Giving students, teachers, and parents an edge in dance education
The way that a dancer carries his/her head, the length of the neck, and the position of the chin, are pivotal to the overall appearance of grace and poise so necessary in dance. Understand the cervical spine and how it functions to project self-confidence, and improve common mistakes in cambré and carriage of the head.
Dance Advantage contributor, Roger Lee reflects on Black History Month, focusing in particular on a time when dance, along with the rest of America, was segregated. Giving a brief history of ballet dancer and pioneer, Arthur Mitchell, Roger expresses the inspiration that Mitchell and other trailblazers have provided for young black dancers like himself.
Featured teacher, Caroline Creggan has been a qualified dance teacher for two years and is principal of her own dance school. Caroline Creggan Dance School (C.C.D.S) is based in Northern Ireland. In it’s second year, the school trains students for dance exams in Modern Jazz, Freestyle, and Choreography. For her Top Three Caroline shares three activities that she uses regularly in classes for junior dancers to build their confidence and skills.
As Artistic Director of Ballet Memphis, Dorothy Gunther Pugh is one of only a handful of women at the helm of ballet companies in the United States, where leadership roles (particularly for large budget organizations) are primarily filled by men. In her contribution for Dance Advantage, Ms. Pugh addresses what she’s witnessed as a woman in the field and points out imbalances during the training years which discourage young women from looking beyond the corps and moving into leadership roles.
Jason Marquette returns with more tips as you prepare music for recitals and competition. This time he helps you save time, money, and frustration when hiring someone to edit your music.
Allison Miller, chosen as one of Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch in 2011, talks about the importance of a positive outlook, her early training and studies at North Carolina School of the Arts, and about making the awkward leap from student to professional.
Inviting master teachers, guest instructors, or visiting artists to teach at your school can be an enriching and motivating experience for dancers of all ages. Make the most of this experience by fully engaging in your role as host. As you prepare, participate, and reflect on your visitor’s class, workshop, or residency, use this checklist as a guide.
Kathryn, once a competitive high school dancer, tells about her choice to pursue something else in college. She gives four tips for successfully making the transition from your dance-intensive high school years to pursuing dance recreationally while attending college.
Ryan Woodward’s short animation Thought of You presents an eloquent and concise story of elusive love told through his 2D interpretation of contemporary dance. The video has become viral on Vimeo and YouTube. Learn a bit about the making of this gorgeous film.
Our featured photo was taken at the Wachusett Reservoir in Boylston, Massachusetts with a Canon T2i, 55-250mm lens and a circular polarizer. Photographer Christina Duhani has always been amazed at the precision and strength dancers have. Inspired by her friend Elizabeth Hepp (now attending NYU for dance), she decided to attempt something new and try to capture the movement of dance.
The origins of Pilobolus Dance Theatre, the three branches of their organization, and a peek into their unique partnering and body sculpture methods. Featuring a video collection of their artistic, educational, and commercial work, plus where to find the Human Alphabet book and how it might be used to lead young dancers in exploration.
Terpsichorus: Discussing Entity — Wayne McGregor/Random Dance
Terpsichorus means to delight in dance and is an open group event to encourage conversation and commentary on dance film, video, or books. Join us in our premiere discussion of the film and dance work Entity (Wayne McGregor/Random Dance). All are welcome. Join anytime!