For dancers, dance teachers, and those who love dance. – Page 201 – A website for dancers, dance teachers and others interested in dance

10 Questions With…Jacqueline Moscicke

September 8, 2010 by 4dancers

Today we have 10 Questions with Jacqueline Moscicke from the Joffrey…

1. How did you become involved with dance?

When I was little I would jump off furniture trying to imitate Baryshnikov and ended up in the emergency room a few times. That’s when my parents decided to take me to a ballet class.

Jacqueline Moscicke, Photo by Richard Brodzeller

2. What are you currently doing in the field?

I joined The Joffrey Ballet in July.

3. Would you share a special moment or two from your career?

One of my favorite moments was being featured in Margo Sappington’s, Common people. The ballet turned into a film documentary called Gonzo Ballet with William Shatner. Another great ballet experience was being Clara in the Nutcracker, it will always hold a magical spot in my heart.

4. What is the best advice you have ever received regarding dance?

The best advice I received was from my Grandpa, he said “write it all down before you forget all these special moments”.

5. Do you have any advice for those who would like to dance professionally?

I would have to say there’s a company for everyone, you just have to search for where you feel comfortable and fit best.

6. What has been your biggest challenge in dance?

Injuries are the worst! I had loads of doubts and insecurities when I had ankle surgery. I missed all the other dancers, felt left out, and wondered if I’d ever catch up again.

Jacqueline Moscicke, Photo by Richard Brodzeller

7. What is it that you love so much about ballet?

It’s hard to explain my love for ballet, I just feel most at peace when I’m on stage.

8. Do you have a special routine that you go through before a performance, or is each one different?

I definitely am superstitious. I can’t go up on stage too much before the show starts or I’ll get nervous, and I keep good luck charms with me in my dressing room.

9. Where you do think dance is headed?

Hopefully rock ballets continue to become more popular they’re great fun to do!

10. What is next for you?

I’ll be taking in all the wonderful new things I’m discovering in Chicago, with The Joffrey Ballet.

BIO: Originally from Sussex Wisconsin Jacqueline Moscicke received her formal training at Milwaukee Ballet School on full scholarship. In 2003, she received honorable mention in the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts competition. In 2006 and 2008, Ms. Moscicke was featured as Clara in Milwaukee Ballet’s the Nutcracker. Other roles she has enjoyed performing are George Balachine’s Agon, variations from Marius Petipia’s Raymonda, appearing as the Songbird Fairy and Princess Florine in The Sleeping Beauty, and Margo Sappinton’s Common People which is featured in William Schatner’s Gonzo Ballet Documentary. She spent seven years with Milwaukee ballet Company and is thrilled to be joining The Joffrey Ballet.

Dance In The US: Shreveport Dance Academy

September 7, 2010 by 4dancers

This week our series on “Dance in the US” takes us to Louisianna…

Name: Shreveport Dance Academy

Location: 2537 East 70th Street, Shreveport, LA71105

About: This dance academy is also home to the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet. The facility is 9,000 square feet, and there are five studios. Sprung floors and limited class sizes help insure that students will have a safe experience with plenty of personal attention.

The studio teaches classes for those ages 2 1/2 to adult, and there are also offerings besides ballet, including Pilates, tap, jazz and hip hop. For more information about the school, tuition and policies, visit their site on the web.

Pas de Trois: How Can Someone Get Into Watching Dance?

September 6, 2010 by 4dancers

For more about Pas de Trois (dancing3.com) and how this post came to be, please check out the site and read about our effort–we’re hoping to get a lot of conversations started over there!

Today it’s my turn to give an opinion about how someone can get into watching dance.

I think it’s important to see a live performance if possible. Something about seeing dance in person is so much more powerful. I’ve gone to shows that have showcased dance styles I don’t even particularly like and enjoyed it because I could feel the energy radiating from the stage. It’s magic.

If that isn’t a possibility (I would say though for most people it is!), then video is the next best thing. It can help to select something you think you might enjoy. For example, if ballet bores you to tears, you probably aren’t going to go crazy with joy watching a video of Swan Lake. TenduTV has a channel on YouTube that offers a variety of videos you can choose from.

Learning a bit about dance can also be helpful. For example, you may enjoy the ballet Giselle more if you have an idea of the storyline before you go. Check out Henrik’s fun take on some of the main ballets on Tights and Tiaras–he tells the stories well! There are also some at BalletMet Columbus that offer great overviews.

Going with someone else can also be a great way to get into the performance. Much like seeing a movie and talking about it afterwards, there is a reward in sharing the experience.

What do you think? Add your answer to our latest question on Pas de Trois–we’d love to hear your voice!

A Blog Sampler

September 3, 2010 by 4dancers

Today I’d just like to take a moment to point out a few of the dance blogs I read on a regular basis. There are a lot of good ones out there, so this list is by no means comprehensive–but I thought I’d highlight a few in case you haven’t had the chance to check them out.

As always, if you have any suggestions, feel free to add them in the comments section!

Ballet for Men – Written by David Hunter, this blog is a great resource for guys who are interested in ballet. Not only is there a ton of “how to” information there, but you can listen to podcasts as well.

Tights and Tiaras – This blog is authored by Henrik Lamark, a Norweigan ballet dancer with a flair for the written word. Read up on the stories of the great ballets, get behind the scenes and learn some ballet terminology or learn about life as a dancer from his point of view.

Demicontretemps – Eric Taub’s writing is a joy to read, and he recently started posting video on his site as well. Drop by and check out his musings on dance for a treat.

Art Intercepts – Meet Lauren Warnecke, a Chicago-based dancer and educator and enjoy her posts on topics such as anatomy for dancers, dance injuries and other scientific information.

Dance Advantage – Nichelle’s mega-resource for dancers, teachers and parents. You could spend hours looking through all the great information here.

Dave Tries Ballet – A new site by – you guessed it – Dave, who is just starting out in ballet. A very interesting read.

Dance.com Blog – Another dance blog you could spend an afternoon browsing. Here you’ll find dance news as well as posts on all types of dance styles.

KinerEnterprisesInc. Blog – This recently re-vamped site offers tips on social media, business advice and more.

The Ballet Bag – Expect the unexpected on this delightful ballet blog. Always entertaining, well-written and informative.

Pas de Trois at dancing3.com – Not to toot my own horn here, but our new site (David Hunter, Henrik Lamark and I) is something I’d love for you to check out if you have the time. We’re hoping that people will really join in the conversation so we can all learn more about one another.

Tendus Under A Palm Tree – A lovely blog by Rebecca King, a Corps De Ballet dancer with Miami City Ballet.

Dance In The US…Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy

September 2, 2010 by 4dancers

This week, “Dance In The US” takes us to Kentucky…

Name: Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy

Location: 736 National Ave., Lexington KY 40502

Photo courtesy of Kentucky Ballet Theatre Academy

About: This ballet school offers a solid curriculum with some interesting classes. Besides the typical fare, such as creative movment and technique classes, you will also find things such as pas de deux classes, pre-pointe classes and even the opportunity to perfect things like turns through private lessons. There is even a salsa class offered.

The school’s approach to training is described as, “combining the strength of the Russian School of dance with the Cuban influence of fluid movement, rhythm, and passion”.

You can visit their website for details on things such as the dress code, class prices and registration.

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