@BMDCdance, #GladeGala and #EALS2013

I joined Twitter as @dance_DC around the same time I started this blog. I thought it would be a great way to promote my blog posts and build a following. Being active on Twitter has definitely helped drive traffic to danceDC; but more importantly, it has connected me to so many amazingly talented dancers, choreographers and arts administrators in the DC area. Twitter is an amazing way to network and I was reminded of its power this past weekend.

Bowen McCauley Dance at The Kennedy Center

Photo courtesy of Bowen McCauley Dance

I first discovered Bowen McCauley Dance through Twitter. Although they don’t have the largest following and tweet only a few times a month, I somehow came across them and added them to my DANCE list. I saw them for the first time last Friday night at The Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater with my friend Angella Foster, Artistic Director of alight dance theater. The night started out with Before The Fall, a playful piece featuring students from the Maryland Youth Ballet. I thought there should have been some kind of program note so the audience was aware that the dancers were not company members, but luckily Amy Fitterer of Dance/USA came out after the piece to let us know. It didn’t bother me that the students performed. They were great, but I was upset at some of the audience members who left after the brief pause following the piece. I assume they were parents of the performers. If so, shame on you! If not, I apologize for silently judging you while you went for a bathroom break. But I digress… What I really want to talk about is the electrifying energy of Lucy Bowen McCauley, who performed the role of “Cleopatra” in Fire and Air. She was the most captivating part of the show, grabbing the audience’s attention with her fluid movement and passionate expressions. It takes a special person to make suicide look sultry, but somehow Lucy accomplished that. Angella was also a fan of McCauley’s Le Sacre Du Printemps which closed the show. It was choreographically the most interesting, according to Angella. For more information about Bowen McCauley Dance, please visit their website or read Sarah Halzack’s review in The Washington Post.

Glade Dance Collective’s Gala at The Goethe Institut

I was happy to support Glade Dance Collective at their gala Saturday night. The event featured live reggae music, a short performance from Glade dancers and an interactive “nook” where attendees could answer various questions. The answers, some of which were recorded on video, will be integrated into a future Glade piece. Although I would have eventually discovered Glade through my job at Joy of Motion Dance Center (they rehearse at our space and Artistic Director Sylvana Christopher teaches at JOMDC), I first found out about them through Emma Joan Dozier – an active tweeter and Glade dancer/marketer. Emma and company did a fabulous job promoting the event. They had an excellent turnout and threw a fantastic party. Plus, props for having Philippa Hughes of Pinkline Project introduce the company before your performance!

Karen Brooks Hopkins of BAM was the opening keynote speaker of EALS 2013.

Emerging Arts Leaders Symposium at the Katzen Arts Center

This is the third year I’ve attended the Emerging Arts Leaders Symposium, an annual meeting for young professionals who work in the arts. The event is organized by students of American University’s Arts Management Program and features leaders in the industry like JR Russ of Class Acts Arts and Dance Place! I was live tweeting for most of the event on Sunday, so check out the conversation by searching #EALS2013. Below are some of my tweets/key takeaways from the day. I attended the opening keynote featuring Karen Brooks Hopkins of BAM, the Marketing Trends for Today’s Organization panel and the Audience Engagement panel.

• From the Audience Engagement panel in regards to the importance of having a social media strategy: Point made again in this panel! “Don’t have an intern handle your social media.” – @allihouseworth #EALS2013
• From the Marketing Trends panel in regards to the importance of community advocates: Research ur audience, find out where they are and find the leader of that group to help sell your service/program. – @jenbuzzell #EALS2013
• From the Opening Keynote in regards to writing proposals: When writing a proposal, think about what makes the program great. That’s what you have to communicate. – KBH of BAM #EALS2013

Doonya: The Bollywood Workout DVD Launch Party

The co-founders of the hottest dance fitness program are returning to Washington, D.C. March 16-17 to celebrate the launch of their first-ever DVD, Doonya: The Bollywood Workout.

A program that started in Washington, D.C. in 2005 has garnered significant national attention, with appearances on The Today Show, the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, Oprah Winfrey, the CBS Early Show, Dr. Oz. The Washington Post, Reuters, WTOP, and Voice of America, recently have written special features on Doonya.

Doonya co-founders Kajal Desai and Priya Pandya are returning from Los Angeles and New York, respectively, to the Washington area March 16-17 for the official Doonya DVD launch party and to hold a special master class.

On March 16, the Doonya DVD official launch party will take place from 7-10 pm at LOOK lounge, 1909 K St., NW, Washington, D.C. There will be an interactive session and special performances.

On March 17, Desai and Pandya will hold a special joint master Doonya class, at the YMCA in Arlington, 3422 N. 13^th St from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $35 and includes an autographed DVD as well as a meet and greet with Doonya founders and the instruction team following class.

“We are excited to celebrate, dance, and teach right where Doonya began almost eight years ago,” Pandya said.

Desai added, “Priya and I have taught together countless times in New York, on the West Coast and at Sundance, but the March 17 class is the first time we’re teaching a joint class in D.C! It feels like a homecoming, and I can’t wait!”

Events: Jam for Sandy at Seize the Dance Gym

The east coast’s best battle dancers will rally together to raise funds and collect clothing for victims of the devastating Hurricane Sandy. On Saturday December 15th, 2012, at 4:00 pm, The Jam for Sandy will take place at the newly opened Seize The Dance Gym in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Proceeds will be donated directly to New York Cares. The jam promises to be an exciting event consisting of many activities.

While the battles will be sure to get competitive, rival dancers will come together for a good cause. The jam will consist of a 2v2 bboy battle and a 1v1 all styles battle with the fee to battle being $5. Amazing dancers from all over the east coast to the Midwest have already signed up and registration is open until the day of the event. Those planning on just watching the event will only have to pay $7 – which will be donated directly to New York Cares. There will also be a clothing donation drive at the event.

In addition to the registered battles, there will be 5 different DJ’s spinning all night as well as an exhibition contest. The exhibition battle will be between Fleg (Lionz of Zion/MD) Vs Man of God(Rhythm Attack/Motion Disorders/Chicago). Special guest chef Bounme Phetdevone will be vending food. The Jam for Sandy promises an amazing evening with guest judges that include, Bboy Domkey, winner of Red Bull BC one North America, and Prince Lavince of the International House of Waackers – NYC.

Jam organizer Bboy Dynamike Chau, who also represents Culture Shock D.C. says, “This jam is not only to help those in need in the North East, but to show the power of the Hip Hop Culture. Many dancers know that the birth place of Hip Hop is the Bronx, New York. When the birth place of our culture that we live in is in need, the least we can do is try our best to help restore it. Hip Hop does not owe us anything, but we definitely owe it a lot.”

The above information is adapted from a press release received Thursday, November 29th.

The Deets

• Jam for Sandy
• Seize The Dance Gym – 9251 Hampton Overlook; Capitol Heights, MD 20743
• Saturday, December 15th, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.
• $7 Entrance Fee

Events: DC DanceSport Inferno Ballroom Competition

Photo Credit: David Cunningham – EnMotion Photography

DC DanceSport Inferno, one of the largest amateur ballroom competitions on the east coast, dances into its seventeenth year November 2nd through 4th. The event will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Hosted annually by Ballroom at Maryland, DC DanceSport Inferno (DCDI) is one of the largest amateur/collegiate DanceSport competitions on the eastern seaboard.

More than 800 competitors and 30 competition teams from all over the country will dance in two days of competition, consisting of International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth and American Rhythm styles. Past officials for DCDI include former US Professional Champions, North American champions, UK Open 10-Dance Champions, Asian-Pacific Professional 10-Dance Grant Finalists, and former US Representatives to the World Championships.

Regular spectator tickets are $10 each for the Saturday and Sunday competitive sessions, $20 for the Saturday evening show, or $30 for the entire weekend. The event will also be streamed live free of charge. For more information, please visit dcdancesportinferno.com.

The above information is adapted from a press release received Wednesday, September 20th.

The Deets

• DC DanceSport Inferno Ballroom Competition
• Grand Ballroom in the Stamp Student Union -  3100 Stamp Student Union; University of Maryland; College Park, MD 20742
• Friday, November 2nd through Sunday, November 4th, 2012
• Tickets $10 – $30

FCDC Goes Formal with… A Celebration of Dance

With black ties and ball gowns at the ready, the Fairfax County Dance Coalition (FCDC) is making A Celebration of Dance not just a showcase, but a full gala affair. Now in its third year running, the FCDC’s gala event is overflowing with an array of area talent, featuring twelve companies and a mix of ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, musical theatre and international dance styles. Not just the dancers will be dolled up for this event; the audience is encouraged to show off their own glitz and glam.

A Celebration of Dance will be presented Sunday, October 7th at 3:00 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus theatre. A brief reception is open to audience members following the performance in the upstairs gallery.

“Every year, the reasons we produce this show become stronger,” says Marilyn York, FCDC President, Gala Director and artistic director of Dancin’ Unlimited Jazz Dance Company. “The Gala not only provides an opportunity for advanced and professional dancers to share their artistic talents with each other across this dance community. The Gala also helps to build a network of dance enthusiasts beyond family and friends of dancers.”

Drawing together these twelve specialized groups has put Fairfax County dance on the map in the DC Metro Area, and the FCDC has created this dance production with the purpose of sharing its talent across county lines. Participating companies include: BalletNova, Center Stage Dance Company, Dancin’ Unlimited Jazz Dance Company, Encore Theatrical Arts Project, Gin Dance Company, Impact Dance Company, Lasya Dance Company, Nrityanjali Dance Company, The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax, The Fairfax Ballet Company, The Kintz Mejia Academy of Ballet and the Virginia Ballet Company.

“It’s amazing how we all get along,” states Caroline Frankil Warren, Executive Director of BalletNova Center for Dance. “The Gala is a watershed collaboration among 12 dance groups, resulting in a wonderful showcase of the dance talent hidden within Fairfax County.”

BalletNova will perform in two pieces – the Pas de Deux from Les Sylphides and a contemporary piece by Amy Tuck. The Gin Dance Company will present “The Core,” a contemporary piece about universal interconnectivity, energy and strength. Center Stage will perform a modern take on Frank Sinatra’s iconic song “New York, New York,” fusing classic Broadway and rhythm tap. “White Out,” a contemporary jazz piece performed by Dancin’ Unlimited, encourages the audience to get past, or white out, life problems. The Fairfax Ballet Company will perform a contemporary lyrical piece inspired by the journey of adolescence. Encore will present “Kick Line,” a Rockette-style number. The audience can also expect several traditional Indian dance works.

For the second consecutive year, the Fairfax County Dance Coalition and the Arts Council of Fairfax County will announce scholarship awards to two 2013 high school graduating seniors from among the FCDC member companies planning to pursue studies in dance. Mason District Supervisor Penelope Gross and Arts Council President Linda Sullivan will present the scholarships at the Gala.

Gala tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door. To purchase tickets and find more information, visit www.dancefairfax-gala.org, or contact any of the participating dance organizations. The NVCC Annandale Campus theatre is located at 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale, VA; convenient to Beltway exit 52A.

This information is from a Fairfax County Dance Coalition press release. Lauren Green of danceDC will be performing at the event with Dancin’ Unlimited Jazz Dance Company.

Performances: EDGEWORKS Dance Theater Presents /CLOSE/R

EDGEWORKS Dance Theater presents /CLOSE/R at Dance Place Saturday, September 15th and Sunday, September 16th. EDT Artistic Director Helanius J. Wilkins conceived and choreographed this work, which he will also perform. I caught up with Helanius to learn more about his latest work. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit the Dance Place website. If you’re going Saturday night, look out for me. I’ll be there!

/CLOSE/R is the culmination of your performance work for your MFA program of study. Can you tell me more about your MFA program of study?

I returned to the university setting in summer 2011 to pursue graduate studies, as an extension of my artistic journey. I am a Master’s of Fine Arts degree candidate at the George Washington University. This distance-learning program is specifically designed for professionals working in the field, and is low residency, meaning that it is not a traditional three-year program. Participation in this program requires an 18-month commitment. Among the many things that I appreciate about the program is the exposure and work related to new media and technology as well as the opportunities created for building new networks. Specific to my individual research, I have been exploring the topic of “sensing” which is leading me to a new way of molding movement and expanding my movement vocabulary. I am also being guided by my curiosity about how to validate sensing as a way of knowing. This work has opened up new doors for me to revisit, explore, and engage in authentic movement.

/CLOSE/R marks a shift in your creative process. How does this work compare to your previous work? What inspired you to make this creative shift?

/CLOSE/R is very different on many levels when comparing it to my previous work. Most notable is that I return to the solo form. In fact, this is my first-ever evening length solo project. There is a traditional saying that solo projects are confessionals. LOL… What I will share about this work is that audiences will get to see me in a way that is not typical of my body of work created and performed over the past 10 years.

I am definitely on a journey that is leading me to new places of vulnerability, strength, and discovery. As a result of all this I open myself up to connecting with audiences in new ways, including through humor.

/CLOSE/R as well as my creative shift comes out of the completion of a decade-long research and performance process that unfolded as a trilogy of works (Fearless in 2002, Cold Case in 2006, and Trigger in 2011) examining and exploring issues such as race, sexuality, spirituality, and class from the perspective of African-American men. As this process evolved, it framed a 15-year transformation in my personal life. This transformation has left me empowered to reveal the naked truth, the honest force behind my creations—my art. I find myself in the incubation period of a new definition for dance. I am undoing what I’ve come to know and exploring the possibilities of dance as a means to discover new work that reflects a distinct phase of my journey.

What’s next for Helanius and EDGEWORKS Dance Theater?

Fantastic question! Truthfully speaking, I am doing much reflection and soul-searching on that very question as it relates to all the various thoughts floating in my head – and there are many thoughts. As far as the immediate future is concerned, graduating is just around the corner. I will complete my graduate studies this fall. Along with this big achievement, I am thrilled and excited to be guest artist in residence at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) this fall too. I am equally excited by the activities of EDGEWORKS Dance Theater’s 12th anniversary season, which will begin with the performances of my solo project at Dance Place. The solo project will be touring to Chicago, IL in October and Cedar Rapids, IA in November. In addition, audiences will be able to experience some of EDGEWORKS Dance Theater’s signature group works in mixed repertory performances at the Jewish Community Center Northern Virginia (JCCNV) on November 17th and on the Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center on June 3rd, 2013. We have a packed season of activities. Whew! That’s a lot! For more information about EDGEWORKS Dance Theater, please visit their website.

Performances: Ballet Folklórico de México at the Hylton Performing Arts Center

Photo Credit: Robert Shomler (Courtesy of Hylton Performing Arts Center)

Centuries of Mexican culture will come to life when the gifted dancers of Ballet Folklórico de México take the Merchant Hall stage at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas on Sunday, September 30th, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2012, this brilliant company takes audiences on a journey that traces the evolution of Mexican dance from indigenous peoples up through the present. A pre-performance discussion will be held 45 minutes prior to the performance in the Buchanan Partners Art Gallery.

Ballet Folklórico de México was founded in 1952 by celebrated dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, who endeavored to research, preserve and honor the richly diverse folkloric traditions of her country – a period spanning from the pre-Colombian era, through Spanish colonization and into the Mexican Revolution. Complemented by radiant costumes and exuberant live music, Hernández’s choreography captures a country with rich and diverse cultural traditions. “Tlacotalpan Festivity” portrays the celebration of the Candelaria Virgin on January 31st. “Revolution” is a dance dedicated to the “Soldaderas,” women who supported their men and even fought during the Mexican Revolution. “The Deer Dance” is based on a ritual performed by the Yaqui people in preparation for a hunt. The performance concludes with “Jalisco,” a dance that celebrates the state of Jalisco – where Mariachis originated – and features a lively fiesta. The program will feature these and many more dances celebrating Mexican heritage. Single tickets for this performance are now on sale. Please visit HyltonCenter.org for more information.

The above information is adapted from a press release received Wednesday, August 15th.

The Deets

• Ballet Folklórico de México
• Hylton Performing Arts Center -  10960 George Mason Circle; Manassas, VA 20110
• Sunday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m.
• Tickets for Ballet Folklórico de México start at $28. Youth through grade 12 pay half price when accompanied by an adult.
•  Visit the box office, charge by phone at (888) 945-2468 or visit HyltonCenter.org to purchase tickets.