thewinger.com » 2006

David Parsons in Sao Paulo

July 31, 2006 at 10:50 pm · Filed under dance, dance event, CATHY, brazil, modern

davidparsons 009.jpg

| | Posted by Cathy
Today I attended the David Parsons Dance Company - they are touring in brazil, and here in sao paulo, they did 3 shows.

I must say, it was a huge experience to me. I guess I was too narrow minded when talking about dance in general, I always only had eyes to classical ballet, and I would rarely go to modern dance ones - only to the companies I like (for example grupo corpo, a brazilian dance company - they’re just awesome, vibrant and cheerful. link here)

It really opened my eyes - and showed me that dance is not only about classical ballet. Also, it makes so much easier to follow my dreams this way, once I know it would be so tough to become a classical ballerina in a big company, due to the limited education here. That means I’d have to wait for an opportunity to be able to study dance abroad.

Well, the performance itself, was absolutely perfect. What I particularly like, besides the dance of course, was the original and creative use of the light.
It started with “Wolfgang'’, a piece with Mozart music. I loved the costumes, the choreography was rich, but the dancers didn’t pass me a lot of energy in this piece, although I liked it very much.
Then, they danced “Hand Dance”, a very fun piece, with the light focusing on the dancers hands, and they’d make funky movements and awesome effects. I had fun watching this one, it was a great idea.
And the dance I was waiting anxiously - with music by Dave Matthews Band (I LOVE their music, I’m a huge fan) - came afterwards. Excelent choice of the songs (Stay, When the world ends, pantala naga pampa, Satellite), and god, I almost got into the stage. It was fast, vibrant, full of energy, dancers were at their peak at this time of the performance, amazing choreography. I liked how they danced in jeans - stretchy jeans, as a matter of fact. I want those too!

After the Intermission, “Caught”, a very impressive work, where looks like the dancer is floating in the air, with the help of effects with the light. So so so awesome.
Then there was “Slow dance”, a piece that did not entertain me much, and to end, “Shining Star”, with music by Earth wind and fire. So 70’s! The white outfits were stunning and the dancers were really in the mood of the music.

| | Posted by Cathy

[WING005] carla, rehearsing at pnb with sonia dawkin

July 31, 2006 at 10:13 pm · Filed under ballet, dance, choreographers, rehearsal, dancers, video, podcast, CARLA, pacific northwest ballet, seattle, vidcast

subscribe to THE WINGER vidcast

| | Posted by Carla
Here is a video from a rehearsal with Sonia Dawkin.
I am doing her ballet “Ripple Mechanics” in Jacob’s pillow. She is very funny and in this video you can really tell how passionate she is and also how loud she is!!!
So it’s her, Kiyon Gaines and James Moore.
Enjoy!

Busy monday

July 31, 2006 at 9:19 pm · Filed under SLOAN, ballet, dance, family, travel, lifestyle, teaching, savannah

| | Posted by Sloan
The Aprés-class piña colada.
After class today I took my mom to Tybee Beach. Afterward we had a nice dinner with Mark, Veronica, Enzo and Sophie.
I’m so wiped out tonight. I had a lot of fun with the kids today, but unfortunately it feels as though the cortisone shot is starting to wear off already! NOOOOOOO!!!

Mom

There’s a girl talking to the metal detector guy!!!?!

Mark and Sophie.

Enzo and an old anchor.

| | Posted by Sloan

Ouch

July 31, 2006 at 9:16 pm · Filed under SLOAN, travel, lifestyle, savannah

| | Posted by Sloan
Feeding the little beast… Ouch!
Glad I don’t have to have a car at home.

Great Lakes Dance Festival in Michigan

July 30, 2006 at 6:30 pm · Filed under dance, travel, dancers, AMYCHAD, modern, AMDC, teaching, michigan

Below are some photos from our recent trip to Michigan for the Great Lakes Dance Festival at Oakland University. Chad and I travelled out together. He was my demonstrater as I am still recovering from hip surgery (this is how I met Kristin Sloan). It was very difficult to teach without moving. I am sure I still did too much! Chad thankfully set the rep piece on the students. The piece is called “Quercus”. It is very quirky movement and definately not particularly pretty as you will see in the photos. It was loads of fun and the students really enjoyed it. They grew so much in the short week we were there. It is always a goal for us to get dancers to thier next level by the time we a through with them and I think we did it! Thier heads are still spinning I imagine!

Amy driving.jpg
Amy driving across NJ, PA, and OH to get to Michigan…10 hours!