Friday, August 7, 2009
Dance and Choreography Legend Dies
An icon to this day, died. Merce Cunningham, 90, died in his Manhattan home this past Sunday night. He still choreographed and dance with his company and all over NY into his very late years. To find out many more details of his long life and wondrous career of dance, read the full story at http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2009/07/28/merce_cunningham_at_90_was_transformative_force_in_20th_century_dance/
SYTYCD Results: 18 year old Miami, FL native Jeanine Mason is voted America's favorite dancer
And mine. FINALLY. FINALLY my favorite dancer in the competition, from the very first episode, from the very first dance of the season, has won. 18 year old Jeanine Mason from Miami, FL danced her way into the judge's hearts and apparently the hearts of millions of Americans who voted her as the Season 5 winner for So You Think You Can Dance. Her style is contemporary but she took on Hip Hop, all varieties of Ballroom and various other styles with flair, enthusiasm, poise, confidence and a beauty and womanly grace that is nearly incomparable. She exemplifies maturity and a sweet-humble temperament, and I think many will agree with me that she deserved to win the title.
She performed many memorable pieces including Travis Wall's first piece as a choreographer for the show and not a contestant to Jason Mraz's "If It Kills Me," a sensual and aesthetically-pleasing contemporary number with Jason. Also, every group piece she was in she always shined and stood out in a great way always giving a great deal of herself and her passion in her movement.
Her solo during Wednesday's finale was exquisite and flawless, which may have helped put her over the edge in the eyes of audience members at the Kodak Theatre and in their living rooms.
Congratulations to Jeanine, hopefully she will find herself with an endless number of dance opportunities in her bright future.
She performed many memorable pieces including Travis Wall's first piece as a choreographer for the show and not a contestant to Jason Mraz's "If It Kills Me," a sensual and aesthetically-pleasing contemporary number with Jason. Also, every group piece she was in she always shined and stood out in a great way always giving a great deal of herself and her passion in her movement.
Her solo during Wednesday's finale was exquisite and flawless, which may have helped put her over the edge in the eyes of audience members at the Kodak Theatre and in their living rooms.
Congratulations to Jeanine, hopefully she will find herself with an endless number of dance opportunities in her bright future.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Shocking Results
In tonight's SYTYCD week finale episode, the finalists were announced, Jeannine, Brandon, Kayla and surprise of all surprises, Evan. So Melissa and Ade headed home, two extremely strong and talented dancers, were let go to make way for next week's final four episodes, and subsequent naming of America's favorite dancer.
I was not shocked to see Melissa be voted off since despite her strengths and gracefulness, I felt it was her time to leave the show. As for Ade, he was robbed. By Evan. America, what are you thinking!? Ade is tremendously more talented and technically trained than Evan, and is an overall better performer and dancer in all aspects.
This night leaves me with disappointment because of this fact. There is no doubt in my mind that Jeannine and Kayla and Brandon truly deserve to be part of the top four and in the finals of being voted America's favorite dancer.
As for the rest of the episode, three pieces that are Emmy-nominated from last season were performed: Mia Michael's "Mercy" piece, Tabitha and Napoleon's (or Nappy Tab's as they are affectionately called) "Bleeding Love" a searing hip hop routine performed by Chelsea and Mark, and Tyce's Adam and Eve piece.
Other than that, the episode was fairly boring. I'm ready for some high-energy, highly emotional choreography next week.
I was not shocked to see Melissa be voted off since despite her strengths and gracefulness, I felt it was her time to leave the show. As for Ade, he was robbed. By Evan. America, what are you thinking!? Ade is tremendously more talented and technically trained than Evan, and is an overall better performer and dancer in all aspects.
This night leaves me with disappointment because of this fact. There is no doubt in my mind that Jeannine and Kayla and Brandon truly deserve to be part of the top four and in the finals of being voted America's favorite dancer.
As for the rest of the episode, three pieces that are Emmy-nominated from last season were performed: Mia Michael's "Mercy" piece, Tabitha and Napoleon's (or Nappy Tab's as they are affectionately called) "Bleeding Love" a searing hip hop routine performed by Chelsea and Mark, and Tyce's Adam and Eve piece.
Other than that, the episode was fairly boring. I'm ready for some high-energy, highly emotional choreography next week.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
All I know is "All I Want" is to watch this dance on repeat!
During what Kayla dubbed tonight's SYTYCD "semi-finals" the one piece that stands out in my mind is Stacey Tookey's contemporary ode to adultery to the song "All I Want" by Ahn Trio. This haunting, melodic and beautiful piece of music is by the group of three Korean American sisters and the message, choreography and emotion brought out by performers Kayla and Brandon exuded sensuality and the confusion of cheating.
The premise of the piece is the story of the mistress of a married man and what happens when she decides, hmmm maybe she doesn't want to stay. This song reminds me of all the gorgeous music that debuts on shows like "Grey's Anatomy," in other words the type of music that speaks directly to my kind, the overemotional dancer who takes each word of a song, each violin strum, each silence to heart (and personally).
Judge Lil C said the dance was "really, really, really intense and beyond intense, it was beyond amazing." (By the way all my readers should know I am currently watching the piece on repeat thanks to my glorious DVR). It was intense, magnified so by this gorgeous, delicate yet powerful all at the same time choreography. Additionally, Brandon's powerhouse movement, not to mention his muscle definition and strength and body flow keep the piece from just being flowy lyrical. Kayla's impeccable lines and technique don't hurt either, not to mention a close up on her face that simply wreaks of the emotion of this piece right before the line "but I'm gonna lose myself this way."
The lifts are gorgeous and inventive, there is definitely movement in this piece that I feel I haven't seen before which is always refreshing. And hello Stacey Tookey, originally of Canada! I mean yes I adored the piece she choreographed to "Falling Slowly" which saved Karla and Jonathan from impending removal from the show (although neither one made it very much further past that piece), but this piece solidified her as a force to be reckoned with capable of Mia Michael's quality choreography and the emotion we all know and love in contemporary dance. This piece, for me, is the ultimate, the epitome, all I strive to as a choreographer, dancer, lover and audience member of dance. I mean yes, sure Kayla's facials could have been more pronounced and varied, I feel that is one of her weaknesses she hides facials and emotions with her hair and movement, but other than that, what can I say. I'm in loved.
As I close out this post, I am procrastinating hoping someone puts up this video on YouTube tonight, but alas I may have to go to bed before that happens. But I'll be sure to post it tomorrow!
The premise of the piece is the story of the mistress of a married man and what happens when she decides, hmmm maybe she doesn't want to stay. This song reminds me of all the gorgeous music that debuts on shows like "Grey's Anatomy," in other words the type of music that speaks directly to my kind, the overemotional dancer who takes each word of a song, each violin strum, each silence to heart (and personally).
Judge Lil C said the dance was "really, really, really intense and beyond intense, it was beyond amazing." (By the way all my readers should know I am currently watching the piece on repeat thanks to my glorious DVR). It was intense, magnified so by this gorgeous, delicate yet powerful all at the same time choreography. Additionally, Brandon's powerhouse movement, not to mention his muscle definition and strength and body flow keep the piece from just being flowy lyrical. Kayla's impeccable lines and technique don't hurt either, not to mention a close up on her face that simply wreaks of the emotion of this piece right before the line "but I'm gonna lose myself this way."
The lifts are gorgeous and inventive, there is definitely movement in this piece that I feel I haven't seen before which is always refreshing. And hello Stacey Tookey, originally of Canada! I mean yes I adored the piece she choreographed to "Falling Slowly" which saved Karla and Jonathan from impending removal from the show (although neither one made it very much further past that piece), but this piece solidified her as a force to be reckoned with capable of Mia Michael's quality choreography and the emotion we all know and love in contemporary dance. This piece, for me, is the ultimate, the epitome, all I strive to as a choreographer, dancer, lover and audience member of dance. I mean yes, sure Kayla's facials could have been more pronounced and varied, I feel that is one of her weaknesses she hides facials and emotions with her hair and movement, but other than that, what can I say. I'm in loved.
As I close out this post, I am procrastinating hoping someone puts up this video on YouTube tonight, but alas I may have to go to bed before that happens. But I'll be sure to post it tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Have fun with your dance life!
So this summer I've discovered something truly amazing, Life in Synergy. Owner Helena Collins is a fitness expert and has been on the Boston scene for many, many years and is running a successful, fun and unique studio right on Boylston Street next to Whiskey's.
They offer all types of classes from Pilates Dance, Yoga Harmony, Zumba dance, SFM Classes(Synergistics Fitness Method a trademark of Collins' which are the best workout I've ever experienced to Martial Arts and Cheer Fit. They also do one-time dance classes such as next Friday nights "Bollywood Dance Party" taught by Lauren Hefez the energetic ball of energy who teaches Tuesday's 7pm Zumba class that ALWAYS sells out.
The first class is free and the studio is extremely environmentally-friendly, you register online eliminating ALL paper work. So come on down and begin your Life in Synergy.
http://www.lifeinsynergy.com
They offer all types of classes from Pilates Dance, Yoga Harmony, Zumba dance, SFM Classes(Synergistics Fitness Method a trademark of Collins' which are the best workout I've ever experienced to Martial Arts and Cheer Fit. They also do one-time dance classes such as next Friday nights "Bollywood Dance Party" taught by Lauren Hefez the energetic ball of energy who teaches Tuesday's 7pm Zumba class that ALWAYS sells out.
The first class is free and the studio is extremely environmentally-friendly, you register online eliminating ALL paper work. So come on down and begin your Life in Synergy.
http://www.lifeinsynergy.com
Free dance classes this summer
The Northeastern University Dance Company is offering free classes in the brand new dance studio at Northeastern University's Curry Student Center on Mondays and Wednesdays. Classes are open to anyone and everyone of all levels.
For a full schedule check out their Web site:
http://www.freewebs.com/nudanco/classesrehearsals.htm
For a full schedule check out their Web site:
http://www.freewebs.com/nudanco/classesrehearsals.htm
Monday, July 27, 2009
A major source of irritation
Apparently, Mary Murphy thinks Judy Garland is giving Katie Holmes a standing ovation from heaven. I'm pretty sure Judy Garland is cowering in a corner embarrassed at the spectacle tribute to her. And regardless of whether or not Katie Holmes looked good, that honestly has nothing to do with dancing and the judges on So You Think You Can Dance need to remember that because this season especially so, judging critics from Mary and others such as Mia Michaels and Tyce Diorio and Adam Shankman have started with exclamations of beauty, costuming and makeup. Let us not forget none of these factors have anything to do with the actual dancing being done on stage.
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