Profile of an American Icon: A Few Words With Paul Taylor

I feel very honored that Mr. Taylor took the time to answer a few questions about his life and work in an email interview. Paul Taylor is one of the most prominent and influential choreographers of our time. Yet, in the late 1940’s he was studying painting and swimming on scholarship at Syracuse University when amidst a series of seemingly unrelated dance experiences he was struck by a revelation or, as he describes it in his autobiography Private Domain a “flash of recognition… an unignorable hunch” that he was to become a dancer.

Tap away those summertime blues…

Tap festivals are everywhere and are probably coming to a city near you! These fabulous wood-shedding events allow tap dancers of all ages, levels, and backgrounds to meet together and share in a non-judgmental and nurturing environment. Hoofers are honored at nearly every fest, giving young dancers exposure to the greats – the masters perform and teach in an intimate setting at most events.

From Page to Screen to Classroom

In 2004, Houston Dance Critic Molly Glentzer in her review of the book for Dance Magazine stated, “Li’s tenacity is an inspiring lesson to any reader, dancer or not. It’s the stuff of which great movies are made. Expect this one soon, and bring Kleenex. But read the book first.” A handful of years later, Li’s story is now a motion picture. It has already done well in Australia but unfortunately distribution in the U.S. is still speculative.

Dance, Dance Everywhere!

There are a few aspects of televised dance that I find annoying but what I truly love about the success of dance on television is its potential for building awareness of what it is to be a dancer and for expanding the dance audience. I don’t think filmed productions can replace live performance, even the flashy stuff on TV doesn’t come close. It is my hope though that, as its small-screen cousin has done, dance which makes its home in live-performance venues will begin to embrace its inner “hottie” in the coming year.

America’s Best Dance Studio Contest 2010

America’s Best Dance Studio Contest 2010 wants to know what makes your dance studio unique, what makes it different from the other dance studios in your area, and from other dance studios across the country. You will have the opportunity to submit testimonials, videos, and photos highlighting all of the wonderful things about your dance studio – your teachers, your students, the classes you offer, your involvement in charities, non-profit organizations, and even dance competitions! Here’s a chance to rally the community and make some noise in support of your dance studio.

This Dancer’s Response to World AIDS Day

Dancers Responding to AIDS raises these important funds by producing events and conducting audience appeals in New York City and beyond. Special projects include the annual Fire Island Dance Festival, Dance From the Heart and Dance Student Outreach Project (formerly DRA Studio of the Year), which enables thousands of young dancers to actively involve themselves in helping those living with HIV/AIDS.

Sweet Exchange with a Sugar Plum Fairy

Performing at such a young age in a huge theater with professional dancers helped to start my love of performing, as well as making me more comfortable on stage early on in my training. Also, it was after participating in those two summer programs in Houston that I realized I wanted to pursue dance professionally.

Gracing the Stage — My Interview with Houston Ballet’s Joseph Walsh

I do a bit of writing and reviewing in Houston and it has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to interview some of the area’s finest dance talent. I don’t always cross-post my stuff here but when I get to talk with someone about their training and experiences, I like to share that with [...]

One Last Dance — Patrick Swayze dies at 57

Patrick Swayze dies at 57. View one of his last true dance performances on film in One Last Dance.

Vote in the Global Dance Contest 2009

Sadler’s Wells, a top venue for dance in London, created a contest to search for new talent to perform live on stage. A team of judges has selected their favorite 10 videos from all the entries received and who wins is up to you! Vote for your favorite clip now by following the link below!
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Remembering Merce

I had the opportunity in college to observe Merce in action with his company of dancers during a company class several years ago. At probably about 80 years old, he had difficulty walking and would instruct the dancers from a chair, indicating movements and instruction with his hands and only a few words.

10 Ways to Support Charity Through Social Media

This post is a collaboration between Mashable’s Summer of Social Good charitable fundraiser and Max Gladwell’s “10 Ways” series. I like the idea of creatively using social networking for initiating positive change. I’ve added my own thoughts here and there in hopes of helping you relate ideas to dance.

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