson, AZ along with food trucks and family friendly activities.
Thank you so much for talking with us today.
Jennifer Neuser’s love of dance is definitely contagious. She has a focus and intent that inspires everyone around her.
