© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2010. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

I typically avoid adding public service announcements regarding the blog to the material here at Dance Advantage. However, this is the most efficient way to reach out to those affected. If you are one of the visitors or loyal readers for whom this change has no consequence, please bear with me, I’ll try to be brief.

No, this isn't me. This photo belongs to Lisa Brewster.

I decided to leave Feedburner

If you subscribe to Dance Advantage via RSS (a feed reader/aggregator… no that is not a river-dwelling reptile), chances are you have subscribed to the feeds.feedburner.com/danceadvantage URL. In fact, you may have noticed a change recently that this feed is no longer showing full posts but a summary. This has occurred because one week ago I put in motion Feedburner’s redirect service, a 30-day process that helps me redirect traffic from feedburner to another service (or in this case an original feed). Right now feedburner is still in the redirection phase but (supposedly) very soon you will see only an option to switch to the feed URL: http://danceadvantage.net/feed/rss

When you see this, you are certainly welcome to make that switch. The unfortunate bit, is that the above is not (in my view) the ideal feed to follow as it does not show the full post. Therefore, my recommendation would be to resubscribe using the URL: http://danceadvantage.net/feed/ -or- http://danceadvantage.net/feed/rss2/

You can do this anytime. In fact, it’s probably best to do it now while you are thinking about it! Just click on one of the links above to let your browser do its thing. Or copy, paste, and add one of those URLs to your feed reader subscriptions.

I know that it is an inconvenience and that some of you may not make the jump at all. That’s okay! An engaged and interested audience is better than a big audience in my humble opinion. Please note that if you subscribe to the blog via e-mail, there is no change for you at all.

Why did I do it?

Some of you will be curious but I won’t bore you with details. I have no major issue with Feedburner, it was simply a matter of having more control over what is mine. There is not much out there that is a match for Feedburner as far as keeping track of who and how many are reading one’s blog feed, and that is why people use it. However, the third-party service is a bit like sending the mailman to deliver the milk. I found I was wasting my own time whenever Feedburner did not deliver my feed as anticipated and in the end, my time is more precious than the analytics. So, while there will be an adjustment period, I am confident that I will survive without it and feel good about delivering the milk on my own schedule.

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2010. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

I hope everyone is enjoying 2010 so far! Though I am quite busy behind the scenes at Dance Advantage, I am technically still on my self-imposed blogcation. I’m breaking my vow of silence for the week, however, to share a recent post over at 4dancers.org – an interview with yours truly.

Catherine’s line of questioning reveals my motivation for blogging, gets into the nitty gritty of my work-at-home routine, and uncovers a few surprises. Most importantly, you will learn how to pronounce my crazy last name!!

So, head over there by clicking on the 4dancers button below….. while I head back into my hole for a few more days!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2010. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog, For Fun

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

From my family to yours,

Wishing you the very best for this holiday season. May you enjoy a happy, healthy, and truly spectacular new year! Thanks for joining me as Dance Advantage dances into 2010!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

Image via Wikipedia

Thanks to all for your participation in the Let’s Get Moving! giveaway. I wish I could draw all 50+ names, but I can’t. So, here are the two winners:

KellyS, who said “We usually dance when a song we really like comes on. Occasionally we get out the Wii and ‘run’ together”

Kristen, who said “We play the Wii together… we have dance parties… we take walks in the woods… and My 8 year old son does yoga with me from a DVD.  We are looking for things now with it getting colder… since we wont be outside nearly as much!”

Congratulations!

Our winners were chosen randomly from the 56 entrants using RANDOM.org. (You can verify your participation and see where you ranked by clicking the link and entering the same email address you used in your comment). Though there were 57 comments, sadly, one of the entrants didn’t leave an email address. Emails have been sent to our two winners. However, if for some reason they cannot accept I will continue to the next email drawn! If you are #56, don’t hold your breath but hey, there’s always a chance!

If you didn’t win this time…

I hope to do plenty of great giveaways in the future. Stay tuned to the blog by subscribing via RSS or Email.

Also, if you are still looking for a great gift or just something to get you moving head over to the websites of the Let’s Get Moving! giveaway sponsors. If you decide to purchase, let them know where you heard about their product.

Up Down & All Around DVD is available at leapinglegs.com

Creative Yoga Games for Kids is available at overthemoonstudio.com

My First Ballet Collection DVD is available at myfirstballetcollection.com

My Mama Had A Dancing Heart is available at Amazon.com (or a bookstore near you)

Dance Advantage would like to thank the above companies for donating!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

Do you have something you want to share with dance students, teachers, or parents?

Did you know that I accept submissions for guest posts and contributions here at Dance Advantage? You don’t have to be a fellow blogger. You don’t have to be a professional writer. You don’t even have to be a dancer. What is required is a passion for your topic and preferably for dance or education itself. I welcome posts from other dance teachers, students, parents, professionals, those knowledgeable in related fields, or… I don’t know, surprise me! Why? Because I don’t know everything (oh boy, is that true!) and because I believe in sharing ideas, presenting a wide variety of perspectives, and learning from one another.

So here’s the thing, if you think you have something to say on a particular subject, let me know! Can you use the exposure to promote your blog, website, studio, product, etc.? Sure, your byline is a great place to do that. However, refrain from scattering self-links throughout the post. Content here should always be informative and useful to the reader, first and foremost. When I write posts, I write as someone who has been (and still is) on the other end of things, searching for tools and tips that will improve the work that I do as a teacher, as a writer, as a dancer still learning, and as a parent. If you think you can do the same, then let’s chat.

Will everything submitted make it onto the blog?

Nope. Here are some guidelines that will improve your chances, though: Submitting a Guest Post. If you are new at the whole blog-writing thing, I can help tweak a post that contains good information. If the article or concept isn’t right within the context of the blog, however, there’s not much I can do.

Can I contribute regularly or just once?

That depends. You are, of course, welcome to submit more than one post and to do so whenever the moment strikes. I’m open to forming relationships with those who have an interest in a recurring role. I’d rather this happen organically. I don’t have any positions that I’m trying to fill, in other words.

Suppose you accept my article, will I be paid?

Sorry, but no. Guest appearances can help bring awareness of your site or business to my readers. And you’ll be “paying it forward” by sharing your expertise.

What kind of articles are you looking for?

Primarily, posts must be relevant to the core audience of the blog (it helps if you’re familiar with what goes on around here). Beyond that, the sky is the limit. There is no age limit or qualifying experiences required so write about what you know. If you are a student, feel free to write from that perspective. If you have an experience to share that would benefit others, let’s hear it. If you know how to do something, guide us. Don’t be afraid to write with your own style but take note of the positive tone of this blog.

I’m in!! How can I contact you?

Don’t forget to do your homework on Submitting A Guest Post.

Then Contact Me. Put “Guest Post” in your subject line. This helps me keep track of submissions, increasing your chances of getting published.

Thank you! I look forward to reading your submissions!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog, Dance Media

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

This is just a quick anouncement to say thank you to all who participated in Dance Advantage’s first giveaway! Nine winners have been chosen, contacted, and confirmed.

Congratulations to…

Amanda D., Heather, and Isabelle – winners of Music for Movement and Imaginations!

Mary Susan, Karen, and Sarah – winners of Ballet Studio Inspirations: Volume Three!

Amanda L., Jill, and Angel – winners of The Garden Within!

I am so happy to be sharing this great music with you!

If you did not walk away with a CD this time, be sure to check out Richard’s website (click the image below). You can preview many of his tracks and make purchases online. Plus he’s got even more new music on the way, so bookmark his page! Also, stay tuned here. There will be other chances to win in the future as I explore opportunities to give away free stuff to readers! Yay (look out Oprah lol)!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

I’m very excited to unveil the new and improved Dance Advantage. There is still much to do and fix up around here and there is still more to come in the future but, this re-design is something that I’ve been wanting to accomplish for some time.

Some things you should know…

The articles and content are still here and at the same URL’s as before. Most of the changes have been cosmetic.

The enhanced navigational elements of this design are the feature that I’m most excited about.

• It seems a simple thing but, when you click on the Dance Advantage logo in the header, now you’ll be taken to the home page.
• Below the header are the primary navigation links which were at the top of the old design. Notice the fancy schmancy drop-down menus for subpages!
• Just beneath the main navigation bar are links to the blog’s major categories.
• The subcategories are accessible too! For instance in the “Toolbox,” you’ll find posts about performance, music, technique, and more!
• The home page now features boxes that display the most recent posts in three very important categories – For Students; For Teachers; For Parents. It’s all about you, after all!

Why is this so exciting?

Because Dance Advantage covers a wide-range of topics within dance education.

Previously visitors to the blog would see the most recent posts but had to dig deeper for posts that were directly related to their interests. For example, parents visiting the site may be looking for tips on finding a good studio or supporting their young dancer. If the most recent posts are geared to teachers or students, a parent, seeing nothing that pertains to them, will leave and miss relevant information. The navigational changes ultimately make the blog more user friendly for those looking for something specific.

So, if you are new to the blog, a recent subscriber, or just passing through. Feel free to explore!

I look forward to your thoughts and comments on the new design below.

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

Garrett Smith; photo by Trent Nelson

At 20 years old, Garrett Smith is a recent graduate of Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy and already an accomplished performer and choreographer. As a member of Houston Ballet II, Houston Ballet’s pre-professional company, he has toured internationally to places like Budapest and Japan. In addition, Garrett has set four works on HB II, often doing double duty as dancer and dance-maker.

Even before being awarded a scholarship to the Academy in 2006, Garrett’s ambition and dedication won him numerous honors. Originally from Riverton, Utah, he has performed off-Broadway and in the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Summer Olympics. Garrett is a national title winner of the New York City Dance Alliance competition, awarded in the Junior category at age 13 and selected as Teen Male Outstanding Dancer at 16. And, as an NFAA youngARTS winner, he was one of 20 students selected as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts in 2007. And those are just his dance achievements!

Clearly, on the fast-track to a bright future, Garrett took some time to talk with me about his early training as a young man in dance, his passion for choreography, and what lies ahead for him.

Dance Advantage: You began dancing at age 9 but you didn’t start with ballet. What prompted you to try dance in the first place and why did you decide later to give ballet a try?

Garrett Smith: Sports just weren’t doing it for me so I tried tap, jazz, and hip hop. I loved it. I was silly at age 9 wanting to be famous. I thought if you were a jazz dancer, it meant you were dancing on screen with the Utah Jazz [laughs]. I tried ballet because the studio I was attending was dying down and I switched to this great ballet school in Utah called Jacqueline’s School of Ballet. I changed so much there, as did my opinion of ballet. I guess I never knew what ballet really was until I was in a correct ballet academy.

DA: As a young man with an interest and passion for dance, have you ever experienced teasing or taunting by peers or pressure to not be involved?

GS: Ugh, yes! From 3rd grade until 9th, it was pretty bad. I came home crying some days. But, through the years I improved and realized that I was going far at a young age. I knew what I was doing with my life, unlike the boys who called me names.  The teasing made me work harder to prove them wrong and to be successful. When I went to Europe at age 13, I realized that they were so wrong because I was having so much fun dancing.

DA: In your opinion or experience, how important is it that boys have male teachers to inspire and encourage them?

GS: It is very important. In my training it made the world of difference. I had to leave my home to train in a place where boys were better than me. It was nice when I was the only boy getting all the attention but, at some point, you need competition to compare yourself to. And you need teachers that understand a male dancer’s body and how a man needs to dance on stage – jumps and partnering in particular.

DA: How did you balance school and other activities as your study of dance intensified?

GS: I was born into a religious family with great values. My mother taught me that I am a young man that dances, not one being raised to be a dancer. As my dance training became more serious throughout high school, I tested out of gym classes, left school early to drive down to rehearsals, and I did my whole senior year independently. I think that a normal upbringing in public schools, developing social skills, and being raised with values and good morals helped me balance my life as a young man and dancer.

DA: Do you feel you missed out on anything by making the choice to finish your high-school education from a distance?

GS: No, I don’t feel I missed out on anything really. I think that I was pretty normal for going to most all of my schooling, church activities, and doing drama and musical theater performances outside of school. My drive comes from my love of art and doing what I do best. Wanting to get better and better and seeing the improvement over the years, the amazing places I go and friendships I make, gives me the motivation to continue on this path to becoming a dancer.

Garrett Smith; photo by Trent Nelson

DA: You’ve been an honored recipient of awards in nation-wide competitions and arts programs. As a result you’ve worked and taken instruction from some of the world’s most renowned professionals. Not every dancer reading is interested in pursuing dance at this level but many do participate in conventions and competitions. How might students at any level make the most of master classes or other experiences which take them beyond their home studio?

GS: When you are at any type of dance convention, it’s important to watch others and observe how the teachers move their bodies. Listen to what the teachers’ motives are behind the steps. Also, don’t be afraid to get in front of the group of dancers and show yourself. Be confident but be open to correction and adapt to change. The right way to dance a step might not always be what you learned at your local studio.

DA: What did you take away from your experiences at summer programs like School of American Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet?

GS: I was introduced to great dancers from all over the world. I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I was a little behind in my men’s technique and partnering. I was so skinny and weak but, I was more versatile than most any dancer I came across because I had opened myself to a wider vocabulary of movement. Maybe they could to a triple tour, but I could tap, sing, play the piano, choreograph a ballet, I knew hip hop, and was successful with most any contemporary ballet thrown at me.

DA: What advice would you give to a dancer that is seriously considering either a short-term or long-term continuation of their dance study away from family and friends?

GS: I think that when you are young, it’s scary to think of moving away and being alone, but now I wish I could have moved away to train earlier! Away from my family, I depended on myself to cook, do schooling, and it was all up to me in the end. Nobody but me was getting myself out of bed to class. That’s how I knew that I was really serious about ballet!

My advice to other young dancers is to just be honest with yourself. Don’t go for any other reason than for yourself. Friends should not be the reason you are going, you are not there to party, you are there to work. If you know you want this, then when you are mature enough and ready, go to the schools that will benefit you the most, even if it happens to be in another country.

DA: You were awarded a scholarship to attend the Houston Ballet Academy through Youth America Grand Prix and you’ve continued with your study there. What’s made the Academy a good fit for you?

GS: Over the past three years I have become a strong partner. I did the pas de deux in the Spring Showcase this year which means so much to me because I never thought of myself doing this kind of role before. I had other offers before Houston, such as PNB, and the Kirov, but I decided Houston Ballet’s Academy would be the best fit because of the diverse training that is offered. They have great men’s technique here, really good jazz and modern class, character, pilates, and a very well taught pas de deux class.

Most important for me has been the multiple choreographic opportunities that have come along, for which I am so grateful. It all started with the Houston Ballet’s summer program workshop, American Festival for the Arts (AFA). You have two weeks to work with dancers to set your own piece. You even get to costume it and light it on stage. It is really cool. This is what made me realize, “Wow, I love this!”

DA: Your work has become a fixture at the Academy’s Spring Showcase. Tell me a little bit your last piece, “Of Opposing Nature,” your creative process, and inspiration for the work.

GS: Jiri Kylian, David Dawson, and Stanton Welch are all great choreographers in this generation, and they all inspire me. For this piece I experimented a little bit more with lighting ideas. There are 7 movements in the ballet and I have used amazing music by Vivaldi. The work is for 5 men and 3 women. There is a conflict between the men and women, as well as connections, diversity, discovery, and subtle romance. After working long and hard for the piece this year, I was very excited for its premiere.

“..unique with an appealing unpredictability. The dancers slid and skidded along the floor, carving through the space with large, dynamic movements, and then a flick of the wrist, a moment of measured restraint or stillness, swiftly changed the mood. An unusual costume device utilized by the five male dancers featured fabric extended at the neck like a scarf. Whether stretched over the face or ferociously wiggled, its use illustrated Smith’s creativity and willingness to take risks.” – from my review of the 2009 Spring Showcase

DA: Okay, big question, I heard you may audition for So You Think You Can Dance? Is this still a possibility?

GS: I won’t be able to audition because I now have a contract for the 2009-2010 season with Houston Ballet!

DA: Assuming you’re a regular viewer, what do you think is different about watching dance on television as opposed to seeing live dance performance?

GS: I still always watch my friends dance on the show and never really miss an episode. That is the kind of dancing I grew up with. It is just disappointing that it has become so much about hip hop and sex appeal. I think ballet needs to be better respected and given some credit on the show, and done correctly. I guess that is what is different about America watching dance on TV rather than live.

DA: You’ve done so much for someone a mere 20 years old. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

GS: I see myself in my dream company, dancing awesome parts in amazing ballets, working on new masterpieces, hopefully for Houston Ballet and other companies. Maybe getting married [laughs].

If there’s anyone that could do it all…! Thanks, Garrett.

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | One comment - ADD YOURS! | Category: Asides, Blog, Dance Companies, For Inspiration, For Students, The Dance World

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

I sincerely apologize for the sudden “disappearance” of this site last Thursday. I set in motion on Wednesday what seemed like a simple process. In fact, I was not warned that this simple process would knock my site completely offline while it was completed. The task should not need to be performed again anytime soon, (thankfully). Thank you for your patience. It’s good to be back!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

I want to apologize if you’ve noticed any interruptions in viewing the site lately. I am currently in the process of migrating the location of this blog to another location/server. The site will still have the same URL (or address) but will actually be hosted elsewhere. If you happen to visit the site and see that it looks a bit odd or see a default message that this “bluehost” site is under construction, do not adjust your television set and please try again later. Thanks for your patience as this not very tech-savvy person tries to perform a very techie-type adjustment in order to improve Dance Advantage! Thank You!!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

Being invited to assist your dance teacher in classes is a great honor. It usually means that he/she has observed characteristics like your dedication to dance, your willingness and cooperation in class, and perhaps your caring or compassionate nature. Perhaps, in you, your instructor may see the spirit of a future teacher and would like to cultivate and nurture these qualities. As does “great power,” great honor comes with “great responsibilities.”**

What kinds of responsibilities can you expect? And how can you make the experience a good one for you and the teacher you are helping?

**(see this article for a little info about the origins of the paraphrased quote above)

Responsibilities

The responsibilities and tasks left to assistants may differ from teacher to teacher. However, the following are some general duties that you might expect or that may fall to you should you take on the role of an assistant in a dance class.

• Help with attendance/roll-taking
• Walk among the students as your teacher leads the class,

1. making corrections,
2. assisting a struggling dancer, or
3. correcting students who are misbehaving or not following instructions.

• Lead certain warm-ups or exercises while your teacher

1. handles the above tasks
2. steps out for a moment
3. handles a more severe discipline issue
4. observes you in order to give some tips

• Help children during shoe changes, bathroom or water breaks
• Hand out props or set up items to be used in class
• Keep an eye out for potential hazards like untied shoe laces or poor spacing/awareness while children are dancing
• Be a source of positive and enthusiastic energy in the class
• Keep students on task and focused
• Offer encouragement to dance students during the class
• Help to line up students and to keep them in line
• Lead or participate in choreography/recital dances
• Answer basic questions that parents may have
• Work seamlessly with your teacher by anticipating his/her needs so that together you can provide a fun and supportive learning environment for younger dancers

Tips

As you can see being a teacher’s assistant involves a lot more than just showing up for classes. Your role as an extra pair of eyes, ears, arms, and legs for your teacher is an important one! Here are some pointers on how to be effective in this role and in relationship to the responsibilities above.

• Don’t wait to be asked especially when you’ve been assigned small tasks that are done for each lesson (like taking roll or handing out stickers at the end of class). This is what it means to anticipate. Developing this awareness is important if you want to be a great assistant.
• Be unobtrusive. When you see a student that needs your help or correction, address or pull them aside quietly so that you don’t distract other class members.
• Don’t be a distraction. Follow the lead of your teacher. If he/she is trying to get the class to pay attention, that is your job too. Unless you are leading or teaching, you are there to help keep the students’ attention on your teacher or on what they are doing (not to pull focus to yourself).
• “Sandwich” your corrections between two good things. For instance say something like “Anna, you are pointing your toes nicely, try to keep your knee straight when you tendu. You are being a great listener today!”
• Offer positive reinforcement instead of yelling or complaining about bad behavior. In fact, some of the techniques in this post about teaching tots can help you interact with the kids (tots or not).
• Be prepared and on time. Being prepared can be anything from having the proper clothes or shoes with you to knowing the exercises or dances that you are supposed to lead.
• Ask questions, give suggestions, and save the silliness until after class whenever possible. Your teacher is counting on being able to focus on her class of students without worrying about you (or your behavior) at the same time. You will be the focus when it’s your turn in class.
• Show your enthusiasm without being silly. Use a bright tone of voice (think of sort of making your voice slightly higher) when you talk to the children, use a lot of energy when you demonstrate, and smile a lot. This will show your enthusiasm and still keep the kids focused and paying attention. You can have fun as long as you are not distracting the students from what they are doing.
• Be ready for the unexpected and try to handle things maturely when they do. If you work with very young children you must be prepared for the occasional “accident” and its aftermath. You can also expect that sometimes kids will say some pretty funny or strange things. Again, watch your teacher for how to respond in an appropriate, kind, and respectful manner.
• Know when to refer a parent to your teacher. If you are approached by a parent with a question and are not sure how to answer, don’t make it up. If it seems the parent is upset it is not your job to deal with the problem. If a parent wants you to know why or why not things are being done the way they are, it is best to let your teacher address this. If you are uncomfortable in any way with the question, it is okay to pass it on to the teacher!
• Give corrections and discipline with confidence. Admittedly, it can be kind of strange to suddenly be “in charge” when you are normally a pupil yourself. But even though the children in your class probably look up to you, they are not likely to listen to you if you don’t speak clearly and firmly. Sandwiching corrections and being positive may help you to feel like you are not being mean or yelling. Try to avoid making requests in the form of a question (For ex: “Are you ready to put the props away?”). This gives the impression that they have an option to say no. (Instead try “Alright, it’s time to put the props away!” in a way that sounds as if you are excited to be moving on to the next activity as well).
• Communicate clearly with your teacher. If you have a question, ask at an appropriate time. If you are not sure what is expected of you, don’t be afraid to ask or find out how you can improve.
• Get some sleep. You are probably a busy teen or pre-teen with homework, dance classes, and other activities in which you are involved. If you are well rested you will be more useful to your teacher and be more energetic in your classes (all of them). If you are missing sleep to fit everything in, maybe you should discuss this with your parents and teacher. Adding an apprenticeship to your activities may not be in your best interest right now.

I hope you’ve found these useful. If you have a question or need some advice about working as an assistant, dealing with situations in the classroom, or approaching your teacher, I’d be glad to help if I can.

The lists above are surely not complete. How would add to them?

Let me know in the comments below this post!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Category: Asides, Blog, Dance Media, Featured, For Students, The Dance World

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

Typically my posts at Dance Advantage strive to be informative for a variety of dancers within a wide range of locations. Although, I try to offer my personal thoughts, views, and voice within the articles here, I’ve mostly avoided getting too personal. Posts are rarely about me. These, I relegate to my personal/professional dance blog. However, as I mentioned in a recent post, I am currently rehearsing for a performance that opens this Thursday and therefore, strayed from my typical posting patterns. As I wrote some quick thoughts about the show elsewhere, I realized that perhaps 1) you may be interested in what I’ve been up to (if not, my apologies for this brief diversion) and 2) that there actually were tidbits that might be useful to readers here.

In particular, there is a passage that helps to answer a common question voiced by those who view modern/contemporary dance performances – “So, what it is about?”

In our daily lives, we are used to seeing dance, theater, or movies that tell a story, that have a plot, and characters. So much so, that it can be unsettling when we view something that simply doesn’t have any of those things. The link above does not seek to address all of the relative concerns in this matter, but it may give some insight for anyone that may be trying to explain such an idea to a student, friend, or family member, or even seeking to understand or interpret contemporary dance for themselves. Therefore, I thought it was worth sharing with all of you. Here is the link.

As you will see, if you visit the above link, this particular performance will end March 15. I am looking forward to returning to my normal routine, both in life and in blogging but am excited to share this performance with audiences. Feel free to send positive thoughts my way as I enter into an exhausting week of tech rehearsals and performances!

Thanks!

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

Don’t want to leave you hanging…

I’ll admit I could have been better prepared for the craziness that was bound to occur with all of these things gong on. And again, I want to apologize for getting behind. I do have some new posts in the works and I am lining up a few guest blogs in the coming weeks. I would like to point you to a few places that may tide you over if you’re missing new posts right now…

Visit the archives: If you’re new to the blog, you may have missed some posts along the way. On this page, you can view look through posts by category, by month, and see a list of the last 50 posts. Also, on the home page, are links to DA’s top (most viewed) posts, and a handy little search box (at the top) to find items by keyword.

A collection of great posts: I read a lot of awesome dance blogs and even if I’m just skimming through my Google Reader, if I find an interesting post, I usually share it. This is a handy little extra that Google Reader provides. All of my shared items can be found on its own little website, right here. (Please excuse the sea creature theme, GR is limited in its choices for design at the moment!) The best part is that you can even subscribe to a feed of these items, using your feed aggregator of choice (click here if you want to know more about the benefits of feed reading, and how to get started).

Follow me on Twitter: Even when I’m not writing much, I usually have a bit of time for Twitter. Why? ‘Cause everything I write must be 140 characters or less! Twitter is called a micro-blogging platform because people write, share, and converse in short bursts. And, when limited to 140 characters, people get to the heart of the matter. Following means that you will be able to see my little updates, write your own, and message me directly. There is a learning curve, but it is a fun way to meet, find, and eavesdrop on lots of people and conversations. You can get top news stories, see what others say about your favorite shows or topics, ask the opinions of others, and even follow a celebrity or two! Still not sure? Click here to learn more about Twitter and here to learn more about DA on Twitter.

Fan DA on Facebook: OK, not quite ready for Twitter? Become a fan at facebook. Since you’re already there, it is an easy way to check up on what’s going on with the me and the blog without having to go to an extra site. I mean, you ARE on facebook, aren’t you?

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | CLICK HERE to comment | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more

Have you ever noticed that most dancers tend to be overachievers? That may be a dumb question since you’re probably one of them. I don’t know about you, but I’m rarely satisfied with doing just one thing. Instead, my interests are wide, my boredom tolerance, low, and my life… what else but constantly moving, going, spinning, soaring, jumping, tumbling, rarely sauntering? So, it may be no surprise to you that I have fingers, toes, and elbows in a little bit of everything at the moment.

My Story…

If you have noticed that it has been a little while since my last post, I sincerely apologize. The blog has fallen victim to the pull of some of my other commitments lately. Namely, I am deep in rehearsal mode and will be performing with Houston’s own Suchu Dance the first two weekends of March. I’ve been essentially working part-time hours on this performance project which has also been an adjustment for my family. You may know, I have a very young son with whom I stay at home, so I suppose you could say “homemaking” is currently my full-time gig. Sounds quaint, doesn’t it? I’m sure all of you modern mommies out there know just how big a job this really is.

I am also in career transition mode. This blog is a part of that. As a dance teacher, freelancing in studios, community programs, and other organizations, I spent many hours preparing for classes and physically teaching. I love teaching. However (as many of you are well aware) teaching and having a family life can be challenging. It’s often our husbands/wives and families that pick up the slack, isn’t it? Significant others working tirelessly so that we can afford to be involved with dance (which is not a money-making career… shocking, I know), getting dinner for themselves so that we can bolt to the studio, and unless your kids are coming with you to the studio, perhaps you start to feel like you spend more time with other people’s children!

My personal decision then, has been to transition from teaching being my primary job (lets face it, the performing I’ve done has never been what I’d call income) and move toward writing. I am truly only at the Start square in this game. Therefore, in addition to this blog (which is certainly not income at this point), I have been accepting writing projects elsewhere to get my foot in the door. The great thing is that so far all of my writing has still been about dance! I’ve had the great fortune to review some wonderful performances here in Houston and I am contributing to other dance sites, as well. But all of this, dear readers, is why there’s not been a lot of activity in the last week or so.

So, what’s yours?

We probably all have moments of feeling swamped. I recall that even in high school, when flitting from dance classes, to band practice, to youth group, etc., I felt challenged to keep up with myself! Maybe you’re in this situation right now with recitals coming up. So, let’s hear it: In the comments for this post feel free to vent or wax poetic on why you think dancers get themselves into so much at once.

© Nichelle Strzepek for Dance Advantage, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Category: Asides, Blog

Special Thanks To Our Feed Sponsors

• Your link here! -- Find out more