Faculty Newsflash: Summer 2013

Peridance faculty has been busy this summer!

Tracie Stanfield's company, Synthesis Dance Project, will be performing as featured artists in the Booking Dance Festival in Scotland August 14 - 18. Earlier this summer the company performed in Bryant Park. Wish them luck abroad, and catch them at the Salvator Capezio Theater before they leave!

Brice Mousset has a pipeline of projects for his company Oui Danse, such as dance installations in the Hamptons this August. Currently, he is rehearsing for the Summer Faculty Showcase at Peridance's Salvatore Capezio Theater --save the dates this August 17-18th.

Jose Traba  successfully started a Beginner Workshop at Peridance with a very enthusiastic group, going on now through Mid-August.  In addition, he was invited to teach the company class for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Master Classes for private schools in the tristate area.

Graciela Kozak was in Mexico for two weeks teaching Ballet at the Flamenco Festival of Iberica Contemporanea, where she met current-day stars of Flamenco, as well as several world-famous Flamenco guitar players. This August Graciela will be part of The Ailey Experience workshop.


Meet more of Peridance's esteemed faculty on our website, and hope to see you in class or at the Showcase!

NYC Dance Week feat. Jazz & More! Meet Faculty Shelly Hutchinson

"These last couple of years, what's inspired me most as a choreographer and instructor, are classic comeback stories and the human spirit. These tales of tenacity and resilience consistently renew my creativity." - Shelly Hutchinson

Shelly and son, who's already learning to dance ;)

With her 18-month old son in her lap and students from Wednesday's Adult Beginner Jazz class exiting the room and showering her with compliments on a fun learning experience, Shelly Hutchinson is an energetic artist who clearly has also mastered the art of multitasking. Shelly teaches Jazz at Peridance, and is one of the all-encompassing dance studio's roster of talented faculty.

"I began choreographing when I was four years old!" she beamed, trying to put into words how important dance is to her. Shelly explained how she loves teaching beginner's classes and instilling students with the basics and fundamentals of movement. It was almost as if it was her way of bringing sunshine into the world, "I just love putting that out there!" Shelly said.

When considering which dance class is right for you, she advised, "You can never go wrong with a basic or slower-paced class. Though, at the same time, you shouldn't be afraid to push yourself to the next level."

Not only has Shelly pushed herself to new heights, she's working hard to mold, shape and mentor young dancers. Her workshops "Uncovered Choreographers" aims at helping 13-25 year-old dancers discover their unique artistic voices and choreographic styles. The program is also open to established professionals and offers to help them channel and reconnect to "sources of creativity," she adds.

As we wrapped up our brief conversation, Shelly insisted, "The best teacher is the best student." So whether barely beginning or very advanced, the classroom is productive place for all!

Interested in trying a new style? Peridance has several to choose from, see our NYC Dance Week promotions to get started.

We have two more free classes today, Friday June 28th!

Advanced Beginner Ballet with Jamie Salmon 5:30-7:00pm
Open Zumba Workshop with Sifa 6:30-8:00pm

Be sure to register to take advantage of the NYC Dance Week offer:
http://nycdanceweek2013.eventbrite.com/

Interview by Judi Huck

Ballet: Good for the Mind, Good for the Body - Instructor Kathy Sullivan

"Rely on what you know already--music, yoga, Hip Hop… Ballet is just a different language of moving to music." -- Kathy Sullivan

Peridance Capezio Center has a world-renowned faculty of nearly 100 instructors. We sat down with ballet instructor Kathy Sullivan, leading one of our popular Adult Beginner classes, now on promotion with NYC Dance Week.

Photos by Judi Huck, PR + Design at Peridance Capezio Center

For students who come to my class after years of being away from dance or ballet, they usually find themselves pleasantly surprised as to how quickly it comes back to them!  Muscle memory is amazing! One student, for instance, had not taken ballet in quite a while, but once in the class, their reaction was "Omg, there it is!"

For others who are just beginning, I notice a lot of folks who have been curious about taking ballet or dance for some time. They just never had to the opportunity to take a class. This applies to guys, especially! I have a great deal of respect for absolute beginner students, for trying something new and stepping outside of their comfort zone. That takes a lot of guts!!

Regardless of whether a student is getting back in the swing of things or trying ballet for the first time, I always put myself in their shoes and am as patient and understanding as I can be. Honestly, I really like teaching the “foundation” level classes, where you truly have to *teach* and break down the technique. I find that aspect immensely rewarding.

 

Kathy helping a beginning ballet student with a "retire"

No one should feel awkward from any lack of experience. All of us have to start somewhere. You can't give birth to a perfect pirouette, it takes time to develop and requires practice and persistence. The adult students I work with are always hardworking and intelligent; they also learn very quickly.

We address beginner anxiety and shyness by keeping the class atmosphere fun and light-hearted. To help students feel comfortable with their body image, I say that the mirror is a visual tool to help see the ballet form and line, not for criticizing ourselves.

Ballet Attire for Newbies

In terms of what to wear, ballet slippers are ideal but socks are OK to start. In general, it's best to dress in comfortable exercise clothing (but no exposed midriffs) to allow the teacher to see your alignment and posture.

I find with adults dancers, it becomes more than a classroom experience. Like yoga, ballet has a calming, centering effect, and provides a very satisfying feeling after you finish class. It is a great way to start the day and carries over to your entire life!

NYC Dance Week students in "cambre de cote"

Kathy currently teaches: 

Ballet
 Beginner Level

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:45-10:00am

In addition to teaching at Peridance and other studios, she is the creator of The Ballet Glider: www.balletglider.com.

Have a question for Kathy? Tell us in the comments!

Five Quick Q's with Faculty Member Breton Tyner-Bryan

What made you decide to pursue dance professionally?

Enough people told me not to :) -- Breton Tyner-Bryan

photo Steven Trumon Gray

I think my heart would jump out of my chest and run away, if I were not to dance. When I was 8 years old I got to perform for the first time in a huge opera house. I didn't want to leave the stage, I think I actually stayed beyond my cues. I knew then that I wanted to feel that way for the rest of my life....

To me dance is a science, a brilliant language where beauty and function meet. In a studio, on a stage, it's the one place where I can truly express all facets of myself. I don't think I would get out of bed in the morning for anything else.




Why New York?
I love the rush and hustle of NYC. At this point in my career I really wanted and needed to be around artist that value dance as much as I do. I feel that everyone in NYC is passionately pursuing their area of expertise. I love being around that energy.

photo Afshin Odabaee

What made you decide to teach the Peridance Certificate Program?
I enjoy teaching dancers of all ages and levels, but truly love working with dancers on the cusp of their professional careers. I feel I have a lot to offer because I am still performing, and not that far from what my students are experiencing.




Any advice for the graduating seniors?
No one can stop you from being amazing. Enjoy being truly who you are, there is much power there. BE YOURSELF.

Aside from dancing, what do you enjoy doing?
I'm a type A workaholic, but I have a lot of interests outside of dance. I like to paint and sew, I'm always learning new languages. I want to fly planes one day, I love to sail and be on the water. I'm a very visual person, and appreciate anything with design.

The above interview of Peridance Certificate Program instructor is by Tina Wang, graduate of the Certificate Program Ballet/Contemporary Track, Class of 2013.

Scholarship auditions for the Certificate Program are this weekend! Learn more below, and encourage a friend to apply!

Annual Certificate Program Scholarship Audition

 

Hey Anabella! What's Up?

Anabella Lenzu/DanceDrama writes "The very worst costume I ever wore was that of a cockroach...

"In New York, I spent part of one summer dancing for Alice Farley Dance Theater. One of our first events was at a fancy hotel at a party for the Mayor of New York City...I put on my costume and I took my place. My creative costume was a real challenge because my bottom was the head of the insect, and my head was its bottom. My hands were its legs, and my legs were its pincers. Everything was backwards, and my torso and thighs were attached to a skate board. I used a dust-blocking face mask because the floor was 2 centimeters from my nose. I remember seeing very elegant shoes and well-groomed legs and ankles, and I saw people drop food on the floor. That’s how I, flamboyant Argentine choreographer, came to be a cockroach on the floor of a high-end hotel, crawling among the politicians."

This excerpt is from Anabella's recently published book, "Unveiling Motion and Emotion."

 Have you had a similar experience? Because who hasn't dressed up like a cockroach at some point?

Faculty Spotlight

In March 2011 the 15th Annual Internationales Solo-Tanz-Theater Festival in Stuttgart, Germany awarded First Prize for Choreography to frequent Peridance Guest Artist, Sidra Bell for the solo Grief Point. Dancer Moo Kim from Korea was awarded First Prize for Performance in Grief Point. The solo will tour Germany in November 2011 and have its South American debut in Brazil in April. Congratulations from everyone at Peridance Sidra!

 For more on Sidra Bell and her workshops at Peridance Click here.

Watch the winning solo below. 

Grief Point, A Dance Work by Sidra Bell

Faculty Spotlight: Greg Zane

Greg Zane has had a career in the performing arts as a dancer, actor, director, choreographer, and teacher. Learn a little about his approach to teaching and his work as a director.

What drew you to dance?

As a child I watched musical films and always wanted to dance, but I was never given the opportunity to take classes. I took my first dance class in college at the University of San Francisco and immediately fell in love. As a result of my experience in college I chose to go to the Atlanta Ballet for a year and a half and was privileged to attend David Howard’s Studio on scholarship where I studied with some of my future mentors Peter Schabel, Diana Cartier, and Alaine Haubert.

Training with them I gained a greater insight to my own body making me a smarter dancer and preparing me to work through technical problems myself once I began performing professionally. I was able to breakdown the steps and discover where I need to alter my approach to the technique to attain the quality I wanted. 

What brought you to New York?

I moved to New York, in 1996 after being cast in a revival of The King & I, a show that has brought me many opportunities since then.

How did you begin teaching?

Peter Schabel asked me to substitute teach some of his classes and at a later point Diana Cartier need a sub for her open classes. After testing teaching out as a sub I realized that it was a more fulfilling job than waiting tables. Gradually I took on my own teaching jobs and developed a real love it.

Faculty News

Spring Updates from Your Peridance Faculty!

Brian Carey Chung was recently accepted into Columbia University's Pre-med program. He hopes to become a Doctor of Physical Medicine and apply that knowledge to helping dancers heal from injuries.

Sifa Marta's dance group THe Zifadanz Group will be performing with Rob Voisey's Vox Novus in 60x60 Dance, May 21st as part of Dance Parades's Dance Fest. (Tompkins Square Park, 4pm)

Antonia Katrandijeva's Overground Physical Theater Company is performing at DTW June 29th-July 2nd, 7:20pm. For tickets visit www.dtw.org.

Andrea Beeman will be performing at:

Tagine Dining Gallery on April 30 & May 7th 9:30 & 11:30pm shows.

Lafayette Grill on May 15th 2-5pm.

The Dance Parade on May 21st 3-7pm in Tompkins Square Park.

Bill Hastings just completed a three week residency at Jacob's Pillow regarding the work of Jack Cole, the father of Theater Dance as we know it.

Ashley Carter's DoubleTake Dance Compny is performing on May 14th at Schermerhorn Performance Space, a choreographers series presented by the Brooklyn Ballet. Tickets available here. Also stay tuned for a full-length this summer! Check www.DoubleTakeDanceCo.com.

Korhan Basaran will be teaching a modern guest series at DNA the last week of May. He is also looking for male dancers for a Gala Performance taking place in June. Check out his facebook for more info or take his class Mondays @ 1pm.

Rachel List will be performing with The New York Baroque Dance Company in a Handel Festival taking place in Goettingen, Germany this May & June. The company will perform Handel's opera "Teseo" and with the Hanoverian Court Orchestra.

Anabella Lenzu's DanceDrama will be performing with the 60x60 Project at the Dance Parade Festival, May 21st 2-4pm in Tompkins Square Park.

The Limon Professional Studies Program (PSP) 2010/11 is performing on May 13th at MMAC, 7:30pm.

Faculty News

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 Williams choreographed 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.

Boogie Box was featured on the Dr. Oz Show! Watch the clip on Dr. Oz’s website: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/boogie-burn-calories Check out Boogie Box classes at Peridance with Katie Schultz.

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

Peridance Faculty Member in Performance

Peridance Tap teacher, TONY MAYES presents: Sound Check!

"Sound Check", a Tap Dance Journey will be held at Dance Theater Workshop in New York, April 14-18, 2010.

For tickets to Tony's show, go to dtw.org