Ornella's ballet blog.

I loved the idea of taking a dance class as an elective. "how fun!" i though, "I love dancing! I'm from Trinidad... it's in my blood." I had done ballet before for two or three years- (chuckles)when i was like six! And although i could vaguely remember it, i figured the class would be a breeze. I was so wrong. Ballet is a lot harder than it looks, and made me wonder whether i had suddenly lost all skill i previously thought i had. At times it was so hard to get a step that looked so easy, but it was still fun trying. Shannon was extra patient with us, so there was no major pressure. I really enjoyed learning the steps and realized that most other dances were derived from ballet as well. The class was a refreshing shift from the more academically demanding courses, and i was thrilled whenever i felt that i made some progress. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone, it was so worth it!

My dance selection haha

My friend Sarah Nathan showed me this video and it truly inspired me. The elegance and poise this dancer has at age 18 is incredibly inspirational. His name is Danny Tredwell from Jackson Mississippi and he was only 17 or 18 when this video was recorded. He won the Junior Silver Medal for this variation of the Le Corsaire solo. He trained at Denise Wall's Dance School in Virginia Beach, Virginia before moving to the Kirov Academy in Washington D.C. to further his intensive ballet training. It's pretty SWEET!

Lyle Mackstons Ballet Blog #1

Why did I enroll in a dance class? That's simple, Ballet is a dance requirement for all BFA Musical theater majors. In my own opinion, Dance (any/all styles) should be required for any theater major because today you don't just sing or act or dance, you usually are expected to be able to do all three and do them well. You don't necessarily have to be a hard core triple threat but you should be able to pick up a dance combo when it is taught. The first step, in my opinion, to learning how to dance is ballet. I always compared Ballet to Latin. Latin is the root of all languages like ballet is the root to all dance. You will always see some sort of ballet combo in almost any type of dance (especially musical theater). I for one am thankful that dance is a requirement because i enjoy going to a class that i know will better my skills in my particular field and help me in the future while on the other hand i HATE going to math class because i know thats not helping me in any way shape or form. =) 

Tetsuya Kumakawa - A sensation from Japan

This guy made ballet cool for me. I caught him on a commercial once that had me awestruck. I thought, "if God started dancing, it'd look like this." I think this video just speaks for itself.

In his speech at the end, he states, "I've performed this piece in many concerts. This piece is important to me because it best portrays the theme of "masculinity," and displays the strength of being a man."

1st time Ballet - Tep

I've never really taken ballet, and I used to think it looked stupid and corny. When I actually got myself into this whole new world, it wasn't hard to convince myself that I was wrong. It's also 10 times harder than it looks.

I think ballet would pay off for just about anybody, regardless of their profession and background. Ballet may lay the foundation of any dancer or athlete, or it can even just improve the lifestyle of any person. I am not a dancer, but I was pulled toward ballet for its beautiful positions, motions, and serenity. I figured it'd help my posture and health. It is also a great outlet to let off any frustrations or anything that'd be on my mind. I could just forget about everything and let myself go.

Due-estratti

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvZdqwg6qVM

Choreographer: Massimilliano Volpini

Company: Virginia Ballet

Name: Due-estratti

I choose this piece because it was not prim and proper ballet, but more interesting to watch, but also the music it was set to was an interesting sound. The dance is a more contemporary form of ballet and it is SO beautiful to watch. I also love to watch partner dances, because I feel you can sense more of a story and chemistry between the two.

Dance Classes!

Hey everyone! Jeff here.

I think one of the most important things in life is dance and everyone whether young or old should dance! I'm taking dance because it is required for my major (Musical theatre), but even if it wasn't required in my major I would deffiantly still take the dance classes offered. I think dancing helps you gain confidence and adds more elegance to anyone. By taking dance and experiencing a new type of movement, you can express your inner emotions and experience a fun new way of movement! I think dance is required for degrees is because if you are going into a field were dance is part of the job, you need to have dance classes that help you become the best you can be in the craft. Dance is a major componet of my degree, and to be honest is not my strong point, by taking the required dance courses I get to learn and experience all the aspects of dance that will help me in an audition or production.

Rob Ashford

I almost chose to do my report on Rob Ashford before going with Michael Bennett. But I did want to share the video of his choreography for Cry Baby at the Tony Awards. Probably the best thing about the show. ;-)

This is for the song A Little Upset.

I chose it because I think it's an interesting twist on tap - license plates! I've also loved all of his work that I've seen in the past.


- Kerrie

Why are dance courses required?

Yeah, it is pretty much a no-brainer for musical theatre students. Having the ability to get through a dance call is going to be essential, whether we're actual "dancers" or not. As for myself, dancing is where I struggle the most. I would be taking dance classes even if they weren't required, because it's something I need to improve upon. You won't see me in Movin' Out anytime soon, but I will be able to pick up simple choreography more quickly after taking classes.

- Kerrie

Shannon's Sample Answer #2 - Alvin Ailey

This is Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (one of my favorite companies to watch), performing 'Love Stories' - choreography by Judith Jamison with Robert Battle and Rennie Harris. I chose this clip because I always enjoy this company, and because Love Stories shows how diverse a company can be. It's a little bit of everything - ballet, modern, african, hip hop.

Shannon's Sample Answer #1

I think dance is important for students to experience for many different reasons. For the musical theater students, that's sort of a 'no-brainer' :) The more skills you have in your pocket when it come to your theater craft, the better prepared you are to audition and get the job! For beginner students, looking just for a new experience, dance is a great elective because although it is very physical, it's also intellectual and artistic. It can give you confidence, poise and carriage. I hope everyone enjoys participating in this blog, and I look forward to reading your posts!

Welcome to Dancing at My Pace

This blog is designed as an extra credit option for my dance students at Pace University. In exchange for one 'freebie' absence, students have to respond to the following in the form of two separate posts.

1. Why did you enroll in a dance course? -or, if the course is required for your degree- Why do you think dance courses are required for your degree?
2. FOR BALLET STUDENTS: Please search YouTube channels for various ballet companies and view some of their work. Choose one video of a particular company to post on this blog. Include in the posting the name of the company, the name of the piece, the name of the choreographer, and why you chose this to post.
   
3. FOR MUSICAL THEATER DANCE STUDENTS: Please search YouTube channels for various musical theater choreographers/productions. Choose one video to post on this blog (it's okay if you use the same choreographer as your paper, this would be a good head start to your final presentation). Include in the posting the name of the production, the name of the piece, the name of the choreographer, and why you chose this to post.

In addition to the two separate posts, outlined above, please read your classmates blogs and make comments on two separate postings (that aren't your own!).

HAVE FUN!!!