Featured Blogs & Diaries

Recent Blogs

MERCURY

Photography: Jeff Busby

Photography: Jeff Busby

Oscar winning actress, Cate Blanchett is the Artistic Director. Mr Giorgio Armani is the patron. I am introducing you to Sydney Theatre Company, home performance venue for the world renowned, Sydney Dance Company. What an amazing venue to house such an incredible dance company. All so shiny and modern, this artsy, wharf side complex encases a book store, bar, restaurant and state of the art theatres.
I recently attended STC to watch Sydney Dance Company`s performance of MERCURY. I must say, simplicity speaks volumes boldly.

Read more

tags Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study, contemporary (all tags)

IT'S BRITNEY B#@*H! Fans walk out on her world tour

Britney's CIRCUS continues around the world but gathers some disappointing press.
Absolutely trashed by fans and media alike for not singing throughout her concert, her lip-synching has caused uproar for ticket holders who paid to hear her live and has fans walking out! Brit and camp claim that her show is too vigorous with all of the dance involved. I went along to see what the fuss is all about.

Read more

tags Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study, pop (all tags)

Fraulein Maria at Dance Theater Workshop

The Nutcracker is always a reliable holiday staple, but why not spice things up a little. Doug Elkins & Friends' "Fraulein Maria" seems to be finding its place among the season's classics.

Packed with just about every style of dance you can think of, the Bessie award-winning "Fraulein Maria" will be at Dance Theater Workshop Dec. 10-12 and 17-19 during their "Holiday Extravaganza" program.

Here is a video to get you in the spirit!

Read more

tags Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Studio, Performance, Dance Theater Workshop, Fraulein Maria (all tags)

Bacon and Egg Salad

Bacon and Egg Salad

Bacon and Egg Salad

If you like your salad to have a bit of zip to thrill your senses. Give this simple recipe a try.  It is light and tangy,  the perfect appetizer or a great complete meal.

Read more

tags Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study (all tags)

Ethics of Professional Dancers

I have been working professionally 'hans solo' aka of my own volition...... for the past 8 years.  Due to my awesome parents and upbringing, I was taught to respect others, respect your career, and it will be reciprocated.

Now transferring that into the dance world.... yes, in auditions, I rock it out, stand in front.  Yes in choreography meetings I sell myself to book that job.  Yes, I cold call and submit my reels to people all over the country, focusing on booking industrials, tv shows, stage and the like, truly believing that I am the best one for the job.

Maybe call it the 29 year old in me, but I would NEVER do this:

Read more

tags Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study (all tags)

Dedication To A Fault

Being a Radio City Rockette was one of the most fulfilling and amazing experiences of my life. I guess it never occurred to me that there would come a day I wouldn't be a Rockette any more. Once I got a spot on the line, I was ready to work as hard as necessary to keep it. That is probably what motivated me to continue performing through the pregnancies of both my children. Dancing did help me keep morning sickness at bay. Nevertheless, being around tall, beautiful, leggy women, when I didn't feel so beautiful wasn't always easy. After having my children (Nina and Deagan,) it was a lot more difficult and guilt inducing going to work. I soon realized it made me a better mom to have my own identity. It also made me a better Rockette having my children look up at me from the audience.  In addition, it helped to keep things in perspective, as it is sometimes hard to do in the midst of a big show. Soon I was in a position where I felt I had to make a choice between my job and my family. The choice of course was clear but my future identity was not.

Read more

tags Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study (all tags)

Men in tutus and pointe shoes ?

Yes, you read correctly. MEN in tutus and pointe shoes!
If you enjoy over the top humor, you had better buy a ticket to see the `Trocks` of Monte Carlo next time they are in a city near you. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is my subject of review this week.

Laughs galore! The audience were riveted and belly laughing for the entire three act duration of skit comedy, choreographed under the guise of classical ballet. Camp and kitch, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is a novelty that has stood the test of time. Initiated in 1974, these men in tights have been entertaining audiences all over the world year on year.

Read more

tags Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study (all tags)