Monday, February 27, 2012

The Flash Mob Phenomenon


Today, flash mobs seem (ironically) common, especially in New York City. One of the first flash mobs recorded actually occurred here in NYC back in 2003 when over 100 people organized a secret gathering at Macy's using social media. The participants met on the 9th floor at a specific time, began dancing spontaneously, and then went on to their individual shopping as if nothing had happened. The term "flash mob" was added to the dictionary shortly after in 2004, defining it as an organization demonstration that is "unusual" or "pointless." That definition definitely seems to have expanded because contemporary flash mobs are often anything but "pointless."


Since 2003, flash mobs have been organized for specific purposes of entertainment, artistic expression, political advocacy, commercial advertisement, social protest and satire. Some recorded flash mobs have even turned violent, literally taking on the mob mentality of a riot. For the most part, however, flash mobs are known for their peaceful and creative approach by incorporating artistic elements such as song and dance.

Check out these "famous" flash mobs!


Flash mobs aren't just exciting because of their element of surprise. There is something thrilling about the synergy of the whole event: the planning and organization, the communal participation, and the final social performance. And what's more, flash mobs seem to unite people, especially through dance. You can search flash mobs on YouTube and find hundreds of events from all over the world. Flash mobs are proof that dance really is the universal language.

But what is it like to be part of a flash mob? Well, here's what some BDC students had to say:

"Watching flash mobs is great, but to be a dancer in one is truly such a great experience. The crowd reaction is so unique and special. It's such a great way to share my passion for dance with un-expecting crowds. What a way to put a smile on someone's face!" - Latoyia Everett

"Being part of a flash mob is one of the greatest experiences because you get an opportunity to all come together as one and be a part of something that is bigger than anything you could do on your own." - Olivia Conlin

"Being in a flash mob is an amazing thing to see what dancers love to do and how people everywhere love to dance." - Jessica de la Cruz

"Dancing in a flash mob is like a tornado of energy! It's an incredible experience!" - Matt Tremblay

Flash Mobs starring BDC students & faculty choreographers:


Sunday, February 12, 2012

New BDC Acting Class is a Class Act


It is said that after one of Fred Astaire’s first screen tests the director noted, "Can't sing. Can't act. Can dance a little." Boy, was that wrong.

It is a common stigma, however, that dancers “can’t act.” We are taught from our very first ballet class to watch our alignment, straighten our posture, and improve our turnout. The only thing we’re really supposed to emote (or at least try to emote) during tendus at the barre is a sense of calm confidence. So maybe acting isn’t a real part of dancing then, right? WRONG! Just take a look at what some notable industry professionals have to say: 


“…commitment from the dancer means communication to the audience. This is true for both the actor and the dancer, because dance is acting and acting is dance. The principles of storytelling are the same.” – Tony Testa (Los Angeles; 'The Cheetah Girls,' 'Wizards of Waverly Place,' 'Dance on Sunset,' a music video for Miranda Cosgrove, halftime shows for slamball on ABC, commercials for Skechers and Versace, shows for Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and Danity Kane)

“The most important acting skill a dancer can have in my work is the ability to get really honest—to be able to relate to the work personally.” – Jack Ferver (New York; Dance Theater Workshop, Danspace Project, the New Museum, Théâtre de Vanves (Paris), an upcoming piece for Performance Space 12)

“I like dancers who put themselves out there on the line without the fear of embarrassment. Dancers are constantly seeing themselves as they dance. My advice is to get past that voice in your head, the one saying how you "should be." Instead, like the good actor, find that quiet, open space that lets you be whatever you want to be—or whatever I ask you to be.” – Mark Swanhart (Los Angeles; 'Viva Elvis' for Cirque du Soleil (Las Vegas), Celine Dion's 'Taking Chances' tour, 'So You Think You Can Dance,' a film of 'La Bohème,' the 2003 Tony Awards)

“If you don’t think of “acting” per se, but rather use your imagination to infuse your movement with clear intention, strong imagery, discovery, subtext, and self-knowledge, you will be more likely to enter that magical zone of “being in the moment.” – Dance Magazine, “Going Inside the Role”

"Today's world of musical theater demands dancers to have acting and singing skills. In musical theater there is always a story to tell and a plot to further-- no one is ever just dancing steps. Every dancer needs to comfortable using their voice and have the confidence to speak on stage. Broadway shows are full of " one liners", which are typically assigned to the chorus. If a dancer is asked to read sides during an audition, he or she must make a strong choice and read with authority; there is no time to be embarrassed about how you sound or how you "act". This is why a basic knowledge of acting is essential to dancers hoping to break into musical theater and Broadway. In terms of casting, the more skills you have the more valuable you are. This is why the cliche "triple threat" exists; if you can do it all, you are a threat to those who cannot. For example, Directors always need understudies, a job which typically goes to a member of the chorus. A dancer who can potentially understudy a lead role is more likely to book the job over one who cannot. Just as in life, being a well-rounded individual adds dimension to a dancer's talent and creates more opportunity.” – Kiira Schmidt (New York; “Follies,” “White Christmas,” “Stairway to Paradise,” “Mame;” assistant to Josh Bergasse for NBC’s “SMASH”)

“Agreed!” remarks Bronwen Carson, a recent addition to the faculty here at Broadway Dance Center. Ms. Carson, who will be teaching “Acting for Dancers” (Tuesdays at 10:30am-12pm), describes, “Dancers inherently have tools at their disposal to become powerful storytellers, but are rarely shown how to translate the precise control they have over their bodies into truthful, nuanced character portrayals.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to be a performer.

I started in classical ballet at 7 because I wanted to be the music. It wasn't so much the movements, that passion came later. It was the music and the story I imagined in my head when I watched dancers. I'd make up the most intricate stories about every person I met. I kept the stories to myself, like favorite books one doesn't share at first. Now, after being in the performing arts for over thirty years, I'm ready to share those stories.

What brought you to acting?

I was incredibly fortunate to study with two extraordinary artists for the first decade of my training, Paul Curtis and Shawn Stuart. They seamlessly incorporated acting into my basic skill set as a dancer. So, almost from day one I was implementing it. I remember in rehearsals, even as a toy soldier in "The Nutcracker," I'd be really interested in what the director was trying to convey, and how I could best portray that as a toy soldier. Later on, I received a scholarship to study at the Theater Arts Institute in the Bay Area, under the director of Marc Jacobs, a RADA trained director who put a great deal of importance upon honing the craft and technique of acting. The more I studied it and played with it as a dancer, the more I sought out projects and artists who felt the same.

Why do you think it is important for dancers to know how to act?

Because that's what we are looking for now. When I say "we" I am speaking from the perspective of a director and choreographer. It's enthralling and exciting to find a dancer who doesn't drop out of character when whipping off their turns. I also see it as THE bridge to obtaining feature and leading roles in everything from concert work to film work. If you cannot act, you'll be kicking those fantastic legs up in the background. If you can act, your chances of being in the foreground, maybe with some lines and a lot more money, exponentially increase. I'm also weary of seeing dancers work their guts out as "dance" or "body doubles" just to be replaced with an actor who receives much of the recognition or acclaim. I think more dancers should be nominated for Tony awards. why not? If it's about excellence in storytelling and character portrayal, why shouldn't dance and dancers accomplish that?

How did you get connected with Broadway Dance Center?

I took classes at BDC when I first moved to New York, back when they were located on Broadway and 54th Street! I've gotten to know Diane, Bonnie, and Vanessa through the years as a producer for Melanie LePatin and then as a producer for the Astaire Awards.

Tell us about “Acting for Dancers.”

It was born out of necessity really. I began working more as a director and choreographer a few years ago and with each audition I held, I found dancers falling into one of two categories - "fierce dancer" or "really good mover who can act." But what I needed was fierce dancers with fantastic acting chops. The rarity of that combination concerned me a great deal. Then I realized it was not the dancer's fault - the skill wasn't really being taught. So, after I saw the need, I worked out the "what's" and the "how's" of training dancers to act. It's a really different deal with dancers. Their control over the minutia of their bodies often creates blockades to truthful acting. I decided to create a class built for their unique strengths and challenges. I used my experiences as a professional dancer and actor to build specific exercises that bridge the two worlds. Once I felt I had a course that could offer results, I approached a number of schools in the city, including BDC. Bonnie Erickson was the first to respond with real excitement. So, a month later I started teaching during BDC's Fall 2011 Professional Semester and am now teaching for the Spring Pro-Sem as well as newly available drop-in open classes offered on Tuesday mornings. The open classes go through March 27th.

Why do you think people believe dancers can’t be actors?

I think it's an antiquated belief based solely upon the lack of training dancers receive in acting technique. Dancers train so ferociously on their lines, their strength, their flexibility, their "tricks"...but for the most part, they don't learn how to build and perform a nuanced, evocative character with objectives, relationships and a storyline. Give them training and suddenly astounding abilities start to reveal themselves.

You are in the process of directing and choreographing a new work, “49th Street and Other Stories.” Why do you classify this project as a dance play?

I call it a dance play because of the sheer emphasis I've placed upon the storyline and character portrayal. I'm demanding a lot of myself and of my dancers, but they love it. They love being asked more of them. It's been a thrilling and pretty daunting process. I spend a great deal of rehearsal time working out character development, relationship dynamics and tactical changes through their movements.

What prompted you to create this project and what are your hopes for the future of the project?

"49th Street and Other Stories" has been a long time in the making. There's a huge Mason jar in my office filled with ideas and memories. It's loosely autobiographical, so the challenge hasn't been in creating the story, but which parts to include and which to leave out. As with anything I direct or choreograph, my primary desire is to have the audience forget the performers are not speaking because what they are watching...the characters, relationships, individual moments...all start to fill in what literally isnt' being said so as to unconsciously create dialogue and conversations in their minds. As for the show's future, all I have is an unrelenting drive to see it produced. I head into a final workshop early this summer for some interested backers, after I'm done choreographing a new musical called "Jack's Back." I'm pursuing all sorts of creative financial backing options, from grants to individual backers to corporate sponsors. The piece lends itself to a large scale production to fully experience the whole "mind's eye of one woman's New York" quality. I'm batting ideas around with some truly exciting and visionary set and costume designers right now. I want it to be exceptionally appealing both artistically as well as commercially. I want to pay my dancers, pay them well. With what I'm asking of them, they deserve it!

Drop-in classes for "Acting for Dancers" with Bronwen Carson will take place Tuesdays from 10:30-noon.


Read more about why acting is important for dancers:

Backstage

Dance Magazine

Dance Teacher Magazine


Saturday, February 11, 2012

Where Are They Now?


Want to know what's up with BDC's Training Programs Alumni? Take a look and be amazed!

KEY: PS = Professional Semester, SIP = Summer Intern Program, ISVP = International Student Visa Program, TP = Training Program


Lexie Mollica (PS Fall '11) is working as the backstage director for "Turn It Up Dance Challenge" competitions.













Matt Tremblay (PS Fall '11) is heading a boys program at Downtown Dance Factory and was featured in TV commercials for Powerade and Bodyglide. Matt recently signed with Bloc Talent Agency.











Nicholas Caycedo (PS Fall '11) was featured in the critically acclaimed Off-Off-Broadway premier of a new musical called, La Mama Cantata, celebrating the life of the late Miss Ellen Stewart, founder of La Mama E.T.C., by Tony-nominated composer-lyricist, Liz Swados. He also recorded a cast album which will be released shortly.











Jessica de la Cruz (PS Fall '11) assisted Sheila Barker for BDC's Winter Intensive.








Carissa Midkiff and Samantha Glennerster (PS Fall '11) performed in Brice Mousset's (BDC teacher) piece for the Peridance Faculty Showcase.










Rachel Ferretti and Emily Gallo-Lopez (PS Fall '11) performed in BDC teacher, Jeremy McQueen's company performance at Dancers Responding to Aids' (DRA) "Dance From the Heart" event in January.  Both dancers will be heading out to sea on cruise ships soon;  Rachel will dance on Disney Cruise Line and Emily will perform on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.









Olivia Conlin (PS Fall '11) recently signed with Wehmann Agency for modeling and NUTS Talent Agency for acting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.













Jenifer Dillow (PS Fall ’11) will perform as Belle on Disney Cruise Line and travel to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Canada, and New England. She completed her many musical theater auditions for colleges and has already received several merit scholarships.











Kelsey Netting (PS Fall ’11) will be pursuing a dance major at Loyola Marymount University next fall. She is currently continuing her dance studies through BDC's Training Program.  Check out Kelsey in dance apparel advertisement in Dance Magazine.








Latoyia Everett (PS Fall ’11) is now a Norwegian Jade Dancer and was just asked to be Dance Captain. She is currently in Tampa, Florida practicing and then will leave to Barcelona, Spain at the end of February and will be at sea until September.











Mary Callahan (PS Fall '11) recently signed with MSA Agency and will be dancing during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and on tour with Lily Halpern. Mary is also pursuing a degree in Writing for Social Change at NYU.











Daniel Montera (PS Fall ’11) will be performing at the Smoky Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, opening a brand new dance revue show.











Kristie Ergas (SIP ’11) will be performing in a cabaret show at Don’t Tell Mama’s called "Get Happy: The Great Depression Then And Now."












Tori Simeone (SIP ’11) performed at Fashion Week for Tommy Hilfiger and danced for Cara Quici (keep your eye out for Tori on “The Real Housewives of NYC”).











Zanza Steinberg (PS Spring ’11) will be embarking on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a dancer. Zanza is also artistic director of Alma NYC Theater Company.











Stephanie Brooks (PS Spring ’11) is currently dancing with Atmosphere, a company of Project Dance and is the co-founder of Alma NYC Theater Company with fellow Pro-Semester alumni Zanza Steinberg. She is represented by MSA Agency and also teaches dance, pilates, and zumba in NYC.









Jessica Seavor (PS Spring ’11) is heading to Fireside Theatre to perform as Maria in “9 to 5: The Musical.”











Tal Schapira (PS Spring '11) and Lizz Picini (SIP '11) are assistants at Radio City Music Hall for the Rockette Experience and Rockette Summer Intensive.







Alison DeVita (PS Spring '11) is performing as a dancer with Dublin Worldwide Productions in "Dancing Queen" and "The Spirit of Christmas."


















Lexi Dysart (PS Fall '11) was accepted to the Young Choreographer's Festival in New York City.



Nikki Croker (PS Fall '11) was recently signed to MSA Agency.
Alexa Erbach (PS Fall '11) will be performing in a new musical entitled, "Jack's Back" at T. Scheiber Studio. Along with performing in the ensemble, Alexa is also assisting choreographer, Bronwen Carson on the project.

























Ankush Arora (ISVP 2011-'12) is teaching Latin Dancing and Bollywood in 3 institutes in India,Kolkata. After returning from BDC he was also invited to 4th Chennai Salsa Festival (India) as a guest choreographer to teach a salsa workshop.











Erica Day (ISVP 2010-2011) is performing as Dance Captain on Norwegian Cruise line and worked with choreographers Rachelle Rak and Tiger Martina.






Nicole Klerer (PS Fall '10) is a New Jersey Devils Cheerleader and works at BDC as the Educational Programs Student Advisor.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

and 5, 6, 7, 8...SMASH!


Last night marked the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the premiere of NBC’s making-of-a-musical series, the "Great White Way of Hope" (LA Times) SMASH. Choreographed by Broadway Dance Center’s very own Josh Bergasse and starring many BDC dancers (did you spot Ricky Tripp in the baseball number?), the show boasts stars like Debra Messing (“Will and Grace”), Angelica Huston (“The Addams Family,” “Ever After”), Megan Hilton ("Wicked, the musical") and Katherine McPhee(“American Idol”). The much-anticipated series which was honored in 2011 Critic’s Choice Awards as one of the “Most Exciting New Series,” accounts the making of a new Broadway musical about the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe and shows that most of the “drama” occurs off stage, behind the scenes.

We hosted some pretty SMASH-ing events yesterday in honor of the show's premiere. Kiira Schmidt, assistant to Josh Bergasse, taught a SMASH-inspired theater master class.

"The SMASH class was a blast; it was a privilege to not only work with someone so heavily involved in this new series, but to also get an inside look at the authentic choreography and put it on our own bodies." - Lizz Picini (BDC student)

And at 10pm, BDC students and staff rushed to studio 4 to watch SMASH on a big-screen projector while munching on popcorn. The events were sponsored by LaDuca Shoes who gave away free dance shoe bags and even raffled off a pair of their beautiful character heels (also adorned by the dancers on SMASH)!

True story! While shopping for snacks at Food Emporium for our own SMASH premiere party, Emily Bass (Marketing/Events Coordinator @ BDC) ran into Katherine McPhee (star of SMASH) at the checkout line! McPhee obviously would have stopped by our BDC SMASH Extravaganza but she was planning for her own casual get-together with a few of her friends.

The baseball routine, "The National Pastime," seemed to jump off the screen with its innovative choreography, clever humor, and talented performers. Keep your eye out for many other BDC-goers dancing in upcoming episodes!

“We have great dancers, very quick, very smart, very athletic. The music’s great – I saw my choreography have an entirely new life.” – Joshua Bergasse

So what are critics saying about SMASH? Take a look!

"The show seems to have a lot of promise, and the musical numbers dazzled." - The Wall Street Journal
"Glee for grown-ups" - The Hollywood Reporter
"Quite the little sunbeam...endearing characters, an instinct for backstage meows and a firm grip on its own sense of camp control.” - The Washington Post

But we want to know what YOU thought! Share your opinion of the SMASH pilot by commenting on this post!