Pointe’s Post

A brief video of my painting of Marcelino Sambe of the Royal Ballet. To view the full video on YouTube of how this painting was created (with beautiful music!!) click here https://lnkd.in/eaXy2qxH

Pacific Northwest Ballet has been one of the definitive Seattle cultural staples since 1972. I'd been privileged to work on the rebrand of PNB in the distant 2010, just a few years after Peter Boal became their executive artistic director. Having an acronym type of a name was not without its challenges. Being reduced to 3 letters the name lacked visual drama associated with such magnificent art form as modern ballet. To combat this deficiency I went for a boiled-down and bold approach. First, I added a dimension to the logotype, thus turning the name into an abstract platform, a springboard for dancers to take flight. Then I elevated the letter "B" to accentuate the "ballet" portion of the name. Also, I felt this rebrand warranted a special photographic vibe. To test proof the new ID I created a dynamic poster series featuring a single dancer as a hero. But instead of portraying the dancers as nearly divine beings, I've chosen to depict them in a more modernist and unblemished fashion. These posters were meant to celebrate the human body in motion and the exciting energy it created while moving through time and space. The clients acknowledged the new visual language, but in the end, they went with a different design direction. Still, to this day these series are my favorites. The moral of this story is this. We can't always expect to win our client's hearts and minds. But we should always try our best to achieve this goal. As long as we truly believe we delivered the worthy solutions, we shouldn't feel defeated. We get to experience the joy of being immersed in the process while occasionally reaching that rare flow state. And if that's not enough for one to feel victorious, there's more. Not only do these moments bring us short-term satisfaction, but they also give us the fuel to move forward so we can win the new day. #throwbackthursday #brandrelevance #differentiation #rebranding #logodesign #posterinspirations #ballet #yurikacreative

Here’s was my first (and last) rehearsal in the studio with the full company before performing the Nutcracker Cavalier on stage. If you’ve been in this position, you know how stressful that first rehearsal can be—it’s the moment everyone gets to see you dance. The premiere is stressful too, of course. But here’s the thing: the audience doesn’t really know what “good” is most of the time. Sure, they’ll notice if you fall or if you’re off the music. But what truly captivates them is your artistry, your ability to make them feel. In the studio, it’s a completely different story. Ballet dancers focus on one thing above all else: technique. Every move, every detail is scrutinized by people with the sharpest eyes and the deepest understanding of the art. But here’s the upside: by the time the premiere rolls around, the toughest critics—the ones who really know ballet—have already made their judgments. This takes some of the weight off. You can step on stage with a little more peace, knowing the studio stress is behind you and the focus is now on creating an unforgettable experience for your audience. Do you have the same experience?

"Awakening the Poet Within Mëê : 'In Twilight's Embrace'—An Ode to the Luminous Ballet of Fireflies" ✍🏻 . . . . . In twilight's embrace, where shadows play, 🌄 May fireflies dance, a luminous ballet. ✨ Their flickering light, a beacon true, 🔦 Guiding your path, where dreams pursue. 🛤️ Where butterflies falter, and daylight fades, 🦋 Fireflies emerge in the dusky shades. 🌌 In realms unknown, where mysteries hide, 🌠 They'll accompany you, your fears subside. 🌟 Through whispered woods and moonlit glades, 🌳 May their gentle glow never fade. 🕯️ With each fluttering wing, a silent vow, 🦟 To light your way, here and now. 🌙 So let the fireflies weave their spell, 🧚 In realms where magic reigns and dwell. 🌈 For in their glow, hope's spark ignites, 💖 Guiding you through the darkest nights. 🌃 . . . . . LinkedIn LinkedIn Guide to Creating #LinkedIn #LinkedInPost #LinkedInPoet #LinkedInCommunity #Growth #Poem #Poet #Algorithm #PersonalDevelopment #WritersCommunity #Author

Must all lines be straight? In exploring different styles of movement, I discovered the beauty and precision of ballet. Its principle of perfect, straight lines intrigued me, so I tried to blend it with my traditional African dance style. But something felt off. The expressive fluidity that once told my stories so well began to feel constrained. I was sacrificing my originality for a borrowed perception. African dance, rooted in stories and culture, flows freely with the rhythm of our spirits. It tells tales of our heritage with intricate torso movements, bends, and turns that embrace the earth. Despite the allure of straight lines, this rhythm is what makes our dances unique and sought after worldwide. Even ballet dancers strive to replicate the nuanced expressions of African movement. We can admire the beauty of other styles without losing our uniqueness. It’s a reminder that our tradition is our strength and that originality shines brighter when we stay true to ourselves. Educators and families, this is an important lesson for our young people. You can only be yourself, everyone else is taken. Dance remains a vivid expression of our identity, carrying our legacy through every step. Embrace your rhythm and dance your own story. It’s what sets you apart. -------------------------------- I invite you to join me on this #journey as we explore the #EssenceOfLearning to #OptimizeHumanPotential. #PhDofLife #AfricanExcellence #DoctorateOfLearning #LearningJourney #LearningToLearn #EducationForAll #LinkedforAll

Read our latest blog post to discover the rich history of Swan Lake, from its origins to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, and its lasting impact on ballet. https://lnkd.in/gmg8GEuD

"Opera Ballet Theatre" is a design project performed as a rebranding task. During the ideation of the concept, various theater terminology and ballet movements were thought of as a logo. However, taking into account that many fields of art are united here (theatre, music, clothing, stage decoration etc.), being satisfied with a specific figure might not be a successful result. As the famous Anna Pavlova, who devoted her life to this field, said: "Ballet is difficult to express, so we just dance." A typographic logo, a modern concept method, was used here, avoiding expressing all the art fields and the feelings experienced during the dance in some laconic form. It is also a way of expressing many arts as a unity. The logo was developed with a special principle based on the module and system built for the brand. The arrangement of the letters with the intended system, with increasing space, reflects the independent self-expression in opera and ballet and the endless touches of the arts that form a unity. The logo is dynamic and also has a quiet elegance. The principle used in the logo is continued as stylistics in brand design. These applications especially help to be remembered and felt in multifaceted design work. There are application versions of the concept. #graphicdesign #branding #logodesign #brandidentity #design

Here you can find a list of ballet books for youth, teens, and adults spanning a range of themes and genres that you may want to add to your reading list this year. #balletbooks #books #autobiography #biography #illustratedbooks #reading #themoreyouknow #balletherald

🩰 I adore the arts, especially the ballet, but not everyone feels the same. However, I see a truly exceptional ballet as analogous to how a good business is run. Every element must work in perfect harmony to create a masterpiece. 🩰 The Choreographer (CEO/Founder) is the visionary, setting the strategic direction and ensuring every team member knows their role. It is the expression of the story. 🌟 The Principal Dancers (Executive Team) should lead with grace and precision, driving the company forward and inspiring. Their direction moves the company's story along. 👯 The Corps de Ballet (Employees) are the backbone, their synchronized efforts building the foundation of success. Their support drive the ambiance of the story. 🎶 The Orchestra (Support Systems), working behind the scenes, ensure everything runs smoothly, providing the rhythm that allows the company to shine. Since the ballet has no dialogue, the orchestra is the voice of the story. 🌐 The Stage (Market/Industry) is where the company showcases its strengths and talents to the audience (customers and stakeholders). The stage changes and moves the story in different directions. 👏 The Audience (Customers/Stakeholders), whose appreciation reflects customer satisfaction and investor confidence. The audience brings the story alive and it lives and breathes with the emotional connection made. 📝 Rehearsals (Planning and Strategy) are essential, allowing the company to perfect its approach and anticipate challenges. No story is perfect right out of the gate. A successful business, like a stunning ballet performance, requires coordination, dedication, and artistry. Every role is crucial. When all parts come together harmoniously, they create a performance that is both impactful and unforgettable. But what impresses me the most is that you never hear a word, so every story has to be brought to life using movement and inference. Imagine how powerful your storytelling must be to do it without words. So what roles do you play in your business "ballet"? Share your thoughts! 👇 #BusinessLessons #Leadership #Teamwork #BusinessStrategy #ArtOfBusiness #OperaNationaldeParis #arts #ballet

So enjoyed editing this article by Dr. Ziying Cui (and it makes me want to attend BalletX's next performance!): https://lnkd.in/eS5PrENi