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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

$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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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. …

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…

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…

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 

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…

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…