Two DVD titles from Dancetime Productions delve into the political, gender and social issues of their chosen era and reveal links between the dance of yesterday and today. Perhaps filling a void in dance education, these captivating educational documentaries combine historical data with practical examples.
History of Dance
“Black or White” to Black and White: Dance History and the Music Video
“The only thing new in dance is you.” A friend shared that quote from an Ohio University professor years ago and it has stuck with me. Every year I find myself chuckling to myself as I listen to kids claim movements as “their” choreography when really many are sampling from the limited palette of movement […]
The First Film To Tell The Joffrey Ballet Story — Autographed DVD
You could own a signed DVD copy of Joffrey: Mavericks Of American Ballet, the first documentary film to tell the story of this groundbreaking dance company, considered the first truly American ballet company. Only 100 autographed copies for sale! Giveaway ends Feb 23, 2012.
History Moves: Using the Creative Process to Explore Dance History
When working with students on choreography it’s possible to get them thinking beyond steps to a more robust concept of creative process that encourages thoughtful choices about all areas of production. Heather demonstrated this with her previous article. This time, she goes a step further, showing you ways to connect these ideas with dance history to enrich students’ understanding.
Tap Classics: Paddle and Roll Heroes, Lon Chaney & Bunny Briggs
Many contenders could claim to be “the king” of paddle and roll (also called paradiddles) but no other dancer is identified more with the tap step than tap icon, Lon Chaney. Bunny Briggs has also made his mark with the step, as have others. Learn more about paddle and roll and its origins.
Tap Classics: Frank Condos and 5-Count Wings
In the 1920s, wings were all the rage, and many variations existed. The Pump, the Pendulum, the Saw, the Double Back… like time steps, most dancers had a signature wing variation. But there was one variation in particular that caught the public’s attention, and it was the 5-count wing, created by Frank Condos.
