So You Think You Can Dance Survey
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What’s up, Framers? Before you watch tomorrow’s episode of So You Think You Can Dance, take our survey and tell us your opinion! Who will go home and who will win it all?
MFA Monday: Lauren Ashlee Small
MFA Mondays
When Grad School Becomes Worth It
Part 1
Spring of senior year our classes were soon coming to a close. Before the southern heat would parade in full force, the spring weather was ideal for the occasional field trip outdoors for class. Spring of 2010 we experienced class in the studio, in the long carpeted hallway of the dance department, on the spiral wooden staircase of the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, outside in the grass where the art majors often set up their easels, and in the soccer field we called, “The Bowl.”
We were masters of our own destinies,
or so it felt, as we created adaptable warm-up routines for our individual movement needs. We threw in a dollop of modern floor and center work, a dash of yoga, and a hint of Pilates or any delicious ingredients we could get our hands on. We had been prepped with the warning that technique class could be a less frequent part of our day-to-day routine after graduation, and we might be responsible for giving ourselves a thorough class or warm-up on a regular basis. At the time, I didn’t think much about the statement, but I would realize the truth of the admonition not more than a month after graduation.
After graduating a year early, I wanted some time to “get my life together.”
My break turned into a four-year stretch
and might have lasted longer had not I discovered some things along the way. Everyone says don’t stop after graduation. Continue to the next step of your education. I understand now why they say it. I felt like I lost a lot of momentum when I stepped out of the creative environment and didn’t have the same creative resources at my fingertips at all times.
It wasn’t just the loss of technique class that left me a little hesitant. Life after graduation is a completely different experience altogether! I had no set schedule, no daily classes, no full-time work experience, no prospects or job offers, and had only auditioned for one company in my life, the local ballet company that I had danced with in high school. I ended up in Phoenix, Arizona working as a nanny during a two month internship with an awesome organization called Free Arts of Arizona. During my four month stay in Arizona I took a whopping ONE technique class, and was left with a feeling of doom regarding the future.
I moved back home and stayed for about eight months. I took class, choreographed for the local company, taught at the studio where I grew up, and I believe I performed a few times during that season. At the time, it felt somewhat repetitious and a bit like a reenactment of my high school experience from a new perspective, but I was dancing again. In January, I auditioned in Chicago for some programs at The Ailey School on a bit of a whim and to my excitement was accepted. August 31st, I boarded a plane with two suitcases and a one-way ticket to the Big Apple. This move was to be my first time in New York City.
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week.
Lauren Ashlee Small is originally from Springfield, IL. Her training began at Springfield Dance and the Springfield Ballet Company and continued in college where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at Belhaven University. Lauren went on to study in The Ailey School’s professional division as a recipient of The Oprah Winfrey Foundation Scholarship and to perform with Amalgamate Dance Company and Dance Into Deliverance. Her choreography has been featured at The Ailey School, Belhaven University, American College Dance Festival, Undertoe Dance Festival at the 92nd Street Y, the New York Jazz Choreography Project, and in Amalgamate’s 7th Annual Artist Series. Lauren has interned with Free Arts of Arizona and Amalgamate Dance Company and was a guest artist at the 2012 Teen Arts Performance Camp in Washington, DC and Emmanuel Ballet Academy’s 2014 summer intensive in Juarez, Mexico.
So You Think You Can Dance
Uncategorized Welcome back, Framers! Last night’s episode was even more eventful as we said goodbye to four dancers instead of two.
So You Think You Can Dance: Top 14
The show was kicked off with a group dance which was excellently choreographed by Stacey Tookey. The 14 dancers performed gracefully and you could also sense a hint of darkness in their movements. After their great performance, we welcomed guest judge Christina Applegate, and learned which six dancers were in danger of elimination fans voted last week. These dancers were Casey Askew, Serge Onik, Teddy Coffey, Carly Blaney, Emily James, and Jessica Richens. These six contestants would have to perform their solos throughout the night in an attempt to please the judges one last time.
The first couple to perform were contestants Emilio and Bridget, with their fiery jazz routine. Their choreographer Ray Leeper described the dance as being a story of a demon on a mission from hell, trying to get someone to sell his soul. Next up was Tanisha and Rudy with a contemporary dance choreographed by Mandy Moore. The couple handles the demanding choreography excellently, even with the many challenging lifts and turns. Then it was time for Serge to perform his solo that could either save him, or send him home. His dance was full of energy, but it seemed like his technique was lacking. When we turned back to the couples, we watched Zack and Jacque‘s Paso Doble choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux. The dance tells the tale of a vampire (Zack) bringing Jacque back to life, with extraordinary costumes. Mary Murphy claimed that it was “love at first bite,” and the judges all wore fake vampire fangs, giving the two dancers a laugh. (excuse me, what??) Carly‘s solo was graceful and perfectly accompanied by the song “Not About Angels” by the artist Birdy.
Giving the contestants a break, two SYTYCD finalists Cyrus and tWitch talk about their involvement in the new Step-Up movie, Step-Up All In. They also talk about going from TV to film. This is tWitch’s third Step-Up movie, but only Cyrus’s first.
When we get back to the dancing, we get to watch Emily and Teddy perform their jazz piece. For both dancers being in danger of being eliminated, the dance seemed uncoordinated and they certainly would need to make up for this dance in their solos. Speaking of a solo, then it was Casey‘s turn to dance for his spot on the show. His dance showed off his flexibility and he performed many turns in his routine. After Casey’s solo, it was then Emily‘s turn, she performed a charming modern ballet piece that proved that she really did have what it takes to remain on the show. Playing to his strengths, Teddy hit the stage with a hip hop solo, which proved to really be his dance style. Taking a break from the solos, we turned to watch Serge and Carly’s fun quick step. The last solo of the night was a modern ballet routine performed by Jessica, to a Beyonce song. The final couple dance happened to also be one of my favorites of the entire night. Valerie and Ricky’s hip hop routine was performed to the very popular song “Turn Down For What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon. Choreographed by ‘Pharside’ and ‘Phoenix’, the dance tells the story of a witch doctor and his voodoo doll. Their movements are sharp and remain on the music, and Valerie even manages to perform a leg wave while in a side split!
With the couple dances over, it was finally time to watch the top seven girls perform together in a contemporary routine choreographed by Mandy Moore. The girls were completely synced the entire time, and it made for a truly beautiful dance.
The dance crew Academy of Villians took the stage and completely smashed it. Choreographers ‘Pharside’ and ‘Phoenix’ are members of this dance crew, as we first learned here.
After the fantastic dance crew, we got to watch the also very fantastic and talented top seven guys take the stage with their routine by Travis Wall. This is one of my other favorite dances of the night, as it tells the story of lost souls at sea. Their movements are very wave-like and synchronized, the entire dance just proved that the men of SYTYCD can really bring it.
Once we watched all the exquisite dances of the night, we had to say goodbye to Teddy Coffey, Serge Onik, Carly Blaney, and Emily James. The judges chose to save dancers Casey Askew and Jessica Richens.
*written by our social media intern, Rachel Kaminski
Eat Well Wednesday
Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized
Frozen Bananas
2 bananas
1/4 to 1/3c chocolate chips
1/4 to 1/3c peanut butter
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Set out a large plate with wax paper on it. Cut up the bananas. Heat the peanut butter and chocolate chips on high for minute. stir until smooth. Dip the banana pieces in the mixture. Lay on the wax paper. Use the remaining mixture to spoon over the tops sprinkle the unsweetened coconut flakes on top. Freeze for about an hour until hardened.
Southwest Black Bean Salad
15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
9 oz cooked corn, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/3 cup red onion, chopped
1 scallion, chopped
1 1/2 – 2 limes, juice of
salt and fresh pepper
1 medium avocado, diced
Combine items in a large bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice to taste. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes.
Tuesday Tunes: What students like to hear
Tuesday Tunes Uncategorized
Hey, Framers! I hope you’re ready for a special edition of Tuesday Tunes. Today, I’ll be talking about my tunes and what I enjoy hearing when I’m dancing.
Tuesday Tunes: Rachel’s Tunes
As a dancer, of course I have my own musical preferences when I take class. Normally in a class you can’t just pick your own music to dance to, so you’re using the music that your teacher provides. Dancing to music you enjoy always makes those everyday classes even more fun than they already are, or even give you that extra kick of energy at the end of class. Here’s some bands I always love to dance to.
Bastille
Phantogram
Lo-Fang
The xx
Have fun listening!
*by Frame Dance Social Media Intern Rachel Kaminski
MFA Monday
MFA Mondays
These past several weeks we have had the pleasure of being escorted through a fabulous series of MFA Mondays by Megan Yankee and two of her colleagues Erin Law, Amanda McCorkle and Gabrielle Aufiero. What a pleasure it has been. If you’re just now tuning in, I encourage you to go back through and catch up.
A lot has happened here at Frame Dance, and today I want to fill you in on all things #framer. First, I’d like to introduce you to our next writer, Lauren Ashlee Small, who will begin her MFA Monday series next week. Her perspective will be new, as she is preparing to begin her MFA program in the Fall.
Lauren Ashlee Small is originally from Springfield, IL. Her training began at Springfield Dance and the Springfield Ballet Company and continued in college where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at Belhaven University. Lauren went on to study in The Ailey School’s professional division as a recipient of The Oprah Winfrey Foundation Scholarship and to perform with Amalgamate Dance Company and Dance Into Deliverance. Her choreography has been featured at The Ailey School, Belhaven University, American College Dance Festival, Undertoe Dance Festival at the 92nd Street Y, the New York Jazz Choreography Project, and in Amalgamate’s 7th Annual Artist Series. Lauren has interned with Free Arts of Arizona and Amalgamate Dance Company and was a guest artist at the 2012 Teen Arts Performance Camp in Washington, DC and Emmanuel Ballet Academy’s 2014 summer intensive in Juarez, Mexico.
Second, we announced on Friday, that we are starting a program called Little Framers. It is a children’s dance ensemble that will work with the company this year. Ages 7-9. Registration is open, and space is VERY limited. More info is here.
Frame Dance Children’s Ensemble
Uncategorized“Let us first teach little children to breathe, to vibrate, to feel, and to become one with the general harmony and movement of nature. Let us first produce a beautiful human being, a dancing child.”
— Isadora Duncan
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This 2014-15 school year, Frame Dance will offer a modern 
Space is very limited. Links We Like, Punks
Links We LikeJust one extraordinary link for today. This is EVERYTHING.
So You Think You Can Dance
UncategorizedHey, Framers! Are you ready for another exciting recap of So You Think You Can Dance?
So You Think You Can Dance: Top 16!
Once again, this exciting episode was kicked off with a group dance choreographed by Mandy Moore. After their contemporary routine we discovered which six dancers were in danger of elimination. Those dancers were Bridget Whitman, Marcquet Hill, Brooklyn Fullmer, Serge Onik, Tanisha Belnap, and Zack Everhart.
The first couple routine of the night also happened to be the first Bollywood routine of the season. Valerie and Ricky’s high-energy routine was exhausting! Bridget and Emilio hit the stage with a contemporary routine–my favorite. Their dance was choreographed by Travis Wall, telling the story of people moving from their pasts and memories and embracing change. It felt like Bridget and Emilio were truly connecting with the dance, and that made for a very moving piece.
The next pair of dancers made an impressive match for the last dance. Tanisha and Rudy took the stage with confidence and flexibility as they performed their hip hop routine which earned rave reviews from the judges.
Next up was Jessica and Marcquet with their foxtrot, that turned out to be less impressive than the previous performances. They looked awkward throughout the dance and judge Nigel Lythgoe even commented that it made him feel “uncomfortable.”
Afterwards, Carly and Serge took the stage with a contemporary dance about desire. It was simple, but it also required a lot of skill.
Emily and Teddy also displayed their talents in their colorful Salsa, demanding many challenging lifts.
My favorite choreographer (remember who?) was back with a jazz routine choreographed for Jacque and Zack about rekindling an old flame.
The last couple to dance was Brooklyn and Casey with their hip hop routine. Even with their high energy, there was obviously no connection or feeling from the dancers.
After the couples were finished with their routines, they were split evenly into groups. The first group had Brooklyn, Casey, Emily, Emilio, Tanisha, Serge, Valerie and Zack. Sonya Tayeh choreographed a very intense dance for the first group. It was a story of wounds how they are expressed from us externally.
The next group’s dancers were Bridget, Marcquet, Carly, Ricky, Jacque, Rudy, Jessica and Teddy. The choreographer: Travis Wall. This dance successfully told the story of outlaws escaping the city, with the sharp movements and aggressive nature.
After the fantastic contemporary dances, the talented Lucy Hale performed her new song “Lie a Little Better.” View the dancer’s profiles! View Dancer’s Profiles Here!
After the performance, we said goodbye to dancers Marcquet and Brooklyn.
*by Frame Dance social media intern Rachel Kaminski
Knocked up and dancing
UncategorizedOur last writer on MFA Monday, Amanda McCorkle, wrote that she became pregnant 3 months after she graduated with her MFA. Amanda = Heroically Brave.
As a woman, I frequently get a question that goes something like this *with slightly squinty eyes panning the head left to right trying to decipher me*:
“so when are you planning to have children…oh I guess you are waiting because of your dance…dancers must have children late….are you having children late?”
Then I will respond, slightly baffled, with “Well, that’s sometimes tr–”
The follow-up response puts them into one of two camps.
Camp 1: “oh– (realizing the invasiveness of the question) well, you’re still young.”
Camp 2: “people are having children later and later, I’m sure you want to maintain your body because you can only dance so long”
At that point I usually have my Resting B@&*# Face on, but ever the educator, I shift to positive language and attempt to redirect the conversation as quickly as possible. He/She (usually she) is just curious and trying to figure me out. It’s lovely that she’s taken an interest in me. And if I’m being honest, I’m really sensitive to language and tone. I accept that. It’s the complexity of the situation that I’m frustrated with. I then attempt to answer and educate my interviewer by storytelling with examples of women who have succeeded from all angles. Children, no children, children early, children late, curious, open and lead-strong women who have lived in community and connection with others (via parenthood, friendship, marriage) allowing people to impact and affect who they are.
I have found some great resources on dance and motherhood. Check them out here:
Baby on Board— teaching dance while pregnant
Two Career Dancers on Pregnancy