The Nutcracker Contemporary Workshop and Performance Choreographed and Created by Igal Perry
NOT YOUR TYPICAL NUTCRACKER… Join world-renowned choreographer Igal Perry as he creates an all-new contemporary Nutcracker experience. This new tradition at Peridance Capezio Center will push the boundaries of the holiday favorite you know and love. Snowflakes and sugarplums and a grand pas de duex will capture your heart as they have since childhood. But that’s not all—glimpses of hip-hop and modern dance through the falling snowflakes and waltzing flowers will delight and excite your senses. Open to students of all ages, this fully costumed, professionally lit extravaganza will be set to excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s original score as well as new music selected by Mr. Perry to enhance this exciting new take on the classic ballet. Debuting in Peridance’s state-of-the-art, in-house Salvatore Capezio Theater, this Nutcracker production will bring dreams to life and be a holiday event to remember! The performance will showcase young dancers from PeriChild’s accelerated Core ballet program and adults who have auditioned for the opportunity to dance in a professional setting.
Audition for Advanced Adult Dancers:
Thursday, September 16th 1:00-2:30pm at Peridance Capezio Center
We are casting the roles of Party Scene, Snow Flakes, Waltz of the Flowers, and others.
Rehearsals: Monday 1:00-2:30pm starting October 10th Friday 11:30am-2:30pm starting September 20th
Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, December 12th time TBA
Performances: Saturday, December 18th 8:30pm followed by reception Sunday, December 19th 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Workshop fees include all rehearsals and performances. Adults-$200 PCC International Students-$50 + 10 classes
An Interview with Peridance's Tap Teacher, Tony Mayes
“ If you own a pair of tap shoes, you’re in…”
-Gregory Hines
Tony Mayes teaches tap dance at Peridance . Originally trained as an actor, he began to study tap after moving to New York City and quickly became immersed in the field. He is a man of many talents and has since worked as a technician, an actor, stage manager, writer, teacher, director, tap dancer, and a producer. I wanted to know more about our accomplished tap teacher's inspirations and how he made the switch to tap. Here are his responses. -Kaarin Holmquist
Originally you were studying as an actor; how did you become interested in tap?
I was at Steps on Broadway and I saw Lynn Schwab teaching tap class.While I’d seen tap before, danced a little in shows, I’d never seen rhythm tap like this and I was instantly drawn to it. Before that my focus had always been on acting.I was working as an actor and doing pretty well, but once I started taking tap, I knew that was what I wanted to spend my time on.It sort of took over – ask anyone. Watching a young company perform at Variety Arts downtown (now long gone) was also a big influence, because for the first time I saw people my age doing rhythm tap, which made it more accessible.During that show I leaned over to my date and told her ‘that’s what I’m going to do’.Later that year I started working for the American Tap Dance Foundation and never looked back.
What do you look for in a dancer?
Well, I look at a lot of shows from two sides – performance and production.Of course a dancer has to be able to do the choreography and the style that piece requires; however, I tend to look for a good presence. Technique and quality footwork are of the utmost importance, but without personality you will run the risk of losing the audience’s interest, and then what is the point of performing?
Where does your inspiration come from now?
I draw a lot of inspiration from everything really.Performances such as Tony Waag’s Tap City, the New York City Tap Festival, Tap City on Tour,Sound Check,a Tap Dance Concert Series and Jason Samuels Smith’s A.C.G.I. (among many, many more) have just blown me away!I’ve had the rare opportunity to watch and work with performers from all over the world. I love video clips and archived material – I spend a lot of that time letting those things soak in.I hear rhythm and songs all the time from all over the city.Playgrounds, parks, buses, stairways; I love to listen to rhythms and translate them into tap.One of my favorite moments was walking up 9th Ave in Midtown and hearing what I thought had to be tap dancing coming from a store front – it sounded just like someone swinging! When I looked in, it was a huge mixing bowl, mixing dough for the bakery next door – “ba-doom, ba-doom, ba daddaa, daddaa” – as the dough was moving up and down the mixing forks it changed tone, rhythm and was just out of control.I recorded a clip and my friends still don’t believe that it was a huge industrial mixer….
What is unique about working at Peridance?
Tap is relatively new at Peridance and it is a great place to be building a program from the ground up because there is so much support from Peri.I know and have worked with most all the tap teachers that work there.It’s a great community and the tap dancers are very supportive. The tap program at Peridance is growing and is definitely going to keep growing because we, as teachers, have the ability to create a program for what our students need and want.
What would you say your teaching style is?
That’s a difficult one to answer.What I think makes me ‘me as a teacher’ is that I started dancing tap later in life, after college. Many dancers have danced most of their lives so they do not necessarily remember learning that first step, or better yet, they don’t remember what it ‘felt like’ to learn that first step.I do remember what it is like to go through that process.I teach a lot of mature students and I understand what they are struggling with intellectually, emotionally and physically.For anyone to put himself in a position where they are starting something from the beginning can be daunting. I think it is very important to adapt to the students; I do not have one style of teaching for everyone – whatever works.
To be a tap dancer you have to be a musician as well. Tap is different from other forms of dance in that way. Sometimes you are just the dancer. YET, sometimes you are making your own tunes at the same time.When you wear a pair of tap shoes, EVERY SOUND COUNTS.
I learn as much from my students as I hope they learn from me.In the classroom I tell my students, “if you can walk you can tap dance” (Charles “Honi” Coles said that). I believe it too.I say it often and it puts my students at ease when they hear it.It might take a long time if you are working full time and can only take a class or two a week, but anyone can do it.I have seen people go from never dancing before to having a comprehensive understanding of tap.Watching that transition is great.
What are you working on now?
This fall I will be teaching full time at Peridance and PeriChild.I just had a performance on September 11th with group called “The Secret City” (www.thesecretcity.org) and “The Manhattan Wonderwalk” (www.themanhattanwonderwalk.com) I’m also working with Jason Samuels-Smith at Fall for Dance at City Center on October 6th and 7th.Ben Nathan (another adult tap teacher at Peri) and I are collaborating on some new work.I have a couple of films that I’m working on this year, but those are pretty long- term projects.
Watch the video of Tony's class!
Tony teaches at Peridance: Monday 6:00-7:00pm (Intro), 7:00-8:15 (Beginner), and 8:15-9:30 (Advanced Beginner) and Tuesday 7:00-8:15pm (Slow Intermediate)
After a Busy Summer Milton Myers Returns to Teach at Peridance!
Horton Technique
Advanced-Intermediate
Wednesday 2:30-4:00pm
Milton Myers has been away for the summer at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival and setting choreography, but this Wednesday he begins teaching his Horton modern class again.
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from the celebrated teacher, choreographer, and performer. Mr. Myers was a performer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and was a performer, founding member, and artistic director of the Joyce Trisler Danscompany. He has been a teacher, choreographer, and Artist-In-Residence at many of the world's most celebrated companies, schools, and universities including serving as the head of the modern dance department at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival for the past twenty four years. He has been asked to choreograph for many renowned companies which has earned him extensive recognition and funding.
Mr. Myers teaches Horton technique, a technique developed by Lester Horton in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The movement is based on Native American dances and anatomical studies in combination with other movements. A key element of the technique is that it is meant to correct and improve dancers physical limitations.
For more information on Horton technique check out the overview in Dance Spirt Magazine.
For more information about Milton Myers' classes please visit the Peridance website.
Wondering what some of your favorite Peridance teachers have been doing over the summer months? Whether they were putting on a show, receiving awards, or preparing for an upcoming show they have been busy.
Awards/Appointments:
While away in Honolulu, Hawaii this summer Ballet instructor, Greg Zane received a Hawaii Theatre Excellence "Po'okela" Award for directing and choreographing “The Sound of Music” at Diamond Head Theatre.
Rachel List, Peridance ballet teacher was recently appointed Director of the Dance Program at Hofstra University. Congratulations Rachel!
Recognitions:
Sekou Williamschoreographed a video for Fall Out Boy(Dance Dance/went #1 in the country) and it was chosen for a dance program that the CMT network will be airing sometime in the future and he will receive full screen credit.
Check out these upcoming performances for a chance to see our faculty’s work outside the class!
Up-coming Performances:
Contemporary ballet teacher, Brian Carey Chung's company, COLLECTIVE BODY|DANCELAB is having a benefit performance Saturday, September 11 at 7:30pm, studio 4A. The show is to benefit the company's 2nd season which will take place at Baryshnikov Arts Center, November 12 and 13. Tickets for the September 11th show are on sale for $45.
Barre a terre teacher Anabella Lenzu's company, Anabella Lenzu/DanceDrama has a new show coming up. "The Grass is Always Greener..." premieres October 14-16th at teh Merce Cunningham Studio. The show is a collaborative dance-theater piece that explores themes of immigration, roots, and memory, eith photographic projections created by Todd Carroll. For more information go to http://www.AnabellaLenzu.com
Shelby Kaufman tap teacher at Peridance will be presenting a work at an upcoming choreography showcase, Band of Gypsies. The Performance will take place Monday, August 30th and Tuesday, August 31st at 8:00pm, St. Luke's Theatre on 46th btwn 8th and 9th. For more information visit www.bandofgypsies.net
Never tried Breaking? This workshop is the perfect introduction for any dancer interested in learning Breaking or BBoying/BGirling. Ken Swift, a pioneer from the early years of the scene will teach an intensive workshop that incorporates both the history and the current state of the dance.
Peridance's First Faculty and Student Showcases were a Huge Success!
Student Showcase
Bravo to the August 8th, 2010 first Student Showcase performers, who playfully entertained the audience, with everything from Bollywood to Samurai Sword! The Student Showcase is a wonderful opportunity for Peridance's students and guests, who come from a variety of educational and cultural backgrounds, to perform and share their talent with the local community. We hope to see you at our next Showcase!!
Faculty Showcase
On Saturday, August 7th, 2010, Peridance Capezio Center presented its first Faculty Showcase in its new Center! The evening was a huge success and the performance was sold out!! Twenty two of Peridance's Faculty members presented their choreographies in this well paced evening, demonstrating an incredibly diverse array of styles, from Contemporary Ballet to Afro-Caribbean and from Hip Hop to Flamenco! This captivating show was an inspiration for us all to get back in shape and into the dance studio! We hope to see you at our next performance!!
Free Experimental Dance Meditation Night with Swami Veet Vikalpa!
Awaken your inner body rhythm feel the inner beauty everyone has!
August 24, 4:00-7:00pm, Studio 6
For more than 20 years, Dr. Swami Veet has deeply researched and experienced at the aspects of Taoism, Dhyana, Esoteric Buddhism, Tibet pulsations, art creation, Sufi dance art treatment, ect. Veet integrates the essence wisdom of Eastern philosophy and Western psychology, creating a system suitable for the growing needs of modern people. Since the beginning of the 1990s, he has travelled around the world to Canada, America, India, Germany, Japan, Southeast-Asia, etc. preaching the Taoism.
Space is limited, researce early: email to veetmeditation@hotmail.com
Like what you have been seeing from Peridance new addition Becky Brown? She will now permanently be teaching the Limon class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-7:30pm.
Aug 23, 2010 - Aug 27, 2010; Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Founder and Artistic Director of Evidence, A Dance Company, Ronald Brown will be sharing his unique technique! Evidence Modern technique combines dance forms from the U.S., the Caribbean, and West Africa. In the workshop students will have the opportunity to focus on alignment, increasing their physical range, and rhythm.
So many modern opportunities! Take one or take them all!
Modern technique and repertory with Andrea Miller founder of Gallim Dance Company.
Aug 9, 2010 - Aug 13, 2010; Mon - Fri
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Gallim Dance plays inside the imagination and looks to find juxtapositions of the mind and body that resonate in the soul. She uses extreme physical movement and range shifting between still tension and explosive power. The company has performed at major venues and holds residencies at leading dance schools and universities.This year the company will bring I Can See Myself in Your Pupil and Blush on tour throughout Europe.
Learn modern technique and repertory with Pascal Rioult, artistic director of RIOULT.
Aug 9, 2010 - Aug 13, 2010; Mon - Fri
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Mr. Rioult was a principle dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company and interpreted many of her most famous role. Since starting his own company in 1994, he has gone on to create his own style. In technique he softens classical Graham and adds a unique phrasing and musicality. He accentuates clarity, contrasting dynamics and finds the connection through the floor and a sound. His repertory melds European contemporary with American modern dance. His company has received much praise for its technique and strength, as well as finding artistry.
Peridance is home to many styles of dance and many students from around the world who take them! Our students are from countries on almost every continent—Brazil, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Greece, Italy and more! From locals across the street to those across the globe, Peridance Capezio Center unites dancers looking for professional training.
The International Student Program at Peridance offers students the opportunity to work with renowned faculty and artists through several programs—the Open Program, the Limon Program (through the Limon Institute),the GYROTONIC® Teacher-Training program, and the new Certificate Program. International students spend from one year, but many stay for longer, preparing themselves to enter the professional dance world. True to Peridance’s individualized education, students participating receive professional guidance and make strong connections, further aiding them in their professional endeavors.
Five students: Yoshiko Furuse, Licia Calcagno, Noemi Digregorio, Angeliki Karamina, and Ly Hoang, all currently participating in the ISP program, gladly donated their time to share their experience. Each has a different dance background and goals, yet across the board they agree Peridance is getting them closer to becoming professionals. The training here is a jewel in the crown of New York dance schools. The professional quality, yet individualized attention draws students like these five, and hundreds of others to Peridance Capezio Center.
What is your dance background?
YF I started ballet training when I was four until I was fifteen, when I stopped intense training. I came to the U.S. to attend college. I still had feelings toward dance. I enrolled as a dance minor. Professors really inspired me to pursue a dance career again… and so here I am.
LC I am advanced level in ballet—I did it for ten years. I never did modern, but now I take Limon.
ND I did three years of training at a dance academy in Switzerland. Before that I was an ice skater.
AK I started dancing when I was very young—4 years old. I started studying classical ballet and later modern, Limon, flamenco and jazz. I graduated from the Ministry of Culture’s Department of Dance Teachers and from a Professional Ballet School in Greece, with a license to teach.
LH My background is not in dancing. During 3 years that I studied in London, I did Ballroom dancing as a hobby. During this time, I realized that dancing is truly my passion.
Why did you come to New York, and most especially why did you chose Peridance for your dance studies?
FY I wanted practical training and people who have passion for art come to New York. I came to Peridance to take a class. I really loved the atmosphere and people here. Peridance has a homey atmosphere. Also, they have various classes and I really wanted to challenge myself.
ND I wanted to do the Limon program and Peridance is the only one that offers this. There are also a lot of very nice workshops; my first was with Betty Jones. I feel so honored to have learned from a former company member!
AK I came to New York to further my studies in dance, and to focus on a dance related program that is not yet widespread in Europe, and Greece in particular. I chose Peridance, it offered a variety of dance programs, in conjunction with Gyrokinesis® which is my program of focus.
Is there anything new that you discovered in your technique; details to focus on? (For example use of hands, footwork)?
YF I am working on my gaze. My face is really dead while I am taking a class. One of my teachers told students that, "you are not just taking a class, but you are also dancing." I need to express something. On stage, each audience member might get a different feeling from the piece, but the important point is that I make them think. I don’t want to just move my body, but I actually want to dance from my heart.
LC The relationship with my body. I take care of what my body wants and I am more aware of it, even when pushing it. I was also introduced to Limon. I had only done ballet so it was all high legs and pointes. It was so different and a big shock—the first class was a mess. I learned to let it go and now I am working on being advanced in both.
AK Besides the support that the school provides, the ability to study in this vast variety of dance classes, allows you to learn new things and broaden your dance horizons. In modern dance I learned how to improve my breathing. In classical dance; [teachers] pay attention to what I am doing in class and correct even minor details in a supporting manner. In Limon Technique, due to my background in classical dance, I had some difficulty using my head correctly during fall, extensions and recoveries. However, the methodology Mr. Danielson [head of Limon Program] followed in class, using gradual difficulty levels in each exercise, helped me build this part of my technique by adding small parts each time. His comments and feedback helped me understand the concepts behind this and improve a great deal.
LH I've discovered a lot in technique: the use of hands related to the back, suspension, and the use of the feet in relation to the floor. The thing I love the most, is in whatever kind of dance I'm doing, techniques are very inter-related to each other.
Will you be extending participation in your training here?
YF I just started my second year here. I decided to extend my stay because I was using my time productively and having exciting experiences. Also, Peridance just moved to the new space—which you must experience. You will feel so amazing if you take a class here. I am interested in the Certificate Program. I have a passion for dance, but I still need to improve my skill. I believe the program gives students a great opportunity to improve technique and also artistry.
LC I am extending another year, I want to be a dancer and I need more training. At Peridance you begin to make connections and gain more opportunities.
ND I feel I am not done yet with New York. 9 months passed fast. I need to work with my connections. I am already choreographing and dancing in a small company, which I found through Peridance.
Anything Else?
YF I am fortunate to be here. I really appreciate the people who support me and give me such wonderful opportunity. Thank you!!
ND I am happy to be here at Peridance everyday, and meet new people in this nice building!
AK Peridance is really good with international students. All my paperwork was ready on time before I started my studies, and whatever needs I had, have been promptly met. Mrs. Naoko, who is responsible for international students, is very pleasant and helpful and guided me on both my studies in general but also in regards with studying in the Gyrokinesis Program. She has made my studies in the US and Peridance an easy and pleasant journey.
It promises to be an exciting range of styles including Modern, Bollywood, Martial Arts and more!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
GOING GAGA?
PeridanceCapezio Center, in collaboration with OhadNaharin, is thrilled to announce:
Gaga Classes
Offered exclusively in NYC at Peridance!
Starts August 2nd!
Gaga is a movement language developed by OhadNaharin, Artistic Director of Israel’s Bat Sheva Dance Company. Dancers and non-dancers alike reconnect to the way they move as individuals and humans. The technique emphasizes tension release, harnessing your imagination, finding your own passion for movement, and understanding the body as an intrinsic source of power and energy.
Former soloist of 7 years and director of re-staging leads a workshop based on Trisha Brown's infamous style and repertory.
Aug 2, 2010 - Aug 6, 2010; Mon - Fri Technique: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Repertory: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
MariahMaloney a teacher, choreographer and artist brings her strong experience and teaching style to this exciting workshop. In the technique class participants learn movement as the company does with attention to detail, spatial clarity, performance quality and awareness of ensemble. Ms. Maloney places focus on breath and body awareness in order for students to develop proper alignment and a full range of motion, greater coordination and stability. The key lessons learned are applied during the repertory class.
Trisha Brown's choreography has garnered acclaim for pushing the envelope and changing modern dance forever. She has received numerous awards, titles, and honorary doctorates for her work. Her company is regularly seen performing at famous venues world wide.
A unique opportunity to work with founding member Sara Procopio and the Director of OutreachKate Jewett. Shen Wei Dance Arts, known for its distinct interdisciplinary cross-cultural style, fuses together theater, Chinese opera, and visual art. Meant for the forward-looking audience, the company continually receives invitations to perform at famous venues worldwide.
The workshop is separated into two classes. The first, a technique class, forges a pathway for the mind and body to approach dance in a new way. Dancers investigate movement ideas which include breath, internal energy, and momentum. In the repertory class students do not only learn selections from company repertory, but they continue exploration. True to Shen Wei's own process, students will draw compositional and movement inspiration from various art forms. Individual and collective research give dancers the opportunity to work on group and solo material within the class.
