Diana Alcomendas remembers participating in a children’s TV show at the age of 5, in the Philippines. She and her sister Lea, 7, performed ballet along with other children.
Alcomendas, 29, still recalls seeing the “stage mothers,” who attempted to convince the youngsters to smile and perform in a particular way.
Then and now, Alcomendas prefers that children be allowed to enjoy their performances. As the dance director for the Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio, she can do just that.
This year, Alcomendas earned certifications as an American Ballet Theatre teacher after she successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Levels 3 and 5 of the theatre’s national training curriculum. The eight-level program combines artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development.
The ABT curriculum – for ages 5 and older – was incorporated into Virtuosity’s schedule in the summer.