Here's an opportunity for an aspiring or current professional dancer:
"...Ballet Quad Cities is looking for one paid female dancer for a 29 week contract beginning September 7th, 2010. The diverse repertoire of Ballet Quad Cities requires dancers to be classically trained as well as comfortable in all contemporary styles of dance...
"...We seek a dance professional who is actively engaged in a combination of creative activity and theoretical inquiry with an emphasis on video/film and dance (including but not limited to dance
documentaries, experimental dance for camera, and/or dance documentation and archiving). We
welcome a person who is currently connected to the forefront of video art as it relates to bodily
expression and choreographic composition and has established relationships with the professional
field nationally and internationally. We value an artist/teacher with an interdisciplinary perspective
who is excited by the investigation of the full range of possibilities for video as a creative and
practical element of a dance education and career. We strongly encourage applicants who will
diversify our curriculum and our faculty with regard to race, gender, and ethnicity.
Our new faculty colleague will contribute:
In Research: creating, directing or re-imagining dances for the camera, intermedia
performances, or hybrid creative research projects for the web or DVD, and/or ethnographic and
documentary filmmaking as related to dance and choreography.
In Teaching: investigating video as a creative, scholarly, and practical medium in dance,
sharing the fundamentals of choreographic craft for the screen, instructing students in skills
necessary for the documentation of stage performances for professional development and
historical concerns, and contributing in other additional curricular areas as appropriate (such as
production, dance composition, notation, history, theory, or technique). Demonstrated expertise
in the use of digital video equipment for shooting (lighting, camera operation, sound) and a
range of post-production software is desired.
In Service: leadership in undergraduate and graduate programs, curriculum development,
advising, and governance within the department, college, university, and the field at large.
Position: Assistant Professor, full-time, tenure track
Qualifications: Advanced degree preferred, professional experience required
Application deadline: September 20, 2010
Date of Hire: Autumn Quarter 2011..."
07.28.2010: Putting "Meh!" In Media!
Is it just me? Or is it hard to muster any enthusiasm for the remaining dancers on SYTYCD? My fear is that geeky guy from Wapokaneta will be declared the winner because of the massive pre-pubescent voting bloc! But, when I think about who I'd want to win, I still think back to The Ballet Boy and shrug my shoulders. Really missing Alex lately! And, what's going on with this spate of injuries? Are the dancers being worked too hard? Are the floors they perform and---more importantly---rehearse on, not suspended? The best studios have a triple-basket weave subflooring that lifts the dance surface away from any concrete (Like we had installed in the big CCDC studio) and my guess is, since former dancers produce the show, that's not the problem. But, if they're starting rehearsal at 8am, they need to make sure they're getting properly warmed up and placed before dancing. I'm sure they're following union guidelines for mandatory breaks for dancers (five minutes every hour), but, sometimes dancers and choreographers get on a roll and play fast and loose with the rest requirements ("Can we keep working and I'll give you a longer break later?") Or, it could just be bad luck. Just remember, dancers, proper nutrition, hydration, rest and sufficient sleep are essential parts of dancing well. Now, I know there's been some criticism of last week's lack of a decision. And, I also think that Bell should've been sent packing. A precedent has been set and I think voters may lash back at the judges' dispensation this week. But, because I'm lukewarm on the remaining contestants, I just brushed it off as a weak attempt by producers to keep the show "fresh" and "unexpected". But, I WILL keep watching because of choreography like Sonya's "dancing on the edge" piece for Josallison and Napitabz choreography for Comforchike. But, the same two contestants (Josechike) really disappointed in weak choreography for the Paso Doble from Dmitriy Chaplin. (Why waste 30-seconds on lackadaisical twirling capes?) And, the steppin' piece for Twent really failed to live up to its promise. I hate to feel this way about ground-breaking MustCDanceTV, but, I find myself twiddling my dancing thumbs and biding my time for the next DWT*** and waiting longingly for ABDC!
07.27.2010: She Livez!
She lives! We got a actual real snail-mail letter from Mmmadd Skyllz from the
SFB Summer Intensive recently! It's posted in the lobby if you haven't read it yet. And,
here's a fun form letter we like to send back to CCDC dancers off at summer workshops.
(If you're a parent writing to your child, you can adapt this letter by substituting "parent/mother/father"
wherever it says "ballet teacher"!o):
"..Dear ___(insert dancer's name here)_____,
Hi, remember me? I remember you! I used to be your ballet teacher once
upon a time. Yes, it just seems like a few weeks ago, but, things have been
hazy and crazy ever since you left.
Things have changed a little, gone down-hill, with you gone and all. All the other
students lost their drive and inspiration without you around and
signed up to be cheerleaders and swing-choir dancers!
My gambling habit has gotten the best of me. Darn Prairie Meadows' self-exclusion policy
doesn't work as long as you don't win anything! We've been forced to sell off the ballet studio
and another property to try and settle my massive gaming debts! But, don't worry your pretty
little head about it, things are actually looking up! I've got a regular spot pan-handling
at the corner of Merle Hay and I-80/35 and drivers can even be generous at times!
And, my dance training comes in handy whenever the
angry ones try to hit me as I dart in and out of traffic! The summer weather is scorching and humid, but,
the wind really helps. Who needs a house when you've got so many bridges and
overpasses in the metro? Who needs a shower and a shave everyday when
swimming in Gray's Lake is free for the taking?
Your life in the big city sounds grand! How you gonna keep 'em on the farm
once you've seen the lights of the big city, huh? It's only a
matter of time before they offer you a full-time position in the school, an
apprenticeship and, eventually, a position with the company! I'm so proud of
you I could cry! Don't worry about the all the little people like me you
left behind! Our hearts may be broken, but, knowing you're happy makes us all
feel a little bit better! Don't think about coming back because you might
not recognize the bitter, broken balletomane I've become! Just be happy!
Dance well! You make us proud!
Think about me once in a while! If we ever meet again, I won't embarass
you by calling out your name in the crowd! Just ignore me as one of your many
fans and go on living your amazing jet-set lifestyle! I'm better for just
having known you before you hit it big! Say "Hi" to Clooney and Orlando for
me! They don't know me from Adrian, but, boy howdy, I sure know who they are! I live my life
vicariously through you! Stay amazing! I'll be the guy cheering you on from
the cheap seats!
Miss ya!
Your biggest fan,
Ol' Whatwuzhisname?..."
07.26.2010: "4foPho, Plz!"
Here's a little story from the CCDC Summer Intensive that allows me to chuckle at one of my favorite phrases again and leads into a performance announcement of one of our favorite CCDC Modern/Contemporary/Pilates/Jazz/Adult Ballet Instructors: First, the phrase: Took the CCDC Summer Intensive Guest Instructors out "for Pho", the Vietnamese or Thai Soup. (There were four of us. Unfortunately, I neglected to tell the hostess at A Dong: "Foah fo' pho, please!" ...Sorry! You know me and wordplay! See post about La Sylphide...and Moor!o) But, here's the real backstory: ended up taking a little walking tour of the new Pappajohn Sculpture Garden west of downtown. It's free, but, well worthy of admission. As we passed Nomade, we ran across a few contemporary dancers rehearsing in the grassy area. We stopped to talk with them for a few minutes. Found out they were going to be performing that weekend at The Social Club. They told us they performed a hybrid of belly-dance and modern-dance. Sounded interesting and Robert said he'd actually think about checking it out. I'm sure they just thought we were casual by-standers. But, I wondered what those dancers' reactions would have been if I introduced the current Artistic Director of the Minnesota Ballet and a former Joffrey Ballet dancer along with former Ballet Iowa and Des Moines Ballet dancers and a former ballet instructor for Southern Methodist University? I guess we'll never know. But, I think the Pappajohn Sculpture Garden and Social Club are acting as catalysts for artists and performers around the Capital City. And, that leads to this press release (and see if you can spot that reference to one of our favorite CCDC instructors):
"...Professional modern dance company, Hurley & Dancers, will team up with the woodwind trio, Opus 3 for an afternoon of three free live dance and music performances entitled Art!Music!Dance! at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park on Saturday, August 14. Performances will be held at 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The audience should plan to meet for each of the performances on the Locust Street side of the sculpture park near the Keith Haring sculpture, Untitled (Three Dancing Figures, version C). The performances will then move to Marriage by artist Tony Smith, Café Table I and Chairs by Scott Burton, and Nomade by Jaume Plensa.
To the performers, these sculptures represent a progression of the creative focus of the human spirit. Opus 3 has selected music to depict this progression and Hurley & Dancers will improvise site-specific modern dance in response to the artistic elements of visual art and music. The members of Opus 3 are: Karla Killinger, Julie Murphy and Marie Eikenberry. Dancers are: Brigham Hoegh, Kathleen Hurley, Lisa Lewis, Lindsay Schwab and
*** Alissa Hamer ***!!!
The rain date for the event is Sunday, August 15 at 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Kathleen Hurley is an adjunct instructor of Dance at Grinnell College and the Artistic Director of Hurley & Dancers. She has recently been working on site-specific dance in response to architecture and decided to transfer the concepts to dance in response to visual art in downtown. Hurley danced professionally in New York City and Europe before moving back to the Capital City to start her own modern dance company.
The members of Opus 3 are professional musicians from the Metro..."
07.23.2010: CelebARTion!
Check it out! Price is right for starving dancers+family!
"...This year’s Art Inside Out will be held from 12 – 4 pm on Sunday, July 25. This
FREE public event will showcase the Art Center’s collection and architecture, inside and out. We will
celebrate the first year of the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the 25th year of the
Richard Meier building. Free shuttle service between The Academy in Greenwood Park,
Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park will be provided from 12 – 4:15 pm, and the event
will take place rain or shine. (Take the shuttle between the Art Center and the sculpture park to enjoy
art at both locations.)
Afternoon entertainment includes world music featuring the sounds of Latin America & the Caribbean by
Calle Sur, “highly-caffeinated” klezmer music by Java Jews, the toe-tapping blues of
Smilin’ Otis and the African beats of Brownian Motion. Music by Zauberflote flute
quartet will also be featured. Throughout the afternoon, food and beverages will be available from local
vendors.
Learn about the rich history of the Art Center’s world-class Richard Meier building on a tour
led by architects from Substance Architecture. An interactive installation will highlight the unique
design of the Meier building. Find out why the building is like a refrigerator door and how the Art
Center has links to Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Make a sculpture using letters and numbers, create structures with LEGOS, design an architectural hat, or
build a fairy house. Create a map and search for sculptures, both at the Art Center and at the
sculpture park. Participate in a fun and engaging map activity and win a prize. Watch artists demonstrate
watercolor, printmaking, and jewelry techniques. Members of the Saturday Sketch Club will be
sketching throughout the afternoon. Jonathan May, comedy magician, will be on hand to entertain
with his high energy magic show and create fanciful animal balloon sculptures. Play fun games on the lawn,
converse with a live painted statue, and more. Art Inside Out will highlight everything the Art
Center has to offer. Don’t miss this great opportunity to celebrate your Art
Center!..."
07.22.2010: Hot Topic
There’s a trendy type of yoga that’s being taught across the country nowadays: I think it’s called
Bikram Yoga. And, one of the main differences is that it takes place in heated studios. Adherents claim the extra heat (often over a hundred degrees!) helps loosen them up and gain extra flexibility. That’s a concept that tight dancers struggling with lack of extension and turn-out might want to investigate. And, just recently, a CCDC student got back from a Chicago workshop with a similar revelation. Kewtybug says she took classes in the Giordano studios and, while there was air conditioning in the halls and lobby, there was NO AC in the dance studios. And, anybody who’s been in the so-called Windy City in the summer knows how hot all that concrete and asphalt can get! (I had a similar experience in NYC. No AC at Steps!) Kewtybug says she asked about it and was told that Gus Giordano himself had requested that no AC ever be installed in the studios that bear his name! He claimed, and Kewty affirmed, that the heat and the humidity really loosened up the joints and protected the muscles. (This is why you’ll see some dancers wearing those plastic pants.) Kewtybug’s coming into every class at CCDC now asking if we can turn off the AC! So far I haven’t. (Students voted against it!o). But, word of warning! It’s only a matter of time before I do shut off the AC at CCDC! I trained in many studios that had no air-conditioning and the heat+humidity does help! There are many benefits and your body eventually learns to adjust to dancing in higher temperatures. Just be prepared to perspire! Bring some water and a small towel to sop up excess sweat. Remember! Perspiration is the dancer’s lubrication! Just don’t forget your hydration! (Don't be rasher, Shiney One! Fair warning! This 1z4u!o)
07.21.2010: Putting The 'Me' In 'Media'
Sure, you may be missing @AlexDWong from
SYTYCD, but, not watching the show because of his absence would be a HUGE mistake. All the
remaining dancers may not be as compellingly watchable as the The Ballet Boy all by himself, but,
the choreographers are stepping up to the plate and taking full advantage of the SYTYCD All Stars as
well. Travis Wall's tribute to his ailing mother set on All-Star Allison and Robert was
an emotional tour de force. It reduced judge Mamma Mia to tears. Better make room on that mantle
for more Emmy hardware, Trav! Less emotional, but, no less watchable was the pairing of
choreographers Napitabz and All Star Dominic and Jose' in a b-boy tribute to the
Sword in the Stone. I judge those b-boy dance-offs by their creativity and if I see tricks I'd never seen
before. And, this was chock full o' Trix-r-4-Kidz! There was another piece that I had to rewind the DVR to watch
again, but, the choreographer and dancers escapes me right now. The pointe is...no Alex doesn't
mean SYTYCD is no longer must-watch-dance-tv. And, it seems that Ashley is facing a big
decision according to the latest on the tweetosphere: she can go on tour with the current cast and
all-stars...or she could come back next season in Vegas. Which would you do? I think the tour with her new
friends would be the best choice. If she comes back next season---and Alex is back---she's not going
to finish much higher than she did this past season. On the other hand, more national exposure is never bad
for aspiring dancers. So, like I said, big decision. And, here's hoping the injury bug on the show is over.
Who's going home this week? Kent, I think I hear Wapokaneta calling your name! And, Jose's
weaknesses were EXPOSED in his broadway number last week! On the other hand, I agree with Shankman when
he says the rest of the boys better be scared of Lauren. She SCHOOLED Billy in the
Boogie Shoes number! And, Adechike and Robert are starting to grow on me more. But, I'm watching
now for the all-star choreographers and the all-star dancers! Hard to watch anyone else when Allison's on stage!
07.20.2010: Tweet, Tweet, My Dancing Feat!
Passing on a tweet from @DizzyFeet of the
DizzyFeet Foundation and SYTYCD:
"...Text, Tweet or write your Congressman or woman and ask them to
support Eleanor Holmes Norton's initiative to establish a National Dance
Day..."
...And, speaking of National Dance Day, here's a
link to the video from NapiTabz teaching a flash mob routine for that day. And, here's a tweet
from @Pointe_Magazine:
"...We've posted new ballet auditions on our
site!..."
...Aspiring professionals might wanna bookmark that page! And,
this one.
And, finally! A tweet from @Dance_Teacher:
"...Visit
http://www.dance-teacher.com to enter to
win 2 DVDs. Make sure to subscribe to our free bi-weekly enews for more gifts, info and
news!..."
...Me LIKE Free! (But, just be aware entering these things could generate a lot more spam!)
07.20.2010: Jots+Jetsam From Jill
Still not convinced of the value of cross-training for dancers? Still haven't taken the CCDC Pilates
Class yet? CCDC Young Children's Division Director and certified Pilates trainer Jill
Andrews sends this
link to inform and educate.
Here's an excerpt:
Karen Kain, the artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, recommends
Pilates for ballet dancers...
“...'I encourage dancers to
explore how Pilates can help them
physically and mentally for their career.
Pilates is an ideal form
of complete body conditioning as the
focus is on strengthening the deep support
muscles and balancing all muscle
groups around the joints of the entire
body.'
For dancers, Pilates is beneficial
for turnout and increases strength and
power. “By re-balancing muscular
groups,” explains STOTT PILATES®
co-founder Moira Merrithew, 'dancers
increase range of movement and flexibility
while also increasing strength and
control throughout this greater range of
movement.'..."
07.19.2010: It's A Hard Luck Life
The trials and travails of a ballerina-wanna-be in the Big Apple:
"...That’s when you make the choice: Are you willing to give up everything you have for this?
she said. “There was no question for me..."
...and...
“...Everybody dreams of being in A.B.T. or of being in a company of that caliber,” she
had said one late fall afternoon in her apartment. “But the reality is I don’t have the ballet feet and the ballet
legs, and my whole life I’ve struggled with that. I had a lot of friends who quit because of that very reason. If
they’re not going to be the best of the best, then they will have no part of it. (But,) Being onstage, it’s so much
a part of me that I can’t imagine, ever — even if it’s little nothing bits, I have to perform...”
...A glimpse inside the struggle of actually one of the luckier free-lancer dancers from the
New York Times. And, be
sure to click on the
interactive portion as well. And,
here's one
of Taylor Gordon's blog. Hasn't been updated recently. And,
here's another. And, of course, she's on
Twitter.
...And, I can relate: For me, this was no article at one time, it was my dancing life. Only substitute the Windy City and
there was no Rockette gig for me. Just waiting tables at the Kampai Sushi Bar just across
from the massive Merchandise Mart and biding my time training and auditioning, waiting for my big
ballet break. Would it ever come? Or, would I be forced to prostitute my art or return to my hometown with
my tail between my legs?
07.16.2010: Brain Gain
I was checking out a magazine article on the web about keeping your brain sharp and ran across this tip:
"...Dance, Dance, Dance! Few activities stimulate as wide a variety of brain systems as dancing does. Dancing requires
everything from coordination and organization to planning and judgment..."
...No wonder our dancers are so sharp!o) No link provided because of the esoteric nature of some of the topics or recommendations.
But, here's a video on the benefits and some new "twists" to old stretches (You should be able to adapt it to your traditional
ballet barre stretches)(...and, just what's going on in the background of the stretch instruction?):
07.15.2010: No Wong Is All WRONG!
Are you like me and missing Alex Wong from SYTYCD already? There are a couple of
remedies on the web for that: Here's
an interview on Good Day LA. Check out where Alex posts his
blog updates. And,
here's where you can catch up an archive of his postings. And,
you can also subscribe to his Twitter account and friend him on
Facebook.
07.15.2010: National Dance Day
EVERY day should be 'International Dance Day' for everyone. But, sadly, for some, it's not. So, if you haven't
heard yet, here's information about National Dance Day plans:
"...CELEBRATE NATIONAL DANCE DAY WITH "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE"
SAT JULY 31
As part of his commitment to support dance education and physical fitness in the United States, Nigel
Lythgoe, Judge/Executive Producer of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, is launching
NATIONAL DANCE DAY Saturday, July 31! It will include a variety of dance-themed activities across
the country that will empower, challenge and inspire people of all ages to try various styles of dance ranging
from hip-hop to ballroom to anything that moves. Above all, it encourages everyone to DANCE as a means to
stay fit and be healthy. And did you know, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE celebrates its 150th
episode Wednesday, July 21 at 8/7c? Even more reason to celebrate and dance!
Get inspired by tuning in to SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Wednesdays at 8/7c and Thursdays at
9/8c and by re-watching your favorite Season 7 routines at fox.com/dance because for the first time in
SYTYCD history full episodes are available online.
Latest update on the fast, jet set-paced performance lifestyle of CCDC
Pilates/Modern/Contemporary/Jazz/Adult Ballet Instructor Alyssa H!:
"...Summer of the Arts Downtown Saturday Night Series
Pedestrian Mall, Iowa City
(July 17, 2010) 6:30-9:30 p.m. Hurley & Dancers: 6:30-7 p.m. Poetic Rebound: 7-9:30 p.m.
No admission
Hurley & Dancers
collaborates with Poetic Rebound for an informal performance of diverse
dancing. Arrive early and set up lawn chairs, as seating is limited on the pedestrian mall. This event is
presented by the Downtown Association. For more information, email
poetic.rebound@gmail.com..."
07.13.2010: Tracking SYTYCD
So, I tweeted last week that the competition for America's "favorite dancer" title is wide-open now because
Alex stood "head and shoulders" above the rest of the field. Darn the injury that sent him home! And,
interesting that my actual pick to get sent packing last week was ignored by the mostly
non-dancing-but-voting public. Surely a sign of the coming apocalypse that Kent was safe, but,
Billy and Ashley were not! So, who do I think should attain the mantle of "the anointed" and
"soon-to-be-disappointed"? That's hard to discern at this pointe, but, Adechikye has climbed out of
my bottom three with his recent performances. Jose' is technically weak but, charismatically strong!
He reminds me a little of an earlier winner, Russell, so don't count him out. The remaining girls are
strong, but, aren't doing enough to seperate themselves from the pack. I think the younger boys should start
to go based on a lack of depth, maturity and gravitas. Those are Kent, Billy and Bobby, in
that order.
...and, here's a transcript of a recent e-mail conversation about SYTYCD that took place before
Alex was let go last week:
"...OMG I barely ever get to see even a minute of the show but turned in at the end of last
week’s program in time to catch the Ballet dancer (Alex?) do a hip hop routine with Twitch
that was...awesome. That was so fun. You must have loved it. Watching someone able to switch gears like
that is the whole reason for that show..."
...So, I sent them to last week's blog posting and got this back in return:
"...Who danced that the piece you referenced by the new choreographer? Maybe I can find it
online and see what you’re raving about..."
...saved them the trouble with this:
"...Here it is: choreographed by Dee Caspary and danced by Ade and
Ashley. It's the second dance on the '9 dancers perform' episode available
here. Tell me what you think. Did I overhype
it?..."
"...So glad you pointed it out because I have to say that dance is hard for the novice like me
to see the difficulty of it. It looks easy and so it seems like...Ade does all the work which is probably
not true. Without leaps and things we don’t know it’s hard to do. But it was very
beautiful..."
...and, that was followed by...
"...Just watched the show and you’re right Kent has to either grow up or go home.
That choreography for the routine with Allison was really sexy and fun and yet he had not an ounce
of heat. I mean Allison could have sizzle with a coat rack and Kent blew it.
Bummer..."
...But, more importantly, what do you think? Jete' into the conversation here.
07.12.2010: Da Mo' U 'No
More studies on calories, cranberries and la comida caliente'. Just got these in the email inbox from
someone who sells the stuff...but, the research looks legitimate:
"...Capsaicin, the compound that gives red chili pepper its heat, may exert its benefits at the
protein level to boost fat burning and energy production, says new research.
Obese rats supplemented with capsaicin had eight percent less body weight than control animals, and
displayed changes in the levels of 20 proteins associated with obesity, according to findings published in the
Journal of Proteome Research.
“These changes provide valuable new molecular insights into the mechanism of the anti-obesity effects of
capsaicin,” report researchers. “Thus, we believe that the findings presented here open new insights into the
study and potential treatments for this pathology.”
Capsaicin is reported to boost heat generation by the body, which means people burn more energy. A
laboratory study found that capsaicin may inhibit the growth of fat cells (Journal of Agricultural and Food
Chemistry Vol. 55 pp. 1730-1736, 2007), while a human study with capsaicin, in combination with green tea
extracts (Clinical Nutrition doi: 10.1016/j.cinu.2009.01.010), found an alternative mode of action with
promotion of the feeling of fullness and sustained satiety.
The new data suggests that the compound may exert its benefits by triggering certain beneficial protein
changes in the body..."
"...The effectiveness of cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) is dependent on the dose, with
higher doses significantly more successful in maintaining urinary health, according to a new study.
Indeed, a lower dose of 18 mg of cranberry PACs was less effective, according to the results of a randomized,
double-blind-versus-placebo study based in Japan, Hungary, Spain and France.
On the other hand, a higher dose of 72 mg was even more efficient at protecting against bacterial adhesion in
the urinary tract, according to findings published in the open-access journal BMC Infectious Diseases.
PACS are not exclusive to cranberries, but can be found in a range of foods, including green tea, grapes,
apples and chocolate. However, the main type of PACs in cranberry—called A-type PACs—are different from
those in other sources, called B-type PACS. Only cranberry PACS may prevent bacterial
adhesion..."
07.09.2010: Pointes of Interestes
Here are some interesting websites tweeted to me recently:
Ballet News Blog, be sure to page
down for a number of dancer interviews, including one with Madison Keesler of
San Francisco Ballet.
(Our interview with her is in last year's archives.)
And, speaking of Ms Madd Keyz,
here are
some photoz she tweeted recently. And, here's a great way to
stay up to date with her employer, my favorite ballet company in my favorite city in the world (Sorry,
Honolulu)! (Be sure to click on the video featuring excerpts from my favorite ballet!o)
Dance Teacher article on
everything you've never wanted to need to know about stress fractures, including recovery and prevention.
Did you know that once you've had one, you're at a higher risk for another?
Another Dance Teacher
article, but, this time about how some colleges are preparing dance majors for earning a living after
graduation.
Here's an old article I may have posted before on a perennial topic: How to get more boys in ballet from
the San Diego
Union-Tribune.
And, finally for now, here's where to find Pointe
Magazine videos on a number of dance-topics. But, anyone who's going to be auditioning anytime
soon, should be sure to click this one on audition advice.
And, from Dance Magazine, click on a hilarious
send-up of a music video from dancers of the
NYCB.
07.09.2010: Get Ur Ship4Free
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I wrote it last week, I'll write it again: It's time for the boys to start going home on SYTYCD. Now, I may incur some wrath here, but, Kent, Billy and Robert have the same weakness that got Alexis dismissed the first week. They're all fabulous dancers, but, are relying on "cuteness" WAY too much. Now, that may get a lot of votes from the pre-pubescent viewing public, but, it's just annoying to at least one grumpy old ex-dancer. I appreciate and teach technique, but, value increasingly what's been loosely called "artistry" on the show. It takes some maturity+wisdom to inhabit a role and create a character through movement. It's difficult for tricksters and young dancers who don't really know who they are yet to become someone else. I recognize that and that's why it's so valuable and must be nurtured. Having said that, The Ballet Boy managed to transcend his genre and become the B-Boy last week! If Alex is that good and that versatile and was only ranked a soloist at his old ballet company (Miami City Ballet), then, I REALLY want to see some of the principals in that group! Was it just a lack of maturity and expression that kept him from being promoted in south Florida? If so, his "leap of faith" to test and challenge himself in this competition is paying off big time! (And, here's an article about Alex that was just tweeted to me!o) But, the other high pointe for me last week was that new choreographer. (Okay, complaints already about the lack of a link...so here it is: choreographed by Dee Caspary and danced by Ade and Ashley. It's the second dance on the 9 dancers perform episode available here.) His piece just flowed and moved into tough partnering that didn't call attention to itself. Creative, innovative, beautiful movement. I felt awed, inspired and challenged just watching it! THAT'S the piece that should get the Emmy, Nigel! Here's hoping for more of the same tonight! AND...time for the younger, geekier boyz to start going home! (I'm talking about you, Kent from Wapokaneta!)
07.07.2010: Audition Action
Got the acting bug? Scratch that itch on a local stage...
"...Auditions for the The Drowsy Chaperone will be held at
The Playhouse at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 11. [Note: In the prior
release, the date was in error. This is the correct date.] All auditions are
open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those auditioning must bring a
prepared solo; an accompanist will be provided.
The Drowsy Chaperone has feature roles for 6 men, ages 16 and up; 5 women,
ages 16 and up; and 1 African-American woman, age 20-50; plus an ensemble of
men and women. The Drowsy Chaperone is directed by John Viars, with
choreography by Alison Shafer and music direction by Ben Bentler.
Performances are Sept. 10 - Oct. 3.
The Drowsy Chaperone is a Jazz-Age, farcical romp through musical theatre.
It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan, known as Man in Chair,
plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally
bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen
Broadway starlet, Janet Van de Graaf, trying to find, and keep, her true
love.
The show, billed as a musical within a comedy, features an eclectic cast of
characters, including the dashing bridegroom, oil tycoon Robert Martin; Mrs.
Tottendale, a wealthy dowager, and her butler, Underling; Latin lothario
Aldolpho; Feldzieg, a Big Broadway Producer; Trix, the brash aviatrix; and a
pair of gangsters posing as pastry chefs. The Drowsy Chaperone won several
2006 Tony Awards and won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical.
The Drowsy Chaperone is sponsored by Principal Financial Group.
For up-to-date audition information and general guidelines, visit The
Playhouse website..."
07.06.2010: Kind Wordz
We get answers from CCDC 2010 Summer Intensive Guest Ballet Master Robert Gardner, Artistic Director Minnesota Ballet:
"I found the students to be respectful and maybe a bit reserved, but as soon as we started the first class ( both groups) they were attentive and eager. This was true throughout my two weeks there, and so it was a pleasure to teach them, and feel like they were really “into” dance and wanted to be the best that they could be.
I think the students strengths, although each one is an individual, would be their willingness to apply corrections and suggestions to improve technique, even if I might have explained things differently than they were use to. They did not resist trying a new way of doing things or looking at technique.
I feel that generally, most of the students, could be more aggressive in their approach to dancing. By this, I mean don’t be afraid to make a mistake, to go for the step and use up space. Move with confidence. Sometimes, some of the younger students needed to maintain their focus for the entire class, but this was not too much of problem most of the time.
The students at CCDC have talent, some more polished than others, and this is the case for many of the national schools, other than the larger, well known academies such as SAB, San Francisco Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy, and PNB. Of course they have a very stringent audition policy, that I believe excludes some very good dancers.
The dancers were great in choreography. I have to say, I was so impressed with their ability to pick up steps and remember them. They always tried things, maybe tentatively at first, but when comfortable they really got it! As I told them, and again this is more for the Level 3 to 4’s, they need to not only focus on the choreography, but the technique that they have learned needs to be applied to the new steps as they are leaning the dance.
Advice for those wanting to be professional would be to not limit yourself to only the study of classical ballet. That should be your primary source of building technique, but being a professional in the 21st century means being versatile and able to do many differnt styles of dance with equal ease and confidence. That will make you a much more valuable dancer to any company, whatever the main focus of its repertoire is. I was actually never given this advice, but was always eager to learn, and took all the workshops and master classes I could, and it proved invaluable to me in my career.
Auditions – don’t be nervous, ha! Easier said than done. But you need to get your head into a place where you can show what you can do. Yes, you want to show good clean technique, but a director wants to see how you move, how daring you are to try things. Making mistakes, or flubbing a pirouette doesn’t lose you a job – not trying does.
I just want to say I had a blast teaching this summer. The students inspired me both as a teacher and choreographer, and it has been the highlight of my summer to have had the privilege to teach at CCDC. You have a wonderful studio where you have really great teachers who really care about you as students and as people. Listen to them, and go for your dreams. Dance is a great way to prepare for any path you take in life, so keep on dancing.
And I loved being a judge for the HUSTLE CONTEST!
Sincerely,
Robert Gardner
Artistic Director, Minnesota Ballet..."
07.05.2010: Ballet Cycles
I always used to tell my dance students, "Everything's easier after ballet." Meaning any other dance form or sport or martial art or performance is easier to do after all the mental and physical discipline involved in classical dance training. But, once after I said this, a student piped up and asked "What about juggling flaming chainsaws? Isn't that harder than ballet?" I thought about it for a bit and was forced to admit she had a pointe. So, now, when I say "everything's easier after ballet", I usually wait a moment and then add "...except for juggling flaming chainsaws." That usually gets a laugh and makes my pointe. But, I may have to add on another exception now after receiving a tip about this video on "Artistic Cycling"...
...I've done gymnastics, acrobatics, partnering and bicycling, just never all at the same time! AND, I've got a bicycle with your name on it (If your name is Schwinn!o), if you don't think that stuff is difficult! I'm willing to loan my bike to watch you on! Which leads us to my newly amended advice: "Everything's easier after ballet...AND artistic bicycling...while juggling flaming chainsaws!"
...and, since we're on the topic of ballet and bicycles here's one last video on the subject:
...I think we could do better. I have a few ideas! Any volunteers? Anyone? Anyone? Beuller?
07.02.2010: Hamerz Hit Homerz
Capital City Dance Center Modern/Contemporary/Jazz/Ballet/Pilates Instructor Alyssa H sends in this
contribution:
"...I talked my mom into taking her first ballet class ever last night. I thought it would be entertaining and fun to put up her first impressions of a ballet class on the website. Here is what she had to say:
My first ballet class was very challenging. Posture, posture, posture!!! I didn't realize how difficult it was and how much concentration it takes. The next day I found myself trying to stand taller and keep my seat under. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was much harder than what I had expected. I'd do it again given the opportunity.
:) (A special note from me: thanks to all my students who made me look good in front of my mom. Rockstars!) ;)
A..."
07.01.2010: Media Mentions
Haven't had a chance to watch my DVR of SYTYCD yet. But, I got tweeted like crazy about a stellar performance by The Ballet Boy last night. And! In a style that he had no right to do well in! If Alex can KILL in all these foreign-to-him dance forms, he'll do REAL well in this competition. AND, may become the first, best technical dancer to win the title of "favorite". Last week's discard, Cristina had a very endearing quality, but, it always seems awkward to me for a samba or ballroom dancer to dance solo. She did real well in the two pieces she competed in. I, for one, am tiring of the young, geeky boys: Billy, Robert and that guy from Wapokaneta. They all dance well, but, their "aw-shucks act" is wearing awfully thin, awfully fast for me. Really makes me miss that male ballroom dancer last season who was a MAN, baby! And, I think it's well past time for a guy to go home tonight. Gotta run!
07.01.2010: Rapid Response
Sure beats snail-mail!
"...I will send my answers to Emery’s questions, soon. Busy here with our summer intensive, while choreographing for The Pirates of Penzance in the evenings.
I had such a good experience with your wonderful students. You and Emery are doing such an admirable job at training good young dancers.