Melissa Hough On Competition, Rubies, and Being a “Newbie” at Houston Ballet

“When I became more serious about which direction I wanted to focus on, I auditioned for the year round program at Kirov Academy. I lived at the school for four years, while still taking my jazz, tap, lyrical classes and participating in competitions, and working on summer correspondence courses so I could graduate early. I also took some voice lessons, because for a long time I wanted to be on Broadway, but during my time at Kirov I decided I wanted to go for it- try to be a ballerina. My (Russian) teachers never thought I’d go very far in a ballet company. They felt I was more suited for contemporary, which at the time I was.”

New Continents — From Royal Ballet School To Boston Ballet

“I once took six months off from ballet when I was 14. My school commitments were growing and it was becoming seriously difficult to juggle everything. It reaffirmed for me, however, that ballet was my one love and out of everything what I should have been doing.”

Sunday Snapshot: Ballet Zaida

According to Oliver Endahl, the photographer, the purpose of the Ballet Zaida photography project is to “educate and expose the public to ballet, as well as inspire the world through pictures.” A former ballet dancer himself, his work is definitely inspiring as well as inspired, featuring incredibly talented dancers in stunning locations. And there is just gallery after gallery of images – a visual feast.

Sunday Snapshot: Foot Phrase

Foot Phrase is a section in the ballet A Pulse Stolen by Ted Seymour (see more in an interview and clips from A Pulse Stolen on YouTube), which had its world premiere on May 21, 2010. This section of the ballet is done in total darkness except for three sets of illuminated, moving feet.

15 Ways To Activate Brain And Body During Summer Break

7. Watch dance online. Peek into the professional dance world with DancePulp on Hulu. Each eight to ten-minute video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of dancers and choreographers. Christopher Wheeldon, Andrea Schermoly, Lourdes Lopez, and don’t miss William Wingfield talk about So You Think You Can Dance and combining the concert and commercial career.

Sunday Snapshot: Canyon Repose

On the rock face are the MoonFlower Canyon Petroglyphs. Considered a holy place in ancient times by the Native Americans, the petroglyphs are located just five miles outside of Moab, Utah.. The pointe shoes resting on the fence post belong to Cricket, the photographer. She says, “What you can’t see, is an Indian ladder and foot holds that takes you to the top of the red rock cliffs 200 feet above, that over look the Colorado River and its stunning views. It’s a difficult climb for those who are not experienced with climbing on red rock or have a fear of heights.”

Sunday Snapshot: You Raise Me Up

“Bad lighting and quick movements make for very difficult focusing but, when you get it right it’s just feels so rewarding, and sure enough it made me a better photographer. The individuals themselves were an inspiration to me, everyone in that class were extraordinary talents, intelligent, high minded, and always with the good of the community in mind.”

Why Dance Matters to YOU

Throughout the Why Dance Matters event, fabulous submissions were received from people who wanted to share why dance matters to them. Below, I believe I’ve gathered most of the posts. However, if yours is not listed please feel free to add a link in the comments. As for the hundreds of tweets posted via the #whydancematters hashtag on Twitter, I can only say I am in absolute AWE of what can be said in 140 characters! Bravo.

At The Heart Of The Matter: Our 300th Post!

I don’t have clear memories of a time in my life when dance was not a presence. And yet, there have been many occasions when I might have walked away from it altogether, taking some other path. So here I am digging deep into first encounters to find the reasons why I never can or could.

Sunday Snapshot: A Field Of Blue

Jolene Toland’s efforts to preserve memories through photography has expanded into a full fledge hobby. In fact, on any given day she, her friends, and/or family head off on photo safaris. Jolene has won several first, second, and third place awards at both local and state levels. The subject of most of her dance photography has been her own daughter but dance has always been a passion of Jolene’s. She says, “I love dancing and have had the privilege of watching my own daughter grow and learn through dance. It is her emotional outlet and way of expressing the poetry that is in her to the world.”

Chicago’s Menomonee Club Dancers Show ‘Why Dance Matters’

Thanks to Performing Arts Coordinator, Lauren Warnecke, children in their dance program were given the opportunity to submit statements and drawings completing the thought, “Dance matters because….” The wonderful sample below was selected for publishing on Dance Advantage. I am happy to share these with you during National Dance Week! I hope you’ve taken some time during this busy month of arts advocacy to celebrate at your own studios!

Art Is Kids Play

Easy access to drugs, internet, lack of phone and computer regulation and other challenges facing children and the teachers and parents entrusted with their care make all youth “at-risk” in Weiner’s eyes. And so, her programs at the Hope Center are open to any child on a first come, first served basis. Many Kids Play participants are recruited, however, from local organizations such as Archway Academy and Chinquapin (schools for troubled and disadvantaged youth), Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Baylor International Adoption Center, and group homes like Casa de Esperanza. “We love the mix of cultures and socio-economic levels,”

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