So last night I ventured out to see Contrapose Dance's premiere concert of the same name. I have to say that it was pretty amazing. Since moving to Boston, MA, I have tried to go see as much dance as possible, and this company is definitely one to watch.

Contrapose is unique in that it combines the original works of its members with the work of an established artist/dance company and invites that company to perform/guest artist with the members of Contrapose, showcase thier own work, and choreograph. The results are fabulous!

In a continuation from my previous blog "Survival Guide for......" (http://blog.danceruniverse.com/blog/story/2008/3/4/194256/7780) I am going to talk about more ways to promote yourself.

The evolution of technology has opened the possibilities of advertising for dance studios, dancers and choreographers. Years ago everything was on VHS tapes. We had to find that dumb wire and hook two VCR's together to kinda patch together clips of work onto one tape. The process was dangerous because you never knew if you had hooked the VCR's correctly. There was always the possibility of erasing your master tape. Some people actually paid editing professionals to create their reels.Advanced programs for your computer make editing a reel onto DVD seem like a piece of cake. (MMMM  white chocolate raspberry cheesecake)

What's a reel? What should a reel contain? How much is too much?

With Peridance Center on 13th Street in NYC undergoing renovations for a brand-new state of the art facility, the studio will offer reduced rate for classes purchased through the month of April. Depending on the payment plan selected, classes can cost as little as $14. The promotion offers three plans:

Calling all professional and pre-professional tap dancers!  The American Tap Dance Foundation is looking for solo and group performers interested in showcasing their talents in New York.

In May 2007 Dance Parade New York brought together over 4000 dancers and 13 floats down New York's Broadway and Fifth Avenue in the first-ever parade and festival to celebrate all forms of dance--everything from African to Zydeco, Belly to Break dance and Salsa to Swing. The first year success showed that Dance Parade can and should grow to be a positive force and energetic expression of our diverse dance communities.

On Saturday May 17th 2008 we will once again join colorful floats, live bands and dj's to dance in the streets to Contra, Disco, Clogging, Ballroom, Irish Step, Hip Hop, Swing, Ballet, Japanese, Sufi, Samba and more - over 27 forms demonstrating that Dance is a vibrant, expressive form of art.

Info on how to participate in New York's Second Annual Dance Parade after the jump!!

JACOB'S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 76TH SEASON:

A POWER-PACKED INTERNATIONAL SEASON OF COMPANY DEBUTS, WORLD PREMIERES, EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS

300 TICKETED AND FREE PERFORMANCES, CLASSES, TALKS, AND EXHIBITS JUNE 14 THROUGH AUGUST 24, 2008

Dedicated to its mission to support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for the art of dance, Jacob's Pillow presents its international 2008 season of significant, ground-breaking and inviting dance.  

This year, in its 76th season, the Pillow introduces to the U.S. numerous artists and works, such as England's Hofesh Shechter Company and Ko & Edge Company of Japan; brings innovative companies and programs  including Ballet Boyz, Trey McIntyre Project and David Michalek's Slow Dancing,  whose inventive and wide-ranging creativity  appeal to a variety of audiences; and artists that push boundaries and break new ground, such as Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in the intimate, affecting and sometimes disturbing "Chapel/Chapter" and Compagnie Heddy Maalem's contemporary "Rite of Spring," with a company from Mali, Benin, Nigeria, and Senegal.

The 2008 season runs June 14 through August 24, and features more than 100 ticketed events and 200 free events, including performances on three stages, moderated interviews with artists, talks by experts, film showings, exhibits, receptions, tours, and over 75 community dance classes and master classes.  

This year Jacob's Pillow presents 20 companies from four continents and nine countries, including a company world debut, two United States company debuts, and at least three world premieres and eight American premieres.  Five of the programs are performed to live music, and five engagements offer special "Pillow Exclusive" programs which will not be performed anywhere else.  The visual arts are a motif of this year's Festival: elements of film, set design by visual artists, and latest in visual technology appear throughout the season.

Ella Baff, Jacob's Pillow Executive Director, comments, "This season is an intensely colorful kaleidoscope of extraordinary artists and dance forms from ancient classical traditions to state of the art visual media and technology.  The Pillow's additional offerings such as talks with artists, community classes, exhibits, film showings, and the ability to watch dancers take class are all meant to engage people with the art and deliver a creative experience for everyone both on stage and off."

Companies presented during the 2008 season include: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet; Alonzo King's LINES Ballet; Ballet Boyz; Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company; Compagnie Heddy Maalem; Conny Janssen Danst; David Michalek's Slow Dancing; Garth Fagan Dance; Hofesh Shechter Company; Kate Weare Company; Keigwin + Company; Ko & Edge Company; Lar Lubovitch Dance Company; Maureen Fleming; Mimulus; Natural Dance Theatre; Shantala Shivalingappa; Stockholm 59° North; T.P.O. (Teatro di Piazza o d'Occasione); and Trey McIntyre Project.  Approximately twenty more companies performing on the Jacob's Pillow Inside/Out Stage (Inside/Out performances are free and open to the public) will be announced at a later date, along with additional free events, exhibits, talks, and classes.

Go to www.jacobspillow.org for more information.

I need help. I'm not just looking for something to do. I'm looking for something to help me get out there and become a better dancer, and a better performer.