Continuing our Tuesday Tunes focusing on dancers and accompanists, here’s another interesting article.
This article talks about the relationship between the accompanist and a dance teacher, including the communication that is needed for the relationship to succeed. Composer and musician Christopher Hobson, who began accompanying music when he was 17 , goes into depth about what it means to accompany dance.
Read More here
Ballet accompanist equals ballet dancer in importance.
An interview with a ballet accompanist on Dance Advantage.
Don’t have any plans for Halloween? Now you do!
October 31, 2014 at 7:00 pm
114 Vintage Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77070
BEWARE: Halloween is near and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Houston has a ghoulishly good surprise!
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Houston is showing Halloween horror classics at both its Houston-area theaters this Friday as part of its Friday Night Fright! Both Vintage Point and Mason Park theaters are inviting Houstonians to show up in their scariest ensembles.
While its encouraged everyone dresses up as characters from the frightening flicks being shown, any costume earns participants a FREE ticket to the Friday Night Fright movie! So start your costume shopping early and get ready to have a frightfully fun Friday night with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema!
Price: FREE!!!
September 20, 2014 – January 04, 2015 (Recurring daily) from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77008
It’s the science of what’s eating you! Discover the biological wonders of creatures that eat blood through encounters with live species and interactive stations.
Price: $8
October 31, 2014
701 4th Street, Kemah, TX 77565
For the entire month of October, Kemah is hosting Boo on the Boardwalk where families can enjoy an array of Halloween themed activities. For the braver souls, face the dungeon of doom while the kids enjoy the Little Boo Haunted Fun house. Other attractions include pumpkin decorating, live entertainment and costume contests.
Price: Go to their website for more details. In other words, I don’t know.
October 31, 2014 from 7pm to 2am
Houston’s biggest & best Halloween event returns for its 8th year! First get your costume on, then get your drink on as the Crawl hits 12 restaurants & bars between Dunlavy & Montrose on Westheimer, including Brasil, Poison Girl, Pistolero’s, Boondocks, Stone’s Throw, Etro Lounge, Catbirds, Royal Oak, Doc’s Motorworks, Slick Willie’s, El Real Tex-Mex, and Hay Merchant, with special appearances by Koagie Hots and The Golden Grill.
As always, there’ll be no covers & no tickets, plus drink specials all night long. And prizes will be awarded for the best outfits at each stop, with a grand costume prize awarded by this year’s honorary Grand Crawler.
Price: FREE!!!
October 31, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Memorial Park near the rugby/soccer field parking lot
Get your spooky with BCO as we hike and slither our way through Memorial Park with our closest pals on Halloween! We will nourish ourselves afterwards with pizza and beverages, for those who make it out of the forest. Tap into your inner wolf or go all vampy on us, or come as a traditional ghoul (or, hey, wear your office attire– that could be scary enough!) Leave the bars to the zombies and join us in the woods for some quality and creepy exercise and socializing at Memorial Park.
We meet at 6:30 and depart at 7 PM sharp from the rugby/soccer field parking lot (click for map) (For you chickens out there – just come to the after-party starting around 8 PM in the rugby/soccer field parking lot).
What to Bring:
Don’t get left in the dark and don’t forget to wear walking shoes (it is a hike no matter how dead you are), a flashlight, bug spray, and a little money just in case. Open to members, guests and the public (we love fresh meat) – bring a friend or come alone, if you dare. You’ll be sure to find a devil or two to talk to. (Please no dogs at this hike).
RSVP at http://www.BayouCityOutdoors.com Additional info call 713-524-3567 or e-mail to Kelly@bayoucityoutdoors.com
Price: FREE!!!
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11941/if-you-only-do-10-yoga-poses-do-these.html
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
pinch salt
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp milk
2 Tbsp red cake-decorating sugar
20 whole blanched almonds OR 20 pieces banana chips
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In bowl, using electric mixer, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar. Beat until mixture is no longer “scratchy” sounding against bowl.
4. Beat in egg, vanilla and salt.
5. In separate bowl, mix together flour and baking powder (tip for measuring flour: stir flour, spoon into measuring cup, then level).
6. Gradually beat flour mixture into butter mixture.
7. Switch to working in flour mixture with hands when dough gets too stiff to beat.
8. Knead into smooth dough. Roll into 3/4-inch thick “ropes”. Break ropes into 3-inch sections. Pat one end smooth. Dip tip of other end of each piece into milk then red sugar.
9. Place on lined baking sheet. Pressing in sides of rope to prevent flattening, insert almond or piece of banana chip into rounded end. Repeat process to make 20 fingers.
10. Bake on middle rack of oven 17 minutes, or until dough is lightly golden.
Surprising things I discovered when entering Grad School
I thought when I went back to school to get my MFA that I would be entering an uptight academic environment. I was so preoccupied with the idea of school and relocating my life that I forgot I would be entering a community of like-minded peers. In undergrad, even among dance majors, I was considered the “dance nerd.” In grad school I was surrounded by not only dancers but specifically “dance nerds,” people who wanted to explore, dissect and reveal as much about the art as I did. This community turned out to be a vital support group throughout the process of completing my degree. Having others to bitch to, socialize, laugh, and share my fledgling art with became essential for my survival during this stressful time. These bonds were not only a lifeline during the process but created many long lasting friendships and an excellent network that stands strong long after graduation.
When you enter a graduate program you have already passed a test in the eyes of the faculty. You have already completed one major academic step and have decided to continue onto another. There are fewer grad students for them to keep track of and you yourself are probably a much better student. For me this reduced a lot of the intimidation I felt with my undergraduate professors. While I had (and still have) great respect for the faculty who guided me through my MFA program I sensed a more open relationship with them than I had past teachers. I believe this allowed me to ask for help in my learning process more readily and, in turn, gave me the most out of the program.
I thought that majoring in choreography would be all shop. I would create pieces and receive feedback to make them better. Having received my BFA only 5 years prior I don’t know why I didn’t realize that the program would be so well rounded. I teach non dance majors now as an adjunct professor and explain to many undergraduate students why this dance class they are taking for a fine arts credit helps them become more well rounded. On arriving for my MFA orientation I was reminded that we would be looking at choreography from more than the perspective of the choreographer creating the work. We looked at it from an audience members point a view, where the work stands in our culture, and what the choreographer’s life entails. Somatics classes informed me about my body and technique classes gave it new and inspired ways to move. It wasn’t just about spacing, timing and costumes. While few credit hours are spent outside the department (9 out of 60 in our department) you do have the opportunity to explore other fields. I took Global Arts, Multicultural Education and Exercise for Older adults, all of which significantly help me in my jobs today. I arrived thinking I would only create choreography leave ready to start a company. I came out with a more open mind about where dance stands in our world. While creating work on occasion my current bread and butter lies in getting others, college students both in and out of the arts, children at local dance studios, and adults from beginner to professional to expand their knowledge of dance. Much like the MFA program did for me.
Amanda Diorio is an adjunct faculty member at UNC-Greensboro and Elon University. She teaches adult classes open to the public at the North Carolina Dance Project where she is also a member of the board of directors. Amanda holds an M.F.A. in Choreography from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a B.F.A. in Dance from Temple University. She has taught, produced, and choreographed dance extensively in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, Florida and North Carolina at universities, studios, public and private schools and community centers. Specializing in Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop techniques she enjoys spreading peace, love and understanding through her teaching of dance, choreography and culture.
Hi All, this is one link we REALLY like. Save the date: Nov. 8 at 4pm!
“Frame Dance artistic director Lydia Hance has little interest in traditional performance spaces. In fact, her most recent shows have occurred in the back of a truck and Good Dog Houston. She prefers audiences members to be
scattered among the performers. She’s ready to take it to a new level on Nov. 8 at 4pm with Metro Dances, which begins at Hermann Park/Rice University and ends at the Preston stop for a final performance at Market Square.
Dancing will occur on and off the train, and audiences are free to come and go. Halka, a former winner of Frame Dance Composer’s contest, will provide the mobile score. This will mark his third collaboration with the troupe. Of course, the only ticket involved is a $1.25 MetroRail pass. The show is nicely timed to coincide withMusiqa’s Market Square opening night concert.
Hance describes Metro Dances as a locomotive, mobile and public performance. “MetroRail is a space that people already have an expectation for,” explains Hance. “We know our physical role: buy ticket, wait, board, sit, get off. I want to turn that upside down and make it more exciting. If there are two things that Houston complains about, it is the heat and travel to and from work and leisure. Finding new ways of enjoying transportation opens up the possibility to make anything more exciting. And what could be more crazy than a moving stage? The dancers and musicians are in for as much as a thrill as the audience. You won’t miss us: fearless dancers and percussionists dressed in bright yellow.”
So You Think You Can Dance
According to a non-dancer (Emily Pau)
I honestly have never watched an entire episode until this review so…don’t hurt me! So, in case you all missed last week’s Top 14 performances, here is my take on the episode.
The Top 14 performed a beautiful opening number with all of the dancers dressed in gorgeous white flowing robes adorned with gold braces and crowns obviously paying tribute to the ancient Greeks. However, one of the dancers is dressed in a normal/ modern white outfit and the others perform their routine around him. The modern man is left standing in the middle with a gold-like paint on his pure white shirt as the others gather at his feet. This routine could be a symbolic tale of how the Greek gods blessed the human race with brilliant artistic skills and that this one man has been “artistically touched” by the gods. All in all it was a very interesting piece.
Team Bridget and Emilio were the first to perform that night and I have to say their routine was a little odd at first–a couple of demons on a mission from Hell to steal someone’s soul. Ok. At first their choreography looked like something out of Black Swan especially since Bridget kind of resembled Mila Kunis and I wasn’t that impressed. It wasn’t until their final product was complete that their jazzy dance moves and flashy red 1920s garb made the theme a fun and exciting dance routine!
Team Rudy and Tanisha’s stunning routine was absolutely breathtaking from beginning to end. It was a gorgeous story of seduction; it was like watching a contemporary Argentinean Tango. Rudy was definitely right when he said that you really can’t tell who is seducing whom. They were equally talented in their dancing and were perfectly synced throughout their performance. Everyone was completely wowed by their powerful choreography. That truly was an amazing routine!
Zack and Jacque, well more like “Count Zack and Lady Jacque,” were sensational with their hot vampire-ish routine. It was a wonderful twist to the Spanish Paso Doble as the judges mentioned but also seemed to give a slight nod to the dramatic American Tango. “Count” Zack did a wonderful job of being the vampire who brings the beautiful “Lady” Jacque back to life who doesn’t give in to his commanding yet enticing presence. Her striking twists and turns prove that she is just as powerful and is not easily won over by his devilish charm. Their constant battle of dominance was absolutely thrilling to watch to the point of not knowing who really “won” the battle. Perhaps it was a respectful tie…
Teddy and Emily did a great job taking everyone down the road of Broadway. Their opening moves were fantastic which wonderfully progressed to the tight leg work. It looked like it did a number on their thighs just from watching it. The couple tried their hardest to channel the flairs of Bob Fosse but considering this was a difficult routine to imitate I thought they did a decent job.
Jessica and Casey were the essence of perfection with their sweet country love story. A flawless routine that gave the judges chills with their “porch swing” turns and steady lifts. Casey did a wonderful job complimenting Jessica’s shy and gentle nature as the loving boyfriend who adores her very being. Their amazing chemistry spent “electro shocks” through the audience and judges. It was certainly a routine you would want to watch over and over again.
However, the Quick-Step styles of Carly and Serge undoubtedly possessed cat-like glides, slides and hops. Their little Charleston steps were so much fun to watch after seeing them practice so hard to perfect it. Serge and Carly were incredible as the flirty yet modest cats of the Quick-Step.
The final paring, Ricky and Valarie come together to create a slightly creepy story about a witch doctor bringing a voodoo doll to life. I was completely blown away by their insane hip-hop moves and I don’t really care for hip-hop. It was as if I could imagine puppet strings on Valarie’s arms and legs as Ricky perfectly controlled her gangling body throughout their marvelous routine.
I wasn’t too crazy about the solos except for one of two and they definitely should not have been in the bottom 6. However, I thought some of them were better dancers when they were with a partner instead of their solo. Without a doubt each of the dancers was amazingly talented, but like in anything some stand out more than others.
The seven ladies of the show performed a beautiful final routine in their fluid purple gowns. It was as if the choreographer was still using the Greek mythologies as a canvas for their stage drama. The ladies were breathtaking as they seemed to embody the world of the Muses. Even as a group, each dancer added her own special flair to the story. The seven dazzling “muses” constantly lifted each other up as if to symbolize the essence of sisterly love regardless of competition. It was a piece that could bring tears to your eyes.
Another tip of the hat to the Greeks was the final male group enactment of the seven lost souls of the sea. The men gave life to these isolate creatures of the sea with their wave-like upper body movements perfectly linked together similar to men in a row boat. Their flying jumps provided were just the right touch to give the audience the feel of a high-rolling tide sweeping them throughout the gloomy tale.
At first I really didn’t care for the show because I thought the stories were the typical “artsy” stories were everything had a meaning and unless you were a dancer you didn’t really get it. Also, I thought some of the dance routines were a little predictable in how the ladies would move their hips, thighs, bum and whatever else the choreographers wanted to emphasize.
I totally understand that dance is like that sometimes and I have to admit it’s a little fun to dance like that. But I’ve also seen dance routines where it is still sensual but respectful.
I did like how the girls were seen outside of the dance studio. They showed how many dancers led normal lives that are not constantly surrounded by dancing. One girl worked at a grocery store and another was a tomboy. I was very glad to see that!
The men were even stereotypical in the way they carried themselves because almost all of them seemed to have the same metro-sexual look. Not every male dancer is like that, that’s seems to be what Hollywood wants to portray. I know several guys who are professional dancers and who are very masculine in their dancing and stature. They are nothing like the guys on TV.
The costumes, however, were gorgeous! I wanted a couple of them but have no place to wear them.
All in all it was a fun show to watch. I didn’t like it that much after the opening number and even a little bit of the first routine but I quickly enjoyed watching the ups and downs of the show.
After a fantastic performance in Austin, we’re packing up our costumes and heading to College Station to perform in the Brazos Contemporary Dance Festival. We’re excited to be in a festival environment to see the other dance performances and meet new artists. We’ve been resetting “Divide by Five” on three new dancers, and our veteran Dance Captain Jackie. (Please know my terminology is used with the largest sense of sarcasm you can handle.) May I say, it is looking gooood.
This music is composed by Robert McClure and was the 2013 winner of our annual Frame Dance Composition Competition.
Get your tickets now and hit the road with us. Houston, see Aggies in their natural habitats.
Here’s Divide by Five with Luke Hubley, gyil when we performed it in Ecouter, June 2013:
Costumes by the talented Ashley Horn.
Divide By Five from Frame Dance Productions on Vimeo.
This year, the Texas Dance Improvisation Festival will be held at Sam Houston State University. We will be performing at Texas A&M University during the festival, but we think you should attend! Read this interview with Erin Reck, the organizer of this year’s festival. The dates: Oct. 2-4, 2014.
 What is TDIF?
TDIF celebrates improvisational dance in Texas and beyond, coming together as dance and music artists to share, inspire and challenge our improvising arts community. The festival opens with a Thursday night jam from 6:30-10pm, followed by two days of classes, performances, and jams with well-known teachers from Texas and beyond. Friday and Saturday night will feature performances by esteemed guest artist, Lisa Nelson and other festival instructors and participants, followed by a reception and a closing jam.
What types of classes will be offered? Improvisation and process based classes will be offered. Classes that ask participants to be involved and invested in their own individual explorations and a collective awareness of ensemble.
Perhaps. But one must jump in order to know. If it is a new practice for you, I encourage you to be open to making your own choices about your movement, your body, and your connection to the group.
Can I drop in for a class, or do I need to attend the full festival? Absolutely! Drop in for one class, one performance, or come to 6 classes and 2 performances. All for one cost. It is a sliding scale fee to continue to make TDIF affordable for everyone who would like to attend. Pay what you can. The money that you give goes directly to supporting the TDIF artists.
Well…I cannot dictate what one will take away from a TDIF weekend. Some things that describe it for me are: fulfilled, enriched, connected, proactive, empowered, learn, create, collaborate, share, space, moment. |
September 14, 2014 – October 26, 2014 (Every Sunday) from 12:00-4:00 pm
Three Dimensional Visions
17442 FM 2920 Rd, Tomball, TX 77377
Every Sunday from September 14th to October 26th we will be teaching how to make glass pumpkins (<3-4 inches in diameter). Each person gets to choose their colors, apply the color and help blow the piece. It takes about 30-45 minutes per person and your pumpkin is available for pick up starting the next business day. There is limited space so everyone must make a reservation, cost is $29 per pumpkin. You can select the time and date on our Calendar and pay for your ticket. There is one ticket per time slot so spots are limited, sign up early. If you don’t want to make your own Pumpkin you can come select one from our Pumpkin Patch. Visit our Calendar to find out the dates and times for the Pumpkin Patch events!
Price: FREE!!! Pre-made Pumpkin prices start at $25.
August 24, 2014 (Recurring monthly on the 4th Sunday) from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
18750 Interstate 45, Spring, TX 77373
The Market runs every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month •The Market features local, organic, and sustainable produce, honey, oils, and dairy •Grant Wilson, Owner of Gramen Dairy Farms, will be offering a free seminar of the benefits of raw milk, in the Conference Center at 11:00am •All MainStreet America members will receive a 10% discount on all purchases •Don’t forget to bring your coolers and reusable bags •Free parking and public restrooms available •Market will run rain or shine
Price: $15 (Check their website for more details at http://www.mainstreetamerica.com/)
September 26, 2014 – September 27, 2014 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
CT Church
9701 Almeda Genoa Rd., Pasadena, TX 77075
Fall Festival & Market (Sponsored by CT Church, 9701 Almeda Genoa Rd., Houston, TX 77075) Friday & Saturday, September 26th & 27th (Friday 12pm-8pm, Saturday 9am-3pm) Outdoor Kid Zone with inflatables & fun games for the kids Food booths Live entertainment Silent auction Shopping booths Lil Tikes Parade.
Price: FREE!!!
September 26, 2014 – December 24, 2014 (Recurring daily)
Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
This fall, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft presents “CraftTexas 2014,” the eighth in a series of biennial juried exhibitions showcasing the best in Texas-made contemporary craft. Featuring 49 works by 44 Texas artists, the exhibition includes everything from sculpture, jewelry, textiles, installations, and furniture to concepts that include vernacular architecture, formal elements of design, and man’s relationship to nature. The “CraftTexas” series, which is hugely popular with visitors, provides artists the unique opportunity to have their work seen by three established jurors and included in an exhibition that seeks to broaden the understanding of contemporary craft. The show features exceptional work in clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood and mixed media.
Price: FREE!!!
September 28, 2014 at 2:30pm
Dudley Recital Hall
University of Houston 120 Fine Arts Building, Houston, TX 77004
Gayle Martin, piano Works by Schumann/Liszt, Shatin, Prokofiev, Schubert.
Price: FREE!!!
September 29, 2014 at 7:30pm
Moores Opera House
120 School of Music, Houston, TX 77004
Rob Smith, director Michelle Perrin Blair, assistant director Dan Gelok, alto saxophone Michael Horvit, composer Phillip Elder, composer Synthesis: Works by Elder, Horvit, Joyce, Lash.
Price: $12
