Save the Last Dance

It’s hard to believe that a whole semester of dancing has gone by. I have throughly enjoyed being able to share insight into the dance world and I have learned so much myself. This started as a component of my grade in my Intro to New Media Class and now the semester is coming to an end. I hope following my blog was as interesting for you to read as much as I enjoyed researching and passing along knowledge.

I would love to continue keep this blog up and running, but I can’t make any promises that there will be regular updates. All the while, it is my wish that you have saw yourself in videos that have been posted, identified yourself  as a ballet kid or checked out some great dance events. This blog made an entrance on the stage and the music started with all of the information that was shared. Throughout the semester, there were may “routines” with each video, picture or article. As the final song is playing, I want to leave hoping that this summer, if you are in the position to sit back and relax or go dance, I hope that you dance. For now, this is a “see you later”. I give a standing ovation and now, you may exit stage left.

 

 

Hip Hop and Everything in Between

As I have promoted in one of my earlier posts, the Higher Ground Dance Company is getting ready for their spring semester dance show. This non profit student organization raises money to place dance therapy programs in hospitals for children with terminal illnesses. The show is on Sunday, May 4 at noon and 4 p.m. in Loeb Playhouse in the Stewart Center at Purdue University. Tickets are $5 which will be a donation for the Andrea Rizzo Foundation and any other donations will be accepted.

Since I am a huge fan of hip hop, I decided to take a look inside one of the hip hop routines in the show for you all to see. Myself and my sister, Donyea Bradley, choreographed this routine as it is our last semester dancing in the company. The idea behind “Twerk” was just to showcase one of the most talked about dance trends, but of course in a respectable manner. There is a variety of moves that execute the vision for this routine. Hip Hop and Everything in Between soundslides offers knowledge about aspects in hip hop, as well as, some insight about the dancers.

Just in case you missed the details…

Higher Ground Dance Company Spring Semester Show

Sunday, May 4

Noon and 4 p.m.

Loeb Playhouse in Stewart Center (Purdue University)

Tickets $5, other donations are welcome

Fun for all ages!

Summertime Dance

Most academic class aren’t session and what that says to me is more time for dance! There are so many things to do over the summer to improve technique and flexibility or just for fun. During the summer, I usually try to take classes at my local dance studio, just to keep myself active and stay in tact with my skills. I love the summer because there are so many opportunities to include dance in your daily schedule. Here are a few things I would suggest doing over the summer to get your dance fix.

• Search for a dance studio in your community
• Search on YouTube for stretching or technique tutorials
• Watch the new season of “So You Think You Can Dance” that begins on May 28th on FOX!
• Research Dance festivals such as the American Dance Festivals
• Local events that encourage recreational dancing such as “Dancing & Cruising in the Streets” in Lafayette, IN in July

These are just a few ideas to get started but there are many more ideas that can be thought about to get you in the dance mood. While you’re watching TV or at a BBQ, DANCE! It helps you stay active and of course it’s very enjoyable!

History Inherited Review

The Jahari Dance Troupe, an extent of the Black Cultural Center’s performing arts groups showcased their year in review Saturday evening. I was in attendance and I will say that I really enjoyed the performances actually sitting in the audience. The 15 dancers performed 14 dance routines throughout the show that exuded energy and originality encompassing lyrical, jazz, ballet and African styles. The show had an underlying theme of enjoying a celebration of the African culture through rhythm, dance and movement. Even more specifically, this was an opportunity to show how many styles of dances are rooted in African dances.

I appreciated the variety of music that was used. It ranged from pop, hip hop, rap and smooth jazz. Also, the styles were spread across the board and there was a nice balance of everything. The dancers’ experience ranged from beginner to advanced. You could tell how much each dancer enjoyed what they were doing and how they were telling a story through their movements. I thought it was unique to set the show up as a timeline through history as the dance stores modernized themselves towards the end of the show. The audience definitely enjoyed the hip hop sections and I personally enjoyed the modern solo by Sabrina Allen to just words. The brief explanations before each piece set the tone and we were able to see the story come to life on stage. All in all, I would say that the show was very enjoyable and full of life. If you have never been to a performance by the Jahari Dance Troupe, I would strongly suggest making an effort to do so. You can find more information about Jahari Dance Troupe here .

National Dance Week 2014

National Dance Week is here already? Yes, National Dance Week starts tomorrow, April 25 through May 4. If you do not already have plans on how you can celebrate, there is always one thing in particular to look forward to. The third annual flash mob is back again ready to kick off the most wonderful time of the year, for dancers, of course. Your local studio may surprise the class with a traditional performance or festival. National Dance Week website has many options for you to find out what events may be happening in an area near you. The week is filled with essay contests, a dance mob and poster contest. All activities can be found of the National Dance Week official website.

This is the third year that there is a flash mob of the contest is still coming along for the ride. DanceSpirit.com listed the rules on their site. “The rules are simple: Start by learning this year’s official routine, created by choreographer extraordinaire Gregg Russell. Then teach it to a group from your studio or school, or even just a bunch of dance-inclined friends. Make a video of your posse performing the routine, upload it to YouTube, and submit the link to the official NDW site.”

The winners will be chosen by their creativity, votes, and spirit. This is a great way to showcase your own flair and personality. Submissions will be due on June 4, so be sure to get started now with the video!

Be sure to celebrate NDW to help continue their mission to “Celebrate Dance and Promote Fun Fitness!”-National Dance Week website.

 

 

Flawlessly Tapping

There have been so many singing remakes and choreography videos channeling Beyonce’s most recent album. I can say that I have yet to see a tap tribute this flawless. According to SyncopatedLadies.com, “Inspired by her experience working with Beyonce, Chloe Arnold wanted to bring that fierce feminine style to her passion for Tap Dancing.” The Syncopated Ladies are a tap dancing band that “brings fierce rhythms, fast feet, with a feminine touch! With a cutting-edge sound and look, they are the music and the dance.”(Syncopatedladies.com). The tap dancers have traveled around the world for numerous media performances. 25 countries to be exact, including television shows like So You Think You Can Dance and movies like Idlewild.

The ladies have created tap performances to numerous songs and the one I came across was a salute to the fierce lady herself, Beyonce. “WE LOVE TAP. WE LOVE BEYONCE,” the ladies expressed as a result of having Beyonce as their inspiration. Beyonce even gave them a shout out on twitter saying that, “They killed it!” Needless to say, the video went viral through their quick feet and very unique tap shoes. Feel FLAWLESS with the Syncopated Ladies!

For more information about the group’s events, performances and latest news, visit http://www.syncopatedladies.com

Jahari Dance Troupe Spring Revue

Reflecting on the past year, the Jahari Dance Troupe at Purdue University holds is annual recital. Jahari was established in 1971 and is apart of the Black Cultural Center’s performing arts group. It is a student dance company with dancers trained in traditional and contemporary trends of black dance. Most styles include: African dance, ballet, Caribbean, folk, jazz, modern and hip hop. The group has received multiple opportunities to receive training from well established dancers. Jahari is the true expression of the African American experience from African to hip-hop. Jahari’s work is completed with personality and style. The troupe strives to provide excellent aesthetic and kinesthetic awareness to its audience. 

The troupe is hosting their end of the year show on Saturday, April 27. Choreography is by Josh Ishmon and Iega Jeff encompassing lyrical, jazz, ballet and African styles. This is a show that will capture the audience’s attention and portray a true picture of a culture that most are not used to seeing. Having went to performances by this group before, I can say that a show full of energy, life and culture will be prepared and will be very enjoyable.

 

Jahari Dance Troupe Spring Revue

Saturday, April 27 @ 7 p.m.

Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center

$5 Student Tickets, $7 General Public

www.purdue.edu/bcc

 

 

 

Humble Yourself

I’m sure that as dancers we sometimes think we are better at a certain skill, is more flexible, can do more turns better than our teammates or dance mates in our classes. It feels great to be praised when you are actually doing something right and people start to notice. You have received numerous awards, your instructor always asks you to demonstrate, and you have heard people that you may be the best in the class or the studio. Dancers strive for perfection in every different aspect so you push yourself to make sure that you stay on top. It is important, however, to make sure that you make sure that your attitude matches your dance level. The amount of positivity and curiosity about dancing should ooze throughout your personality as well. If you find yourself getting a “big head” from so many compliments, maybe take a step back to appreciate the true value of your talent and attitude.

Here are tips that will help you to further your talents both mentally and physically to live up to being the best.

–Be Proactive: Talk to someone about your goals and what will help you achieve them. Push yourself to go out of your comfort zone and show your diversity.

– Know when to stay and when to go: Be sure to be at a studio that is the right fit for you to grow and achieve. Make sure to explore your options in order to step up training to reach the best of your ability.

Stay grounded: It is so easy to lose sight of the big picture. You have to realize that there may always be someone who may be better than you in some aspect so, stay level headed and try not to get too full of yourself. It’s important to have confidence, but also to stay gracious. 

Widen Your Vocabulary with the ABCs of Dance

From “Arabesque” to “TurF FeinZ”, this list of ABCs of Dance will expand your vocabulary.  I came across a list that takes you through dance trends, famous dancers and dance slang. The video attached below goes along with the list to show the different elements of these terms.

A – Arabesque, Morgan Quinn

B – B-girl, Bgirl Terra

C – Chicken Noodle Soup, Terence Dickson

D – Death Drop, Nick Lanzisera

E – East Coast Swing, Yani Marin, Nathan Kim

F – Finger Tut, John P-Nut Hunt

G – Grand Jeté, Julia Cinquemani

H – Harlem Shake, Amanda Meade-Tatum

I – Indian Bhangra, Reshma Gajjar

J – Jump Style, Høps

K – Krump, Jigsaw

L – Liquid Dance, Phillip ‘Pacman’ Chbeeb

M – Memphis Jookin, Lil Buck

N – Northern Soul, Levanna McLean

O – OMG, Anthony ‘Lil’ Bob’ Cabaero

P – Pole, Nicole ‘The Pole’ Williams

Q – Questionable, Reid Shapiro

R – Rumba, Junior and Emily Alabi

S – Step, Soul Steps: Dionne Norton, Heather DeLeon, Maxine Lyle

T – Twerk, Twerk Team: Lady Luscious, Mizz Twerksum

U – Ultimate, Shofu Tha Beatdown

V – Vogue Hands, Javier Madrid of Legendary House of Ninja

W – Whine, Colleen Craig X – X-press Yourself, Ryan Heffington

Y – YMCA, Allison Chu at Next Models LA

Z – TurF FeinZ: Byron Vincent Sanders Jr aka T7, Donald Brooks aka Torch, Eric Bossett aka Kidd Strobe, Gary Morgan aka Noh-justice, Leon M Williams aka Mann, Rayshawn Thompson aka Looney2smooth

 

To experience A-Z of Dance , check this out and widen your vocabulary.

Do It For The Babies!

Last night, I attended “Rock For Babies: A Battle to Serve,” put on by the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. It was an annual event that raises funds for March of Dimes. The money that is raised supports programs in the community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. It also funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten babies. The organization has been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $2.3 billion to benefit all babies.

The battle event included four dance organizations on Purdue University’s campus: The Purdue Indian Dance Club, Dance 2XS, the Jahari Dance Troupe and Tyler Mason. Each group was judged on their technical abilities and also the crowd’s votes, along with how much money each group raised for the foundation. The event was one that I enjoyed because it allowed people to express themselves in what they love and also help a great cause. I also liked how the groups were very diverse in their dance styles: Bollywood, hip hop and modern. Each group did great, but it was the Purdue Indian Dance Club that came out on top with the dancing itself, crowd votes and proceeds that they raised.