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The USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center Opens

October 6, 2016 by 4dancers

chandelier-from-below-by-justina-gaddy
Inside the USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center. Chandelier, from below. Photo by Justina Gaddy.

by Catherine L. Tully

This project has been no small undertaking. Over 200K Roman bricks. 39 different types of light fixtures. High definition video projectors. Retractable seating for 140. State-of-the-art floors and subfloors. There’s nothing quite like a space that is built specifically for dance…

Glorya Kaufman Dance Center
USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, exterior. Photo by Justina Gaddy.

Standing 70 feet tall and offering over 54,000 square feet of space, the USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center is a brand new building on campus, and the first new school to be built at the University of Southern California in nearly 40 years. Founded in 2012 by a gift from dance philanthropist Glorya Kaufman, this building took more than 1,000 workers approximately 238,650 hours to construct. It features a Performance Studio along with five other dance studios, a collaborative space, and a training and fitness zone for students. There are also dressing rooms, classrooms and offices for faculty and administrators in the building.

USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center studio. Photo by by Celine Kiner.
USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center studio. Photo by by Celine Kiner.

A great deal of thought was put into the use of this building as a dance space, besides the standard attention to items such as dance-specific flooring and quality sound systems. For example, the main hallway was actually designed as the outline of a dancer’s leg, and the courtyard that is adjacent to the main entrance will also double as an outdoor performance space. Over a year of research went into the planning and design of this building, which will now serve as a “palace for dance,” as Dean Cutietta refers to it.

In addition to its role in the USC curriculum, the Kaufman Dance Center will host master classes and visiting companies that will offer programming to both students and the area dance community. The Center will also serve as the home of a new initiative, the USC Choreographic Institute. With a focus on choroegraphic research, practice and mentorship, it will be advised by the well-known choreographer William Forsythe.

For additional information on the Glorya Kaufman International Dance center, please visit their website.

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Filed Under: Dance Spaces Tagged With: dance studios, Glorya Kaufman, University of Southern California, USC Choreographic Institute, USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, william forsythe

Preparing For Dance Competition Season

March 7, 2016 by 4dancers

by Karen Musey

It’s the beginning of the 2016 competition season! Emotions are running high and everyone is itching to get the season underway. Help your studio’s competition season start smoothly with these tips:

close-up-13816_640Dress Rehearsal With Costuming

Judges see it every year – a dancer is performing well, and then their costume malfunctions onstage and their confidence is shaken. Always do at least one dress rehearsal in costume! Costumes don’t always move or behave in the way you expect them to. Sometimes fabric stretches more than anticipated, sometimes not enough. Checking this ahead of time will allow for adjustments to be made (sewing, double sided tape, etc!) and get rid of that awkward tugging onstage.

A benefit of this practice: while working with your costume in rehearsal, you might discover the costume moves in an interesting and unexpected way. Working with a costume in a compelling way really adds performance value to a piece. The more dancers treat their costumes as an extension of their work, the more strongly it shows up in their investment of character and artistic choices onstage.

Of course, always remember to pack a spare set of tights, a sewing kit, double sided tape, lots of hair pins and (an older pair of) shoes if available…even duct tape – you never know when it might be a lifesaver!

cd-949227_640Prep Your Music

We’ve all been there – the dancers are in position, ready to strut their stuff and….music malfunction! Remind dancers to stay calm if this happens and to take a deep breath – they will be taken care of as quickly as possible. To help sidestep this scenario, make sure all music is burned properly, cued up, clearly marked and an extra copy is readily available.

Please be professional with cutting and editing music. Listen to the lyrics; do an online lyric search if necessary to clarify what is spoken and make appropriate cuts. Be highly cognizant of suggestive lyrics. Generally speaking, most competitions are family age-oriented and music choices should be reflective of that.

As technology progresses, studios are relying more and more on electronics. Backstage technicians are being handed more iPods and other music devices. It is not professional to expect the music technician to “fade” music at a specific moment if the time hasn’t been taken to cut it properly. Make their job easier with clear labeling, cuts and instructions – the dancers will thank you for it.

Look At The Stage

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 4dancers, Competition Tagged With: dance competition, dance competition tips, dance costumes, dance music, dance stage, dance studio, dance studios, dress rehearsal, karen musey, studio competition

“Dancers Among Us” – An Interview With Photographer Jordan Matter

November 13, 2012 by 4dancers

Jordan Matter is a portrait photographer in New York City who has had work featured on the Today Show, Tyra Banks, MSNBC, NBC, MTV, BBC, ZDF TV, NY Daily News, Washington Post, Oprah Magazine, Dance Magazine, Huffington Post, and in newspapers, magazines and blogs around the world. He has photographed the past two advertising campaigns for the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and now he is also the force behind the new book Dancers Among Us.

DAU reached the NY Times extended best seller list in its first week, despite having only been on sale for part of the week. Also, it sold out on Amazon in 48 hours, and was #1 on Reddit last Friday. Just as I was sitting down to put the interview and photos together to run on 4dancers, I looked up to see this book spotlighted on my nightly news in Chicago. Clearly it’s a hit–and not just with the dance community.

As I scrolled through the photographs to select the ones I would use for this post, I found myself smiling the entire time. Matter has managed to capture dance in a way I have never quite seen it before. It’s fresh and fun, and it really must have been something to be involved in the shoots pictured in this book. Let’s take a peek behind the scenes–

How long have you been photographing dancers, and what got you started on this subject matter in the first place?

I’ve been photographing dancers for the exact amount of time that I’ve been photographing “Dancers Among Us,” which is about 3 ½ years. I had no dance photography experience when I started this project. Jeffrey Smith of the Paul Taylor Dance Company hired me to shoot his headshots, and I told him about my idea of photographing dancers in everyday situations. He loved it and convinced ten PTDC company members to collaborate with me, despite the fact that I’d never shot dancers before.

You recently published a book, “Dancers Among Us”. How did the idea for that project come about?

I was watching my three-year-old son, Hudson, play with a toy bus, and I was struck by his enthusiasm and intensity. As we grow up, most of us seem to lose this ability to be wholly in the moment. I thought it would be exciting to create photographs that celebrated the joy of everyday life, seeing the world as if through the eyes of a child.

What was the process like of getting the photography together for this book?

It was thrilling. I spent the first two years shooting in NYC, and the last year traveling around the US. I would tweet and Facebook my destination, and the dancers came out in big numbers. Everywhere I went dancers were excited to volunteer their time, often traveling great distances to participate. I photographed well over two hundred dancers, and I owe each of them a huge debt of gratitude.

The most difficult part was cutting photographs- knowing that dancers would be left out of the book through no fault of their own. It was heartbreaking. I wrote a blog about that process, “I’m a Piece of S#!T… and I’m Sorry”, which you can read on my blog.

jordan matter photo from dancers among us
Rachel Bell, Baltimore, Photo by Jordan Matter

Can you share an interesting “behind-the-scenes” story about one of the photos in this book?

Sure. In the back of the book there are behind-the-scenes stories for most of the photos. Here’s an example-

“Surrender” (Rachel Bell)- Is this pose as unsafe as it looks? Yes, in more ways than one. Not only is Rachel hanging off a cannon at a great height, but we shot in 105-degree weather: That cannon was steaming hot. Just so you don’t think I’m completely heartless, I found a very strong man in the crowd that had gathered and asked him to hide behind the cannon and hold her left leg. (He crouched in a way to obscure himself from the camera’s view.) I entrusted Rachel’s life to a complete stranger, so maybe I should take back that heartless comment.

jordan matter photo from dancers among us
Evan Ruggiero, Sloane Kettering, Photo by Jordan Matter

What is the greatest challenge in photographing dancers?

Dancers are used to being rigidly choreographed, and they’re not often encouraged to collaborate in the creative process. As a result, dancers often wait for direction rather than throw out ideas. I consider the dancer an equal partner, and those who embrace the creative process are often asked back several times. Also, dancers can be extremely critical of themselves, and they get very frustrated if they don’t meet their expectations (which are often set impossibly high). A choreographer with a major company once told me that dancers live in a constant state of negative reinforcement, and it takes a strong personality to rise above it.

What is the most rewarding part about this type of photography?

Just look at them. Dancers are unbelievable-they’re the perfect subjects to photograph. They’re beautiful, athletic, expressive, and willing to try anything. I quickly realized that if I could imagine it, the dancer could probably do it. I can’t believe that photographers all over the world aren’t raiding their local dance studios.

jordan matter, dancers among us photo
Jamielyn Duggan, San Francisco, Photo by Jordan Matter

What do you think has helped you the most in becoming a dance photographer?

Being completely ignorant of the dance world, so I could approach my work with a fresh eye, unburdened by expectations. I actually don’t consider myself a dance photographer-I’m a photographer who uses dancers to tell stories. The quality that helped me tell those stories is a willingness to trust serendipity. Almost every photograph in the book came together through serendipity. I rarely ever had a plan- the dancer and I would explore the environment until I discovered something that excited me. Then I would ask, “What is the story? What’s the scenario?”

Usually dance photos are either pretty pictures in a studio or pretty pictures outside. I wanted to break away from that mold and create images that could resonate with everyone, not just dance fans. I tried to take slices of life that are easily recognizable and imbue them with joy and passion. However, it wasn’t always easy to trust that things would just work out when I had four dancers who just drove five hours and are waiting for me to make a decision. As we walked around, seemingly aimlessly, I would usually say, “Don’t worry, this is the process. The shot is right around the corner somewhere. Just stick with me.”

jordan matter photographer

Is there a particular method you have come up with to capture a dancer’s personality through a photo?

The dancer’s personality comes through in the scenario. It’s much easier for dancers to show that they’re funny, sexy, intense, or whatever if the story highlights that quality. It’s much more difficult in a studio setting. When I’m considering a scenario, I always see the dancer as an individual and try to gauge what interesting characteristics he or she will bring to the photo. My favorite is humor-I just can’t get enough of dancers who have a sense of humor.

What is coming up on the horizon for you?

I’ve been obsessing over this project for the past three years, so that’s primarily where my focus is right now. I haven’t announced this yet, but there will be a 2014 wall calendar (I guess I just announced it!). I hope to expand “Dancers Among Us” beyond the USA. Why would I ever stop shooting this? It’s my nirvana!

Visit Amazon if you are interested in purchasing Dancers Among Us.

Here’s a behind the scenes video that gives a glimpse of what the process was like:

Dancers Among Us goes around the USA in Ninety Seconds from Jordan Matter on Vimeo.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: dance book, dance photography, dance studios, dancers, dancers among us, jeffrey smith, jordan matter, paul taylor dance company, photographing dancers

Dancin’ At Sea–A Unique Opportunity For Dance Studios

May 5, 2010 by 4dancers

1. What exactly IS Dancin’ At Sea–and who should contact you for information about the program? 

This program is designed for dance studios that want to enhance their students’ public performance opportunites and experience.

2. How does the program work?

We combine a family cruise vacation aboard major cruise lines allowing the dancers of all ages to perform in the main theatres/show rooms of the ship.   These shows are open to ALL cruise passengers.   The number of performances is determined by the length of the cruise and the Studio Director.

3. Where do the cruises go and what are they like?

Cruising has become so popular in the last 20 years. The destinations vary from the Caribbean to the Mexican Riviera to Alaska.   It allows families to enjoy multiple cruise activities and explore new destinations while their “dancer” performs in professional venues.   

4. What is included in the cost of the cruise and what isn’t?

We include just about everything!  The cruise fare, meals, gratuities for all service personnel, costs for rehearsals, performances, cocktail / coketail parties, award ceremonies, performance invitations and announcments,dancer shirts; and most of all each group is escorted—which only enhances our specialty.  Hands on experience!  Additional costs are only those expenses of a personal nature such as gift shop, bar purchases casino and shore excursions in each port.

5. What is done to make sure that the experience is a good one and everything runs smoothly?

Nothing is ever 100% perfect in everyones eyes.  However, due to our 18 years of experience, our escorts are able to foresee any possible “hiccups” and address those issues so that we do have “smooth sailing”.  If there is a problem, it is addressed on board with the proper personnel immediately.   

6. What else can you share with readers about this unique experience?

We bring families and friends together for an experience that will last for years.  Many of our studios have sailed with us 3 times or more!  Visit our website and see many actual performances aboard the ships. 

Robin Smith is the Owner/Director of CALADESI TRAVEL / DANCIN’ AT SEA®, which has been around for over 18 years. Ms. Smith has 29 years of experience as a travel professional, and she has also been an elite competitive gymnast, dancer and instructor.

For more details about Dancin’ At Sea, visit their website, which has photos, videos and testimonials about the experience.

Inquiries from dance studio owners are welcome.

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Filed Under: 4teachers, Editorial, Studios Tagged With: cruise, dance studios, dancin at sea, robin smith

Social Media For Dancers: Branding

April 15, 2010 by 4dancers

If you are looking to firm up your “brand” on social media, there is much to know. Whether you are a dance studio owner trying to present a certain image or a freelance dancer looking to get noticed, knowing good branding techniques can help you out.

There is a great piece on this–100 Personal Branding Tactics Using Social Media–that offers tips on everything from adding a link to your blog in your e-mail signature block to commenting on other blogs. Take a peek and see what you can use…

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Filed Under: Social Media Tagged With: branding, dance, dance studios, dancers, Social Media, twitter

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