4teachers – Page 56

Chicago Ballet Arts Benefit Performance

May 26, 2010 by 4dancers

If you are in the Chicago area, come and support a wonderful school by attending this benefit performance put on by Chicago Ballet Arts:

Chicago Ballet Arts presents “Shades of White”

See all of CBA’s students in their annual concert at 1 p.m. on Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th. Calvin Kitten appears courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet. Jennifer Goodman appears courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet.

Performances of “Kingdom of the Shades” and “Graduation Ball”

Saturday, June 12th

Wine & Cheese 6 p.m. Performance 7 p.m.
Cocktails and Light Fare 8 p.m.

Patricia G. Nolan Center for the Arts Auditorium
7416 North Ridge Boulevard, Chicago, IL

Tickets available peterfbialek (at) aol.com

Teaching Tip: Bringing In Guest Instructors

May 24, 2010 by 4dancers

If you are a dance teacher working at a high school or college, you may want to consider bringing in a guest instructor for your class. Guest teachers can help bring some depth to your course and keep students interested. In addition, they can give you a bit of a break…

If you are going to do this type of thing, be sure you have some bases covered. Check with the administration and see what requirements they have, and make sure that you cover the following with your guest teacher prior to class:

When they should arrive and what they will need. You can also let them know what you are able to provide for them in terms of music, space and props.
The level of your students and what they have studied thus far.
Any rules you have for your class.
Any objectives you have for student learning.

Be sure to get contact information for the instructor, such as a cell phone they can be reached at and an e-mail so that you can remind them about the class a day or two before hand. (It is also nice to send a link to directions if you can, along with your cell phone and the school’s telephone number in case they get lost or can’t get inside.)

Anyone have any tips to add?

Just Dance Talent Search

May 21, 2010 by 4dancers

Just Dance is an outstanding success and the best-selling third party game on Wii^TM since its launch. If you are a choreographer who is interested in the possibility of winning a contest to have your work featured in the next “Just Dance” game, you can learn more about how to enter on the Just Dance Game Facebook page.

Robin Antin, founder of the Pussycat Dolls and Girlicious is the celebrity guest judge, and she will evaluate the top ten finalists to choose a winner. The prize? The winner and a friend will be flown to the Ubisoft Paris studio to meet the development team and have their own choreography recorded and produced for inclusion in the upcoming Just Dance video game.

10 Questions With…Dr. Linda Hamilton

May 18, 2010 by 4dancers

When I was a young dancer I can remember getting my first subscription to Dance Magazine. In it was a column that I absolutely loved–one that answered some of the burning questions I had–but that I was afraid to ask. I always flipped to it first and eagerly read the advice…

That column was written by Dr. Linda Hamilton–who was kind enough to spend some time sharing her insights here with us on 4dancers today. I’m honored to share them with you now…

1. You have had a long, successful career helping dancers. What is one thing about them that stands out to you after working with them all these years?

There are many things that make dancers stand out from the crowd. However, if I have to narrow it down to one factor then I’d say it’s their extraordinary passion for dance. While most performers love what they do, serious dancers love it almost to excess. This can be a double-edged sword. It helps them to excel in dance because they are so eager to make progress. However, this same drive can also sabotage their best efforts if they ignore pain and fatigue.

Linda Hamilton (c) Paul Kolnik

2. What are the primary injuries and issues you have seen over the years in the dance world, and have they changed with time or do they remain largely the same?

Overall, the most common concerns in dance include overuse injuries, burnout, mental stress, and eating problems. The good news is that today’s dancers are better informed about a variety of health issues. The problem is that the training and choreography are much more intense. As a result, it takes more than dance class to survive. You also need to consider good work habits, cross-training, nutrition, weight control, and stress management. We’ve integrated these elements in our wellness program at New York City Ballet, and the weeks lost to disability have dropped almost in half.

3. You have done a good deal of research during the course of your career…what was the most surprising thing you found?

The biggest surprise was how similar dancers are around the world. We compared dancers from Western Europe, China, Russia and the United States and found that they were all experiencing the same mental and physical stresses. Isn’t that amazing? The main factor that separates dancers, regardless of the country, is how pro-active their schools and companies are in terms of preventing these problems. Fortunately, the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science is a wonderful resource that can help you get up to speed. I highly recommend becoming a member (www.iadms.org).

4. How did you begin writing for Dance Magazine?

Writing for Dance Magazine coincided with my becoming a licensed clinical psychologist. I wanted to focus on the entertainment industry after working with different performers at a clinic that specialized in the area. However, I knew that dancers can have a hard time discussing problems because the training rewards you for being stoic. So the idea of an advice column where dancers could write to me and ask for help without using their real names held great appeal. I proposed the column to Dance Magazine and it’s been running ever since. It’s been highly rewarding for me on a personal level. More important, I hope it’s shown dancers that reaching out when you have a problem can be empowering.

5. What is it like to work with New York City Ballet?

It’s like going home! I grew up at City Ballet and performed with them for almost two decades. Helping to develop and implement the wellness program is like a dream come true. It allows me to bring everything I know about dance medicine to the Company. Now every young dancer receives an annual orthopedic, fitness, and nutritional screening to identify potential problems before they become serious. We also offer seminars when time permits, where I may discuss ways to prevent burnout. I’m also available for dancers who need more personalized help, such as recovering from an injury. It’s an honor to give back to the dance community that has brought so much joy and meaning to my life. To do this at City Ballet is a gift.

6. In your mission statement it says, “you no longer have to suffer for your art form to excel”. Can you explain what you mean by that?

It means that a lot of the suffering that occurred in the performing arts was due to lack of knowledge and resources. Dancers need to be thin but they can lose weight safely by knowing what to eat and how to cross-train. The same is true for working with your unique body type without getting injured, using mental skills to reduce performance anxiety and increase self-confidence, and knowing when to seek medical help to take advantage of that one-month magic healing period.

7. Are there any psychological issues that dancers tend to be more prone to?

I’d have to say perfectionism! Obviously, you need a hefty dose in order to practice the same dance steps over and over again. This trait is inborn and common in gifted individuals. The healthy aspects include high standards and the organizational skills to meet your goals. The less adaptive parts that can trip you up are never accepting anything less than perfection (which is unattainable) and looking at mistakes as a sign of failure rather than an opportunity to learn something useful. Perfection is an ideal, not a reality.

8. You have recently written a book called The Dancer’s Way. Who should read this book and why?

I think everyone in the dance community can benefit from the book, including dancers, teachers, directors, and healthcare specialists. I wrote it to help reduce occupational stress and achieve peak performance in any dance technique, not just ballet. It shows you how to develop a wellness program tailored to meet your unique needs, and includes New York City Ballet’s screening protocol and the resources to duplicate it. I just heard that The Royal Ballet is considering adopting it after reading the book. I also know that Jerry Mitchell, who’s choreographed numerous Broadway hits, wants to make it mandatory reading for his gypsies. It’s also being used by a number of dance schools and BFA programs. Frankly, it’s the book I wish I’d had when I was a performer.

9. Can you share a particularly meaningful moment from your career?

Actually, that question is easy to answer because it just happened. I was invited to speak at the first dance medicine conference in Monte Carlo, which happens to be the first city where I performed on tour as a 16 year-old dancer with New York City Ballet. I felt like my life had come full-circle. As a young dancer I had the honor of being introduced to Princess Grace. This time her daughter, Princess Caroline, was in the audience. It was a very special moment that brought two careers together in a highly meaningful way.

10. What is next on the horizon for you?

Well, it seems like I always have another project on the table. This time it’s focusing on my new website for all types of performers. I have monthly wellness tips on topics like self-esteem and dieting, surveys that target constant concerns such as technique, photos on different sources of occupational stress, and a daily discussion forum. It’s meant to provide both information and support. I invite everyone to visit, check out the tips and resources, and join me in the forum at www.wellness4performers.com. This is for YOU!

Biography:

Former New York City Ballet dancer Linda Hamilton is a clinical psychologist specializing in the performing arts. In addition to her private practice in Manhattan, Dr. Hamilton is the wellness consultant for New York City Ballet and The Ailey School. She writes a monthly advice column in Dance Magazine, and has three books that deal with occupational stresses in the entertainment industry. Dr. Hamilton’s website provides the community with useful tips and resources, as well as daily support in her discussion forum (www.wellness4performers.com).

The Jersey Tap Fest

May 15, 2010 by 4dancers

This is a post for all you tap dancers out there…4dancers is pleased to share some information about Jersey Tap Fest, and its founder, Hillary-Marie…

1. Can you tell readers a little about your background?

I am a tap soloist, performer, choreographer and teacher who specializes in the American art form of rhythm tap dance. I established an entrepreneurial stance at a young age by managing local musicians in the tri-state area under Fireshot Promotions and am now the Founder and Director of Jersey Tap Fest.

Hillary-Marie Promo Shot 1 — Hillary-Marie

I have been mentored by and assistant to Dr. Harold ‘Stumpy’ Cromer since 2007 and mentored by Karen Callaway Williams since 2004. As a belter and actress, I made my theatrical debut as Val in a regional production of A Chorus Line and now provide audiences with an afternoon of song and tap dance in my new show, What’s On Tap? I proudly became a member of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble in April 2006 and have since become a principal dancer for the New Jersey Tap Ensemble under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director Ms. Deborah Mitchell. I have been so fortunate as to work with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Ballet, Russian Moscow Ballet, American Tap Dance Foundation, as well as award-winning composers Marvin Hamlisch, Leonard Oxley and Nikki Denner.

I have performed in many New Jersey venues, including Cafe Arabica, the Edward Nash Theatre, Montclair Arts Museum, the Morristown Community Theatre, the NJ State Theatre, NJPAC, Patriot’s Stadium, Pianos, the Richardson Auditorium, Skipper’s, the South Orange Performing Arts Center, The Priory, the Union County Performing Arts Center, the Westminster Arts Center and the Wilkins Theatre, as well as New York City’s Battery Park, Cobi’s Place, the Duke Theatre on 42nd Street, the Fashion Institute of Technology Haft Auditorium, Peter Norton Symphony Space, Small’s Jazz Club, Showman’s, The Kitchen, Washington DC’s Duke Ellington Theater and Smithsonian Museum, St. Louis’ Blanch M. Touhill PAC, and Los Angeles’ Hamilton Performing Arts Center.

Outside of teaching and performance, I write for Terrence Taps’ Tap Dance Blog and am a member of the International Tap Association and New Jersey Jazz Society, where I dedicate myself to keeping the art form of tap dance alive.

2. Briefly, can you explain what Jersey Tap Fest is?

Jersey Tap Fest is an annually fantastic New Jersey tap dance event that will educate and serve diverse students with a passion for tap dance. Founded by Hillary-Marie, Jersey Tap Fest provides repertoire classes to celebrate today’s young, emerging tap dance artists and master classes to celebrate the tap masters and allow them to train the artists who are the future face of the tap dance community. We are committed to tap dance by being dedicated to its advancement for the purposes of promoting and preserving its tradition, history and musicality as an American art form.

Jersey Tap Fest provides non-competitive opportunities of self-advancement and networking for the basic tapper, tap teacher, tap enthusiast, pre-professional and professional artist and tap master. This stimulating, demanding and rigorous program will serve diverse students with great passion for tap dance in the tri-state area, allowing them to improve their technical abilities and increase their overall knowledge of the art form. All participants will be awarded opportunities of performance to give them valuable experience in which they can reflect on. Overall, Jersey Tap Fest is focused on serving tap dance, teaching its history, preserving its percussive traditions and promoting it for what it is, a cherished American art form.

3. Who should attend?

Everyone! Classes are based on skill level

Kids – There are youth classes and a youth rep for children between the ages of 8 and 12 (the choreography learned in the rep classes will be performed in the main stage show on July 17^th at SOPAC theater, amazing performance opportunity!)

Teenage, college, pre-professional and professionals – There are open intermediate and advanced classes and intermediate and advanced reps (the choreography learned in the rep classes will be performed in the main stage show on July 17^th at the SOPAC theater… another amazing performance opportunity!) Classes can be registered for individually, but as always… packages are the way to go!

Adults – There are adult beginner classes all three days of the festival towards the end of the day, before the night time events. This is a great opportunity to brush up on childhood dance skills, start a new hobby, or learn about what your child does in dance class and give you something in common, a new dinner table discussion!

Tap Teachers – Attending Jersey Tap Fest will provide you with new steps, techniques and routines to teach your students.

Tap Enthusiasts – Not a tap dancer, but love tap dance? There are classes and events for you! History with Dr. Cromer and “Music Theory for Tap Dancers” can be registered for individually. There is a free Shim-Sham class and everyone can purchase tickets to the night time events, including the Jam Session, Panel Discussion, Participants Showcase and the main stage faculty show.

4. Can you tell readers about the people who will be teaching at the event?

Honoree:

Living tap dance legend Dr. Harold ‘Stumpy’ Cromer of the song and dance comedy team “Stump and Stumpy” with James Cross. Credits include, Du Barry Was A Lady, Early To Bed, The American Dance Machine and special appearances with Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and many more!

Rep Teachers:
Logan Miller (A.C.G.I., St. Louis Hoofers)
Sarah Reich (A.C.G.I., LA Ironworks)
Alicia Smith (New Jersey Tap Ensemble)
Kyle Wilder (New Jersey Tap Ensemble)

Youth/Int/Adv/Early Bird/Technique Teachers:
Karen Callaway Williams (Riverdance, New Jersey Tap Ensemble)
Maurice Chestnut (Bring in ‘Da Noise Bring in ‘Da Funk, New Jersey Tap Ensemble)
Dr. Harold ‘Stumpy’ Cromer
DeWitt Fleming Jr. (Banana Spheel, Broadway Underground, New Jersey Tap Ensemble)
Jeffry Foote (New Jersey Tap Ensemble)
Jason Janas (Imagine Tap)
Hillary-Marie (Founder and Director of Jersey Tap Fest, New Jersey Tap Ensemble)
Deborah Mitchell (Founder and Artistic Director of New Jersey Tap Ensemble, Black and Blue)
Jenne Vermes

Hip-Hop:
Tom McKie

Music Theory for Tap Dancers:
Nicki Denner (The Nicki Denner Latin Jazz Trio)

Special Guest:
Yvette Glover (Mother of Savion Glover, Jazz Vocalist)

5. Would you talk about a few of the highlights of the Fest?

Beyond the amazing faculty and 40+ classes that Jersey Tap Fest offers… there are public nighttime events and extra classes!

Wednesday, July 14^th

**“Music Theory for Tap Dancers” can give any tap fanatic a better understanding the percussive and improvisational elements of tap dance,

**Open Jam Session – musicians and tap dancers are invited to call their tune and jam with the live jazz band!

Thursday, July 15^th

**The free Shim-Sham class is a great time to learn the classic tap dance finale, “The Shim-Sham Shimmy”

**Panel Discussion

Friday, July 16^th

**Learn about tap dance history from history itself with Dr. Cromer!

**Jersey Tap Fest participants are provided with the opportunity to share their talent and perform for the public (acts are not limited to tap dance)

Saturday, July 17^th – Main Stage Show

**An AMAZING faculty performance that you do not want to miss! (This performance will include rep pieces learned during the festival)

6. What else can you tell readers about the Jersey Tap Fest experience?

Tap festivals provide tap dancers of all skill levels and ages with opportunities to learn, grow, network and perform. Don’t miss out on this amazing event.

All events will take place at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). This is an amazing theater that is allowing us to use their Loft to hold the classes and their stage for the culminating main stage show. SOPAC is conveniently located next to the South Orange train station, which is only a 30 minute train ride from NY Penn Station.

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