To the Pointe...
The Buglisi Dance Theatre
(formerly Buglisi-Foreman Dance) will return to The Joyce Theater for a March 12-18 season with two programs of works by Jacqulyn Buglisi. Dancers include Terese Capucilli and Christine Dakin, original founding members of the Company in 1993, and special guests will be Martine Van Hamel and Robert La Fosse. As new gateways and visions open for the Company on its thirteenth year, it announces that Jacqulyn Buglisi has assumed full directorship. The repertory of Buglisi Dance Theatre will continue to include works by Buglisi, Donlin Foreman, and guest choregraphers.
Northeast Ohio Cancer Survivors Turn to Dance for Fresh Start New Exercise Program at The Gathering Place Uses Salsa, Disco, Other Dance as Means of Rehabilitation
Northeast Ohio cancer survivors are looking to dance as a way to address the effects of cancer and its treatment. On Jan. 16, The Gathering Place launched Fresh Start, a free, four-week sampler of low impact, high energy exercises, featuring several different styles of dance, including salsa, disco and tribal. Coupled with support sessions, the program is designed as a way to help overcome the physical and psychological side effects that can occur within the first year after treatment, including fatigue, anxiety and image-related self-consciousness.
"Dance as a form of exercise is picking up momentum across the country, and since it's a low impact, high energy exercise, cancer survivors are really engaging in this phenomenon," said Ellen Heyman, program director at The Gathering Place. "Last year we launched our first belly dancing class, and our participants loved it so much so that it's become a regular part of our programming. Fresh Start builds off that popularity and introduces cancer survivors to a unique exercise regimen as a way of rehabilitation and recovery."
According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, dancing helps reduce stress, increase energy and improve strength, flexibility and coordination, and The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says dancing helps decrease blood pressure and manage weight. In addition, the weight bearing movements of dance can strengthen muscles, joints and bones in the legs and hips, which is important in maintaining bone health for those overcoming disease.
In addition to dance instruction and other exercise components, the Fresh Start program will include one-hour support group sessions and nutritional information. Fresh Start will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday, from Jan. 16-Feb. 6, 2007. The program is open to both men and women who have completed cancer treatment within the last year. Registration is required by contacting The Gathering Place at 216.595.9546.
The Gathering Place is a non-profit, community-based cancer support center that focuses on the social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of individuals with cancer and their family and friends. With programs provided free of charge, The Gathering Place's services are designed to complement traditional medicine with a mind-body-spirit approach. Since its inception, The Gathering Place has helped more than 10,000 people touched by cancer with more than 75,000 visits. The Gathering Place has 350 active volunteers and an annual budget of $1.1 million.
The Gathering Place is located at 23300 Commerce Park in Beachwood , Ohio . Contact the organization at 216.595.9546 or visit The Gathering Place online at www.touchedbycancer.org.
Sunday, March 25, marks the fourth season of Scarsdale Ballet Studio's annual student workshop, Concert Dance. Two performances will be presented at 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M., at the Dance Theatre Lab in the Dance Conservatory at SUNY Purchase, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, New York. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
"The workshop has become a tradition at the school, and is offered as an important part of our dancers' education," states Diana White, director of the school. "It is far more than just a recital. The goal is to give our dancers the opportunity to experience first hand what it is like to work in a professional ballet company. They are asked to commit more time, and to make their work a priority. Many dancers will be working in several of the ballets that will be presented, which requires a great deal of strength and endurance. We endeavor to create a truly professional environment."
The program will include works choreographed by Scarsdale Ballet Studio's three master teachers. Diana White will restage "Carousel Waltz," which was premiered at the Westchester Philharmonic on the occasion of their 20th anniversary celebration in 2003. A second piece by Ms. White, "Homage to Mr. B.," will be presented as well. Pedro Ruiz has created a new work inspired by the music of Astor Piazzolla. His contemporary ballet is abstract, exploring elements of both ballet and modern technique for dancers on pointe. Anastasia Edery is setting Act One of "Cinderella," after the work of Russian choreographer, Rostislaz Zakharov, to the music of Sergei Prokofiev. "While originally presented in the 1950's, the mid-20th century ballet has a fresh contemporary look," said Ms. Edery.
To order tickets for Concert Dance 4, or for further information about Scarsdale Ballet Studio, please call 914-725-8754, or visit the web-site at www.scarsdaleballetstudio.com
Blue Suede Shoes
Artistic/Executive Director Dennis Nahat, of Ballet San Jose', has announced an extension of the original production dates for "Blue Suede Shoe." Five additional performances have been added to the schedule. Originally slated to close on March 22nd, the popular ballet featuring 36 original recordings by Elvis Presley will now run through March 25th and will add evening performances on Friday and Saturday March 23 and 24 and matinee performances on Saturday, March 17 and Saturday/Sunday March 24 and 25. Single tickets for all performances are now. Call the Box Office: 408.288.2800 or visit the Ballet online at www.balletsanjose.org
The Tallahassee Ballet December's "The Nutcracker" was choreographed by their new Artistic Director, Henry Hernandez. There were new sets, costume design by Ann Todd and lighting design by Ben Wavell. The character of Herr Drosselmeyer was played by Mr. Hernandez with a fresh and dramatic approach that delighted the audience. Rick McCullough, from Florida State University, performed the role of Dr. Silberhaus and joined Zoica Tovar (Sugar Plum Fairy), Andres Estevez (her Cavalier) and Etienne Diaz (Nutcracker Prince) from Orlando Ballet, blending together and creating a whirlwind of excitement. The audience was captivated.
Julie Montanaro, local news anchor from WCTV, had a cameo appearance as Mère Gigogne (The Woman Who Lived in a Shoe). Mère Gigogne and her children replaced Mother Ginger and the Polichinelles, and emerged from a gargantuan gingerbread shoe, performing their endearing little dances. The Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra under the able
direction of Douglas Fisher, provided a harmonious, clear sound enhancing the production. The Tallahassee Ballet will present "Alice in Wonderland" and "Paquita" on May 5th and 6th.
Cuban Pete & Barbara Craddock to Teach Encore Mambo/Salsa Series at Dancer's Dream
Join Cuban Pete and Barbara Craddock for an encore mambo/salsa dance series on Saturday, March 24, 2007, at Dancer's Dream in Pembroke Pines, FL. Beginner's class will meet from 1-2 PM, and intermediate/advanced classes will meet from 2-3 PM. In the beginner class, participants will learn to hear and identify clave and apply it in basic mambo/salsa patterns. In the intermediate/advanced class, participants will use clave timing in mid-level styling shines, patterns, spins and turns. A certificate of completion will be issued after 2 hours instruction in either level. Dancer's Dream is located at 7909 Pines Blvd. , Pembroke Pines , FL , 33024. For information and registration, please contact Tammy Shea, Dancer's Dream, at 954-966-3838. For information on Cuban Pete and Barbara Craddock, visit www.salsapower.com/cubanpete or call 305-931-3336.
Marcelo Gomes and Sarah Smith
both dancers with American Ballet Theatre, will perform the lead roles in Boca Ballet Theatre's spring production of "Romeo and Juliet." Performances will be held March 30-April 1 at FAU's University Theatre in Boca Raton, FL. For more information, call them at 561.995.0709 or visit the Ballet at www.bocaballet.org
Miami City Ballet News
MCB's Contemporary Dance Series will present their 2nd program, March 23-24, at the MCB studios. This program will feature four works including Edward Villella's Brazilian-themed ballet, "Gismonti Brasil;" Christopher Wheeldon's "Liturgy;" Twyla Tharp's "Nine Sinatra Songs; and a work by Miami City Ballet dancer Daniel Baker. Call the MCB Box Office toll free at 877.929.7010 or go to www.miamicityballet.org
Miami City Ballet School students will perform "Carnival of the Animals" at the Jackie Gleason Theater for the Performing Arts, Miami Beach, on March 28th. For ticket information, contact the MCB Box Office.
Jazz on Tap
The 20th annual Jazz on Tap (the metro Atlanta Jazz and Tap Dance Festival), hosted by DanceFest, Inc. and Dancentre South Company will be presented March 2-4 at the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center Theatre at Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta, Georgia. This year's festival showcases performances by over 45 companies from the metro Atlanta area and throughout the US. For workshop and performance tickets or additional information, phone 770.516.7229.
Following this event, on March 10-11, will be BalletFest Atlanta 2007. Founder and Artistic Director, Marcus Alford gathers companies in a non-competitive atmosphere to participate in master classes for students and performances showcasing local and regional performers. Additional information is available at www.dancefestinc.com