June 2011
37 posts
How Learning Dance in School Can Produce Smarter...
Only “43 percent of all public elementary schools and only 14 percent of secondary schools offer any instruction in dance,” according to Carmen Carter’s 2004 study published by the University of Florida. Instead, teachers focus on science, math, and English, often leaving out the arts. This is partly because, according to Serin Ngai, these subjects are measurable on state...
The Importance of Connection in Ballroom Dancing &...
The wonderful thing about ballroom dancing and ice dance is that two people work together to create a beautiful art form to music. The partners rely on each other, each doing their part to make the partnership work. The leader must make the decisions about what step to dance, what direction to go and which beat to dance on. The follower must follow the leader’s directions (which is more...
Why is Ballet Training Important for Figure...
By Annette Thomas
“Distinct from other dance forms and exercise classes, Classical Ballet can be seen as a systematically precise, progressive and highly detailed exercise program for both body and mind which culminates in a fine art”
Classical Ballet training is vital to every figure skater’s training as it is the ONLY training method which combines total body awareness, flow of movement...
WatchJulie Andrews and Christopher Plummer Performing The Landler
The beautiful Landler dance that Maria and Captain von Trapp perform in The Sound of Music actually exists, but is done differently in Austria. This Rogers & Hammerstein composed Landler music was actually a variation of The Lonely Goatherd slowed down. Still, this music has become popular worldwide and is a favorite dance for many...
Fred Astaire & Petula Clark in Finian's Rainbow
The last musical film that Fred Astaire was in - Finian’s Rainbow, 1968. Although the movie wasn’t a commercial success, the songs, especially the following two, became very popular. Here’s a clip of Fred and Petula singing and dancing Look to the Rainbow together.
Petula’s beautiful version How are Things in Glocca Morra? “Glocca Morra?” is a popular song...
The Red Shoes Revisited: Timeless Lessons from a...
With the popularity of Black Swan, I find myself returning to another movie that featured ballet, but was about so much more. The Red ShoesI get the feeling that Black Swan will not be remembered 62 years from now as a masterpiece, but The Red Shoes continues to enchant viewers. I decided to retrace this timeless story to find an answer. Consider this statement:
“Every time I watch ‘The...
WatchWish reality dance shows would use more music like this. The Last Waltz and Please Release Me - Engelbert Humperdnick
WatchLove Downtown sung by Petula Clark. So refreshing.
a dancer's brain: Toward A More 'Colorful' Ballet →
franciscogella:
(an excerpt from a New American Media article on 6/22/11)
This truth about being the “first African-American soloist with the American Ballet Theatre” sits just fine with Copeland because she is proud to carry this charge.
“I’m proud to represent Black ballet dancers; it motivates me, it…
WatchAnother Dancing With the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing Comparison. For the Waltz, click here.
Pros performing the Jive.
Dancing for DWTS are(In red) Derek & Julianne Hough, Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, Kim Johnson, Lacey Schwimmer, Toni Dovolani, Makism Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff, Edyta Sliwinska & Alec Mazo and Anna Trebunskaya & Jonathan Roberts
Dancing for SCD are(In Green)...
To All Fathers and Father Figures
To all fathers, grandfathers, brothers, stepfathers, husbands.
And to my deceased father - Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. - From a headstone in Ireland
What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, ...
The Biggest Myth About Happiness
According to The Happiness Project, and 10 Widespread Myths About Happiness,The Biggest Myth is that It’s Selfish and Self-Centered To Try to Be Happier.
It comes in a few varieties. One holds that “In a world so full of suffering, you can be happy only if you’re callous and self-centered.” Another one is “Happy people become wrapped up in their own pleasure; they’re complacent and...
WatchSister/Brother Julianne and Derek Hough, from Dancing With the Stars, performing a Jive exhibition routine to Great Balls of Fire.
Choreographing Your First Wedding Dance as a...
There is nothing more inspiring at a wedding than a graceful, romantic first dance. Whether classic and elegant or purposely lighthearted and funny, it sets the mood for your guests to join in the celebration. Plus, it is a great opportunity to show off some new talents that will impress your friends and family. Here’s some advice that can help you make the right decisions when planning your...
10 Ways to Get Along With People
I came across this list written by Ann Landers. Great words of advice!
TEN COMMANDMENTS of HOW TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE
Keep skid chains on your tongue. Always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it often counts more than what you say.
Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what the cost.
Never let an opportunity pass to say a...
Real Men Skate as Well as Dance: Brian Boitano
Brian Boitano, 1988 Men’s Olympic Champion, is a perfect example of how skating, like dance, can be both masculine and graceful at the same time. His 1988 World Pro performance to Carousel is both technically strong and beautifully choreographed as well as capturing the essence of the musical.
American Film Institute's 50 Greatest Screen...
The AFI defines an “American screen legend” as an actor or a team of actors with a significant screen presence in American feature-length films whose screen debut occurred in or before 1950, or whose screen debut occurred after 1950 but whose death has marked a completed body of work. The list was selected by leaders from the American film community, including artists, historians,...
Are You? Questions to Ask Yourself Every Day
Are you killing time, or are you bringing it to life? What you do with this moment matters much, because this moment is the most valuable thing you now have to work with.
Are you being a burden, or are you being useful? There’s something valuable and unique that you can contribute, and your outlook will brighten as soon as you do.
Are you making excuses, or are you exploring the opportunities?...
Anonymous asked: Is it better to take private or group ballroom lessons?
Two Fall Books Explore the World of Ballet and...
Two new dance books are out this Fall:
via nichelledances:
Ballet in Print: Bunheads via @julieticlark: Multi-talented artistSophieFlack has authored her first book, an intriguing novel about the world of a young corp de ballet dancer in a fictional company, Manhattan Ballet. Sophie is a former dancer with the New York City Ballet and surely drew on her nine years with the company in...
WatchThe next time you here anyone saying that dance is for girls, show them this dance scene from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Michael Kidd, choreographer, purposely used real dancers such as ballet dancer Jacques d’Amboise and Russ Tamblyn to combine grace with athletic, gymnastic moves, resulting in one of the best dance sequences seen on film - “Bless Yore Beautiful Hide”...
New Orleans Ballet Association Offering Children...
The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) are offering free dance classes at the award-winning NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance. Any child in Orleans Parish is eligible. Since 1992, the NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance has been providing free dance classes to school-age children as well as field trips, mentors, and the opportunity to work with...
WatchA Great Combination - Andre Rieu and Skaters Performing to My Heart Will Go On
Tapping madly into the ballet universe
via @Dance_SpiritMag
Sonia Rodriguez and Robert Stephen in rehearsal for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
BRUCE ZINGER PHOTOMichael CrabbSpecial to the Star,com
Few ballet stars get an early career assist from being ace tap dancers but Australian Steven McRae, an acclaimed young principal dancer in Britain’s Royal Ballet, is among them.
McRae, 25, originated the Mad Hatter when...
Gymnastics and Ballet: The Choreography of Michael...
Brooklyn-born dancer and choreographer Michael Kidd(August 12, 1915 – December 23, 2007) was initially an engineering student for three years at City College in New York, but became interested in dance and theater through his older brother Phil Greenwald, who was the legendary talent booker for the equally legendary Concord Hotel in New York’s Catskill Mountains. That is how Michael...
