Rautmann Studio of Music

06/17/2026

What could top a Mrs. Roper themed ballet class? I've got two days to figure it out! 😂

06/09/2026

Well p**p. I recorded my Yacht Rock music from ballet class but in my frenzy over Atticus's graduation party, I erased it! Don't worry, you're not missing much, but here are some highlighted thoughts of the experience:
1) Dancers like the studios to be 75 + degrees to keep muscles warm, which means 1000 for an overdressed 50 yr old woman
2) After a two month hiatus from the piano, popping in with a Yacht Rock theme might have been overreaching, but I did it, so it's done.
3) Is themed ensemble class too campy or unsustainable?
4) reading music (because I've just learned it) forces me to focus on what I'm reading and NOT on the class and what the dancers need. One wrong look up at the wrong time and I'm slopping through 2 lines of music trying get back on.
5) I am ready to dig back into this new world of piano.
What's on tap for next week?? Stay tuned!

04/01/2026

A little improv practice of bringing the key progression to full circle. Waltz? Cloche? A little too dry for slow tendus, I think. (Humidity and crazy hot/cold weather is not kind to the piano- never mind the tuning🫠)

World Ballet Pianists Day
Ballet Wichita

01/18/2026

Here we go, friends!
It's been over a year since I've started playing for Ballet Wichita's Ensemble classes. As I've spoken with ballet pianist professionals and they've told me their stories, things are really not that different for those who have played for classes for years compared to myself. It's a constant game of calibrations...to myself and that particular day, to the teacher and what they say vs what they do vs what they mean, to the students who get or don't get it on that particular day. Sometimes it's the pianist's mistakes. Sometimes it's not.🫠. But every class I get to play is one step toward a faster calculation between all the factors. I live Algebra. Yeah, you heard me. Lol
You'll be seeing/hearing more about this journey, so heads up!
While it might be a little pat on the back, I hope to reach other pianists who think they've sat too long in the teacher's chair to be playing again. Or simply to humble yourself to try something new even if you suck at it at first. Isn't that why we're here, after all?
Ballet Wichita 😘
Rautmann Studio of Music

11/07/2025

Any funds raised will go to the continued tradition of an experience which is getting more and more rare. Performing with live music - live ORCHESTRA - in dance. The costs for productions raise each year and your gift will help ensure a solid path forward. Please consider a gift:

For more than 50 years, Ballet Wichita has filled Century II with the sound of live symphony music. Celebrate the tradition and help fund the orchestra that makes The Nutcracker shine.

🎁 givebutter.com/keepthemusicalive2025

This year, our dancers are helping make it happen through individual fundraising pages working toward our shared goal of $30,000 to keep the music alive. You can support your favorite dancer or give directly to the campaign - every dollar counts!