Hi again!
In my last post, I mentioned how important it is to be 'inspired' by those you dance and train with whether it's at a summer intensive or weekly classes. Below are videos from two people I admire greatly, Eryn Waltman and Justin Giles.
Please check out the new choreography reel from the talented Eryn Waltman! She is an amazing choreographer and very creative. She is busy having launched "Conteur" her contemporary company last year, auditioning dancers for her 2012 company and developing a post-secondary accredited dance program.
Eryn is a constant source of support and encouragement in my dancing and I am forever grateful. I am fortunate to train alongside Toronto's most passionate and hard-working dancers each week. Check me out at 2:17, 3:16 and 3:41.
I am in the middle of reading Twyla Tharp's book "The Creative Habit: Learn it and Use it for Life". In it she talks about the importance of working with the best (influences) you can. She says "you need to think more aggressively about those you invite into your creative life".
There are many choices for summer intensives and I've been fortunate to attend some really good ones the last three years. Please check my post history for highlights of previous intensives I attended. One I went to last year, Soul Escape just released a new promo reel...check it out. SE is a great one to attend if you like an intimate, supportive environment. You can catch a glimpse of me at 0:44, 0:49, 1:11, 1:15 and 1:29.
Soul Escape 2012 Promo
Yay!school is done for the summer and dancers are filled with anticipation for summer training. I hope you find something that inspires you to continue to work hard; something to renew your passion for dance. As Twyla Tharp said "...feel it in your bones. I would tell my story through movement. Gotta dance."
I "gotta dance" too and can't wait to share my summer experiences with you in the months to come!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
April 2012 - Share your Talents!
Hi everyone!
First up I want to wish all my dance friends competing this month GOOD LUCK! I hope all your hard work since September pays off and you enjoy sharing your dancing with everyone.
I am so happy to share video highlights this month from two convention tours. The first is from the ML Tour Los Angeles. Please click on the video below to see how amazing the dancers and faculty were at this event.
My favorite moments are 2:45 in Lando Wilkins class...his was the most challenging hip hop I have ever done! 3:04 with the Ladies just killing the choreography, 4:10 with Brian & Ian hi-fiving each other, and 4:45 with Miguel Zarate. His class was so intense and fun!
You can catch glimpses of me at 1:20, 1:38, 2:15, 2:19, 2:26, 2:31, 3:45, 4:13, 5:55 and 6:22.
Here's a peek on how I got my new "street name" from Lando and Marvin...
Since dance is all about sharing our gifts, I'd like to highlight some of the amazing dancing to hit mainstream. ABDC, DWTS and SYTYCD have all shed light on the life of a dancer for people who don't dance. I've met some amazing people through my travels, many of which are being featured on current television shows, showcasing their talent.
First up, check out this video of Mos Wanted Crew from Americas Best Dance Crew, Season 7...you'll see some familiar faces from ML Tour faculty like Ian Eastwood, Jun Quemado, Lando Wilkins, Brian Puspos and Bam Martin. Congratulations!!!!
Also check out this link to "8 Flavahz" from Hawaii : http://youtu.be/qt6CZjYdUs0
Good Luck to these girls on their ABDC journey and special props to Camren (Bicondova). She is very talented and nice...we met at Pulse Toronto and had a great dinner together with other Pulse Proteges and their families. It's so nice to meet talented dancers who are also really nice people!
A big shout out to the girls in "Code 5" too... Logan, Jade, Dana, Carly and Dani. They're dancing up a storm and will have their first single available on itunes in a few months! They have their own facebook fanpage you can follow to keep up with what they're doing. Congratulations to Logan, my friend from the ASH Tour on all her success!
And last but not least, the amazing talents of so many of my dance idols: Misha Gabriel, Nick Bass, Kenny Wormald, Twitch, Travis Wall, Teddy Forance and more. This piece called "Men in Suits" was choreographed by Misha and Nick, two of Micheal Jackson's "This Is It Tour" dancers. Congratulations to them all on an amazing performance!
Now, back to focusing on where things begin...TRAINING! It takes lots of commitment, perseverance and passion to become a dancer. So I've continued to train in ballet and travel to dance conventions around the country.
I'd like to share a video clip of Mia Micheals choreography from JUMP Pittsburgh. I was honored and humbled to be pulled on stage to dance alongside Amanda Cleghorn. But if you want to see it, you'll have to search a bit for it and look for the video link on JUMP's facebook page titled "Mia Michaels' Teen class from JUMP Pittsburgh". Amanda Cleghorn is one of my all-time favorite dancers who just happens to be from Canada! I loved dancing this combo and sharing the stage with two of my idols.
This month I attended JUMP Atlanta and it was great to see such amazing talent in the teen room. I had fun hanging out with Ashley Green, a super talented dancer from South Carolina. There were master classes with Mike Minery, Andrew Winghart and Benoit-Swan Pouffer on Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday offered classes with Katy Spreadbury (always a great way to start convention classes with proper ballet warm up!), Jessica Hendricks, Teddy Forance, Bobby Newberry, Nick Lazzarini, Kelly Burke, Misha Gabriel + Kenny Wormald, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Mike Minery, Mia Michaels and the amazing Will Wingfield who assisted Mia. It's always great to see Gil, Sam and Angela too!
With Ashley before Mia Michael's Contemporary Class in the Teen Room.
With Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Creative Director at Cedar Lake Contemporary Company. He is amazing!
And here I am after class with the legendary Mia. The most relative and inspirational message of the weekend came from her...she said "we create all the scenarios about why not? they keep you from reaching your highest potential. We stop ourselves from being legendary....Take risk, be fearless...how far can you push yourself?"
She also said "I don't dance pretty...I don't like pretty." Yay! There IS HOPE for dancers like me without long, beautiful lyrical legs! It made my day.
Training is important - but so is inspiration. Many people would argue conventions don't give you "training", but I disagree. Choreographers want and expect good technique - thats the foundation of dance. And if you're working hard in class, they will provide corrections to help you get that much better. I travel to dance conventions to train, be inspired by and work with the most talented and amazing people, who want to share what they've learned with the next generation of dancers.
At this time of year, we're all planning for summer training. I have lots of exciting things on the horizon and can't wait to share everything with you. My advice to dancers looking for summer intensives is to find the genre and faculty that inspires you...its not just about the training.
The summer will be here before we know it but until then, Good Luck to everyone in the thrones of competition season whether its a local competition or on a television show!!! And as Mia says "be fearless...how far can you push yourself?"
First up I want to wish all my dance friends competing this month GOOD LUCK! I hope all your hard work since September pays off and you enjoy sharing your dancing with everyone.
I am so happy to share video highlights this month from two convention tours. The first is from the ML Tour Los Angeles. Please click on the video below to see how amazing the dancers and faculty were at this event.
My favorite moments are 2:45 in Lando Wilkins class...his was the most challenging hip hop I have ever done! 3:04 with the Ladies just killing the choreography, 4:10 with Brian & Ian hi-fiving each other, and 4:45 with Miguel Zarate. His class was so intense and fun!
You can catch glimpses of me at 1:20, 1:38, 2:15, 2:19, 2:26, 2:31, 3:45, 4:13, 5:55 and 6:22.
Here's a peek on how I got my new "street name" from Lando and Marvin...
Since dance is all about sharing our gifts, I'd like to highlight some of the amazing dancing to hit mainstream. ABDC, DWTS and SYTYCD have all shed light on the life of a dancer for people who don't dance. I've met some amazing people through my travels, many of which are being featured on current television shows, showcasing their talent.
First up, check out this video of Mos Wanted Crew from Americas Best Dance Crew, Season 7...you'll see some familiar faces from ML Tour faculty like Ian Eastwood, Jun Quemado, Lando Wilkins, Brian Puspos and Bam Martin. Congratulations!!!!
Also check out this link to "8 Flavahz" from Hawaii : http://youtu.be/qt6CZjYdUs0
Good Luck to these girls on their ABDC journey and special props to Camren (Bicondova). She is very talented and nice...we met at Pulse Toronto and had a great dinner together with other Pulse Proteges and their families. It's so nice to meet talented dancers who are also really nice people!
A big shout out to the girls in "Code 5" too... Logan, Jade, Dana, Carly and Dani. They're dancing up a storm and will have their first single available on itunes in a few months! They have their own facebook fanpage you can follow to keep up with what they're doing. Congratulations to Logan, my friend from the ASH Tour on all her success!
And last but not least, the amazing talents of so many of my dance idols: Misha Gabriel, Nick Bass, Kenny Wormald, Twitch, Travis Wall, Teddy Forance and more. This piece called "Men in Suits" was choreographed by Misha and Nick, two of Micheal Jackson's "This Is It Tour" dancers. Congratulations to them all on an amazing performance!
Now, back to focusing on where things begin...TRAINING! It takes lots of commitment, perseverance and passion to become a dancer. So I've continued to train in ballet and travel to dance conventions around the country.
I'd like to share a video clip of Mia Micheals choreography from JUMP Pittsburgh. I was honored and humbled to be pulled on stage to dance alongside Amanda Cleghorn. But if you want to see it, you'll have to search a bit for it and look for the video link on JUMP's facebook page titled "Mia Michaels' Teen class from JUMP Pittsburgh". Amanda Cleghorn is one of my all-time favorite dancers who just happens to be from Canada! I loved dancing this combo and sharing the stage with two of my idols.
This month I attended JUMP Atlanta and it was great to see such amazing talent in the teen room. I had fun hanging out with Ashley Green, a super talented dancer from South Carolina. There were master classes with Mike Minery, Andrew Winghart and Benoit-Swan Pouffer on Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday offered classes with Katy Spreadbury (always a great way to start convention classes with proper ballet warm up!), Jessica Hendricks, Teddy Forance, Bobby Newberry, Nick Lazzarini, Kelly Burke, Misha Gabriel + Kenny Wormald, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Mike Minery, Mia Michaels and the amazing Will Wingfield who assisted Mia. It's always great to see Gil, Sam and Angela too!
With Ashley before Mia Michael's Contemporary Class in the Teen Room.
With Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Creative Director at Cedar Lake Contemporary Company. He is amazing!
And here I am after class with the legendary Mia. The most relative and inspirational message of the weekend came from her...she said "we create all the scenarios about why not? they keep you from reaching your highest potential. We stop ourselves from being legendary....Take risk, be fearless...how far can you push yourself?"
She also said "I don't dance pretty...I don't like pretty." Yay! There IS HOPE for dancers like me without long, beautiful lyrical legs! It made my day.
Training is important - but so is inspiration. Many people would argue conventions don't give you "training", but I disagree. Choreographers want and expect good technique - thats the foundation of dance. And if you're working hard in class, they will provide corrections to help you get that much better. I travel to dance conventions to train, be inspired by and work with the most talented and amazing people, who want to share what they've learned with the next generation of dancers.
At this time of year, we're all planning for summer training. I have lots of exciting things on the horizon and can't wait to share everything with you. My advice to dancers looking for summer intensives is to find the genre and faculty that inspires you...its not just about the training.
The summer will be here before we know it but until then, Good Luck to everyone in the thrones of competition season whether its a local competition or on a television show!!! And as Mia says "be fearless...how far can you push yourself?"
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
January - March 2012
Welcome to a new year and the first of many posts to come. I have lots to share with you...it's been a very busy year already!
The first thing I want to share with you is my experience at ASH Philadelphia over the Christmas break. The workshop was held December 27-30th at Penns Landing. Advanced classes were held in a beautiful ballroom looking over the Delaware River, adjacent to the Seaport Marine Museum and Christopher Columbus Statue.
It was a popular event and all the ASH assistants were in attendance. I love these girls and will miss not dancing with them now that the tour has come to an end :(
Pictured are Christina, Maycee, Montana, Courtney, me, Logan and Stephanie the evening of the Performance Showcase. I REALLY need to get some heels! The ASH family of Braham, Joyce, Bill, the staff, faculty and assistants are all amazing and the whole week was filled with fun classes with a positive, supportive energy.
Below are highlights from the workshop. It was my first time taking class from Jason Samuels Smith who is some kind of talented!!! I tried to keep up with his lightening fast feet...luckily for many of us dancers, he is a very patient teacher and a very kind man! I also really enjoyed Lisette Bustamante's hip hop classes. It was my first time taking from her as well, she is so fun and we did a really chill dancehall combination that felt like we were at a dance party.
The Philadelphia venue also offered class with Christopher Huggins - he is a modern master who directs the best stretch class and warm-ups EVER prior to his class combos! His combos test your ability to give into the music and dance unconventionally.
Please visit the ASH website for information on their summer event "The Company". It will feature classes with ALL the talented ASH faculty and an opportunity for dancers to audition to become an ASH assistant for the 2012-2013 tour!
**********************************************************************************
In January, I attended NYCDA Lansing, Michigan. It's always an amazing weekend to be surrounded and inspired by faculty like Joe Lantieri, Suzi Taylor, Taja Riley, Danny Wallace, Joey Dowling, Scott Jovovich and Jason Parsons. I danced in the teen/senior room and was honored to be chosen as one of two Outstanding Teen Dancers of the weekend.
NYCDA focuses on quality learning and I love that they teach the importance of technique as the foundation to dancing. When combos are taught in class, they focus on the details and importance of transitions. Joe Lantieri is insightful and motivational when he speaks...he touches on the reasons WHY we should be dancing, the importance of the human element of dance and the unimportance of trophies as affirmation of dance. Its such a different vibe its no wonder dancers attend multiple cities of this convention.
Below are highlights provided by NYCDA:
*********************************************************************************
In January, I also attended NUVO in Los Angeles, California and Dearborn, Michigan. The complete NUVO faculty was in both locations which made for two amazing weekends of dance! In LA extra classes were offered on Friday evening with Randi Kemper and Saturday with Ricky Lam during lunch.
It was fun to see friends from California I've met the last few years during summer intensives. Shout out to Kaitlyn, Jenny, Emma, and their team mates from Westcoast and Alyssa, Bella, Lucas and Sean from Westside. It was an awesome experience to dance alongside so many talented dancers both professional and amateur, and to feel the support dancers give each other when they put themselves out there. I think we can all learn how to be more supportive of each other!
**********************************************************************************
In February, I attended ASH in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Like in all ASH cities, the assistants perform their solos in the closing show...my solo called "Faking the Books" is posted below...my mom danced in the parent number too....go mom! Check the ASH website for links to solos by the other ASH assistants.
ASH has been busy posting video highlights from the tour....please check the videos below featuring choreography by Braham, Lisette, Dee and Tokyo to see for yourself just how great the ASH convention is!
*******************************************************************************
In February, I attended "The Pulse" Toronto and it was AMAZING! It was my first time at Pulse and I loved taking classes from Brian Friedman, Desmond Richardson, Tyce Diorio, Dave Scott, Chris Judd and Wade Robson. What a line up!!
I was selected as a "Protege" which is a huge honor. It was a great way to end a weekend that was already amazing with opening number and fashion show opportunities, amazing classes each day, meeting new friends and seeing old friends!
I've been fortunate to meet some really great friends through my travels like Morgan, Katelyn, Logan and Patrick. Can't wait to see them all again soon.
********************************************************************************
During the March break, I traveled to Los Angeles to take class with some of my favorite choreographers at the edge and Millenium - classes with Justin Giles, Miguel Zarate and Luther Brown never disappoint. It was great to see so many Soul Escape friends, Stephanie, Janelle, Amandine, Joanna and Erica in class and Canadian transplants Tatiana, Amy, Melanie and Carlena sweating it out!
While in Los Angeles, I also attended the VIP Cast Party for the Hunger Games at the Grove and met Liam Helmsworth (Gale), Alexander Ludwig (Cato) and Amandla Stenberg (Rue). It was an awesome experience since I am a HUGE Hunger Games fan. Cato and I had a moment when he learned I am Canadian like him...a few fist pumps and high fives later, I had my HG books autographed and was on my way to see the movie!
Lastly, I attended a new hip hop workshop called "Movement Lifestyle". ML is a new studio in North Hollywood, just steps away from Millenium. ML kicked off a five city tour in 2011 with the last stop being in Irvine, California March 24 & 25th. I took class with Ian Eastwood, Jillian Meyers, Miguel Zarate, Lando Wilkins, Lyle Beniga & Bam Martin, Jeka Jane & Pat Cruz, Jun Quemado, Mari Martin & Keone Madrid, Laura Edwards and Shaun Evaristo.
The workshop was ALL hip hop and had a different vibe from the conventions I normally attend. There were no scholarships or audition classes, no competition and the average age of dancer was probably 20+ Prior to the workshop starting on Saturday morning...a freestyle circle began with head spins, popping and breaking! It was a high calibre convention with a very supportive group of dancers and choreographers. ML focuses on their community of dancers, sharing their love of hip hop and education.
Thanks to the faculty for a great experience...I've never danced so much hip hop in one weekend! and to Lando for giving me my new street name "Maddie Mad-dog Hanson".
Its hard to believe we are three months into the year already! It's been busy but there are many more exciting things on the horizon. Thank you to all the people I've met who've made my journey extraordinary and shared their expertise and passion with me. I can't wait to share what I've done and learned with you in the months to come.
Happy Dancing Everyone!
The first thing I want to share with you is my experience at ASH Philadelphia over the Christmas break. The workshop was held December 27-30th at Penns Landing. Advanced classes were held in a beautiful ballroom looking over the Delaware River, adjacent to the Seaport Marine Museum and Christopher Columbus Statue.
It was a popular event and all the ASH assistants were in attendance. I love these girls and will miss not dancing with them now that the tour has come to an end :(
Pictured are Christina, Maycee, Montana, Courtney, me, Logan and Stephanie the evening of the Performance Showcase. I REALLY need to get some heels! The ASH family of Braham, Joyce, Bill, the staff, faculty and assistants are all amazing and the whole week was filled with fun classes with a positive, supportive energy.
Below are highlights from the workshop. It was my first time taking class from Jason Samuels Smith who is some kind of talented!!! I tried to keep up with his lightening fast feet...luckily for many of us dancers, he is a very patient teacher and a very kind man! I also really enjoyed Lisette Bustamante's hip hop classes. It was my first time taking from her as well, she is so fun and we did a really chill dancehall combination that felt like we were at a dance party.
The Philadelphia venue also offered class with Christopher Huggins - he is a modern master who directs the best stretch class and warm-ups EVER prior to his class combos! His combos test your ability to give into the music and dance unconventionally.
Please visit the ASH website for information on their summer event "The Company". It will feature classes with ALL the talented ASH faculty and an opportunity for dancers to audition to become an ASH assistant for the 2012-2013 tour!
**********************************************************************************
In January, I attended NYCDA Lansing, Michigan. It's always an amazing weekend to be surrounded and inspired by faculty like Joe Lantieri, Suzi Taylor, Taja Riley, Danny Wallace, Joey Dowling, Scott Jovovich and Jason Parsons. I danced in the teen/senior room and was honored to be chosen as one of two Outstanding Teen Dancers of the weekend.
NYCDA focuses on quality learning and I love that they teach the importance of technique as the foundation to dancing. When combos are taught in class, they focus on the details and importance of transitions. Joe Lantieri is insightful and motivational when he speaks...he touches on the reasons WHY we should be dancing, the importance of the human element of dance and the unimportance of trophies as affirmation of dance. Its such a different vibe its no wonder dancers attend multiple cities of this convention.
Below are highlights provided by NYCDA:
*********************************************************************************
In January, I also attended NUVO in Los Angeles, California and Dearborn, Michigan. The complete NUVO faculty was in both locations which made for two amazing weekends of dance! In LA extra classes were offered on Friday evening with Randi Kemper and Saturday with Ricky Lam during lunch.
It was fun to see friends from California I've met the last few years during summer intensives. Shout out to Kaitlyn, Jenny, Emma, and their team mates from Westcoast and Alyssa, Bella, Lucas and Sean from Westside. It was an awesome experience to dance alongside so many talented dancers both professional and amateur, and to feel the support dancers give each other when they put themselves out there. I think we can all learn how to be more supportive of each other!
**********************************************************************************
In February, I attended ASH in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Like in all ASH cities, the assistants perform their solos in the closing show...my solo called "Faking the Books" is posted below...my mom danced in the parent number too....go mom! Check the ASH website for links to solos by the other ASH assistants.
ASH has been busy posting video highlights from the tour....please check the videos below featuring choreography by Braham, Lisette, Dee and Tokyo to see for yourself just how great the ASH convention is!
*******************************************************************************
In February, I attended "The Pulse" Toronto and it was AMAZING! It was my first time at Pulse and I loved taking classes from Brian Friedman, Desmond Richardson, Tyce Diorio, Dave Scott, Chris Judd and Wade Robson. What a line up!!
I was selected as a "Protege" which is a huge honor. It was a great way to end a weekend that was already amazing with opening number and fashion show opportunities, amazing classes each day, meeting new friends and seeing old friends!
I've been fortunate to meet some really great friends through my travels like Morgan, Katelyn, Logan and Patrick. Can't wait to see them all again soon.
********************************************************************************
During the March break, I traveled to Los Angeles to take class with some of my favorite choreographers at the edge and Millenium - classes with Justin Giles, Miguel Zarate and Luther Brown never disappoint. It was great to see so many Soul Escape friends, Stephanie, Janelle, Amandine, Joanna and Erica in class and Canadian transplants Tatiana, Amy, Melanie and Carlena sweating it out!
While in Los Angeles, I also attended the VIP Cast Party for the Hunger Games at the Grove and met Liam Helmsworth (Gale), Alexander Ludwig (Cato) and Amandla Stenberg (Rue). It was an awesome experience since I am a HUGE Hunger Games fan. Cato and I had a moment when he learned I am Canadian like him...a few fist pumps and high fives later, I had my HG books autographed and was on my way to see the movie!
Lastly, I attended a new hip hop workshop called "Movement Lifestyle". ML is a new studio in North Hollywood, just steps away from Millenium. ML kicked off a five city tour in 2011 with the last stop being in Irvine, California March 24 & 25th. I took class with Ian Eastwood, Jillian Meyers, Miguel Zarate, Lando Wilkins, Lyle Beniga & Bam Martin, Jeka Jane & Pat Cruz, Jun Quemado, Mari Martin & Keone Madrid, Laura Edwards and Shaun Evaristo.
The workshop was ALL hip hop and had a different vibe from the conventions I normally attend. There were no scholarships or audition classes, no competition and the average age of dancer was probably 20+ Prior to the workshop starting on Saturday morning...a freestyle circle began with head spins, popping and breaking! It was a high calibre convention with a very supportive group of dancers and choreographers. ML focuses on their community of dancers, sharing their love of hip hop and education.
Thanks to the faculty for a great experience...I've never danced so much hip hop in one weekend! and to Lando for giving me my new street name "Maddie Mad-dog Hanson".
Its hard to believe we are three months into the year already! It's been busy but there are many more exciting things on the horizon. Thank you to all the people I've met who've made my journey extraordinary and shared their expertise and passion with me. I can't wait to share what I've done and learned with you in the months to come.
Happy Dancing Everyone!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
December News
Happy Holidays to all my dance friends!
As I look back on the year, I am so thankful for the opportunities I've had to meet and dance alongside some amazing and talented people. 2011 has been a great year for me and I am thankful to everyone I met for their energy and support. Before I reflect on the new year, I have a few more things to share with you from the last two months.
In November, I was honoured to participate in "Conteur's" first-ever performance entitled "State of Mind". Video highlights are coming soon but if you want a sneak peek...please check out talented videographer Kody McWilliams link at: http://vimeo.com/32521873
I played 'mini' Melissa Mitro of 'SYTYCD' Canada fame in a piece called "La Force". It was very athletic and it was danced by Melissa Mitro, Bianca Melchior and myself. It consisted of a series of flash-backs and flash-forwards with us dancing the same introductory choreography, representing Melissa in three stages of her life.
The whole Conteur cast are very talented, as is the creator and director Eryn Waltman. I feel so lucky to have met her this year and consider her a friend. I look forward to many years training under her guidance. Please check out her website at www.conteurdancecompany.com and at www.OIPdance.com to learn about her schedule of classes!
I also had the opportunity at the last ASH Tour City to interview Wes Veldink, Master Teacher, Dancer and Choreographer. Below is a facebook link to his production company "Calm & Sense Creations". You can like his page and stay tuned on everything related to his company!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Calm-Sense-Creations/112565525496835
As I look back on the year, I am so thankful for the opportunities I've had to meet and dance alongside some amazing and talented people. 2011 has been a great year for me and I am thankful to everyone I met for their energy and support. Before I reflect on the new year, I have a few more things to share with you from the last two months.
In November, I was honoured to participate in "Conteur's" first-ever performance entitled "State of Mind". Video highlights are coming soon but if you want a sneak peek...please check out talented videographer Kody McWilliams link at: http://vimeo.com/32521873
I played 'mini' Melissa Mitro of 'SYTYCD' Canada fame in a piece called "La Force". It was very athletic and it was danced by Melissa Mitro, Bianca Melchior and myself. It consisted of a series of flash-backs and flash-forwards with us dancing the same introductory choreography, representing Melissa in three stages of her life.
The whole Conteur cast are very talented, as is the creator and director Eryn Waltman. I feel so lucky to have met her this year and consider her a friend. I look forward to many years training under her guidance. Please check out her website at www.conteurdancecompany.com and at www.OIPdance.com to learn about her schedule of classes!
I also had the opportunity at the last ASH Tour City to interview Wes Veldink, Master Teacher, Dancer and Choreographer. Below is a facebook link to his production company "Calm & Sense Creations". You can like his page and stay tuned on everything related to his company!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Calm-Sense-Creations/112565525496835
Wes Veldink is a Contemporary teacher on faculty with ASH dance convention. He is a sought-after choreographer throughout the world and can be found teaching at Peridance, Steps and Broadway Dance Centre in New York.
I sat with Wes while at ASH Pittsburgh, where I am fortunate to be one of his ASH tour assistants. He kindly answered some questions for me:
M: How has the dance industry changed through the years?
W: With dance more mainstream and popular in the public eye I think young dancers have developed a narrow view of the dance industry. Look beyond the commercial world and discover dance companies and dance on film.
M: What advice do you have for dancers?
W: Dance is a journey and a lifestyle. Regard yourself as an artist. Surround yourself with other artists that inspire and challenge you. Don’t settle.
M: What qualities do you like in a dancer?
W: Imagination, empathy, passion, courage, the desire to evolve, express and share.
M: Who would you like to work with in the future?
W: I would like to work with Directors Pedro Almodovar, David Fincher and Spike Jones. I would like to work with musicians Roisin Murphy and Bjork.
The most interesting and affirmative piece of advice I learned from Wes was during a Question and Answer session. He said: "You drive the car, no one else. It is your career and your life". I feel this advice is so pertinent as we approach 2012 with new goals and purpose in mind! I can't wait to see him at ASH Philly in two days!
This month, I participated in the Karpov Ballet Academy premiere production of "The Nutcracker". I danced as a doll, in a duet 'Chinese Dance' and played the Nutcracker. Congratulations to Ms. Anna and Mr. Vladimir on the opening of their studio!
Last but not least, I took a Master Class with Juliette Irons at Canada's National Ballet School. Video highlights are below...her combos are always quirky and fun! It was great to see my friends Maddy and Robert from JCSOD and Bailey from Kicks too!
Thank you to everyone who has followed my blog since its inception, for sharing your love of dance with me, and for the opportunities to learn and grow as a dancer and artist! I look forward to 2012, sharing more of my experiences and things I've learned with you.
Special thanks to these individuals who impacted me in a special way: Wes, Eryn and Braham. To Irina, Teddy and Alison F for believing in me. And to my family for their constant love and support!!
Happy New Year everyone...please join me in 2012 for more "Move it with Maddie"!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Fall 2011 - Everything ASH!
I am very proud to be an assistant on the 2011-2012 ASH Tour. The tour is in full gear and I recently travelled to Kansas City and Pittsburgh, two of the first cities on the Artist Simply Human tour. I am thoroughly enjoying my time with Braham, the choreographers, assistants Lexi, Logan, Maycee, Montana, Dena'h and the mom posse! My mom is enjoying the tour as well...she takes part in Tovaris' Parents Hip Hop Class each weekend with the parents of the other ASH Assistants!!
I've posted lots of highlights below from the two workshops so be sure to check everything out. Please visit www.ashdance.com for more tour cities and news regarding their summer event "The Company". Up next is Philadelphia, PA December 27-30th with Braham, Dee, TOKYO, Wes, Christopher, Sascha, Jason, Lisette and Melanie! I hope to see some friends there...
I've posted lots of highlights below from the two workshops so be sure to check everything out. Please visit www.ashdance.com for more tour cities and news regarding their summer event "The Company". Up next is Philadelphia, PA December 27-30th with Braham, Dee, TOKYO, Wes, Christopher, Sascha, Jason, Lisette and Melanie! I hope to see some friends there...
I also had the opportunity to sit with Braham Crane and asked him why he founded ASH, the "Company" and who he would like to work with in the future:
Next month I'll be blogging about my opportunity to work with "Conteur Dance Company". Congratulations to Eryn Waltman, Choreographer, Creator and Director on her first production called "State of Mind"!! The three performances were amazing and it was great to see Conteur be supported by so many people in the dance community. A big thank you to Eryn for including me in her production!
In December, I'll be participating in the Karpov Ballet Academy performance of the Nutcracker December 20th at Markham Theatre! It's a Christmas classic and I can't wait to perform my first ballet duet. Tickets are available online through Markham Theatre if you live close by.
Thanks for checking my blog...happy dancing everyone! Can you tell I LOVE ASH!!!!
Fall 2011 Workshop & Convention Highlights
Hi Dance Friends!
The last three months have been very busy! Many conventions began their 2011-2012 tours and I was fortunate enough to attend a few conventions. I can't wait to share my dance journey since my last post!
First up was a Contemporary class with Juliette Irons at Ryerson University. I first met Juliette one year ago at IMPACT where she did my first-ever blog interview. It was a fun class and a quirky combo dancing to music by Bon Hiver + James Blake.
Next up was a Teddy Forance Master Class offered by Lindsay Ritter Dance Company at the National Ballet School. It was a very well-attended event and I was honored to dance alongside Teddy, Julia and Jeff. Check out the highlights compliments of Lindsay Ritter Dance (www.lindsayritterdance.com)
JUMP Toronto took place October 1-2nd and was the largest turnout in JUMP Toronto history with 1500+ dancers. Congratulations to JUMP on this milestone! It was a great weekend and lots of amazing dancers attended the event hosted by Gil, Katy, Mike, Bobby, Ivan, Teddy, Nick and Mia Micheals! It was my first convention as a "teen" and I was a tad nervous. But I had a fantastic time, saw friends from other studios and won one of the TeenVIP Scholarships! The best bit of advice to dancers came from Mia who said "our bodies are earth suits and don't represent who we are as people...our dancing represents who we are as people". So work with what you've got and dance through your soul...I love that!
CDR Toronto was held October 29-30th and was hosted by Shannon Mather, Twitch, Chaz Buzan, Beau Fournier, Kha'san and Dee Casparay. The classes were amazing and the calibre in the teen room made be proud to be from Toronto! My favorite class was Chaz Buzan's....he is not only a brilliant dancer, but an amazing choreographer as well. I was selected as a "Prodigy" and am honored to have been chosen from the pool of talented dancers at the convention.
In November I attended JUMP in Greenville, SC. I saw many friends from Southern Strutt I met last summer..shout out to Jenny and Isabella! I enjoyed the classes with Katy, Teddy, Misha, Mike, Andrew, Nick, Mandy, Doug and Mia. Thank you again to JUMP for always providing dancers with such great opportunities to learn.
Below is a teaser from JUMP Greenville. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed dancing it!
The last three months have been very busy! Many conventions began their 2011-2012 tours and I was fortunate enough to attend a few conventions. I can't wait to share my dance journey since my last post!
First up was a Contemporary class with Juliette Irons at Ryerson University. I first met Juliette one year ago at IMPACT where she did my first-ever blog interview. It was a fun class and a quirky combo dancing to music by Bon Hiver + James Blake.
Next up was a Teddy Forance Master Class offered by Lindsay Ritter Dance Company at the National Ballet School. It was a very well-attended event and I was honored to dance alongside Teddy, Julia and Jeff. Check out the highlights compliments of Lindsay Ritter Dance (www.lindsayritterdance.com)
JUMP Toronto took place October 1-2nd and was the largest turnout in JUMP Toronto history with 1500+ dancers. Congratulations to JUMP on this milestone! It was a great weekend and lots of amazing dancers attended the event hosted by Gil, Katy, Mike, Bobby, Ivan, Teddy, Nick and Mia Micheals! It was my first convention as a "teen" and I was a tad nervous. But I had a fantastic time, saw friends from other studios and won one of the TeenVIP Scholarships! The best bit of advice to dancers came from Mia who said "our bodies are earth suits and don't represent who we are as people...our dancing represents who we are as people". So work with what you've got and dance through your soul...I love that!
CDR Toronto was held October 29-30th and was hosted by Shannon Mather, Twitch, Chaz Buzan, Beau Fournier, Kha'san and Dee Casparay. The classes were amazing and the calibre in the teen room made be proud to be from Toronto! My favorite class was Chaz Buzan's....he is not only a brilliant dancer, but an amazing choreographer as well. I was selected as a "Prodigy" and am honored to have been chosen from the pool of talented dancers at the convention.
In November I attended JUMP in Greenville, SC. I saw many friends from Southern Strutt I met last summer..shout out to Jenny and Isabella! I enjoyed the classes with Katy, Teddy, Misha, Mike, Andrew, Nick, Mandy, Doug and Mia. Thank you again to JUMP for always providing dancers with such great opportunities to learn.
Below is a teaser from JUMP Greenville. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed dancing it!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Generation IV Dance Intensive
Stop 3: Generation IV
Generation IV was held in Easthampton, MA during the third week in August. I stayed in the dormitories at Westfield State College where the teen, senior, advanced and pro level classes were held. Mini and Junior class levels were held at Hackworth School of the Performing Arts.
The faculty consisted of Teddy Forance, Alison Forance, Amy Gardner, Devin Jamieson, Billy Bell, Jen Hackworth, William Wingfield, Monique Borromeo, Albert Cataffi, Jen Pinard, Noel Bajandas, Channing Cooke, Hani Abaza, Chaz Buzan, Ben Susak, Jeff Lapes, Katy Spreadbury, Dha-Sean Serrano, Alicia Monaco and Chantelle Aguirre. The faculty was supported by Teddy's talented Aunt Lisa Hackworth, cousin Nick Anthony and brother Johnny Forance.
Each day we had classes with the faculty and were cast into two pieces to perform in the closing show at the Academy of Music in Southampton. All dancers participated in a mock agency audition as well for Clear Talent Group. It was a busy, fun-filled week of great dance. Check out my video highlights from Generation IV!
Here is my interview with Teddy that took place after the second show:
And here is Teddy's piece I was cast in. His choreography was assisted by Alison Forance, Amy Gardner and Sandi Duncan...thank you to each of them for giving me such a special part in your choreography.
Thank you so much to the talented faculty of Generation IV; for sharing your passion for dance with us, your talents and giving me support along the way. Thank you Teddy for an amazing experience...can't wait until Generation IV's third annual event!
I had an amazing summer of dance and am so thankful to everyone I met and for all they shared of themselves with me. I promise to take all that I have learned and apply it to the dance year ahead to become a stronger dancer!
Generation IV was held in Easthampton, MA during the third week in August. I stayed in the dormitories at Westfield State College where the teen, senior, advanced and pro level classes were held. Mini and Junior class levels were held at Hackworth School of the Performing Arts.
The faculty consisted of Teddy Forance, Alison Forance, Amy Gardner, Devin Jamieson, Billy Bell, Jen Hackworth, William Wingfield, Monique Borromeo, Albert Cataffi, Jen Pinard, Noel Bajandas, Channing Cooke, Hani Abaza, Chaz Buzan, Ben Susak, Jeff Lapes, Katy Spreadbury, Dha-Sean Serrano, Alicia Monaco and Chantelle Aguirre. The faculty was supported by Teddy's talented Aunt Lisa Hackworth, cousin Nick Anthony and brother Johnny Forance.
Each day we had classes with the faculty and were cast into two pieces to perform in the closing show at the Academy of Music in Southampton. All dancers participated in a mock agency audition as well for Clear Talent Group. It was a busy, fun-filled week of great dance. Check out my video highlights from Generation IV!
Here is my interview with Teddy that took place after the second show:
And here is Teddy's piece I was cast in. His choreography was assisted by Alison Forance, Amy Gardner and Sandi Duncan...thank you to each of them for giving me such a special part in your choreography.
Thank you so much to the talented faculty of Generation IV; for sharing your passion for dance with us, your talents and giving me support along the way. Thank you Teddy for an amazing experience...can't wait until Generation IV's third annual event!
I had an amazing summer of dance and am so thankful to everyone I met and for all they shared of themselves with me. I promise to take all that I have learned and apply it to the dance year ahead to become a stronger dancer!
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