danceDC Weekend Event Guide 2/12-2/13

Happy Valentine’s Day, dance lovers! I can’t believe how much is going on this Saturday. It’s too bad you can’t clone yourself and go to everything. Lots of people from out of town are here in DC to teach workshops including Mr. Wiggles, Joseph Nontanovan, Marc Spaulding and Antonio Hudnell. See below for event details and other dance news you can use:

credit: Paul Gillis Photography

Jane Franklin Dance is looking for submissions for its Dance Sampler showcase. Submissions are due today. They will also have a free performance next Wednesday, February 16th 6pm at The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.

BTI Dance is celebrating its reopening at their new location 1643 Connecticut Avenue NW. They’re offering free classes all weekend. Classes this weekend have been canceled due to a broken heater!

The Washington Post Express Spring Arts Preview came out yesterday. Sarah Kaufman provided her Top 5 which included Martha Graham Company and Paul Taylor Dance Company among others.

Saturday, February 12^th

• 12pm-3:30pm: Major Definition Spring Pre-Audition Workshops at UMBC (Baltimore)
• 12pm-4pm: Central Asian Festival featuring Silk Road Dance Company at The Textile Museum
• 1:30pm: Mariinsky Ballet presents Giselle at The Kennedy Center
• 2pm: From Graham to Jones Dance Lecture with Suzanne Carbonneau at The Kennedy Center
• 2:30pm-6:30pm: Beledi & Oriental Master Class with Aladin El Kholy at Sahara Dance
• 2:30pm-7:30pm: Mr. Wiggles Workshop at DC Dance Collective
• 2:30pm-8pm: I’m Versatile Workshop with Marc Spaulding and Antonio Hudnell at The Dance Institute of Washington
• 3pm-8pm: Ajnin Intensive at Halo Dance Studio (Gaithersburg)
• 5 & 6:30pm: Single Ladies Workshop with Quynn Johnson at Joy of Motion/Atlas
• 6pm: The Journey from Foundation to Choreography with Joseph Nontanovan at Joy of Motion/Bethesda
• 7pm-11pm: Valentine’s Dance with SpeakeasyDC at Dance Place
• 7:30pm: Mariinsky Ballet presents Giselle at The Kennedy Center
• 8pm: Contradiction Dance presents Living, Breathing, Human Organism? at Joe’s Movement Emporium (Mt. Rainier)
• 8pm: Mayzsoul, Inc. presents Le Monde Secret at Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights
• 8pm-12am: U.F.N Dance Crew’s Dancers Ball hosted by Porche Anthony at Marcellus Dance Studio (Capitol Heights)

Sunday, February 13^th

• 1pm: Dance In Time performs at the Old Post Office Pavilion
• 1:30pm: Mariinsky Ballet presents Giselle at The Kennedy Center
• 2:30pm-6:30pm: Folklore Galore! Master Class with Aladin El Kholy at Sahara Dance
• 2:30pm-8pm: I’m Versatile Workshop with Marc Spaulding and Antonio Hudnell at The Dance Institute of Washington
• 4pm: Contradiction Dance presents Living, Breathing, Human Organism? at Joe’s Movement Emporium (Mt. Rainier)
• 7pm: Mayzsoul, Inc. presents Le Monde Secret at Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights

10th Way to Redefine Yourself: Hip Hop with Gary at Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights

Liz, Gary and Cecile. Thanks for taking the pic, Karen!

Last night, I was at Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights for hip hop with Gary Beauford. I’ve taken his class before, but it was my birthday and the last day of my 10 day dance challenge so I decided to treat myself. The first time I took class with Gary was actually his last class with Culture Shock DC. I had also seen his choreography when his company GnC Crew performed at the DCypher show last year.

The combination Gary taught for his last class was choreo to Total’s “What About Us?” Remember that song? I think my brain had reached its mental capacity so I had a hard time picking up the routine, but the select groups he picked at the end had it down. They looked dope! He also singled out one of his students who also trains with Future Shock/Culture Shock to do the combination one last time. She did great.

About 30 dancers, including my friends Liz and Karen, came to last night’s class. Gary’s class is usually pretty crowded, but this was the most crowded I’ve ever seen it. It was probably because he announced on Twitter and Facebook that this would be his last class at Joy of Motion for almost a year. He’s leaving on Saturday to go on tour with UniverSoul Circus. Congrats on the gig, Gary! It’s sad that he won’t be here for most of 2011, but he’s hoping that Kevin Simon of GnC Crew and Culture Shock DC will be able to take over the class in his absence. He’ll be conducting the class the same way Gary did. Three weeks learning the same routine so you can really get something out of class and get your training on. It’s a bitter sweet ending to my 10 day dance challenge as I’ll miss taking class with Gary, but I’m happy to have been inspired by his creativity and wish him the best of luck.

9th Way to Redefine Yourself: Modern with Helanius at Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights

For day nine of my 10 day dance challenge, I was at Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights for modern with Helanius Wilkins. I met Helanius a few months back when I interviewed him for danceDC so was excited to take his low intermediate level class. He started the class with plenty of exercises to warm up our feet. Before moving into across the floor exercises, he taught a short combination that had us constantly changing directions. I was extremely confused when he first showed it, but I think I finally had it down by the last time we did it in groups.

One of the across the floor exercises that stood out in my mind included a cart-wheel. I can’t remember the last time I had done one so was happy to give it a try. I thought we were doing another short across the floor exercise, but it turned into a longer combination that we did in smaller groups of three or four. The combination also included lots of changes in directions like the short combo from earlier in the class. I liked that the choreography traveled across the floor and used the whole space. Helanius also had such a pleasant demeanor while teaching class. I really appreciated that. If you’re looking to learn from a positive role model and also to take a fun, modern class, I hope you’ll try one of Helanius’ classes.

8th Way to Redefine Yourself: Contemporary Jazz with Ashley at Joy of Motion/Atlas

For day eight of my 10 day dance challenge, I was at Joy of Motion/Atlas for Contemporary Jazz with Ashley White. This low intermediate level class is described as teaching solid jazz technique while exploring choreography influenced by the music of today. Ashley started class with a center warm up that included ponches en releve and also splits on the floor. I was probably one of the only girls in the class who couldn’t do them. Definitely need to work on my flexibility. Any exercises you can recommend to help with that?

After warm up,  we did a few across the floor exercises. First up was a jazz walk, chenee and pique turn combo. Next was a petite allegro combination. Finally, we did one that started with battements, was followed by a piroutte and ended with a final jump. After each exercise, Ashley was good about giving some general feedback to help us improve the combination on the other side. The choreography she taught for the rest of class was to One Republic’s Secrets. I was familiar with the song, but still had some trouble getting the timing. When we broke up into two groups to give us a bit more room, I was really feeling the choreography. I was also excited to do the combination one last time with a select group of dancers. I’ll hopefully be able to share the video with you once it’s up on Ashley’s YouTube page. If you’re looking for a challenging jazz class with great choreography, check out Contemporary Jazz with Ashley.

7th Way to Redefine Yourself: HIP with Miasia at Joy of Motion/Bethesda

Today, I was back at Joy of Motion/Bethesda for HIP with Miasia. This Middle Eastern inspired dance and fitness class is part of Joy of Motion’s Move Program, which also includes Zumba and Kukuwa Dance Workout. We started class working in pairs on the floor. I was partnered with Miasia since I was the only new student. Everyone else had taken the class before. I held Miasia’s ankles while she demonstrated different ab exercises. Then we switched and I mirrored what she had just done.

The class continued with students mimicking Miasia’s moves. Hip rolls, undulations of the chest and shimmying to the music had me feeling like I was in another world (and also out of my element since this was my first time taking a belly dance class). Miasia did a great job explaining how to execute moves that look deceptively simple. At one point, she had us squeezing our glutes to create an extra bounce in our hips. It is surprisingly difficult to squeeze one cheek at a time! I liked that Miasia told us what some of the moves meant. How great is it that your body can say things like “I see right through you” or “Just you wait?” My favorite had to be “I can handle it. I’m a woman.” Talk about girl power. If you’re looking to explore another culture through dance, try HIP with Miasia.

6th Way to Redefine Yourself: Kukuwa Dance Workout with Fatima at Joy of Motion/Atlas

For day six of my 10 day dance challenge, I was back at Joy of Motion/Atlas for Kukuwa Dance Workout with Fatima Senghore. I didn’t realize until I sat down to write this post that Kukuwa is named after African dance performer and choreographer Kukuwa Nuamah. Kukuwa Dance Workout combines African and Caribbean dance moves into a low impact, high energy class. As Fatima noted at the beginning of class, it is an aerobics class so the focus is on getting your heart rate up and building your stamina – not learning choreography.

From start to finish, Kukuwa Dance Workout is exactly what it promises to be – a workout. Some of the moves that have me in pain today include getting low while shaking your hips and circling your fully extended arms while moving forward then pushing them back while stepping back. I found myself taking frequent water breaks during the class, but Fatima was going strong the entire time. I loved the energy she brought to the class. It was really motivating and makes me want to work out a lot so I can have the stamina (and toned arms) that she does. If taking this class on a regular basis doesn’t help me shed some pounds, I don’t know what will. If you’re looking for an incredible workout, definitely check out Kukuwa.

5th Way to Redefine Yourself: Street Jazz with Maurice at Joy of Motion/Bethesda

When I first started my blog, I also created my Twitter account @dance_DC. I’ve connected with several dancers through the social media network and on occasion ask for class recommendations. Street Jazz with Maurice Johnson has been a response from many dance tweeps so I was excited to include it in my 10 day dance challenge.

The class is described by Joy of Motion Dance Center as a dance form that combines jazz, hip hop and funk. The level is considered advanced beginner (at least six months dance experience), but I thought it was more of an intermediate class. Maurice started out with a fast, choreographed warm up. He also did a decent amount of ab work including plank exercises and crunches. The combination he taught was extremely fast paced. It had a lot of sassy moves and reminded me of a hip hop class I used to take and absolutely loved while I was living in Boston. I forgot to ask Maurice what song he chose for the class, but it was one I had never heard before. I think I overheard him after class mentioning that the artist was some kind of MySpace sensation (not Tila Tequila). According to Maurice, he teaches the same choreography at his intermediate level class which he teaches on Saturdays. The difference between his advanced beginner and intermediate level classes is that he teaches at an even faster pace. If you’re looking for a challenging advanced beginner class and love sassing it up, Maurice is the man for you.

3rd Way to Redefine Yourself: Revolution with Heidi at Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights

For the third day of my 10 day challenge, I made my way to Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights for Revolution with Heidi Schimpf. The class appeals to dancers who love retro music and people who enjoy dances from the last four decades. Revolution was another first for me and for a few of the other dancers in the MOVE Program class. Heidi started with grape vines and heel digs to get the blood moving. We did some stretching, shoulder and head isolations then moved into a combination to Katy Perry’s “California Girls.” Heidi said she was inspired to choreograph to the song because of the cold weather here in the District.

Heidi was a great teacher who really paid attention to the needs of her students. She broke down moves when she noticed dancers were having trouble and gave lots of positive reinforcement when the students were getting it right. After doing the combination full out a bunch of times, we cooled down by working our abs with sit ups and plank exercises. A few more stretches on the floor and Heidi was congratulating us for a job well done. If you’re looking for an upbeat, jazzercise class or enjoy dancing to popular music, give Revolution with Heidi a try.

2nd Way to Redefine Yourself: Afro-Jazz with Tyrone at Joy of Motion/Bethesda

Day two of my 10 day challenge and I’m already sore. Not a good sign! Tonight I was at Joy of Motion/Bethesda for Afro-Jazz with Tyrone Murray. This was the first time I took the class so I had no idea what to expect. We started off with a center barre warm up; but instead of standing up, we were laying on our backs. The exercise made you think about the placement of your hips and your technique overall. On the floor, we did a LOT of stretching, as well as some sit ups and push ups. The stretching continued when we finally stood up. Picture this: You’re doing a lunge and then you straighten the bent knee so you’re almost in a split position. Now lean forward with a flat back. It was killer! In addition to having to work on stretching, I realized I need to work on my balance. At one point, he had us doing releves while we were hunched over with our hands on the ground then roll up to standing position while on the balls of our feet. Yup, need to work on that.

Class continued with African inspired across the floor exercises. Tyrone used a lot of analogies to describe the movement including animals tip toeing through the forest while they’re looking for prey and eagles in flight. He expanded on one of the across the floor exercises and taught about six eight counts of a center combination. At the end of class, he let us know that one of his goals for the year is to challenge his dancers and push them to the next level. He joked that it was not just for the students, but also to keep him in shape. If you’re looking to learn from a 30 year veteran of Joy of Motion, Afro-Jazz may be the class for you.

Audition for Micheline Heal & Dancers Saturday, January 15th

Micheline Heal reached out to me after coming across danceDC on the Interwebs and asked me to post information about her upcoming dance audition on Saturday, January 15th at Joy of Motion/Friendship Heights. Please see the details below if you’re looking for an opportunity to dance in the New Year!

Choreographer Micheline Heal is looking for six dancers – four female, two male – for two separate dance projects this coming spring. The first project is a series of duets in the style of “So You Think You Can Dance?” for a public performance series in April and May. For this project Micheline is looking for one female and two male dancers with partnering and contact improvisation experience as well as a strong technical background in ballet and contemporary dance.

The second project is the revision of a piece titled The Garden for Wayward Girls, multimedia installation that explores how the lessons we learn fairy tales influence our adult perspectives. Micheline is looking for three petite female dancers with a strong technical background in ballet and contemporary dance, experience with floorwork and partnering are bonuses. The piece will be performed during a performance run at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop in May. All dancers for both projects will be financially compensated for performances but not for rehearsals. Dancers will be selected based on skill, suitability for a given role, and availability.

Here is additional information Micheline provided regarding what she looks for in a dancer and what dancers can expect during the audition process:

I look for multifaceted dancers with strong technique that are also willing to experiment and play in the rehearsal room. I am willing to overlook technical finesse, however, in favor of strong performers with a voracious love of dance. The audition will consist of a short warm-up, an improvisation exercise, learning some phrasework (both vertical as well as some floorwork), a contact improv exercise and a creation exercise where dancers will be paired off to create short partnering duets. Because I’m casting for two very different projects, the dancers will be asked to do a lot of different things. I’m looking for dancers that are willing to push their comfort zones and just go for it because it inspires me to make better work.

The Deets

• Audition for Micheline Heal & Dancers
• Joy of Motion Dance Center/Friendship Heights – 5207 Wisconsin Avenue NW; Washington, DC 20015
• Saturday, January 15th 4:45pm-6:45pm
• Please email a resume and headshot prior to attending the audition to micheline@michelineheal.com.