Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Year’s Resolutions…

I am not a big fan of the New Year’s Resolution. This is probably because usually by the third week of January mine like everyone else’s is out the window and I have already gone back to old habitats. Last year I joined a gym and vowed to go every day, well that worked for about a week. Then the second week I went 4 out of 7 days. Needless to say by Feb 1, my resolution was out the window. So this year I am going to try something new, a few resolutions that if I don’t stick to only hurt me and not my piggy bank.

This year I resolve to take more ballet class. It was taking ballet as a child that solidified my love for dance. I was able to perform in the Nutcracker which made me love the element of make believe not only in general, but also through ballet. It didn’t matter if I was a lowly mouse or a beautiful snowflake; I loved to be a part of this production. During ballet class I can finally pretend to be the sugar plum fairy that I always dreamed of being.

I resolve to let more people know how much I admire their dancing. Sometimes in class I will see someone do the combination in a way that completely inspires me. After class I would want to tell them what an amazing job they did but something would stop me from telling them. I think part of it’s from being shy or me worrying that it may be embarrassing for me or both of us. I don’t want people to think I’m some weirdo or think I’m just spreading sunshine around the room for the fun of it. When someone has come up to me to compliment me it had always been a highlight of my day and given me that extra little bit of confidence. Being on either end of this compliment can turn a bad day into a better one.

Finally I resolve to try and enjoy the journey and not just the destination. I want to enjoy all parts of class not just the last ten minutes when we are doing the combination. In rehearsal with Synthesis Dance Project I want to enjoy the creation of a new piece, not just performing it onstage. Just like there are beginnings and endings to every facet of dance, there are the same beginnings and endings to a new year. With the New Year upon us challenge yourself with a resolution that is realistic, attainable, and brings happiness to all around you.

Happy New Year to you all and Happy Dancing!

Alana Sampietro, BDC Student and member of Synthesis Dance Project


Thursday, December 23, 2010

The small things…

Last week in class Tracie gave us one of her challenging turning combinations across the floor. It might sound simple… 3 pique turns followed by an outside drag turn, into a side attitude turn which leads you to gently fall to a roll on the floor to get up and start all over again. You could hear people start to groan after the 3 pique turns because that’s where the challenge started… remembering to really use your plie to get into the drag turn otherwise you would never have enough momentum to make it into the side attitude turn and finish the combination.

After we had all tried the combination once on the right Tracie stopped the music to redirect our energy. She started saying that instead of focusing on what we can’t do well that we should rather celebrate and enjoy what we can do. She went on to say how dance is all about taking steps forward and every time we make it to class it’s a step in the right direction.

As class continued I thought why did I just spend the first 8 counts worrying about if I would get all the way around in that attitude turn. I was missing out on enjoying the rest of the combination. As I began the infamous and dreaded left side I said “screw it,” I wasn’t going to let 2 counts hold me hostage. I was going to enjoy what I could do well and know that there was the possibility that the turn might not be so bad after all. I can’t say the result was better/worse based upon my enjoyment. Sometimes I made it all the way around and sometimes I fell a little short , nonetheless I enjoyed the combination a lot more because I let myself go with it.

In class and rehearsal I often find myself focusing on my own short comings. I want my legs to be higher, I want more flexible hips, I want a back that bends in half, you get the point. I never take a second to celebrate where I am or how far I’ve come. This class taught me that dance is a lot more fun when you forget about all the cant’s and focus on the cans. I can’t promise I’ll be able to do that all the time but I can sure try. I recommend you do the same and let yourself go every now and then. Who knows you might even enjoy it !

-Alana Sampietro, BDC Student & member of Synthesis Dance Project

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Generosity of Spirit

The Radio City Rockettes, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skating in Bryant Park, Santa Claus at Macy’s and the hustle and bustle of New York City during the holiday season. I love this time of year! I don’t mind dodging tourists all bundled up or the occasional spray of sludge from a cab; it’s all part of the winter season in the Big Apple. This is the season where it is better to give than to receive and to extend ourselves and kindness to others.

This week during our company rehearsal Tracie asked me to be more generous with my movement. At first I wasn’t sure what she meant or how I could do this. How do I give my movement to others? During class on Thursday I really wanted to find a way to be more generous, so I took a step back and I watched and observed others. I looked for people who pulled me in to their dancing and the qualities they had that perhaps I was missing.

There was this one girl who was in the third group and with one movement she pulled me in with one reach of her arm. She was shorter in stature, but her energy extended beyond her limbs. Her movement was so generous that it was able to pull me in and above all it really inspired me. She was not only true to the choreography but true to herself and the choices she made within the combination. She was generous from head to toe giving all she could and not even realizing how important her dancing had become to the rest of us. This inspiration is what I was looking for and what I needed to capture in movement myself. I need to send my movement and energy out past my limbs and not hold on so tight. This will let me be more generous with my movement. After watching I was so inspired and excited to share what I had learned.

Just to walk into class and see lots of smiling faces on these cold winter days is inspiring, but on this specific day this girl gave me an early Christmas present that didn’t even need to be wrapped. J

During this season of giving, we cannot forget about how much we have to give. We have so many talents and gifts to share that don’t need to be purchased. In class our energy and movement choices are enough to inspire others. Who knows who may be watching you for inspiration, for all you know during this time of year it could be Santa Claus.

Alana Sampietro,

BDC Student, Company Member of Synthesis Dance Project

Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Importance of an Hour and a Half

It’s all about me and it’s all about being able to get in that Dance class, I get an hour and half to just focus on me and what I love todo … Dance. In my life I am constantly running from job to job; first and most importantly I am a dancer. I am a company member in Synthesis Dance Project, I teach at a studio in Maplewood NJ one night aweek, I own a studio in Princeton, NJ where I spend four to five nights a week, and I own a dance competition that tours 13 weekends out of the year. It feels like I never have a moment to catch my breath. In class I can not only catch my breath, but I can find it and use it to inspire movement.

My home away from home is Broadway Dance Center. I have been a student at Broadway Dance Center for the past ten years. I used to run up and down the stairs from class to class at the old studios. Now I love the sleek, clean and modern feel to the new studios. When you walk into the lobby of the studio on the 3rd floor I am greeted by some of the happiest people on earth. I have watched as the staff helps customer after customer navigate the class sch

edule and their levels. They always bring a smile to my face no matter what kind of a day I’m having.

You can usually find me in one of Tracie Stanfield’s classes or a ballet class. Class is where I can fine tune my technique, build strength and endurance, and just focus on myself. My favorite part of class are the people in it. I love to look around and be inspired by the talent and the work ethic in the class.

This past week my inspiration was a guy who took Tracie Stanfield’s Adv Beg Jazz Class. He seemed like your average guy dressed in cargo shorts and a hat. He was really friendly and smiling at all of the dancers. Most of the classes at BDC have a choreographed warm-up so the hardest part of a new class is the warm-up. So if you can make it thru the warm-up you’re in good shape. He didn’t seem to have a problem with the warm up; just the usual looking around to make sure he was doing the correct stretch on the correct foot etc. We went across the floor with leaps and again he was trying hard. I thought maybe he was a hip hop dancer who wasn’t used to leaping. On Friday it comes time for the combination and Fridays pace is the fastest because we usually have been working on the combo from

Tuesday and Thursday. After Tracie teaches the first 32 counts she asks if there are any questions or if anyone is lost. Well now the guy just starts laughing. It turns out he is a Motor Cross racer and his chiropractor told him he should get into dance because it will help with his balance, strength and flexibility. Apparently he thought he was taking a basic dance class. I was amazed that he hung in the class for that long. He tried everything and never once stopped and questioned himself or Tracie. It is amazing to me that he rides motor bikes and

flips a 200lb bike upside down and all over the course, but he thought dancing was hard.

This week I needed that kind of inspiration. I was getting down on myself because I felt like dancing was getting harder and part of me feels like when you ‘ve been doing it for so long it should get easier. But dance is hard and the constant challenge it provides is what makes me love it. Dance can never be conquered, it is a moving art form where perfection doesn’t exist. (even though sometimes I think it does). My quest to continue to grow is what keeps me dancing. Finding the time to go to class is what keeps me sane, it lets me focus on me, be inspired by others and share my passion. Who would have ever thought an hour and a half could be so important.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Dance for a chance to win $5,000 and a spot on MTV!

Ever dream about taking your place in the spotlight? Here's your shot at winning $5,000 and a chance to be on MTV!

To celebrate the opening of the new musical BURLESQUE, Sony Pictures, MTV and Z100 are looking for the best dancer in New York City!

WHO: Amateur dancers, ages 13-30
WHAT: National contest to win cool prizes, including $5,000 and a spot on MTV! All dancers must perform an original family friendly routine to a provided music cue. All forms of dance are welcome: lyrical, hip-hop, freestyle, jazz, etc!
WHEN: Friday, October 22 from 5:00-7:00PM
Priority Registration for Pre-Registered Participants Begins at 4:00 p.m.
Event From 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: JCPenney, 33rd & 6th
NYC PRIZE: The winner will score $300 and VIP seating at the advance screening of BURLESQUE for them and 10 friends!
NATIONAL PRIZE: $5,000 and a spot on MTV!

Hosted by Danielle Monaro from Z100!

Here's the deal:
▪ Contest is open to amateur dancers only, between the ages of 13-30
▪ Individuals only, no groups or teams
▪ Each dancer will have one minute and MUST perform an original routine to the song posted on burlesque.mtv.com
▪ All forms of dance are welcome: lyrical, hip-hop, freestyle, ballet - you name it!
▪ Dress code and performance must be family friendly
Judging:
▪ Performances will be judged by a panel of judges based on:
▪ Originality
▪ Style
▪ Execution

The first qualified 50 people to show up or pre-register will be able perform. Guaranteed spot for first 50 to pre-registered. You will be contacted by a representative.MINORS MUST HAVE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN WITH THEM TO SIGN ENTRANT RELEASE FORM OR BRING A FULLY COMPLETED FORM SIGNED BY PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN AND NOTARIZED BY A NOTARY PUBLIC.

For complete rules and entrant release form, go to burlesque.mtv.com. To pre-register, go to http://bit.ly/NYCDanceContest. For questions, call 646-354-2848 or email DanceContestNYC@43kix.com.

BURLESQUE opens in theaters everywhere on November 24th, 2010

Friday, August 20, 2010

IMPRESSIONS: An Evening of Dance


See an exciting night of dance and support The American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation this Thursday, August 26 at Symphony Space.


From BroadwayWorld.com:

Joelle Cosentino, in association with Milk and Champagne Productions, presents: Impressions: An Evening of Dance Thursday, August 26 at Symphony Space. Featuring Complexions Contemporary Ballet Performing excerpts from the new piece "On Holiday", featuring the music of Billie Holliday YouTube Sensation Chaz Buzan Dancing in National Choreographer award winner's Joelle Cosentino's new piece "The Light" Amber Perkins School of the Arts Winner - 2010 American Dance Awards And Many More

TOKYO the Company

Ashley Bachner

The Gold School

Jason Luks

MNR Dance Factory

The Dance Connection

Performing Arts Academy

Horizons in Dance

ICON

Alicia Monaco

For Dancers Only

Real Dance

Each Impressions piece is dedicated to someone the dance community has lost to cancer or is battling the disease currently. Portions of the proceeds to benefit The American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

TICKETS ON SALE AT WWW.SYMPHONYSPACE.ORG OR CALL 212.864.5400

*pictured dancer from SymphonySpage.org Web site for Impressions: An Evening of Dance

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Mao's Last Dancer

We've been hearing great buzz about Mao's Last Dancer, a movie that opens in NYC tomorrow, August 20. Check out the link below to get a glimpse of what the movie has to offer!

From Samuel Goldwyn Films:
Based on the best selling autobiography by Li Cunxin, MAO’S LAST DANCER tells the epic, inspirational true story of his extraordinary journey from a poor upbringing in rural China to international stardom as a world-class dancer. His story exemplifies the strength and determination that it takes to rigorously study dance and pursue one’s dreams.

Directed by Bruce Beresford (Tender Mercies, Driving Miss Daisy), written by Jan Sardi (The Notebook, Shine) and produced by Jane Scott (Shine), all of whom are previous Academy Award nominees.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Show Us Your Logo!

We were inspired by one of our long-time students, Maria Kent, who sent us a picture of herself at the top of Mt. Fuji in her BDC sweats! We want to see more of your adventures, so we're starting a new album on our site called "Show Us Your Logo" that we want to fill with all of you in your BDC gear!

If you have any pictures of yourself in your BDC logo wear doing something fun, visiting a cool place, or just hanging out in your home town, we want to see! Send them to ACook@bwydance.com so we can post them in our new album! We want to see where our little BDC logo man has gone! We know he's circled the globe, so let's see if we can cover the map! We'll even have fun prizes for some of our favorites :)

Join us as we inspire the world to dance!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Paula Abdul's New Dance Reality Show! Casting Soon!

CBS is in the beginning of their casting for a new show and are looking for dancers of all styles and backgrounds!

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

CBS and Paula Abdul have teamed up for a dance competition series. We are looking for the most talented, creative, diverse and unique dancers across the country. We are looking for all styles, all ages, solos, duos, and groups of any size. We want to know your story and why you are the dancer to beat. Whether you are 6 or 86 come show us why You've Got To Dance!

Go to www.PaulaAbdulDanceShow.com for more info or call 1-866-378-5678

Good luck! Let's represent Broadway Dance Center on national TV!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Step Up 3D Dance Dub Contest

Vote for Broadway Dance Center's entry for the Step Up 3D Dance Dub contest!

Visit http://www.youtube.com/stepupmovie
and vote for BDC under the "Music" tab on the site. If we win, we'll get to spruce up the studio with some new equipment from Best Buy!

Help us win-VOTE TODAY!!! Voting ends August 2! :)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

FELA! Discount for BDC Students!





Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith present


FELA!

Eugene O’ Neill Theatre

230 W. 49th St.

www.felaonbroadway.com

TONY AWARD® Winner!


"THIS DECADE'S MOST EXHILARATING NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL!"
Elyse Gardener, USA TODAY

THERE SHOULD BE DANCING IN THE STREETS!

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANYTHING ON BROADWAY LIKE THIS PRODUCTION!”

– Ben Brantley, The New York Times


BEST OF 2009!

- The New York Times, Time Out New York, New York Magazine, USA Today, Time


FELA! is the electrifying new Broadway musical that tells the true story of Fela Kuti, the legendary Nigerian musician, whose soulful and stirring Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation. Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity.

FELA! is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones.


DISCOUNT OFFER:

$35 Tues-Thurs, Sun eve: Rear Mezz (Reg. $55)

$75 Tues-Thurs, Sat/Sun mat: Orch/ Front Mezz (Reg. $122)
$85 Fri, Sat eve: Orch/ Front Mezzanine (Reg. $122)


HOW TO ORDER:

1. VISIT www.BroadwayOffers.com and use code FEHHC107

2. CALL Telecharge at (212) 947-8844 and mention code FEHHC107

3. BRING a printout of this discount to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre at 230 West 49th Street.

Click here for more info on the show and to access the discount online:

http://www.felaonbroadway.com/hhcpartner.php


RESTRICTIONS:

All prices include a $2 facility fee. This offer is subject to availability. Not valid for Saturday night performances. Other blackout dates may apply. Each order is limited to a maximum of 8 tickets for this promotion.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Shake That Orangina!

Win a 2-week customized workshop at Broadway Dance Center!

Orangina and dance go back a long way. Orangina’s close link to dance is symbolized by the unique shaking gesture of the iconic bulby bottle: when shaking an Orangina gently, the fruit juices mix and the pulp releases which gives an Orangina its characteristic taste. Looking for more information on Orangina and its dancing competition check at www.shakethatorangina.com

Orangina is offering you a 2-week customized workshop at Broadway Dance Center!
8 finalists are selected every month! There is still room for new participants!

Broadway Dance Center has made a partnership with the popular soft drink Orangina. They organize an Online Dance Competition called Shake That Orangina.
Here, dancers of all dance styles from around the world can upload their dance videos and compete for an amazing prize!

The Prize
The 3 best dancers will win a 2 week customized Dance Experience at Broadway Dance Center working with the best choreographers, working on your dance skills to boost your dancing career!
We are taking into account your availability: this is an open date workshop!

You will win the following:
•Flight to New York City
•Accommodation during 2 weeks in New York
•You will attend 30 Broadway Dance Center drop-in classes during 2 weeks
•Private class with Broadway Dance Center instructor
•Performance with the ISVP showcase (if the dates of attendance coincide with our showcase dates)
•Lunch with a Broadway Dance Center instructor and New York City dance agent
•Attendance to a Broadway show

How do you win?
Go to www.shakethatorangina.com. This Shake that Orangina dance platform is a worldwide, online dance competition for dancers of all styles. Ballet, Ballroom, Disco, Folk Dance, Highland Dance, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern Dance or Tap Dance. It is very easy to compete:

1. Upload one or more dance videos showing your best moves










2. Get your friends to vote for you











3. Become a finalist (every month 8 finalists are selected.










In September 32 finalists will compete for the 3 tickets to this Dance Experience!)











The 2 top ranked dancers will win a ticket and 1 dancer will be selected by the Judges.


Enter the competition now!
Go to shakethatorangina.com now and upload your dance video!

2010 Tony Award Winners!

Congratulations to all the 2010 Tony Nominees and Winners! We enjoyed this year's awards presentation, and can't wait to see what is up next for Broadway!

If you missed last night's performances, you can check out photos and videos from the big night at Radio city online at www.TonyAwards.com


Best musical: "Memphis"

Best lead actress in a musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones, "A Little Night Music"


Best lead actor in a musical: Douglas Hodge, "La Cage aux Folles"


Best revival of a musical: "La Cage aux Folles"


Best play: "Red" (author: John Logan)


Best revival of a play: "Fences"


Best choreography: Bill T. Jones, "Fela!"


Best leading actress in a play: Viola Davis, "Fences"

Best leading actor in a play: Denzel Washington, "Fences"


Best featured actress in a play: Scarlett Johansson, "A View from the Bridge"

Best featured actor in a play: Eddie Redmayne, "Red"


Best featured actress in a musical: Katie Finneran, "Promises, Promises"
Best featured actor in a musical: Levi Kreis, "Million Dollar Quartet"


Best direction of a play: Michael Grandage, "Red"
Best direction of a musical: Terry Johnson, "La Cage aux Folles"


Best book of a musical: Joe DiPietro, "Memphis"

Best original score written for the theatre: David Bryan (music), Joe DiPietro and David Bryan (lyrics), "Memphis"

Best orchestration: Daryl Waters and David Bryan, "Memphis"


Best scenic design of a play: Christopher Oram, "Red"
Best scenic design of a musical: Christine Jones, "American Idiot"


Best costume design of a play: Catherine Zuber, "The Royal Family"
Best costume design of a musical: Marina Draghici, "Fela!"


Best lighting design of a play: Neil Austin, "Red"
Best lighting design of a musical: Kevin Adams, "American Idiot"


Best sound design of a play: Adam Cork, "Red"
Best sound design of a musical: Robert Kaplowitz, "Fela!"


Lifetime achievement: Alan Ayckbourn, Marian Seldes


Regional Theatre Award: Eugene O'Neill Theatre, Waterford, Conn.


Isabelle Stevenson Award: David Hyde Pierce


Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre: Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, B.H. Barry, Midtown North & South New York City Police Precincts, Tom Viola