helloiamadancer

I Am A Dancer: Brandon Rachal

Introduce Yourself

My name is Brandon Rachal and I'm 22 years old born and raised in Los Angeles.  I'm currently finishing up my last year at USC studying drama/musical theatre.  I started liturgical dance when I was about 16 at my church with a group called "Living Sacrifices," and realized that not only was this an athletic art form, but therapeutic.  

It was therapeutic for me because it allowed me to express myself in ways that I couldn't articulate in words.  At that time, I was going through some trials in my life that had depressed me for a bit, but I found dance as a way to release it and express it to God.  From then on, I desired to take classes in Modern, African, and Hip-Hop as well as acting classes to infuse storytelling within my movements.

What inspires you?

Vintage clothing. Decades (80's). Janet Jackson. Broadway. Hinton Battle. Gregory Hines. Sometimes environments or cities serve as musings to me - whether its something grand, dilapidated, or historic.

Ultimately, when people are able to articulate their purpose in life and pursue it wholeheartedly with passion and service - that's when I'm impressed and reminded to keep walking in what God has gifted me to do.

Why are you a dancer?

I am a dancer because it allows me to express the human spirit truthfully through character and movement.  I would always like to give an aspect of storytelling and freedom through dance, that goes beyond just mere choreography and technique.

I've come to realize that dance and musical theatre is a service-related field that is not about self, but raises the question of: How can I heal this person's life?  How can I uplift them?  How can I serve them?

It would be of disservice to an audience member who paid $50 - $200 for a ticket only to see a poor delivery of such an angelic art form.  My goal would always be to heal and express the freedom of the human spirit, whether I'm dancing backup for Chris Brown or musicals like The Lion King.  I strive to have a servant's heart.

What was on of the most notable challenges you've overcome as a dancer?

Being told that dance wasn't for guys.  That's when I learned that we have to be careful about what we tell others what they can or can not do, because we never know the vision God gives them.  

On a side note: it's a great way to attract young ladies.

Any advice you wish to share with other dancers?

Take the time to study your craft.  It pays off in the end.  This is a very competitive industry. If you want to work in musical theatre/Broadway, having a solid foundation in dance, voice, and acting classes can have awesome benefits and you will always get work.  

Stay punctual and have a good work ethic.  Time is of essence and once it's lost, you can't get it back.

Be teachable.  Know why you want to be in this field - write out a mission for yourself.

If you want to submit your story to Hello I Am A Dancer click here for more details.

I Am a Dancer: Katara Phelps

Introduce Yourself

My name is Katara Phelps.  I am 24 years old and I am from Tampa, Fla. I started training at the age of 9 at Firethorn Dance School in Temple Terrace, Fla. I decided to take a break because I did not look like everyone in my class and I did not feel welcome.

During my break with dance I joined my high school step team for 3 years of high school. Deprived of dance when I graduate high school then began training at Hillsborough Community College. I was given the opportunity to go to New World School of the Arts, Miami Fla for one summer in 2007.

I am currently attending Brenau University currently in my junior year.

What inspires you?

Having a passion and being hungry to accomplish my goals inspires me. I have witnessed a lot of growth in my technique and my performance quality and I can’t stop now.. 

Why are you a dancer?

DANCE IS MY LIFE!! It’s my voice, my escape zone, my passion. I was given a talent that can touch others and I’m going to use it for as long as I am allowed to.

What is one of the most notable challenges you've overcome as a dancer?

As a young African-American dancer, there are a lot of challenges I had to over come. My body type for one, which then interfered with my confidence level. As I grew, I learned how to use and WORK my body type that I was blessed with because at the end of the dance my viewers will feel my passion!

Any advice you wish to share with other dancers?

Never give up, no matter what! If you want to dance…. Dance!! Only you can stop yourself from reaching the top. Give it your all!

If you're on Twitter or have a blog or website let us know

@LadiYaya813

Do Black Dancers Have A Place In Ballet?

This is an excerpt from an article written by Virginia Johnson for the Huffington Post:

Once again a different perspective on the art form will enliven the field, but the absence of role models is not the only reason ballet remains so pale. The high cost of training for a career in ballet (though let us not assume that there are no African Americans of means who can afford to do so) and a literal old guard who prized a cookie-cutter similarity in the dancers they put on their stages stood in the way of diversifying the art form are certainly factors, but there are also systemic aesthetic and political issues that contribute to the exclusion blacks from ballet.

One of them is no doubt the notion of an idealized body. This essential aspect of ballet has often been cited as a reason to exclude black dancers. It hardly needs to be stated how great a mistake it is to assume that one group is uniquely qualified and another uniquely unqualified as it is also a mistake to hold the art form hostage to 19th century ideals of beauty in which pale skin was equated with goodness and dark with evil. No thinking person would allow him or herself to indulge in these kinds of discrimination, but such prejudices persist below the level of thought.

Ballet's aesthetics have evolved. Compare the slope shouldered wasp-waisted Taglioni perched on the petal of a flower with George Balanchine's ideal of a small-headed, long legged Amazon capable of fleet, space-gobbling, off-kilter movement. Balanchine himself dreamed of a company equally divided between blacks and whites. And even looking at the company he founded, New York City Ballet, the favored body-type has continued to change. And, as has been pointed out, a new, enlightened generation of artistic directors is broadening the perception of what ballet can look like by bringing dancers of color to their companies.

Beyond the physical look of ballet though, is the notion of what the ballet has come to signify an aspirational ideal. Historically, the classical arts, opera, music, ballet have been seen to convey the highest expression of the human spirit. They were closed clubs whose cachet was exclusivity. On the outside were all of those who did not match a particular set of standards. While ballet is an exclusive form of expression--only the truly inspired, strong and exceptionally gifted can master this rigorous artform, none of the aforementioned is contingent on race, ethnicity or nationality.

One of the opportunities we have now that a more substantive discussion of the role of diversity in the classical arts is arising, is the question, not of whether blacks belong in the art form, but what, exactly is the role of art at this point in human history, and how can that best be fulfilled? We are not living in a colonial world in which culture is a weapon of dominance. It is time to think differently: the art of ballet as a common language that transcends difference that can build unity.

 

Read the entire article here.

What are your thoughts?

Dwana Smallwood from Ailey to South Africa

Recognized as one of today's best modern dancers, Dwana Smallwood was living the dream as a performer in the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City.

However, she then decided to answer a new calling and become director of student affairs at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls—South Africa. Watch as Dwana opens up about her decision to come to the school and what she hopes to teach her students. Plus, meet the student Dwana says she can see herself in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neo Ballet

I love to hear about new and innovative dance companies around the world. M

Today, we bring to you Neo Ballet of London.

Neoballet’s multinational dancers defy the boundaries of the conventional ballet performance, putting emphasis on a dramatic characterization revealing the true essence of neo-classical ballet infused by Tango, live percussion and modern rhythms like House and Drum ‘n’ Bass.

Led by the 27-year old Argentinean choreographer Maria Clara Irisarri,  the company seeks to revloutionize the world of ballet.

"I want to bring ballet into the masses, make it popular, exciting, fun, non elitist. I am passionate about each of my creations, for me dancing is about telling a story with your body. I want people to feel moved by the dancers on stage, seduced by the music, and leave the theatre with a smile on their faces," Maroa Clara said.

http://neoballet.co.uk/

 

I Am A Dancer: Adam Parson

Introduce Yourself:

My name is Adam Parson and I am the Artistic Director/Choreographer of Commonality Dance Company. I've been fortunate as a dancer to have travelled around the world performing and doing jobs for The White House, Power Rangers, Prince, Monica and working with choreographers Marguerite Derricks, Jamie King and Tina Landon to name a few.  Recently I just wrapped up the season of choreographing a halftime show at the Staple Center for the WNBA Sparks, with the Sparkids.

What inspires you?

Music is a big factor in inspiring me to dance and choreograph. It holds so much power if you are willing to give yourself to it. I tell my dancers the what the audience hears should be the appetizer, but what movement they see to that music should be the main course.

My dance company members are also a huge factor in my inspiration.  When someone is willing to give you their time and body, its my responsibility to make sure they are happy that they did, so when I create works I do them knowing that what I create will be challenging but rewarding otherwise whats the point?

Dance Spirit Magazine said I churn out "Unstoppable Dancers" which I though was a huge compliment, but I do want to create dancers who not only dance smart, but think smart!  I recently completed choreography for a dance film called "Love on a Sunday Afternoon" featuring 10 amazing African American dancers. It was directed by the amazing Jamila Glass, now THAT inspires me, seeing so many people of color creating magic is awesome!

Why are you a dancer?

I dance because its the best way to constantly learn and take stock of who I am. Direct life experiences come out in my dancing that I don't realize until I start moving.

What is one of the most notable challenges you've overcome as a dancer?

Well I started dancing at 26, so that was a big challenge for me but I welcomed it because I loved dancing so much and wanted to be the best I could at it.

Any advice you wish to share with other dancers?

Take class from as many teachers that you can in your beginning career. We all have our favorites but if you stick with your favorites you lose the opportunity for you to grow as much as you can as an artist. Don't get me wrong, I have my favorite teachers as well, but I have to take from other people all the time so I know I'm challenged mentally and physically.

 As I stated earlier, the more knowledge you have about your art, the better dancer you will become. Its as simple as that.  Also, if you are planning on being a serious dancer, take all dance styles, particularly ballet for you Hip Hoppers, and Hip Hop for you Ballet people, Jazz for you tappers, and Tap for you Jazzers!  Contemporary and Modern have been injected into all dance styles now so you have to know them.

As an African American, I have to know where I come from and proudly know my history. It's a part of who I am and since dance is my life, I would say get to know the history of your art form, know the choreographers that changed the game for dancers, know the names of dances that have stood out over time.( The lines have started blurring and forms are slowly starting to merge. If you want to be employable, you have be able to do  it all.

Twitter @adamparson ( have a website coming up!) www.adamparson.com

If you want to submit your story to Hello I Am A Dancer click here for more details.

CONCEPT VIDEO by Stephanie Imbornone + Tony Tucker

Stephanie  Imbornone, one of our Facebook fans, submitted this video of her latest project. Share your thoughts and show some love.

 

Director: Stephanie Imbornone
Choreography & Dancers: Stephanie Imbornone and Tony Tucker
Director of Photography & Editing: Chelsea Blackmore
Music: Chris Brown "Don't Judge Me"

Oh Snap: Debra Bazile

I'm a bit intrigued with dance photography. Oh Snap are images I captured of gracious dancers who lent their time to me. Enjoy.

Sasha Caicedo Dances

 

 

photo by Michael Litvak Photography

Sasha Caicedo was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She trained  at New World School of the Arts for both the high school and college BFA program.

Since moving to San Francisco, California, Sasha continues her passion and takes the stage at any chance; dancing in numerous festivals and company events, as well as promotional videos for commercial products. 

At the moment, Sasha has completed her first season with David Herrera Performance Company, and continues to work happily with choreographer Breton-Tyner Bryan. She is excited what this year will bring.

Teaching Dance in Miami's Inner Cities

Today's post comes from Rod Davis, artistic director of Genesis Dance Company in Miami, Fl. Davis has  taught dance in South Florida's inner city communities for two decades.

We hope to occasionally feature issues and ideas from professionals in the dance world.

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By Rod Davis

The most common words used to describe inner city dance programs are "entertaining, high energy, great stage presence, and emotional." What you don't hear used often is "high level of technique, innovative and competitive."

Inner city dance programs are perceived as recreational dance programs and not the consistent provider of powerhouse dancers. However, due to a lack resources---the ambitious dancers (those who can afford it or those who receive scholarships) leave for other studios and programs to further their education.  

Most inner city dance programs lack financial resources, access to professional teachers, versatile curriculum, and participation in dance competitions/conferences. Some inner city dance programs are faced with focusing on the popular styles of dance as  seen on TV and music  videos to keep their doors open.

Parents and children are attracted to the familiarity of today's dance styles done by popular music artists and street dance crews. There are many great rewards for dancers in the hip-hop dance scene, especially when they possess a mix bag of styles.

However, the popularity of hip-hop keeps many inner city children from studying other dance techniques, most importantly ballet. The discipline and structure of ballet and modern techniques are not as appealing as the fast stylish pace of hip-hop. Also, our children see fewer images of professional black ballet/contemporary dancers and choreographers.

Dance studio owners/teachers in inner city programs are faced with many challenges to run a successful program. Attracting professional teachers is a struggle due to limited compensation and the perception of inner city children.  The children are eager to "shake their tail feathers," but they are not always  prepared for the the discipline and structure of formal dance training.

Click here for the rest of the essay