summer intensives

I always thought that taking class every week and performing was all there was available for dancers to make it in the performing industry.  I was then introduced to these summer intensive programs.  Wasn't sure what exactly they had to offer and how it would benefit a dancer versus the benefit of the company.  After reading more about what summer intensive programs strive for and focus on, I would definitely make an effort to try out and take advantage.

I looked into several programs coming up this summer.  While all the schools offer the same benefits and have the same purpose, I really wasn't inclined to a specific school.  However I would love to take a summer intensive course in New York City, where I plan on pursuing my dance career.  While researching, I did not find unique aspects of the different schools, however I know each program has its own exclusivity to it.  I hope that I can take advantage of this great opportunity this year.

Learning Style

It is interesting how every learns different ways.  A class full of the same interests, however different views on how to approach the same concept.  After reading the article, i realized that I do have a tendency of placing myself in the same place in the class.  I tend to migrate to the front of the class and more toward the left side of the teacher.  Last sememster I stood on the right.

I know that I am a visual and physical. on hands learner.  I like to see examples and exercise the demonstrated movement.  I also know that I learn in a chronological fashion. Organized steps helps me understand exactly what the outcome should be.

Alignment

Dancing is a universal language and is understood the same in every technique class.  Everyday we attend a ballet or modern class where we focus on certain areas of technical ideas.  However the sense of alignment is always the same for every class and the reminders and corrections are repetitive.  After reading the article "Improving alignment" I realized that the sense of being aligned is the same for every dance.I think that I can take the ideas mentioned in the article and apply to everyday class practice. 

Although the professor is constantly reminding you to engage your abdominal's or watch for rib cage, one tends to forget in the midst of movement. I enjoyed the analogy by Troy Powell- Associate Artistic director of Ailey II, "imagine keeping their sternum, spine, and pelvis in one line between two electrified walls. 'If you sway your back or arch your fibs, you're going to be electrocuted' he says" (par. 6). That is a great way to keep your self aligned, no one wants to be electrocuted.  I'll keep the idea of stacking my bones on top of one another in mind while in class to ensure my alignment is proper. 

Monica Bill Barnes and Company

As I observe and learn more about dance, I realize how it evolves into something new as the times change.  Monica Bill Barnes and Company came to our Main Stage theater and enlightened the Tampa bay area as well as the HCC faculty and staff. Her work is not ordinary to the observing eye, for she incorporates humor and uniqueness to her performance and movement.  Monica uses the typical modern technique, however she includes a twist to portray an illusion of being improper.

She and her dancers really show their strengths and ability of moving through space and being present. they really ensure they not only perform for the audience but also interact with the audience keeping their attention to entertainemnt.  I think what monica has created forhersle fand for her audience is an amazing talent and really motivates dancers to be innovative and go for what they really want for themselves.