As dance educators, we often spend most of our time separate from our colleagues. Standing alone at the front of a studio as a vessel of information and advice requires a strong presence, and although this kind of individuality can be empowering, the dynamic doesn’t always cater to a communal atmosphere. In an ideal world, […]
My life in dance can be divided into three distinct phases, and each one is supported by my time working with Alicia Head. The first was my introduction to dance at 11 years old, at Lauridsen Ballet Centre in Torrance, California. I trained with their pre-professional company, South Bay Ballet (now called Ballet California), until […]
More than once, when I’m sporting my faded, well-loved ballet hoodie, some slight variation of this conversation ensues: “Is your daughter the dancer?” “Actually,” I say, “I am.” “Wow!” they enthuse. “Who do you dance with? Or have you retired…?” “I don’t dance with a company. I’m not a professional. I just take classes.” Insert […]
When it comes to your students’ training, a somatic practice can be the key to injury prevention, better dancing and a healthier student overall. Alexander Technique, which is designed to retrain established movement patterns through nonjudgmental verbal and physical cues, is one such practice. Here, Alonzo King LINES Ballet faculty member Anne-René Petrarca, an expert […]
While finishing his degree at the Alonzo King LINES Ballet/Dominican University BFA Program, Michael Montgomery was asked to join the company. In his initial rehearsals, he learned to speak up—and how to push his limits. “At first, I got caught up in trying to please the director. I was working on Rasa, and Alonzo had […]
Hubbard Street 2 It’s an exciting time for the University of Southern California! In our September 2014 cover story, we got a peak inside the new USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, which boasts not only former Joffrey Ballet dancer Jodie Gates at the helm, but the coveted faculty addition, William Forsythe, who begins teaching […]