Mia Michaels is known as a tough character and dancing in her company RAW was definitely rough. But it taught Melanie Doskocil a valuable lesson about struggle and perseverance. Her story will leave you asking what you would have done in her shoes.
Talking Fusion, SYTYCD, and Futures with Dwight Rhoden
October 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Nichelle interviews Dwight Rhoden whose company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, which he co-founded with dancer Desmond Richardson is performing in Houston. We talk about the future of dance, the fusion of dance forms, and his work in commercial (namely So You Think You Can Dance) and concert dance, including the works Rise, set to selections by U2, and Richardson’s solo CLICK.
Fatigue and Injury: Making room for rest
August 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
Muscle fatigue is good but not when dancers push themselves (or are pushed by directors) to injury. We’re ignoring a crucial part of the formula for increasing endurance and enhancing performance. What is that element and why is it important for dancers to learn when enough is enough?
What Do They Mean By ‘Contemporary’ On SYTYCD?
July 19, 2011 By 28 Comments
Labels stink but we kind of need them. Contemporary dance is a label that could use a bit of clarification. So many are attempting to sort it all out. An educated guesser, I try to make sense of it all, question, reflect and hopefully inspire some clarity along the way.
Fall Planning With Philosophy and TV Dance in Mind
June 9, 2011 By 5 Comments
Get a jump start on curriculum planning using televised dance shows like So You Think You Can Dance as a jumping off point to connect with and educate dance students. K-12 educator, Heather Vaughan-Southard helps you frame your dance philosophies then incorporate conversation-starters about TV dance into your instruction methods.
ICON of Hope Project: Submit Your Drawing
November 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The ICON of Hope Project is an initiative of ICON Dance Complex, a New Jersey dance studio owned and operated by siblings GEO and Beth Hubela, and their ICON of The Year, Katie Fasbach. Channel a dash of that Eddie Degas style, and do some good with this exciting, fun, nationwide drawing contest.
A Young Man That Dances — Exclusive Interview with Garrett Smith, Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy and HB II Graduate
May 16, 2009 By 1 Comment
“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.”
