A reader, looking for resources to assist in helping the students create their own dances, asks for recommendations. Included is a list of books and manuals on dance composition and improvisation plus my own quick tips for working with younger age groups as they begin their exploration of choreography.
Teacher’s Top Three: Top Low-Tech Props
Alexandra Langstaff has been teaching creative movement and modern dance in Vermont for over 20 years. She spends the majority of her time in pre-schools, elementary schools and day care centers. She shares her Top Three Props with DA readers because they saved her when the electricity went out, the iPod quit and the cute speaker system wasn’t loud enough.
Sunday Snapshot: Paquita From The Wings
Today’s photo was taken during a performance of Paquita by the Alma College Dance Company in Alma, MI. The beautiful young lady performing the principal role in this photograph is a freshman from Jackson, MI named Lindsay. Photographer, Simone Boos is a native of Indianapolis, IN who currently attends Alma College in Michigan where she is pursuing dual degrees in dance and English. After discovering a love for photography in high school, she launched Simone Boos Photography in January of 2009. Simone now specializes in portraiture of all kinds, and continues to photograph dance at both the amateur and professional level.
The Skinny On The Bar Method For Ballet Body Fitness
The 411 on The Bar Method as founder, Burr Leonard chats with me about this unique full-body fitness program, its relationship to dance and with dancers, and of course, Black Swan (which they celebrated during a promotional partnership in March). Also, our own Lauren Warnecke tries a class in Chicago and lets you know exactly what she thinks.
Your Story In Dance, Haiku, or Prose
Recently I exchanged “stories” with a young ballet dancer. In a few paragraphs we were each able to summarize and hit the highlights of our dance backgrounds, life and training pathways while also revealing something of ourselves. The things she’s accomplished and experienced are compelling not because they are uniquely spectacular but unique to her, interpreted by her, shared by her. Whether you elect to focus your tale on dance or on your entire life’s journey, I’d simply like to invite your to share your story with the rest of us in a medium of your choice.
Sunday Snapshot: Ballerina Lounging in Central Park
The dancer in this photo, Julia dances with Houston Repertoire Ballet. The photo is one in a series Melissa took while on a trip to New York City. After watching American Ballet Theatre’s dress rehearsal for Swan Lake along side Ethan Steifel and Jared Matthews, the girls were inspired to dance (naturally), and Melissa suggested they head to Central Park.
