I'm so excited to share video from "Old Pine', the first scene from the Soul Escape Summer Intensive closing show. The video was really well done and it captures the feel of a Soul Escape event. If you missed the summer intensive, don't worry...they now offer a 3-city tour where you can experience Soul Escape for yourself. The dates are Atlanta October 4-6th, Los Angeles October 11-13th and St. Louis October 25-27th. Check http://thesoulescapeintensive.com for more information!
VIP Dance Event Toronto
On August 31st and September 1st, Blake McGrath hosted the first VIP Dance Event in Toronto. Faculty for the two-day event included Marty Kudelka, Ian Eastwood, Napoleon D'Umo, Twitch and Allison Holker. It was a great weekend of dance and it was fun to see some familiar faces in class! Below is video from Marty and Blake's Advanced room combos:
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TOES New York
On September 20th, I had the pleasure of watching the sold-out, premiere performance of TOES in New York City. Four Toronto based artists collaborated with six NYC based artists on four pieces for the first show of the 2013-2014 season.
TOES Artistic Directors, David Norsworthy and Kristen Carcone were born and raised in Toronto and created the Toronto Outreach and Exchange Strategy to bridge the NY and Toronto dance communities. The evening consisted of eight works by "new generation and established choreographers in a program curated to make contemporary dance accessible to new audiences".
Upcoming shows include Toronto - October 5th, Mississauga - October 8th, Markham - October 10th, London - October 15th and Ottawa - October 19th. Check out toesfordance.ca or info@toesfordance.ca for more information.
The highlights of the evening were the solo performance of "when I start" by David Norsworthy and "Now Is The Time", a spoken word piece by Alejandro Rodriguez; choreographed by Cindy Salgado! They were stunning works of art. Congratulations to the whole cast for their brilliant performances.
Check out the promo reel for the upcoming shows and a peek of my mom and I intently watching the show in the picture below!
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A Night for Sick Kids Hospital
On September 22nd, I was honored to dance as an Apprentice in Mitchell Jackson and Lisa Hupe's night of dance entitled "into the past" in honor of Sick Kids Hospital. The night featured eight pieces of choreography by Mitchell Jackson, Linda Garneau and Tiffany McLachlan.
The evening started with a tribute to four On The Floor "Honorees"- Stefania Colangelo, Madison Scott, Kayla Johnston and Alexandra Eismont. These girls are four young dancers who shared their heart-wrenching experiences with medical trauma and how Sick Kids Hospital helped them on their paths of recovery and rehabilitation. They are all so inspirational!
The evening offered a red-carpet reception at the Markham Theatre with candy bar, custom cupcakes, raffles and live auction with all proceeds to Sick Kids Hospital.
Mitchell prepping us before the show and rehearsal photos with some of the cast.
Photo credits to Leslie McConnell
And here I am with my big sister, Bianca Melchior
Thank you to Mitchell and Lisa for the opportunity to dance with some of Toronto's most-talented dancers and to be part of an evening that celebrates how fortunate we are for our health, the amazing strength of the four Honorees and the wonderful work of Sick Kids Hospital.
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JUMP Miami
I attended JUMP Miami September 27-29th at the Miami Convention Centre. It was a large event and I loved taking class with my best friends Payton Johnson and Jacqueline Ashley.
There were bonus classes on Friday evening with Andrew Winghart for Contemporary and Benoit Swan for Contemporary Ballet. Workshop Faculty included Teddy Forance, Andrew, Katy Spreadbury, Nick Lazzarini, Bobby Newberry, Benoit Swan, Kenny Wormald and Mia Micheals.
I loved Mia's classes, especially when I shared the stage with JQ and Payton, Chaz Buzan and Morgan Burke! Watching Chaz dance, fresh off the Madonna Revolution Project is so inspirational...I love him so much!
Good luck to everyone this dance season...hope to see you somewhere on the convention circuit!
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Now that the dance season is underway and you're planning what events to participate in for the 2013-2014 season...you have to check out Rock The House Dance! It's a four-day winter intensive December 27-30th in Park Ridge, NJ. It's an amazing workshop with limited enrolment featuring Faculty that will leave you inspired.
Take classes in contemporary, hip hop, ballroom fusion, horton technique, rhythm, jazz, poppin', commercial, house, contemporary ballet, improv, stretch and conditioning. Faculty includes Jeff Lapes, Chaz Buzan, Comfort Fedoke, Talia Favia, Cheslie Hightower, Sasha Mallory, the meta'fizikal, Taja Riley, Noel Bajandas and Dha'sean Serrano.
Check out the trailer featuring the tour Faculty and the website at www.rockthehousedance.com for more information! Reserve your spot today!!!
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Last but not least...just a quick reminder that there are just 25 days until the first Pulse on Tour City - Dallas! Here's a reminder of how amazing your time at the Pulse can be. I'll miss being an Elite Protege this year but can't wait to reunited with friends and Faculty soon!
