Ballet's Greatest Hits, featuring Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack

To contact us Click HERE
Ballet's Greatest Hits! will feature prominent dancers from the world’s most well known companies.

Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this unique production is one you don’t want to miss!
Ballet's Greatest Hits!Jan. 5, 2013at the Straz Center, Tampa
Today’s featured performers of the upcoming show are Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.

Photo from alvinailey.org

Antonio Douthit, of S. Louis, Mo., began his dance training at age 16 at the Center of Contemporary Arts under the direction of Lee Nolting, and at the Alexandra School of Ballet. He also trained at North Carolina School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem School.He became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1999 and appeared in featured roles in the ballets South African Suite, Dougla, Concerto in F, Return and Dwight Rhoden’s Twist. He was promoted to soloist in 2003. He also performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal.He joined the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in 2004.
Alicia Graf Mack trained at the Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland under Donna Pidel, and attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.She was a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 2005 to 2008.In addition to several galas and festivals, she has been a guest performer with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and with André 3000 and Beyoncé at Radio City Music Hall. She is the recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence and Smithsonian Magazine’s Young Innovator Award.Mack graduated magna cum laude with honors in history from Columbia University and received an M.A. in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis.Most recently, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Webster University in St. Louis.She rejoined Alvin Ailey in 2011.

Theater instructor helps students find their 'inner actor'

To contact us Click HERE

Actor, writer and director Kerry Glamsch returns to the Patel Conservatory this spring to teach the Adult Acting 1 class, which starts in January.
Currently a theater teacher at the University of Tampa, Glamsch recently directed UT's fall production of Picnic. He also directed Radiant Child at FreeFall Theatre earlier this month.
When Glamsch isn’t teaching, acting or directing, he’s writing.
“I don’t see writing much different than theater: it’s all story telling,” Glamsch said. “There are stories that percolate inside that I feel like I need to get out.”
His play The Fur Bearer had a staged reading at American Stage last month.
“The play is about a teenage boy who blames his mother for his brother’s death,” said Glamsch.
Through the character’s journey, Glamsch says the play is about learning “to focus on the present, and let go of anger and resentment.”
The reading of The Fur Bearer was part of American Stage’s “Hot Off the Press” play reading series.
In addition, Glamsch’s horror screenplay, The Judas Goat, was recently optioned by Cherub Films, in Denver, which gives the company the rights to produce it for one year.
Glamsch has an admirable commitment to the craft of writing.
“When I’m in full writer mode, I try to carve out three or four hours every morning to write,” he said.
Some days the words flow easily, while other times he has to push past that dreaded writers’ block.
“It does take that discipline to actually see it through. You really have to force yourself."
While it takes discipline to finish a story, Glamsch believes we all have the necessary creativity for storytelling.
“We all have a vehicle inside of us to tell stories, an inner actor. Teaching an acting class is waking up that inner actor,” he said.
Congratulations to Glamsch for his writing successes! We’re glad to have him back at the Conservatory, sharing his passions with our adult acting students.
“I am excited to be back. I love the diversity of the classes and the commitment from the students,” said Glamsch.

Ballet's Greatest Hits, featuring Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack

To contact us Click HERE
Ballet's Greatest Hits! will feature prominent dancers from the world’s most well known companies.

Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this unique production is one you don’t want to miss!
Ballet's Greatest Hits!Jan. 5, 2013at the Straz Center, Tampa
Today’s featured performers of the upcoming show are Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.

Photo from alvinailey.org

Antonio Douthit, of S. Louis, Mo., began his dance training at age 16 at the Center of Contemporary Arts under the direction of Lee Nolting, and at the Alexandra School of Ballet. He also trained at North Carolina School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem School.He became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1999 and appeared in featured roles in the ballets South African Suite, Dougla, Concerto in F, Return and Dwight Rhoden’s Twist. He was promoted to soloist in 2003. He also performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal.He joined the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in 2004.
Alicia Graf Mack trained at the Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland under Donna Pidel, and attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.She was a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 2005 to 2008.In addition to several galas and festivals, she has been a guest performer with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and with André 3000 and Beyoncé at Radio City Music Hall. She is the recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence and Smithsonian Magazine’s Young Innovator Award.Mack graduated magna cum laude with honors in history from Columbia University and received an M.A. in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis.Most recently, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Webster University in St. Louis.She rejoined Alvin Ailey in 2011.

Spring youth orchestra auditions

To contact us Click HERE

The Patel Conservatory in downtown Tampa will host placement auditions for our spring youth orchestra program.
Auditions for
Intermezzo OrchestraandPatel Conservatory Composers' Orchestra
Wed., Jan. 9, 2013, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 10, 2013, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Supplement your private music lessons, and learn to work with professional conductors and play as part of an ensemble.
All auditions will be heard by Stephen P. Brown, Principal Conductor, and Catherine Michelsen, Associate Conductor.

String, wind and percussion students will receive feedback on their performance, and students are placed in the ensemble that best suits their skill level.
Requires a $15 audition fee. For more details about PCYO auditions, please click here.
To schedule your audition appointment, please call 813-222-1002, or email music@strazcenter.org.

Theater instructor helps students find their 'inner actor'

To contact us Click HERE

Actor, writer and director Kerry Glamsch returns to the Patel Conservatory this spring to teach the Adult Acting 1 class, which starts in January.
Currently a theater teacher at the University of Tampa, Glamsch recently directed UT's fall production of Picnic. He also directed Radiant Child at FreeFall Theatre earlier this month.
When Glamsch isn’t teaching, acting or directing, he’s writing.
“I don’t see writing much different than theater: it’s all story telling,” Glamsch said. “There are stories that percolate inside that I feel like I need to get out.”
His play The Fur Bearer had a staged reading at American Stage last month.
“The play is about a teenage boy who blames his mother for his brother’s death,” said Glamsch.
Through the character’s journey, Glamsch says the play is about learning “to focus on the present, and let go of anger and resentment.”
The reading of The Fur Bearer was part of American Stage’s “Hot Off the Press” play reading series.
In addition, Glamsch’s horror screenplay, The Judas Goat, was recently optioned by Cherub Films, in Denver, which gives the company the rights to produce it for one year.
Glamsch has an admirable commitment to the craft of writing.
“When I’m in full writer mode, I try to carve out three or four hours every morning to write,” he said.
Some days the words flow easily, while other times he has to push past that dreaded writers’ block.
“It does take that discipline to actually see it through. You really have to force yourself."
While it takes discipline to finish a story, Glamsch believes we all have the necessary creativity for storytelling.
“We all have a vehicle inside of us to tell stories, an inner actor. Teaching an acting class is waking up that inner actor,” he said.
Congratulations to Glamsch for his writing successes! We’re glad to have him back at the Conservatory, sharing his passions with our adult acting students.
“I am excited to be back. I love the diversity of the classes and the commitment from the students,” said Glamsch.

Students appear at Anniversary Gala

To contact us Click HERE

Patel Conservatory dancers help greet guests at the Straz Center's25th Anniversary Gala. From left: Kiyo Miyazato, Catherine Johnson,Addison Aloian and Madeline Brooker

Thank you to all of our Patel Conservatory students who helped make the Straz Center’s 25th Anniversary Gala last weekend even more magical.
Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet students greeted guests as they arrived, including special guests, our generous benefactors, the Straz family and the Patel family.
PCYB students representing the Conservatory were Kennedy Falyn Cassada, Kiyo Miyazato, Catherine Johnson, Emily Schultz, Addison Aloian, Abbey Ramos, Hanna Bhattachariee, Ella Alvarez, Madeline Brooker.
Prior to the dinner, our talented Patel Conservatory Jazz Quartet entertained guests in the Morsani lobby.
During dinner, Ethan Fuller spoke about how his training at the Conservatory has helped him on his artistic journey. Fuller trains with us as a Next Generation Ballet Apprentice. He recently performed in the touring production of Billy Elliot and will perform in our upcoming production of The Nutcracker, the Great Imperial Ballet at the Straz Center Dec. 22 and 23.
The gala event also included a live auction during which NGB dancer Molly Hellier modeled a stunning diamond necklace that was auctioned.
Thank you to all of our generous supporters for making arts education possible through the Patel Conservatory!
For more information on how you can support our arts education programs, please click here.

Theater instructor helps students find their 'inner actor'

To contact us Click HERE

Actor, writer and director Kerry Glamsch returns to the Patel Conservatory this spring to teach the Adult Acting 1 class, which starts in January.
Currently a theater teacher at the University of Tampa, Glamsch recently directed UT's fall production of Picnic. He also directed Radiant Child at FreeFall Theatre earlier this month.
When Glamsch isn’t teaching, acting or directing, he’s writing.
“I don’t see writing much different than theater: it’s all story telling,” Glamsch said. “There are stories that percolate inside that I feel like I need to get out.”
His play The Fur Bearer had a staged reading at American Stage last month.
“The play is about a teenage boy who blames his mother for his brother’s death,” said Glamsch.
Through the character’s journey, Glamsch says the play is about learning “to focus on the present, and let go of anger and resentment.”
The reading of The Fur Bearer was part of American Stage’s “Hot Off the Press” play reading series.
In addition, Glamsch’s horror screenplay, The Judas Goat, was recently optioned by Cherub Films, in Denver, which gives the company the rights to produce it for one year.
Glamsch has an admirable commitment to the craft of writing.
“When I’m in full writer mode, I try to carve out three or four hours every morning to write,” he said.
Some days the words flow easily, while other times he has to push past that dreaded writers’ block.
“It does take that discipline to actually see it through. You really have to force yourself."
While it takes discipline to finish a story, Glamsch believes we all have the necessary creativity for storytelling.
“We all have a vehicle inside of us to tell stories, an inner actor. Teaching an acting class is waking up that inner actor,” he said.
Congratulations to Glamsch for his writing successes! We’re glad to have him back at the Conservatory, sharing his passions with our adult acting students.
“I am excited to be back. I love the diversity of the classes and the commitment from the students,” said Glamsch.

Students enjoy a sneak peak of The Nutcracker

To contact us Click HERE


Students from the Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School enjoyed a sneak peak of Next Generation Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, the Great Imperial Ballet, playing at the Straz Center this weekend.
As part of our outreach program, the Patel Conservatory has a partnership with the school, which is a Hillsborough County school for homeless and at risk students.
Thanks to the generosity of an individual sponsor, the students were brought to the Patel Conservatory and treated to performances from Teacups, Butterflies, Chinese dancers and more.
Following the performance, the students went to Rehearsal Hall for lunch and gifts from Santa.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsor for helping create wonderful memories for these students.

The Nutcracker featured in the news

To contact us Click HERE

The Spanish dancers from The Nutcracker will appear on
Daytime TV on Thursday morning.

Patel Conservatory students have been making the rounds this week.
In anticipation of this weekend’s performance of The Nutcracker, the Great Imperial Ballet, students from Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet and Next Generation Ballet have been seen on TV and in the news all week.
Thanks to our performers for their appearances on Studio 10, Daytime TV, Good Day Tampa Bay, Infomas TV and many more!
Tickets are going fast! Don’t miss this incredible show that features more than 180 performers, from the adorable caterpillars to the talented Next Generation Ballet dancers and the breathtaking guest artists from Boston Ballet and the New York City Ballet.
You can catch some of our students on Daytime TV on Thursday morning, and Good Day Tampa Bay on Christmas morning.

The Nutcracker on Good Day Tampa Bay

To contact us Click HERE


Patel Conservatory and Next Generation Ballet dancers in this weekend's The Nutcracker, the Great Imperial Ballet appeared on Good Day Tampa Bay this morning.

Charley Belcher, left, with Johnny Maio

It was a full morning with host Charley Belcher, who interviewed some of the dancers between performances from our Irish step dancer, the Butterflies and Caterpillars, the Chinese dancers and the Nutcracker prince.
If you missed the show, click here for this morning's segments.
Good Day Tampa Bay will feature one of the performances from this morning on their show on Christmas morning.
Here's a few pictures from this morning's preview...

Ballet's Greatest Hits, featuring Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack

To contact us Click HERE
Ballet's Greatest Hits! will feature prominent dancers from the world’s most well known companies.

Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this unique production is one you don’t want to miss!
Ballet's Greatest Hits!Jan. 5, 2013at the Straz Center, Tampa
Today’s featured performers of the upcoming show are Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.

Photo from alvinailey.org

Antonio Douthit, of S. Louis, Mo., began his dance training at age 16 at the Center of Contemporary Arts under the direction of Lee Nolting, and at the Alexandra School of Ballet. He also trained at North Carolina School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem School.He became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1999 and appeared in featured roles in the ballets South African Suite, Dougla, Concerto in F, Return and Dwight Rhoden’s Twist. He was promoted to soloist in 2003. He also performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal.He joined the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in 2004.
Alicia Graf Mack trained at the Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland under Donna Pidel, and attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.She was a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 2005 to 2008.In addition to several galas and festivals, she has been a guest performer with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and with André 3000 and Beyoncé at Radio City Music Hall. She is the recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence and Smithsonian Magazine’s Young Innovator Award.Mack graduated magna cum laude with honors in history from Columbia University and received an M.A. in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis.Most recently, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Webster University in St. Louis.She rejoined Alvin Ailey in 2011.

Sister Act cast visits Conservatory students

To contact us Click HERE

Broadway actor Karen Elliott will visit our Patel Conservatory musical theater students tomorrow.
Elliott plays Mary Theresa in the Broadway tour of Sister Act, now playing here at the Straz Center through Dec. 16. Our musical theater class will enjoy a field trip to see the show tonight as part of their musical theater training.

On Friday, Elliott will visit the class as well as our audition workshop, How to Survive a Dance and Music Audition. She’ll share audition tips and offer feedback for the vocal part of the audition workshop. Co-star E. Clayton Cornelious will join her at the audition workshop and offer feedback on handling choreography.
Meet and greet opportunities such as these with visiting artists are just one more Patel perk for our students!
Elliott’s credits include Les Miserables, Kiss Me, Kate, 42nd Street and Phantom.She has a master’s degree in vocal performance from the Juilliard School and a bachelor’s in music from The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. 
She is also a Certified Consulting Hypnotist with a practice specializing in issues for performing artists and athletes who must perform "at the top of their game" on a regular basis.
If you'd like to attend Friday's workshop with Elliott and Cornelious, please call 813-222-1002.

Ballet's Greatest Hits, featuring Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack

To contact us Click HERE
Ballet's Greatest Hits! will feature prominent dancers from the world’s most well known companies.

Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this unique production is one you don’t want to miss!
Ballet's Greatest Hits!Jan. 5, 2013at the Straz Center, Tampa
Today’s featured performers of the upcoming show are Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.

Photo from alvinailey.org

Antonio Douthit, of S. Louis, Mo., began his dance training at age 16 at the Center of Contemporary Arts under the direction of Lee Nolting, and at the Alexandra School of Ballet. He also trained at North Carolina School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem School.He became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1999 and appeared in featured roles in the ballets South African Suite, Dougla, Concerto in F, Return and Dwight Rhoden’s Twist. He was promoted to soloist in 2003. He also performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal.He joined the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in 2004.
Alicia Graf Mack trained at the Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland under Donna Pidel, and attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.She was a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 2005 to 2008.In addition to several galas and festivals, she has been a guest performer with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and with André 3000 and Beyoncé at Radio City Music Hall. She is the recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence and Smithsonian Magazine’s Young Innovator Award.Mack graduated magna cum laude with honors in history from Columbia University and received an M.A. in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis.Most recently, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Webster University in St. Louis.She rejoined Alvin Ailey in 2011.

Broadway veteran leads audition workshop on Friday

To contact us Click HERE

Broadway veteran E. Clayton Cornelious will lead an audition workshop this Friday, Dec. 14, 2013 at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa.

Photo from Playbill.com

The workshop, How to Survive a Dance and Music Audition, is part of our audition workshop series.
Cornelious is best known by Tampa audiences as the Caterpillar in the Straz Center’s production of Wonderland in 2011. He is currently on tour with Sister Act, now playing at the Straz Center through Dec. 16.
This is your chance to work with a seasoned professional whose Broadway credits include: The Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line (Revival), The Music Man (Revival), Kat & the Kings and The Lion King. His national tours include Dirty Dancing, Hairspray, The Lion King, A Chorus Line, The Goodbye Girl and The Wiz. He also portrayed the role of Sammy Davis Jr. in the London’s West End production of The Rat Pack.
E. Clayton Cornelious is a native of Pittsburgh. He attended Point Park University of Pittsburgh and received a BA in Theatre Arts.
At the upcoming workshop, you’ll learn how to pick an audition song that suits your voice, how to handle choreography for a dance audition and how to assemble an audition book. Students will then be led through a mock audition and receive feedback on their performance.
The workshop will be from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost is $50. To register online, click here, or for more information or to register by phone, call 813-222-1002.
The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center offers classes in dance, music and theater. We are located in downtown Tampa, so please allow plenty of time to park and sign-in.
The audition workshop series will be offered again in February, 2013.

Hannah Beach shares her Royal experience

To contact us Click HERE
Congratulations to Hannah Beach, who recently performed as part of the Swan Corp in the Royal Ballet Company’s production of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House in London.

Hannah, backstage in
Swan Lake in London

Hannah trained at Next Generation Ballet at the Patel Conservatory before moving on to the Royal Ballet School (RBS) in London in 2011. She was one of only six students from RBS cast in the professional company performance of Swan Lake.
Hannah’s sister, Gabrielle Beach, now an NGB Apprentice, will perform in The Nutcracker at the Straz Center on Dec. 22 and 23, 2012.
The following is from a letter from Hannah to NGB artistic director Peter Stark about her recent experiences...

“I have been extremely busy over here in London. Swan Lake has finally finished after performing in 21 shows, but it’s not over because I am now doing Snowflakes, Flowers and a cover for Angels (understudy) in The Nutcracker. I just did Flowers Corps in the opening dance and the Finale during the Act II run through yesterday :) I am so happy to be doing so much with the company!!!! [...]

On Monday the school and some company members performed for an arts gala at Buckingham Palace!! It was absolutely amazing! They set up a stage in the throne room and we danced and met Prince Charles :D Darcey Bussell and Natalie Portman were also there! 

Photo by Johan Persson

After the show, the Prince came to talk to us and ask us about how we got to the school and were we are from. I got to talk to him directly and say that I am from the States and I came to the school through a competition. He asked why I chose Royal over other schools in America. I said that everyone in America want to come to London because the school is of better and different quality. He was happy to hear that. lol

Today the graduating class is all taking a bus to Birmingham to visit the Royal Birmingham Ballet! I also have an audition in Hamburg for the Hamburg Ballet on December 9th. :) I am so excited to travel there and see what Germany is like. I am preparing Lilac Fairy as a solid and strong variation to do if they ask for one [...].

I hope everything is going well back at NGB. I hope I can see a dress rehearsal or something of The Nutcracker while I'm home in December, I miss everyone, and please tell Ms. Ivonne about my adventures. :)”

Congratulations to Hannah on her success!

St. Petersburg native returns to Tampa Bay for two special performances

To contact us Click HERE

St. Petersburg native Daniel Ulbricht returns to the Tampa area for two special performances this season.
Ulbricht, now a soloist with the New York City Ballet, will appear in The Nutcracker, the Great Imperial Ballet on Dec. 22, and in Ballet’s Greatest Hits on Jan 5, 2013, both at the Straz Center.

Daniel Ulbricht, of the New York City Ballet, is coming
to Tampa for two shows.

“It’s always nice to come back home to see my family who were my support, my safety net, my coach,” said Ulbricht. “They watch you from a much deeper level. They know how hard you worked, the injuries, blood, sweat and tears.”
Ulbricht grew up in Pinellas Park in St. Petersburg and didn’t start dancing until he was eleven years old.
“I was always an active kid. I did karate and gymnastics,” said Ulbricht. But his sister danced. Waiting around for his sister at the Judith Lee Johnson Studio of Dance, the seed was planted.
He took his first ballet class in socks, sweats and a t-shirt.
“That was effective in terms of making me feel like (ballet) was for everyone,” he said.
His early mentors were Lenny Holmes, of the Judith Lee Johnson Studio of Dance and Javier Dubrocq, who danced with the Bay Ballet Theatre at the time.
Between the two of them, they “taught me how to love dance, and how to love dancing.”
At the age of 15, Ulbricht was accepted to the School of American Ballet (SAB), the official school of the New York City Ballet, and he moved to New York to train full-time. At first, his goal was to eventually dance with American Ballet Theatre.
But after spending some time at SAB, “I started to fall in love with the company. I started seeing the connection between SAB and the New York City Ballet.”
Just a year later, as a student, he got his first opportunity to perform with the NYC Ballet  as a Jester in Peter Martins' The Sleeping Beauty.
He’d danced at Ruth Eckerd Hall and Mahaffey Theater here in the area, but nothing could prepare him for that first real performance in front of a New York City audience.
“I got that high of being on stage and working with the company,” said Ulbrict.
In December, 2000, he became an apprentice with the company, and in November, 2001, he joined the company as a member of the corps de ballet. In January, 2005, Ulbricht was promoted to the rank of soloist, and promoted to principal dancer in May, 2007.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have followed my dreams, I can’t even begin to count the opportunities I’ve had,” said Ulbricht. 
In addition to performing with the NYC Ballet and as a sought-after guest artist, Ulbricht is also a teacher and the founder and director of Daniel Ulbricht and Friends, a touring group focusing on high art, education and outreach.
“My personal goal is to be an ambassador of the arts, I want people to be excited about dance and learn about dance,” he said.
The upcoming production of Ballet’s Greatest Hits is a wonderful opportunity for both Tampa Bay audiences to appreciate dance culture, and for dancers to see some of the most prominent dancers in the world.
“When I come home, I hope the impact goes much further than the performance,” said Ulbricht. Perhaps some dancer watching might think, “This guy started in Florida and he made it. I can make it, too.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits, featuring Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack

To contact us Click HERE
Ballet's Greatest Hits! will feature prominent dancers from the world’s most well known companies.

Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this unique production is one you don’t want to miss!
Ballet's Greatest Hits!Jan. 5, 2013at the Straz Center, Tampa
Today’s featured performers of the upcoming show are Antonio Douthit and Alicia Graf Mack of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.

Photo from alvinailey.org

Antonio Douthit, of S. Louis, Mo., began his dance training at age 16 at the Center of Contemporary Arts under the direction of Lee Nolting, and at the Alexandra School of Ballet. He also trained at North Carolina School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem School.He became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1999 and appeared in featured roles in the ballets South African Suite, Dougla, Concerto in F, Return and Dwight Rhoden’s Twist. He was promoted to soloist in 2003. He also performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal.He joined the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in 2004.
Alicia Graf Mack trained at the Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland under Donna Pidel, and attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.She was a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 2005 to 2008.In addition to several galas and festivals, she has been a guest performer with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and with André 3000 and Beyoncé at Radio City Music Hall. She is the recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence and Smithsonian Magazine’s Young Innovator Award.Mack graduated magna cum laude with honors in history from Columbia University and received an M.A. in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis.Most recently, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Webster University in St. Louis.She rejoined Alvin Ailey in 2011.

Free Rock School workshop

To contact us Click HERE

Dean Tidey, Rock School instructor and guitarist for Muddy Apes

Ever thought about being in a band?
Join us at the Patel Conservatory for a FREE Rock School workshop!
Rock School WorkshopSaturday, Jan. 5, 20131 p.m. in the TECO Theater 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, downtown Tampa
The Conservatory’s Rock School program brings students together to form bands according to age and skill level.
At the workshop, Rock School instructors Dean Tidey and Paul Stoddart, along with current Rock School students, will demonstrate some skills and thrills of being in a band. It's your backstage pass to hang out and talk shop with the guys who've been there, done that.
Workshop participants in grade four through adult are invited to bring a guitar, bass or drum sticks for tips and demonstrations from presenters (drum set, amps and keyboards provided). Vocal coach Deborah Lynch will assist with vocal instruction.
You'll learn more about the Patel Conservatory’s popular Rock School program, and how you, too, can get on stage!
Tidey writes, produces and plays guitar for Muddy Apes. Previously, Tidey played guitar for a dozen years in the acclaimed English rock band, Feeder, a band that opened for U2, REM and the Rolling Stones, among notable bands. 
Stoddart has taught guitar and music theory/arrangement/songwriting for more than two decades. He graduated cum laude from the Berklee School of Music in 1989 with a major in Songwriting, and has played in, written for and arranged music for several bands around the country. He still plays throughout the Tampa Bay area with his four piece ensemble.
Lynch served as a music director, accompanist, vocal coach and performer in Richmond, Virginia before moving to Tampa and joining the Patel Conservatory as accompanist last year. Among many other things, she has taught high school chorus, was a soloist for The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in their masterworks concerts with the Richmond Symphony, and has assisted with District Chorus festivals.
Workshop participants are invited to audition for the spring Rock School session, which begins January 15. Rock School bands rehearse weekly and participate in our Rock School Blowout concert. No prior experience is necessary.
For more information on our Rock School auditions, click here.
Our accomplished Rock School teachers are ready to get you rocking!
The workshop is free, but RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, please email music@strazcenter.org or call 813-222-6411.

Auditions for spring Rock School program

To contact us Click HERE

The Patel Conservatory in downtown Tampa will host placement auditions for its spring Rock School program.
Rock School Auditions
Sat., Jan. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Patel Conservatory, Tampa
Come find your inner rocker! Learn new music on your instrument, songwriting and vocal techniques.
Female rockers and vocalists welcome! No experience necessary.
Students in our Rock School program are placed in a band according to age and skill level. Bands rehearse weekly and the program culminates in our Rock School Blowout concert open to the public.
You can also learn music reading, terminology and notation in Fundamentals of Music. This class is free and open to students enrolled in any class at the Patel Conservatory.
Academic credit may be available for classes taken at the Conservatory. Prior approval from your school is required.
For the audition, bring your guitar, bass or drumsticks (drum set, amps and keyboards provided). Requires a $15 audition fee.
To schedule your audition, or for more information, please e-mail music@strazcenter.org or call 813.222.1002.