Steppin' Out to Dance

Curtain Call

2008-04-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

After hours of rehearsal...er homework, my final page is ready to take center stage.
If you are curious to the perpetrator behind stinky ballerina feet, or the reason why you witnessed my missing toenail (cough Marcus)...
Then take a seat and visit my site about Pointe Shoes.

These objects of torture allow dancers to float across the stage, but they don't feel as pretty as they look. This site is dedicated to helping dancers find a shoe and foot care that helps them dance more comfortably. It was created to give a sneak peek into the world of dance for audiences who are watching ballet for the first time.

Enjoy! and feel free to leave a comment or two here after the show!

Shoes

2008-04-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

I have talked about folk dance, shown you some break dancing and wrapped my head around aerial arts. Now, I think its time to go back to basics... boring as it may seem to the un-trained eye: Classical ballet.

Although I enjoy all forms of dance, much of my balance and strength came from my ability to dance on the tippy tips of my toes. Because the idea of seeming weightless is so important to the technique and made possible by the great evolution of what we call pointe shoes, an in-depth explanation of pointe shoes and how they work is at hand.

The project will include diagrams of the composition of a pointe shoe, maps including stores that sell them, interviews with dancers and instructors about foot care and shoe fitting, and of course, much media depicting pointe shoes at work. (and perhaps a disclaimer for anyone with a weak stomach, who can't handle missing toenails).

Ugly Toes

2008-03-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

The entry in Wikipedia that is the bane of my pedicure.

Old

New Revised version of the entry, including my changes. (Someone made different changes after me, but this still includes my changes).

The first entry didn't have links back to other wiki entries for words such as sylph and ballerina. I don't know about you, but if I weren't a dancer, I would know what a sylph is. So I figured a hyperlink back to the definition of it would be kinda helpful in describing the allure that pointe shoes bring characters who dance on them.

The next edit I made was a little footnote to clarify the word shank. I mean shank is a word that shares many meanings:
It could be a weapon, a poor golf shot, a cut of meat, a bird, part of a ship's anchor... and so on. But none of these give any indication to what part of the shoe it is, (unless you use my shoe as a weapon if you throw it at someone). So I found the Wiki entry for shank, found the ballet definition and added it along with a footnote.

Heels Over Head

2008-03-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Cirque du Soleil training meets Pilates exercise in L.A.’s own Cirque School.

Long, colored tissue and trapeze bars hang from the ceiling, soothing tunes are playing and I realize I've only seen this stuff on television. At Cirque classes you can face your fears, experience an alternative workout and even take a step, er swing toward becoming a bonafide aerial artist.

Not many workouts can beat conquering the fear of being suspended in the air facilitated by your own strength. Instructor and creator of Cirque School L.A. Aloysia Gavre said the feeling of being upside down can become addicting.

"I can't imagine not being upside down everyday,"Gavre said. "It's something about the getting the blood to your head."

Whatever your poison, the class is sure to mix up your monotonous routine and definitely make you sweat.

The beginner's class consists of an Aerial Fitness series, which take you through warm-up, pilates training, extreme stretching and strengthening techniques. It was amazing to see first-timers conquer their fears and grip the trapeze, with the constant encouragement of the instructors and moral support of the class.

What else does it take to get through a class you might ask? The proper balance between flexibility and strength.

To develop both of these elements, Aerial Fitness classes utilize a routine that thoroughly stretches and strengthens the students in a three minute rotation of stations, called circuit training. There are a few stretch stations, three trapeze levels and aerial fabric.

And I'll tell you, after dancing for over a decade, a simple grounded split couldn't prepare me for a split in mid-air. Once Gavre placed the weight bags on my thighs during my stretch, I felt my inner thighs extend in a way that doesn't happen in a regular dance class.

"You're able to do splits on the ground perhaps, but as soon you get into the air it doesn't look anything like splits because you don't have anything to push off of," Gavre said.

These students stretch in different positions with 20 pound weight bags set in different areas to help stretch muscles in a more effective way. Also, to ensure your comfort for your personal attempt at classes, thick mats line the floors of the room and the instructors use professional spotting techniques to keep your feet safely off the ground.

Gavre developed her teaching technique after performing for 15 years with Cirque du Soleil and decided to bring Cirque School circuit training and a blend of Pilates technique to L.A.

After a student finishes the first aerial fitness training classes for a few months, if they wish to expand their creativity and enrich their performance techniques, they are offered a spot in the Aerialist class. This allows each student to create a performance piece to accentuate their dance or theatrical background. The training focuses more on tricks with the fabric and trapeze, while working with each student's performance abilities and unique goals to create a showcase every six months.

The beginners classes are suited for beginners or for students who are experienced and need a strengthening regime, while the advanced class caters to more serious artists. But despite the level, body type or physical shape of a student, Gavre said the classes are suitable for anybody and any body type. There is even a specific class on Tuesday nights for men who wish to make functional use of their muscles and stretch out to gain flexibility.

After watching both beginners and experienced students conquer their fears, it looks like nothing should stop you from breaking from your normal dance or workout routine and fall head over heels for being... heels over head.

Click here for more information on classes, schedules and instructors for Cirque School.
For more information on the venue and location click here.

Poll Dancing

2008-02-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

Dancers like to perform and take center stage. But, they also like to offer their two-cents on issues and sometimes they contribute a little more.

Some dancers chose to give money to support the candidate of their choice in this year's presidential race. However, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of donations from dancers in the L.A. area.

In fact, only 14 dancers in the U.S. donated money to politics in the past year and only 9 of them contributed to a presidential candidate, according to a public record of these contributions on Moneyline CQ. This excludes dance directors and instructors, but the top ten contributors come from all over the U.S.

Some interesting results:

$2,300 contributor

Although it has nothing to do with the presidential race, the biggest donor is a ballet dancer with Les Grands Ballet of Canada named Indra Rockefeller. This wouldn't be odd except that after searching members of the company on their website, I couldn't find her anywhere... and her donation coincidentally went to Senator John D. Rockefeller IV. Although they have no immediate family relation, I wonder if the connection goes deeper than sharing a last name, and who is she?

$1,000 contributors

Lee Harper, a well-known director and choreographer of Atlanta gave to Hillary Clinton and Victoria Psihoyos a dancer/choreographer from Boulder, Colorado gave to Barack Obama.

$500 contributors

Jean Isaacs of San Diego (yay California! finally) owns Jean Isaacs directs San Diego Dance Theater; Kshanna Shah of Palatine, Illinois is a classical dancer; and Ms. Meena Telikicherla of Maryland is an ethnic dancer and teacher. They all gave to Barack Obama.

Charu Narashimhan of Dunn Loring, Virginia is a director and guru of Bharata natyam and contributed her $500 to Bill Richardson, unfortunately.

$300 contributor

The last dancer on my list is exotic by occupation and by name.

Star Child is a dancer from San Francisco who contributed to Ron Paul. Who knew an exotic dancer wouldn't choose an independent candidate? ;)

From classical to unconventional, these dancers came from all four corners of the U.S. and the support lies with both the Democratic and Republican party.

They Can-Can Dance.

2008-02-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

LA Unbound Auditions

A crowd of dancers gathered in front of Sophie's Dance Studio on February 16.
They took a number, they signed papers, they warmed up, they stretched.
They came to dance.
The auditions offfered the opportunity for choreographers and dancers to express individuality and their style of choice: hip-hop, burlesque, contemporary, tap, modern and can-can.

For more info on the upcoming show visit the LA Unbound website.

Breakin'

2008-02-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

Ever just feel like breakin' down?

Krazy Kujo's Beginner II breakdancing class is where its at.

The sweat and hot breath of the last class still lingers in Studio E.

Kujo bounces in and puts in his music as his students slowly filter in and stretch. His warm-up consists of rhythmic footwork, kicks and turns. One, two, three FOUR! five six, seven-eight... he turns around and counts out the beat. As the steps become faster and more intricate, body levels change with twists, jumps and floor-work. Kujo never fails to offer individual help and move to the next dancer until each person has it right. After teaching the last combo, he opens the floor for "play" and the tricks begin...

Dancin' the Blues

2008-02-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

A night spot to practice

your dance moves.

Its a cold Saturday night on the Redondo Beach pier.

Any other place on the weekend is marked by outdoor lines of twenty-somethings and loud pulsing music. Not here.

Two large, dark wooden doors are shut and the night is almost too quiet. Only two men stand outside. But don't let that fool you.

To enter Harvelle's I drifted down a carpeted stairway lit by foot level wall sconces, then the music hit me. The deep gut busting voice and explosive guitar coming from the other room is too tempting to pass up and I can't remember the last time I danced to such soulful music. So this $12 better be worth it.

Yow. The place, in a word, was swanky. But had I come to the wrong place? The rectangular black and red checkered floor was empty.

As my eyes adjusted to the dark room I could see her, the lead singer, known as "Roach," almost slithering to the rhythm in the spotlight. Her platinum hair and teal sequined dress were the most dazzling things in there, until she moved.

With moves reminiscent of Tina Turner and a voice so intoxicating it resonated around the room, all eyes were on her.

Groups huddled around red candlelight as they shifted to the bass line. The patrons at the bar smiled as the bartenders poured some satisfying drinks. I was impressed with the service and general pleasure of the atmosphere.

It seemed like everyone was happy to be there, in that booming music box underground. But alas, no one was dancing but my bartender, who twirled and stomped around to his next customer.

I almost finished my drink and left, but I checked the time (11:10) and the band played a slow one. The band, Cafe R&B, had the classy looks of the Blues Brothers, all in suits, minus the glasses.

Finally, couples crept their way to the dance floor and almost everyone left their seats. They swayed to the beat and no man hesitated to let his hand move south on his partner. Couples sitting in the booths against the walls were mere silhouettes, as they clung to the music and kissed.

The song concluded and a powerful swift tune began. The funky song moved the slow dancers to jump around. This time even more people joined the crowd on the floor and two couples began demonstrating their best moves, turning, twirling and dipping. The floor welcomed more than swingers, as groups of three and four had no trouble shaking a leg and some booty to the beat.

Dark, moody lighting with red and black leather booths complimented the intense blues rhythm and left the atmosphere mellow and sexy. Leather stools lined the cherry-wood bar, with hooks beneath for your hanging pleasure, a convenience for ladies who wish to leave their purse and go boogie.

Toe tapping jams are the mark of this venue, but the crowd is definitely not college material. If you are looking for a loud and clubby place to dance don't come here.

But if you're in the mood for a low-key night with a friend or two, it's the perfect spot to ingest some great music and show off your dance moves, no matter how skilled you may be.

Click here to listen to Cafe R&B

White land, Colorful music

2008-01-27T17:06:00.000-08:00

One company's unique spin on folk dance

Boom ching ching, boom ching ching. If you know traditional Mexican music, you know the tune well. It is the sound of heritage, a celebration of folklore...and a repetitive repeating redundant beat.

But Saturday at El Pueblo in Downtown L.A., a dance company was dancing a different tune. Dancers in long vibrant skirts wove patterns with their arms and told stories with their feet, this time to a blend of musical influences.

I caught up with the director of the Tierra Blanca Dance Company, Blanca Soto and her husband Gerardo Gutierrez, artistic director, to find out what their unique ingredient was.

What does the company name signify?

Soto: My husband lived close to these two mountains in Mexico City and he took a picture of it. When I saw the mountain covered with snow, for me the land was covered with the purity of heaven. Tierra Blanca [white land] stands for the purity that our land offers. Our land is open and welcomes everybody.

What type of dance do your students perform?

Soto: We try to combine different types to understand Los Angeles and the community. Musicians in Mexico get their influence from Colombia, Africa and America and its a wonderful mixture with music. If music is doing the crossover, I don’t think dance should be the exception. We do that by recognizing all the influences that we have.

Gutierrez: We take traditional folk steps and put it to new music. Especially here in L.A. with new influences like Banda, Polish. European and hip-hop, you cannot keep the same music. Today is different and we try to make that appealing for today’s youngsters. You need to know where you come from to move forward, and in order for folklore to survive it has to be challenged.

How much do you charge for class?

Soto: It varies. The YMCA proposed that the kids can use all their services for the $20 membership fee. It’s great, so the kids can take class twice a week and be members of the YMCA. For twice a week, 45 minutes a class, the fee is $20 [a month.] For 90 minutes, twice a week, its $35.

Why do you teach?

Soto: I think the excuse is dancing. Really our motive is to get them involved with the arts. This is another door to see life in a different way, to provide options.
We take them to high caliber performances like Wicked, to see the Nutcracker and get inspired. To identify with other Hispanics and see that they can be on stage as well. We try to get them involved in community service at the hospital and perform at a convalescent home for older people, to appreciate life.

What is important for a dancer to know?

Soto: It is important that everybody knows the basics, ballet technique, the mother of all dances. But you also need to take several techniques to become yourself in expression and to find your own way. You have all these tools and now you can build yourself as a dancer. The most important thing is to understand what you are going to express to the audience, because in that way, you are not just a dancer, you are a performer.

Soto demonstrates a contribution to the arts through tradition and culture. She said her goal is to get the kids off the streets and develop confidence in themselves.

To get your own taste of their style check out a class or future performance.
Tierra Blanca offers classes, at the Huntington Park YMCA, to students ranging from 3 years old to adults. More information on classes and performance dates can be found at the Tierra Blanca Arts Center website.

I Just Wanna Dance!

2008-01-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

It doesn't take an expert to enjoy a performance or move to the beat. Studios, clubs and music halls are at your fingertips and around every corner in Los Angeles.

Dance provides an outlet for expression, a unique workout and a chance to experience a moving art. Or if you're like me, it can be a mini-vacation for the mind and body to escape to from the rest of the world.

This site will provide a quick click to dance experiences in Los Angeles. Whether it is taking a unique dance class, attending an underground performance or insight into a dancer's life.

Until next time, here are a few links to peruse that touch on the dance scene in L.A.

losangeles.citysearch.com

This site is a great place to search for places to go dancing. It lists many locations along with ratings and reviews. Many links include pictures and descriptions of the venue which allows readers to get a feel for the atmosphere. The lengthy list provides many options. Great additions to the search are the sidebar links, which can break the search down into genre of music (latin/swing), venue type (bar/club) and even age (21 & up.) The site is very user friendly and options seem endless. However, Citysearch is a large search engine that allows anyone to make comments about venues and studios. Therefore, comments are not guaranteed to be from an objective point of view.

calendarlive.com

This site provides a pool of shows and performance events. Links on the main page provide reviews from critics and readers, which ensures readers a diverse and objective review. The calendar section lists show titles, times and dates with links to broader descriptions like ticket prices and addresses. However, these are usually popular shows at large venues. Since it is such a large search engine, smaller performances and venues are left out of the loop. Unfortunately, most of the results include musicals rather than dance performances and the site lacks any reference to classes or reviews of studios. If you are an avid dance fan and know what and when you want to see a performance, the calendars and simple searches are successful. But the site lacks a helpful voice for a new dance fans and the rows of lists can be quite discouraging.

nocturne.com africanbeat.com

Both these sites are specialized sites for dance. Nocturne has a site for swingers with lengthy lists of studios, clubs and a calendar of swing nights. The class list is great. It provides links, addresses and better yet, a unique review about each place. Africanbeat provides information for drummers and dancers. It provides times for music and dance classes along with a mailing list option. However, the last update was made two years ago...ouch! These two sites have the another issue. No outlet for performance announcements and no personal articles for dancers of all levels to relate to. I hope to address this by creating a page that brings together different forms of dance and all levels of dance and by blogging articles, rather than just a list of addresses and dates.