4dancers – Page 85

10 Questions With…Beth Terwilleger

February 2, 2011 by 4dancers

Today we have with us Beth Terwilleger from Ballet Austin….

1. How did you become involved with dance?

When I was growing up my family used to put on music and dance around the house. I always loved dancing, and when my grandfather showed me my first ballet video I knew that this was the kind of dance I wanted to do. My mom signed me up for classes and I immediately fell in love.

2. What are you currently doing in the field?

I am currently a ballet dancer with Ballet Austin.

3. Would you share a special moment from your career with readers?

There are so many special moments. I remember the moment I realized I could move, like really dance. I had always been a bit typecast at the school I grew up in as being very much a ballerina and not a contemporary dancer. Then, during my second apprentice year at Ballet Austin I was in a rehearsal for our end of the year show doing a piece set to salsa music and I realized “this feel great!” Really letting go and moving in all kinds of new different ways was really what I wanted dance to be for me. I was told that the way I moved in this show and the fact that I did have this realization was the reason I was hired into the company. It was major turning point for me. [Read more…]

Does A Great Teacher Inspire?

January 31, 2011 by 4dancers

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” -William A. Ward

Indeed! I loved this quote when I read it and I think it is so true. (Although I am not sure about the good vs. superior teacher qualities…think they might be in reverse for dance…)

If you can inspire your students, you are doing something special. But what can you actually do to get this from your heart to theirs?

I think a lot of it has to do with passion and intent. The bored, burnt-out teacher can only manage to tell. A teacher with little experience may have their hands full trying to demonstrate or explain. The master teacher is free to share their joy with students–if they allow themselves…it takes a sort of “letting go” I believe. An ability to be in the moment and feel the love of dance in your own body before you can communicate it clearly to those in your class. Then it flows.

What has a dance teacher done to inspire you? What was it that got it across? I’d love to hear what connected for you…

Under Wraps: Favorite Warmup Clothes

January 27, 2011 by 4dancers

We all have them. Some are pretty and new, while others are old and tattered. Warmup clothing in dance is the equivelant of the blanket that Linus carried around with him on Peanuts. It represents comfort, safety, and to a certain extent–our personality as well.

My favorite warmups were generally t-shirts that I took a scissors to–chopped out the neck, and sometimes did a little handiwork on the sleeves as well. And I had a pair of black legwarmers that I loved. I was never into the plastic “diaper” pants, but I know a lot of girls who wore them all the time. Other people donned large sweaters, wrapped bandanas or scarves around their heads or cobbled together a “mish-mosh” of other clothing, worn over their tights and leotards.

I’ve seen some strange stuff over the years…one woman wore just socks, but pulled them down so that only her toes and the ball of her foot was covered. I’m not quite sure how she could take class like that, but she did. Another wore a full-length winter scarf, wrapped several times around her neck as though she was walking down the street in New York during a snowstorm.

Odd the little habits we develop when it comes to how we dress for class. What we find comforting–or comfortable.

What about you? Any items you feel especially attached to? Have you seen anything in class that you found unusual?

Upcoming Chicago Area Dance Performances

January 24, 2011 by 4dancers

Chicago-area dance lovers have two upcoming opportunities to see unique dance performances in the area. Here’s the info:

The first is called “The Lonely Visitors” and it takes place March 3-4. Our own Lucy Riner is involved in this one, so you can come and see her in person. The performance is at the Hamlin Park Fieldhouse at 3035 N. Hoyne Ave at 7:30PM.

$15 General Admission

For tickets go to www.brownpapertickets.com

For info call 773-416-0834

The second upcoming show is Winifred Haun & Dancers, which will be presenting “Bento & other dances,” a program of six works that includes two premieres, on March 17 & 18 at the Hamlin Park Theater. The two premieres, both choreographed by Winifred Haun, will be “Bento,” a group work and “Disquiet,” a solo.

Tickets are $20 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased on-line at

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/136614 or at http://www.WinifredHaun.org

Tickets will also be available at the door.

For more info, see http://www.WinifredHaun.org or dial 773.454.9843.

Come and support the Chicago-area dance scene!

Audition Notice: Morphoses

January 12, 2011 by 4dancers

Morphoses is seeking dancers for 2011. Requirements include classical ballet training and professional experience. The Morphoses 2011 season is dedicated to a full evening work by Resident Artistic Director Luca Veggetti.

Applications are due by March 1st. If you would like to apply, submit a current resume, dance photographs and a video link to AUDITION@MORPHOSES.ORG

If you are selected, you will audition in New York in March. To learn more about Morphoses, take a look at their website.

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