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Tap for $12, Ballet for $20, and Free Dance "Experiments"!

posted by Hanna Rubin on Thursday, Jul 02

Get your rhythm fix at New York’s Tap City Festival. Don’t miss the opening July 6 at 9:30 pm at Joe’s Pub hosted by Barbara Duffy. Tickets are only $12. Call 212-967-7555 for reservations.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet 

 
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Dance

Red, White, and Not So Blue

posted by Rachel Zar on Thursday, Jul 02

While enjoying a Fourth of July barbeque with friends, it’s easy to spot the trays of delicious food and fear the worst. If you’re concerned about overindulging, head to the watermelon first. This cookout favorite is water-rich, so it fills you up without weighing you down. That's not to say you shouldn't enjoy something from the…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

A Sad, Sad Day

posted by Wendy Perron on Wednesday, Jul 01

What a shock to learn of the passing of Pina Bausch. Her work is so full of life, the dancing so daring, and the stage design so spectacular.

Her imagination was immense. I can remember …

 
 
Wendy Wendy

A Fabulous Farewell for a Grand & Generous Diva

posted by Wendy Perron on Monday, Jun 29

The crowds at the Met pressed forward, jamming the aisles and holding up cell phones for one last glimpse of their beloved Nina Ananiashvili. It was her final performance with ABT last night, and the audience cheered, roared, and pelted her with flowers.

 

 
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In the theater with NYIBC

posted by Rachel Berman on Friday, Jun 26

Sitting alone with Cynthia Gregory last night in the Rose Theater for the first NYIBC stage rehearsal, I realized we speak the same language. Not that I had any doubt, but it is always nice for your efforts to be validated. On both sides. As couple after couple filtered on for their allotted spacing of Raymonda, she whispered to me how no o…

 
 
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Dance

BodyVox Audition

posted by Amanda Silliker on Friday, Jun 26

BodyVox needs apprentices! The modern dance company is hiring for their 2009/10 season. The apprentice program, BV Too, is looking for 3 men and 2 women to train and understudy with the main company. They want dancers with strong technique, versatility, expressiveness, and a willingness to improvise.

When: Sunday, June 28, 2009
Time…

 
 
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Dance

Rhinestones Rule!

posted by Khara Hanlon on Wednesday, Jun 24

It may be hot outside, but some studios are cranking up the air conditioning this summer. If that sounds familiar, you’re probably in need of cozy warm ups. These cute legwarmers from Stars Dancewear ($14) are just what you need to stay warm and they're guaranteed to mak…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Isn’t It Katherine Dunham’s Centennial Too?

posted by Wendy Perron on Tuesday, Jun 23

The surprises keep coming when you start to learn about Katherine Dunham. She was a celebrated dancer, choreographer, teacher, anthropologist, activist, writer, and healer. But mostly she was a force in the evolution of American dance. Your dance history teachers might tell you that the “four pioneers” of American modern dance were Ma…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Two Sylphides

posted by Wendy Perron on Tuesday, Jun 23

I got a chance to see both Natalia Osipova (Russian) and Hee Seo (Korean) dance La Sylphide this week at ABT. They were both excellent in different ways, though Osipova got all the attention. I could see why, because she was an absolute delight. Osipova (see our  

 
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Doug Varone and Dancers Workshop

posted by Elena Hecht on Monday, Jun 22

It’s a Sunday night, and I’m gearing up for the last week of the Doug Varone and Dancers Workshop. This is my third summer as a student here, but every year I find myself bracing for the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of the three-week intensive.


We got to the SUNY Purchase campus, in upstate New York, about t…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Is Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui Redefining Virtuosity?

posted by Wendy Perron on Monday, Jun 22

At a dress rehearsal at Cedar Lake last night, I was wowed by the extremes that Cherkaoui took the dancers to. I am not going to comment on the choreography per se, because the premiere at Jacob’s Pillow isn’t until next month (see “Dance Matters” when you get your July issue of Dance Magazine). But I gotta talk about how …

 
 
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Dance

Free Ballet, Koresh for $15, Dance Films for $10

posted by Wendy Perron on Friday, Jun 19

'Tis the season for outdoor dance!  Colorado's Boulder Ballet kicks off their free outdoor performance series in Boulder this weekend. All shows are held from 7-8pm at outside venues across the city. Come early and watch the dancers warm up! Click here for a complete schedul…

 
 
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Coaching at NYIBC

posted by Rachel Berman on Wednesday, Jun 17

I have been entrusted with teaching the contemporary duet for the 25th anniversary of the NY International Ballet competition.  It is my first time involved in this particular competition, which got under way on June 8th.   Richard Chen-See, a friend and fellow former Paul Taylor Dance Company member, is now the director of NYIBC, tak…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Can a Short Girl Make It as a Ballerina?

posted by Wendy Perron on Saturday, Jun 13

Yesterday I visited the NY International Ballet Competition, now in full swing at the Ailey studios. As I was sitting watching Deborah Wingert’s excellent technique class, a young dancer from Colombia took my eye. She had beautiful lines, assured pres…

 
 
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Dance

A Little Goes a Long Way

posted by Erin Dean on Thursday, Jun 11

It’s the season for summer intensives, and while you’re bustling to and from classes and rehearsals, don’t forget to make a little time for yourself. During lunchtime, or when you have a break between obligations, try to fit in a quick power nap. Studies show that a 20-minute nap in the afternoon provides more rest than 20 extra mi…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Trey McIntyre, the Music Man

posted by Wendy Perron on Wednesday, Jun 10

    Just when I was wondering why his music choices work so well, Trey McIntyre sauntered in to my office yesterday and gave me a clue. I had just seen his Leatherwing Bat, to music by Peter, Paul & Mary again at the Joyce. (I saw it at Jacob’s Pillow last summer and reviewed it in the November issue.) I love the…

 
 
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Dance

A New Twist on a Classic Leo

posted by Khara Hanlon on Wednesday, Jun 10

Looking to add some style to your dance wardrobe without it being too gaudy? This classic black v-neck camisole leotard ($42) from By Marisa just might be your answer. The bold velvet strap outlining the leotard is a nice compliment to the embedded floral pattern that flows across the body. Its signature “elastic free” construction guara…

 
 
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Dance

$10 L.A. Hip Hop Classes, Free Merce and more!

posted by Hanna Rubin on Friday, Jun 05

Get in touch with your funkier side with $10 hip hop classes at West Adams Studios in L.A. Taught by choreographer Aaron Davis, this special deal only lasts until June 21. Click here for the complete class schedule.

The Northwest New Works Festival kicks off this weekend in Seattl…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

I Desire to See Désir Again

posted by Wendy Perron on Friday, Jun 05

American  Ballet Theatre has a winner in James Kudelka’s Désir. This rhapsodic ballet has gorgeous partnering with soaring lifts and beautiful touches of affection. Every single pas de deux is both rapturous and inventive. The legs make aching arcs and the bodies and skirts follow.
 In the fourth section, Hee Seo…

 
 
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Dance

Caffeine Beats the Heat

posted by Rachel Zar on Thursday, Jun 04

Summer heat can often drag you down, making hours of rehearsal in a sweaty studio seem even more daunting. Studies show that grabbing a mildly caffeinated beverage before exercising on a hot day can improve your performance. The caffeine in a small cup of coffee, tea, or cola can stimulate your muscles and offset heat-related fatigue. So when rushin…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Highlights of the Astaire Awards Ceremony

posted by Wendy Perron on Tuesday, Jun 02

In this star-studded event last night, the best performance was Bebe Miller singing, with her arms floating up and undulating as though she were a dying swan—or a recent bride (which she is). Simple moves by Bebe are worth more than a platoon of preteens tapping in spangles. She sang two songs from the movie Easter Parade: “Simp…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Rare Film of Balanchine’s Midsummer Night’s Dream

posted by Wendy Perron on Saturday, May 30

Ever wonder what Suzanne Farrell looked like as a 20-year old? Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream was filmed in 1966, with Farrell as Tatania. Last Tuesday, BAC Flicks and La …

 
 
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Dance

Muller for $19, Taylor for $15, Student Rush Tix at Jacob's Pillow!

posted by Hanna Rubin on Friday, May 29

Jennifer Muller/The Works kicks off its 35th anniversary season in New York on June 9 at the Joyce. Two different programs showcase company favorites like Momentum, and brand new pieces. Tickets start at $19.

Don’t miss Taylor 2 for only $15! Watch the company's six dancers …

 
 
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Dance

Feel-better Fruits

posted by Amanda Silliker on Thursday, May 28

Plagued by a headache in the last hour of rehearsal? For an all-natural alternative to aspirin, grab a piece of fruit instead. Oranges, raspberries, apricots, and cherries are very high in salicylates, the main ingredient in aspirin. While the levels of this ingredient are much lower in fruit than in the drug, repeated daily intake can provide pain …

 
 
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Dance

Your history awaits...

posted by Khara Hanlon on Wednesday, May 27

Heading off to summer study soon? Take this journal with you ($7.95 at Discount Dance Supply).  There are 160 pages waiting for you to make them your own. Use it to jot down notes from your teachers, retell memories you want to cherish, or as a tool to reflect on your day. You'll thank yourself later for taking the time to make a permanent …

 
 
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Dance

Farrell in Midsummer, Ailey for $15, and Be the Show!

posted by Wendy Perron on Friday, May 22

See Suzanne Farrell and Eddie Villella dance Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream at New York's Baryshnikov Arts Center—on the big screen, that is. May 26 at 7:30 pm BAC is showing a film of the classic 1966 performance. Farrell will host a discussion following the screening. Tickets are $10—click …

 
 
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Dance

Goodbye, Nerves

posted by Amanda Silliker on Thursday, May 21

Chowing down when you're stressed out doesn't have to be a bad thing. Some foods are actually good to eat when you're feeling overwhelmed by a difficult routine or an upcoming performance. Keep a baggie of pistachios in your dance bag for immediate stress relief. Not only is it satisfying to crack open their shells, but this nut also pre…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

ABT Gala: Gem After Gem

posted by Wendy Perron on Wednesday, May 20

After Diana Vishneva and Marcelo Gomes’ balcony scene from Macmillan’s Romeo and Juliet, I wanted to go home. Enough beauty for one night.  I wanted to savor what I had seen: the illusion of a true love, where two bodies surrender to each other. Vishneva, who usually sucks all the attention into her, yielded to Gomes. Th…

 
 
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Dance

David Parker's Showdown, Free Tap in Tucson, and More!

posted by Amanda Siliker on Friday, May 15

Yee-haw! Join the seven dancers of The Bang Group as they dip, swirl, thud, hoof, tap, and sing to classic tunes from Annie Get Your Gun. David Parker and The Bang Group’s Showdown is a toe-tapping piece that showcases the group’s characteristic mix of precision and abandon. The performances take place …

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Benjamin Millepied’s New Piece: Deeply Satisfying

posted by Wendy Perron on Thursday, May 14

Gorgeously dark and ominous, Quasi Una Fantasia moves along like some viscous liquid. It’s both a relief and a triumph to see a piece by New York City Ballet that is not sunny or courteous or ingratiating in any way.
    The mood is as consistent as a dream. The partnering is complex but not ostentatiously so. …

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Where Has Mal Pelo Been All These Years?

posted by Wendy Perron on Monday, May 11

Touch the air. Hold something and let it evaporate in your hands. That was the kind of elusive, illusive dancing Maria Muñoz gave us last Thursday in Bach, a solo that was part of the Catalan Days festival at Baryshnikov Arts Center. One noticed the hands. Useful hands, not dainty ballet hands. One noticed the androgynous, vulnera…

 
 
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Dance

Free Houston Ballet, $10 Acting for Dancers, and More!

posted by Hanna Rubin on Friday, May 08

Enjoy ballet, Tchaikovsky, and relaxing in the nice spring weather—all for free! This weekend Houston Ballet is offering three free performances of their Classically Contemporary program at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. It features four works that show the range and evo…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Only One Week Left to See the DTH Exhibit

posted by Wendy Perron on Wednesday, May 06

Actually, not even a week. It’s called “Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts” and it’s up till May 9. It gives a great overview of this major company that is sadly now on haitus. However, after the exciting news that Virginia Johnson will be artistic director, there is hope fo 

 
Wendy Wendy

Trisha Took Me to Heaven

posted by Wendy Perron on Friday, May 01

O my god, O Composite lifted me to a place that made me hold my breath in wonder. The hushed feeling of the piece, with a softly glowing nighttime sky by Vija Celmins, a mysterious sound track by Laurie Anderson, and three velvety étoiles from Paris Opera Ballet, came together at BAM in an experience I will never forget. I felt li…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Women’s Lib Has Finally Hit Broadway

posted by Wendy Perron on Wednesday, Apr 29

Just when I was getting tired of seeing women dancers play cutesy, ditsy sex objects in Broadway musicals, along comes 9 to 5, the Dolly Parton–inspired musical about working women. I’ve never been big on country music, but this musical pulls way out ahead of the others in how it portrays women. When watching Rock of Ages, P…

 
 
Wendy Wendy

Let’s Hear It for the Teachers

posted by Wendy Perron on Tuesday, Apr 28

We know the names of the famous dancers of today, but we never know the names of the teachers who trained them. So said Alexei Ratmansky while introducing an evening at City Center devoted to the great Bolshoi men’s teacher, Peter Pestov, on his 80th birthday. Ratmansky said that Pestov’s classes stress elegance and solid discipline, but…

 
 
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Dance

The Healthy in the "Hot"

posted by on Thursday, Apr 23

Spicy foods don’t fall short on flavor, but are there any health benefits to snacks with a kick? You might be surprised to learn that chili peppers and the powdered spices made from them are full of great nutritional qualities. The “hot” in chili peppers is a substance called capsaicin, which is known to help stimulate blood cir…

 
 
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Dance

Get Green Toes for Earth Day

posted by Khara Hanlon on Wednesday, Apr 22

Pointe Snaps has an special offer for you in celebration of Earth Day. From now until April 30 if you buy one 30ct package of Pointe Snaps No-Sews you’ll receive a FREE roll of Green Ballerina Toe Tape.  A deal like this gives new meaning to the phrase, “Go green!” Visit www.pointesnaps.com…

 
 
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Graham Company Wraps Up in Paris

posted by Blakeley White-McGuire on Monday, Apr 20

Today is the final day of the Martha Graham Company's week-long run at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. What a thrill! It's been a bit tiring dealing with jet lag, language differences, long work days in the theater, interviews, classes and even company auditions. But in my opinion, it has been a tremendous success.

 
 
Wendy Wendy

The Quiet Ones

posted by Wendy Perron on Monday, Apr 20

Maybe quiet is coming back in style, or maybe quiet is alluring exactly because it’s never in style. But silence can be a break from other dance performances, a chance to really concentrate on what is going on. A breather, a pleasurable exile. Recently two events brought this to mind: Simone Forti at the Museum of Modern Art, and Vicky Shick a…