This month, I had the opportunity to attend JUMP Dance Convention in Montreal, Quebec.
The faculty consisted of Katy Spreadbury, Mike Minery, Nick Lazzarini, Doug Caldwell, Lyle Beniga, Teddy Forance and Bobby Newberry.
As always, the JUMP workshop is lots of fun. The faculty are very talented dancers and they each share unique choreography with workshop participants. In each one hour class, we were taught a combination and would run through it adding on counts as more and more dancers were comfortable with the combo.
With Bobby's class we danced to "I Whip My Hair"...we ALL had sore necks after two days of whipping our hair around like "crazy bananas". Bobby's classes are always fun and he pushes you artistically to find your inner "pussycat doll". It was "tres chaud!!!"
In Lyle's class we danced to the new Usher track entitled "More" ... I had a blast battling my friend Bailey in a dance-off. His choreography was fun and upbeat...it was my first time taking class with Lyle and I look forward to seeing him again soon!
In Doug's class, we danced to Katy Perry's "Firework" and did a lyrical combination. In his classes he focuses on happy, positive messages for all dancers. He knows how to spot technical dancers but he gives just as much attention to younger dancers who may be at their first workshop. He focuses on spirituality and talks to his class like we're friends. He is an approachable, inspirational person who always makes you smile...even while you're dancing!
In Teddy's classes, on day one he taught us six techniques for improv. This was really interesting since many dancers are not comfortable with improving. The techniques helped to break down inhibitions many have by providing a 'concept' to follow. Each improv concept aimed to make your mind and body work within the concept and provide purpose to movement . On Day 2, we did a contemporary combo that was challenging and fun...I loved it.
In Katy and Nick's classes, we focused on technique. We did center work with Katy and jazz progressions with Nick. On Day two with Nick, we did a musical theatre combo to a track from "Shrek The Musical".
In Mike Minery's class, we did some technique work and a short combination. Many dancers opted to not take his class...I think this is a huge mistake! Not only is it disrespectful to the choreographer, it is important to train in all genres of dance. In today's dance world, you need to be versatile and it is important to learn from as many masters as possible. Even if tap is not your strong suit...you can still learn something from taking a class. How else will you ever get better?
Check out my movie of class highlights. JUMP is an awesome experience and I highly recommend you attend one of their tour dates. Go to www.jumptour.com for more information.
I also had the opportunity to interview Katy Spreadbury and Mike Minery. They are both very highly regarded dancers and nice people. I asked them questions about conventions and how important they feel it is to be versatile. Please click on the videos to see the interviews.
Merry Christmas to all my dance friends, to my dance teachers and to the dance professionals who have given me amazing experiences! Thanks for making 2010 a great year. I can't wait to share with you everything in 2011!
