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

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 3^rd 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.

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

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

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.

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!

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!