4dancers – Page 63

Review: Paradice Pack

March 1, 2012 by 4dancers

You know how a bag of frozen vegetables works wonders in terms of being able to wrap it around an injury and take down the swelling? So does a Paradice Pack–but you don’t have to worry about the food inside going bad.

This handy pack has little fluid-filled balls inside it (kind of like peas) that stay cold, yet allow the pack to mold to the shape that you need. There are several different models–choose from “cuff” style or a flat pack, depending on what you need. I used the flat pack (see photo) and thought it was great.

The Paradice Pack has a soft fabric shell which eliminates the need for a towel or cloth, which you need to use for a gel pack or frozen veggies to protect the skin from damage. This was one of the best parts about the pack in my opinion, and I really can’t imagine why nobody did this before. (At least I’ve never seen it.)

Dancers often need to use an ice pack for one reason or another, and this one is a good pick. Plus it’s a family business, so you can feel good about supporting it. If you’re interested in learning more about these unique ice packs or purchasing one for yourself, visit their website.

Disclosure

Adult Ballet – Our March Focus

March 1, 2012 by 4dancers

It’s has been a mild winter here in Chicago, but I’m still delighted to see spring is right around the corner…

March is our “Adult Ballet” month here at 4dancers. I teach an adult ballet class and I have to say it is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done during all my time in dance. Adult students are passionate and hard-working. As I like to say–they are there because they want to be there. And the joy that I get from watching my students soar across the floor, master a step at the barre, or simply learn how to spot for turns–is truly something.

In the coming weeks you’ll hear from an adult ballet teacher who will offer tips on teaching this demographic and you will also hear the voices of those who take class themselves. Some of the people you’ll see have started blogs about their experience, while others are simply enjoying ballet class.

We’ll also have our regular content, including interviews, more from Jan Dunn on Dance Wellness, our new column, “Finding Balance” by Emily Kate Long and another installment of “One Dancer’s Journey” by Todd Fox.

And if you have a moment–join us on Facebook and Twitter for additional content such as videos and links to other great dance resources. Also, be sure and sign up for our newsletter at the top right of the page here–it just takes a few seconds!

Thanks for reading.

Catherine

Finis: One Dancer — Three Views

February 29, 2012 by 4dancers

I haven’t done a lot of dance portraits, but it’s shaping up to be my next big area of creative development, especially with a new studio to work in.

I really struggle with the question “What is a dance portrait?” I photograph people all the time. I’m a people photographer. But is a portrait of a dancer dancing a “dance portrait”? Or is a photo of a dancer a “dance portrait” simply because she or he is a dancer? Does it need to be in costume or dance clothes? If it’s a singular image standing alone, does there have to be some indication of dance in it? Like the background or the location? When you have a celebrity dancer like Baryshnikov, a portrait of him is always a dance portrait, but what about an unknown dancer?

Perhaps I need to stop asking so many questions, not worry about it and just go shoot some portraits?

Here is a personal friend and an incredible dancer and performer, Jenny Mendez. And three different ways I saw her. Photographed recently in my studio in NYC.

Christopher Duggan pic — Christopher Duggan

Contributor Christopher Duggan is the founder and principal photographer of Christopher Duggan Photography, a New York City-based wedding and dance photography studio. Duggan has been the Festival Photographer for Jacob’s Pillow Dance since 2006. In this capacity, and as a respected New York-based dance photographer, he has worked with renowned choreographers and performers of international acclaim as well as upstarts in the city’s diverse performance scene.

He has created studio shots of Gallim Dance, Skybetter + Associates and Zvidance, among others, and in 2011 alone, he has photographed WestFest at Cunningham Studios, Dance From the Heart for Dancers Responding to Aids, The Gotham Dance Festival at The Joyce Theater, and assisted Nel Shelby Productions in filming Vail International Dance Festival.

Duggan often teams up with his talented wife and Pillow videographer Nel Shelby (http://nelshelby.com). A New York City-based husband and wife dance documentation team, they are equipped to document performances, create and edit marketing videos and choreography reels, and much more.

Christopher Duggan Photography also covers Manhattan’s finest wedding venues, the Metropolitan and Tri-State areas, and frequently travels to destination weddings. The company’s mission is straightforward and heartfelt – create timeless, memorable images of brides, grooms, their families and friends, and capture special moments of shared love, laughter and joy.

His photographs appear in The New York Times, Destination I Do, Photo District News, Boston Globe, Financial Times, Dance Magazine, Munaluchi Bridal, and Bride & Bloom, among other esteemed publications and popular wedding blogs. One of his images of Bruce Springsteen was added to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s celebrated photography collection in 2010. His company has been selected for inclusion in “The Listings” in New York Weddings magazine.

Dancers And Hydration

February 28, 2012 by 4dancers

Dancers sweat. They sweat and they work their bodies for long periods of time–much like other athletes.

Enter hydration. Keeping your body properly hydrated is important as a dancer. Today we have Emily Harrison, MS, RD, LD with us to take a closer look at this key subject….

Hydration

Even mild dehydration can affect performance. Staying hydrated is extremely important to a dancer’s performance because the first signs of dehydration are fatigue and poor balance. Thirst actually only kicks in after the body has lost 1-2 liters of water. If you are thirsty then you are already dehydrated.

The science:

Water makes up approximately 60% of body weight and is the largest component of the human body. The muscles we work so hard to develop as dancers (skeletal muscles) are about 73% water, your blood is about 93% water and even bones and teeth have some water. Water is critical for maintaining homeostasis within the body and is important in the thousands of biochemical and physiological functions our body goes through every day. Water aids in digestion and is important in the transport and elimination systems of the body.

Overheating and performance:

It’s important for dancers to know that being properly hydrated helps keep the body from overheating. Helping the body promote heat loss when dancing full out will improve athletic performance and aid in recovery. This is especially important for dancers wearing hot costumes and performing under stage lights. Sweat losses during performance can be significantly more than during rehearsal of the same piece. This is why drinking regularly (even small, regular sips) is an important habit during a show.

How much is really needed? Can a dancer get fluids from other things besides water? [Read more…]

The Andréa Rizzo Foundation – Dréa’s Dream

February 25, 2012 by 4dancers

Today I’d like to welcome Susan Rizzo Vincent, President of The Andréa Rizzo Foundation, which funds a wonderful program – Dréa’s Dream…

What is the mission of the Andréa Rizzo Foundation?

The Andréa Rizzo Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the funding of Dréa’s Dream; a pediatric dance therapy/expressive movement program for children with cancer and special education needs – in hospitals, special education classrooms and medical settings.

Programs are led by trained Dance/Movement Therapists registered with the American Dance Therapy Association.

Who benefits from Dréa’s Dream pediatric dance therapy programming and where?

Children with cancer and special education needs benefit from Dréa’s Dream in small groups at schools or hospitals and bedside in medical settings. We provide pediatric dance therapy/expressive movement in the following hospitals and schools:

Pediatric Medical Centers

Public Schools

California Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLAChildrens Hospital Los Angeles

Connecticut

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

Soundbridge Center for the Hearing Impaired

Colorado

Memorial Hospital, Colorado Springs

Florida

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital

Indiana Riley Hospital for ChildrenMassachusetts Mass General Hospital

Missouri

Cardinal Glennon Hospital

New York

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Ronald McDonald House

Rhode Island

Hasbro Children’s Medical Center

Connecticut Memorial Elementary SchoolIndiana Glen Acres Elementary School

New Jersey

Herbert Richardson 21st Century School

Ignazio Cruz Early Childhood Center

New York John Street SchoolAlvin Ailey Arts in Education

J.M Rapport School, NYC

Rhode Island

Narragansett Elementary School

Carey School

West Warwick High School

Who are your biggest supporters so that programming can be sustained?

Dancers and dance educators are our biggest supporters – they hold dance-a-thons, dance parties or benefit performances through our Dance Across America® fundraising initiative. Dancers possess a deep level of understanding of the power of dance.

Dance schools and dance companies hold dance events that are meaningful and allow their dancers the opportunity to be creative and combine their love of dance with compassion for those who wish that they could be dancing too. They want to make a difference through – DANCE!

We personally help the dancers to be creative and think of something meaningful that fits their schedule. We provide materials and thank you items for all participants. Dance schools or dance companies who raise $5000 or more can dedicate their proceeds to starting Dréa’s Dream pediatric dance therapy programming near to their hometown.

This was the 6th year of our Dance Across America fundraising initiative, enabling dancers across the country to “let their hearts move their feet.” The grand total for Benefit Performances and dance-a-thons exceeded $40,000 in donations – a sincere and generous gift from dancers.

Let your heart move your feet …….®

If you are interested in getting involved, you can visit Dance Across America. You may also want to watch this short video that gives more details about the back story of Andréa Rizzo’s life and how this amazing organization came to be.

Want to get in touch with Susan? You can call her at 401 952 2423.

Want to support the foundation? Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizzofoundation

BIO: Susan Rizzo Vincent founded The Andréa Rizzo Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing dance therapy to children with cancer and special needs in schools and medical settings.

A public school educator for 28 years, Susan Rizzo Vincent has been listed in “Who’s Who in American Teachers.” She was the keynote speaker at the 2005 New England American Dance Therapy Association’s Annual Conference. She has received the “Women of Vision and Courage Award, 2004” from Salve Regina University where she earned a certificate from their Expressive Arts Institute. Susan has appeared on ABC TV Eyewitness News in NYC and was featured in Woman’s Day magazine for receiving their “Women Who Inspire Us Award” in November 2005. Susan was featured on Ladie’s Home Journal Online’s “Ladies We Love” in 2010. She received Lifetime Achievement Awards from The American Dance Therapy Association as well as Rhee Gold’s DanceLife Annual Dance Conference in 2009.

Susan was recently honored with the Open Heart Award by Jane Seymour’s Open Hearts Foundation at their inaugural gala in Malibu, California along with Good Morning America Anchor, Robin Roberts; football legend, Emmit Smith and Jesse Billauer of Life Rolls On.

Disclosure – Affiliate & Ad Info

Copyright Notice