Whether you are of Irish descent or not, numerous dancers have been drawn to this style since Erin Gormley, a freshman, choreographed last semester. It has given a lot of the dancers an opportunity to learn a new style of dance that is fun, upbeat and a GREAT workout.
This piece to the music "Siasma" expressed "Tradition." For all of you who missed out on last weekend's show, make sure to keep updated about events at www.nudanco.neu.edu.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
You'd have to be "Colorblind" not to be moved by this choreography
My good friend Vanessa Castro, a middler at Northeastern University, and I danced in three pieces together this semester.
The piece she choreographed was a beautiful modern/lyrical number to the Counting Crows' "Colorblind". It was heartfelt and emotional and the style of dance is truly unique to Vanessa. I feel like watching the difference between the "Show Me The Money" hip hop piece and this performance shows the wide range of dance styles that are out there, that can be performed by some of the same dancers.
The piece she choreographed was a beautiful modern/lyrical number to the Counting Crows' "Colorblind". It was heartfelt and emotional and the style of dance is truly unique to Vanessa. I feel like watching the difference between the "Show Me The Money" hip hop piece and this performance shows the wide range of dance styles that are out there, that can be performed by some of the same dancers.
"Show Me The Money" clip from "Expressions"
Ahhh the power of technology. Some of my friends have already posted a few clips from some pieces from the Northeastern University Dance Company's spring show "Expressions."
This first one is choreographed by freshman Alex Sanchez to the popular Petey Pablo song featured in last summer's dance movie hit "Step Up."
Enjoy!
This first one is choreographed by freshman Alex Sanchez to the popular Petey Pablo song featured in last summer's dance movie hit "Step Up."
Enjoy!
Ailey's annual visit to Boston is coming up
Alvin Ailey Dance Company has taken modern dance to a whole new level. The inspirational, colorful, intricate and technically challenging choreography has evolved the art form of modern dance. The annual Celebrity Series performances in Boston always welcome Ailey with open arms.
This year is no different as the performances begin next week running from Thursday April 26 through April 29. The Celebrity Series Web site describes the company as "Rooted in the history of the African-American diaspora, and born of the dreams and vision of its founder, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has shaped itself into an ambassador for American culture. Through epic stories of American struggle, jazz inspired narratives and hip-hop infused portraits, the Ailey company continues to connect generations of audiences."
Each performance features different pieces including Revelations, The River, Sweet Bitter Love, Grace, Portrait of Billie and Pas de Duke. With student rush tickets always available for these shows, I plan on taking a page out of my good friend Ty's book and going to as many shows as my schedule and budget allows.
For specific show information go here.
This year is no different as the performances begin next week running from Thursday April 26 through April 29. The Celebrity Series Web site describes the company as "Rooted in the history of the African-American diaspora, and born of the dreams and vision of its founder, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has shaped itself into an ambassador for American culture. Through epic stories of American struggle, jazz inspired narratives and hip-hop infused portraits, the Ailey company continues to connect generations of audiences."
Each performance features different pieces including Revelations, The River, Sweet Bitter Love, Grace, Portrait of Billie and Pas de Duke. With student rush tickets always available for these shows, I plan on taking a page out of my good friend Ty's book and going to as many shows as my schedule and budget allows.
For specific show information go here.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
It isn't the end ...
I guess this will be my last "official" blog for class, but I intend to keep up with my dance blog to keep everyone up to date on Boston dance news.
I am planning to attend Alvin Ailey's shows coming next weekend, Classic Balanchine and Giselle put on by the Boston Ballet in May and to see Emerson's spring musical production of On The Town. I am also planning a trip soon to New York City to see Legally Blonde, the Musical and could not be more excited.
I have learned a ton about how to blog and be more competent computer-wise and how to at least be vaguely Internet savvy. Blogging about dance let me utilize a hobby and find out more about it to teach myself and inform all who read my blog.
So keep an eye out because I am hoping to at least blog once a week after the semester ends and to definitely add posts to preview performances, review performances and talk about auditions and what's new in the dance world.
Also ... coming in the end of May I will be recapping "So You Think You Can Dance" just as I did with "Dancelife." I wish I could've gotten into "Dancing with the Stars" but have only had time to just catch pieces of episodes when they air and on You Tube.
So this isn't goodbye ... it's simply be back soon.
I am planning to attend Alvin Ailey's shows coming next weekend, Classic Balanchine and Giselle put on by the Boston Ballet in May and to see Emerson's spring musical production of On The Town. I am also planning a trip soon to New York City to see Legally Blonde, the Musical and could not be more excited.
I have learned a ton about how to blog and be more competent computer-wise and how to at least be vaguely Internet savvy. Blogging about dance let me utilize a hobby and find out more about it to teach myself and inform all who read my blog.
So keep an eye out because I am hoping to at least blog once a week after the semester ends and to definitely add posts to preview performances, review performances and talk about auditions and what's new in the dance world.
Also ... coming in the end of May I will be recapping "So You Think You Can Dance" just as I did with "Dancelife." I wish I could've gotten into "Dancing with the Stars" but have only had time to just catch pieces of episodes when they air and on You Tube.
So this isn't goodbye ... it's simply be back soon.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Kelley Donovan & Dancers (KD & D) present "It's All Forgotten Now"
This evening-length modern piece ran April 13-15 at The Julie Ince Thompson Theatre at The Dance Complex in Cambridge. Located at 536 Massachusetts Avenue, The Dance Complex is a buzzing hub of dance classes, networking, performances and information.
In the program, the piece is described as "An evening length dance exploring transformation, decay and memory." The 45 minute long show featured 12 dancers, all with clear modern backgrounds and amazing talent. However, this style was not exactly my cup of tea.
I am going to go ahead and say that the style of dance was intensely modern. Abrupt motion and repetition enhanced the theme of exploring "memory" but as focused as I tried to become, I was not captivated, moved or inspired by the movement.
I think music plays an important role in dance, and in the case of this show the music consisted of repetitious noises and at one brief point, singing in a foreign language which sounded like either Hungarian, Russian or Portuguese.
I don't want to diminish for one second the talent of the dancers. Blair Bodie, Tara Burns, Kelley Donovan, Audrey Ellis, Gina Hesse, Lisa Kazmer, Kelly Long, Laura McComb, Jessamy Murray, Jaime Shanon, Nell Timreck and Allison Vinal all displayed great technique and talent.
The company KD & D describes their company in the program as a collaborative operation creating contemporary dance performances centered around transformation and spirituality. Kelley Donovan herself studied choreography with Mark Morris during his stint in Boston and she teaches modern dance as well.
She has created an incredibly valuable dance source which I just learned about at the show, the Dance Action Network which is a great one-stop information destination for the Boston dance community and has approximately 1000 New England dance artists. I think it is a great way of promoting events, collaborating with other dancers and just keeping up to date with all that's going on in the dance world.
The piece was a great eye-opener for me. It introduced me to modern that is release-based rather than contraction then release (Martha Graham's style) and it helped me learn about the Dance Action Network which I can't wait to join.
For more information about KD & D head here.
In the program, the piece is described as "An evening length dance exploring transformation, decay and memory." The 45 minute long show featured 12 dancers, all with clear modern backgrounds and amazing talent. However, this style was not exactly my cup of tea.
I am going to go ahead and say that the style of dance was intensely modern. Abrupt motion and repetition enhanced the theme of exploring "memory" but as focused as I tried to become, I was not captivated, moved or inspired by the movement.
I think music plays an important role in dance, and in the case of this show the music consisted of repetitious noises and at one brief point, singing in a foreign language which sounded like either Hungarian, Russian or Portuguese.
I don't want to diminish for one second the talent of the dancers. Blair Bodie, Tara Burns, Kelley Donovan, Audrey Ellis, Gina Hesse, Lisa Kazmer, Kelly Long, Laura McComb, Jessamy Murray, Jaime Shanon, Nell Timreck and Allison Vinal all displayed great technique and talent.
The company KD & D describes their company in the program as a collaborative operation creating contemporary dance performances centered around transformation and spirituality. Kelley Donovan herself studied choreography with Mark Morris during his stint in Boston and she teaches modern dance as well.
She has created an incredibly valuable dance source which I just learned about at the show, the Dance Action Network which is a great one-stop information destination for the Boston dance community and has approximately 1000 New England dance artists. I think it is a great way of promoting events, collaborating with other dancers and just keeping up to date with all that's going on in the dance world.
The piece was a great eye-opener for me. It introduced me to modern that is release-based rather than contraction then release (Martha Graham's style) and it helped me learn about the Dance Action Network which I can't wait to join.
For more information about KD & D head here.
All dance, all weekend
This past weekend has been an non-stop dance fest for me. From performing in the NUDANCO spring show "Expressions" to have a casual dance party with friends to seeing "It's All Forgotten Now" at the Thompson Theatre at Dance Complex in Cambridge, I have done nothing but think about dance.
Well I did go to work Sunday, but only for five hours.
I have lots more dance news, but for now I'm doing some homework. I'll be blogging tonight about the Kelly Donovan show I saw at Dance Complex, more about my show with pictures and about some Latin dance events around the Boston area.
Well I did go to work Sunday, but only for five hours.
I have lots more dance news, but for now I'm doing some homework. I'll be blogging tonight about the Kelly Donovan show I saw at Dance Complex, more about my show with pictures and about some Latin dance events around the Boston area.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
June "Riverdance" tickets are now on sale
The Shubert Theatre will be a temporary home to the internationally-acclaimed and world-renowned Riverdance show, featuring traditional Irish step dancing and music. The show will run from June 20 until July 8 and tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
For more information about the upcoming show check here.
Tickets run $29.50 - $69.50. I am planning to do a little research about Irish Step dancing because just last semester a freshman dancer who joined NUDANCO brought Irish Step to our community to great enthusiasm from the dance members and the audiences of our shows.
Irish Step dance is a disciplined and very technical cultural dance art form and I have attempted it myself, to my own embarrassment. However, practice will eventually make perfect, and dancing while learning about another culture is the greatest combination for me.
For more information about the upcoming show check here.
Tickets run $29.50 - $69.50. I am planning to do a little research about Irish Step dancing because just last semester a freshman dancer who joined NUDANCO brought Irish Step to our community to great enthusiasm from the dance members and the audiences of our shows.
Irish Step dance is a disciplined and very technical cultural dance art form and I have attempted it myself, to my own embarrassment. However, practice will eventually make perfect, and dancing while learning about another culture is the greatest combination for me.
Boston Dance Theatre Group show next week!
Amanda Rey is fast becoming a reliable Boston dance resource for me. She invited me to the Boston University Dance Theatre Group performance on Friday April 20 (that's next Friday folks!)
This dance group over at BU, the Dance Theatre Group (DTG) was created in 1973.
On their Facebook student group page they explain their mission statement and how the group got its start.
"DTG was started to give student dancers at Boston University the opportunity to learn different styles of dance and the chance to perform in works choreographed by students, faculty and alumni. "
The show is described on the Facebook event as a showcase of works by students and faculty.
the shows are on Friday April 20, at 8 p.m., Saturday April 21 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for students with an ID and $10 for the general public. Call 617-358-2500 until 3pm on Friday April 20 to reserve your tickets.
This dance group over at BU, the Dance Theatre Group (DTG) was created in 1973.
On their Facebook student group page they explain their mission statement and how the group got its start.
"DTG was started to give student dancers at Boston University the opportunity to learn different styles of dance and the chance to perform in works choreographed by students, faculty and alumni. "
The show is described on the Facebook event as a showcase of works by students and faculty.
the shows are on Friday April 20, at 8 p.m., Saturday April 21 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for students with an ID and $10 for the general public. Call 617-358-2500 until 3pm on Friday April 20 to reserve your tickets.
Monday, April 9, 2007
It hardly seems fair ...
"Dancing with the Stars" is a ballroom dance competition that is supposed to pit celebrities without a dance background against each other, while being paired up with professional and coincidentally gorgeous ballroom dancers.
However, what strikes me as odd is that this season, Joey Fatone is a true standout, as a liability to the show.
For anyone who pays attention to pop culture, you know that Joey Fatone is a former member of the boy band, 'N Sync, and that the group performed complicated dance numbers for music videos, concerts and other performances.
Not to mention that I happen to know that Joey Fatone was a musical star in his high school productions, known for his triple-threat range of talents, singing, acting and dancing.
Also, as if I need to add something else, I had the privilege of seeing Fatone on stage in NYC as Mark in Rent many, many moons ago when I was about 16 years old. Guess what, he danced.
It seems to me that he may have been carefully chosen because of his background to bring the celebrity side a bit of previous dance talent, or maybe to ensure that he stays on through the show. Or maybe they want to make sure some die-hard 'N Sync fans will tune in just to watch the charmingly funny fellow boogie.
Either way, once this semester ends in two weeks, I'll be able to actually watch the show instead of glimpsing snippets from YouTube and reading recaps on the official Web site.
However, what strikes me as odd is that this season, Joey Fatone is a true standout, as a liability to the show.
For anyone who pays attention to pop culture, you know that Joey Fatone is a former member of the boy band, 'N Sync, and that the group performed complicated dance numbers for music videos, concerts and other performances.
Not to mention that I happen to know that Joey Fatone was a musical star in his high school productions, known for his triple-threat range of talents, singing, acting and dancing.
Also, as if I need to add something else, I had the privilege of seeing Fatone on stage in NYC as Mark in Rent many, many moons ago when I was about 16 years old. Guess what, he danced.
It seems to me that he may have been carefully chosen because of his background to bring the celebrity side a bit of previous dance talent, or maybe to ensure that he stays on through the show. Or maybe they want to make sure some die-hard 'N Sync fans will tune in just to watch the charmingly funny fellow boogie.
Either way, once this semester ends in two weeks, I'll be able to actually watch the show instead of glimpsing snippets from YouTube and reading recaps on the official Web site.
Learn ballet from a Boston Ballet Corps de Ballet dancer!!!!
Katherine Hartsell, a member of the Boston Ballet corps de ballet, will teach a ballet class at Healthworks in Cambridge on Monday, April 23, 7:30-8:30 pm. A reception will follow and the class is free for members, aka ME!!
For non-Boston Ballet members, the fee is a mere $20, a trifle for the chance to have a dance class with a professional ballerina from a world-renowned company.
I just sent out the RSVP to the Healthworks correspondent and could not be more excited for this ballet class. But what should I wear?
For non-Boston Ballet members, the fee is a mere $20, a trifle for the chance to have a dance class with a professional ballerina from a world-renowned company.
I just sent out the RSVP to the Healthworks correspondent and could not be more excited for this ballet class. But what should I wear?
Honoring Dance Leadership
Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen will receive a Leadership Award from the United Nations Association of Greater Boston at its annual Consuls Ball on April 27. According to the Boston Ballet Web site every year the board of directors of the UNA-GB honors international citizens who are outstanding in their field and who have made a valuable contribution to the Boston community.
The Consuls Ball helps raise funds for UN/Global Classrooms, a program in local inner-city schools.
The Consuls Ball helps raise funds for UN/Global Classrooms, a program in local inner-city schools.
Monday, April 2, 2007
I'm not going to "Sleep" during the first week of April 2008
The National Russian Ballet Renaissance will continue performing at the Maj on April 6 directly after their rendition of Romeo and Juliet when they perform a one-night only performance on Sleeping Beauty.
This beautiful story is a sad one, especially the Brothers Grimm version, but a Disney miracle turned it into an enchanting and entrancing sweep of music and colors.
The Maj site describes this version of the ballet as "Tchaikovsky’s first successful ballet score, Sleeping Beauty has been enchanting audiences of all ages since 1890. This tale of a princess, a spell, a 100-year sleep, and a kiss is a tour de force of classical dancing, with brilliant solo choreography and ensemble pageantry."
Which makes me wonder ...
If life were actually fairytale-like would we all be Cinderella's, damsels-in-distress or would we be Ariel's, rebellious, inquisitive beauties?
Something to ponder ...
This beautiful story is a sad one, especially the Brothers Grimm version, but a Disney miracle turned it into an enchanting and entrancing sweep of music and colors.
The Maj site describes this version of the ballet as "Tchaikovsky’s first successful ballet score, Sleeping Beauty has been enchanting audiences of all ages since 1890. This tale of a princess, a spell, a 100-year sleep, and a kiss is a tour de force of classical dancing, with brilliant solo choreography and ensemble pageantry."
Which makes me wonder ...
If life were actually fairytale-like would we all be Cinderella's, damsels-in-distress or would we be Ariel's, rebellious, inquisitive beauties?
Something to ponder ...
"Romeo and Juliet" and "Romeo and Juliet"
I am shocked to say Boston Ballet's (that's it from now on I'm calling it "BB") Romeo and Juliet will not be the only ballet performance of this tragic romance to grace the theatre district's Tremont Street in the 2007-2008 ballet season.
The National Russian Ballet Renaissance will be performing none other than Romeo and Juliet April 4 -5 , 2008 at Emerson's Cutler Majestic Theatre.
The information on the Maj Web site states there will be 50 dancers and a 40 piece live orchestra.
Mikhail Schulgin is the artistic director and choreographer for the National Russian Ballet Renaissance and he also happens to be the Ballet Master at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, Russia.
With music by Sergei Prokofiev, detailed and elaborate costumes and the traditions of the most stern, professional and exquisite ballet countries in the world, this promises to be a good show. It will be interesting to compare and contrast the varied styles between the BB's version and this other performance.
The National Russian Ballet Renaissance will be performing none other than Romeo and Juliet April 4 -5 , 2008 at Emerson's Cutler Majestic Theatre.
The information on the Maj Web site states there will be 50 dancers and a 40 piece live orchestra.
Mikhail Schulgin is the artistic director and choreographer for the National Russian Ballet Renaissance and he also happens to be the Ballet Master at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, Russia.
With music by Sergei Prokofiev, detailed and elaborate costumes and the traditions of the most stern, professional and exquisite ballet countries in the world, this promises to be a good show. It will be interesting to compare and contrast the varied styles between the BB's version and this other performance.
"So You Think You Can Dance" Auditions wind down southern style
The final of four open casting call auditions for the hit dance competition television program "So You Think You Can Dance" will hold its final auditions on April 5, that's this Thursday, in Atlanta, Georgia.
If you're in that area head on down and take a shot at a chance of a lifetime, if not, keep waiting until mid-May for the Season 3 premiere!
If you're in that area head on down and take a shot at a chance of a lifetime, if not, keep waiting until mid-May for the Season 3 premiere!
Leaping ahead to Boston Ballet's 2007-2008 Season ... and it looks good!
I just read an article about the upcoming season of the Boston Ballet from the Boston Globe on Boston.com (see here).
As I still am getting pumped for the rest of this season which includes a Classic Balanchine show and the infamous and tragic story of Giselle, I am excited to learn that during the fall after the Boston Ballet's planned Spain tour, other than the obvious productions of The Nutcracker, other shows will be enticing ballet fans throughout Boston.
The season opener (coincidentally today happens to be one for another sport; baseball) will be a program featuring Sorella Englund's "La Sylphide" along with two (short) pieces choreographed by Balanchine.
Later on in the season, Romeo and Juliet, will be one of the full-length ballets to grace the Citi Wang Centre and in May, Marius Petipa's "La Bayadère."
Next Generation, a world premiere from Jorma Elo (your favorite resident choreographer of the Boston Ballet and mine), will arrive in March 2008.
The 2007-2008 season will finish up with Dark Elegies ,a company premiere of Anthony Tudor's production.
For detailed information on the productions, pieces, special performances and choreographers for the Boston Ballet 2007-2008 season, check out their official press release.
As I still am getting pumped for the rest of this season which includes a Classic Balanchine show and the infamous and tragic story of Giselle, I am excited to learn that during the fall after the Boston Ballet's planned Spain tour, other than the obvious productions of The Nutcracker, other shows will be enticing ballet fans throughout Boston.
The season opener (coincidentally today happens to be one for another sport; baseball) will be a program featuring Sorella Englund's "La Sylphide" along with two (short) pieces choreographed by Balanchine.
Later on in the season, Romeo and Juliet, will be one of the full-length ballets to grace the Citi Wang Centre and in May, Marius Petipa's "La Bayadère."
Next Generation, a world premiere from Jorma Elo (your favorite resident choreographer of the Boston Ballet and mine), will arrive in March 2008.
The 2007-2008 season will finish up with Dark Elegies ,a company premiere of Anthony Tudor's production.
For detailed information on the productions, pieces, special performances and choreographers for the Boston Ballet 2007-2008 season, check out their official press release.
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