Dance Council of North Texas

12/29: Cirque Banquiste!

2011-12-20T12:19:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for cocktails, sequins (most would say kissing under the mistletoe, but you must remember, I'm the fashion industry vet/wannabe dancer so these small style mentions do tend to pop up), and yummy food.

It's the time of year everyone comes together, whether you like it or not. Let's say for the sake of this post remaining positive, you like it.

How does this happier scenario of the holidays play out? Oh, you know, it's the one where you're counting the minutes at work until you can pop off your flimsy flats and throw on those peep-toe pumps as you dash out (on dancer, on prancer...get it? dance blog; I know...not my best) to meet up with with friends and family where you'll diplomatically down the aforementioned cocktails and yummies all while covered in those sequins of course.

Another perfect gathering opportunity, outside of the annual Nutcracker that is all over the place at the moment (a classic, but it may be time to add a new tradition), is Cirque Banquiste!

Check out the ad below, but don't take all your time gazing at this guy because 12/29 is right around the corner!

So, the million dollar question:

Who can tell me what 'Banquiste' means? Huh?

Pop quiz:)

Auditions: A Nail Biter No More

2011-12-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

Auditions can bring up a lot of emotions. That said, I wouldn't know because I'm not a professional dancer technically speaking. In my dreams, sure. But in the real world during waking hours I'm an e-commerce girl. Still, I can relate an audition to an interview (which I've been doing plenty of lately).

I get it. Sweaty palms, heart racing, positive affirmations, "I can do this. I know what I'm talking about," and for me, watching the final scene in Scent of a Woman doesn't hurt either.

That said, a little support would be a huge help during times like this.

Cue: Mary Six Rupert!

(ps- do you love the look? LOVE!)

Learn the 'how-to's' of the audition process and get out there.
I wish you all the luck in the world!!

Brittany Witkin, (wannabe) Ballet Master.

2011-11-14T15:22:00.001-08:00

Ummmm, right. And THIS is why I love the art of dance. That a human body (one in top physical form might I add) can create those lines and shapes through movement is BEYOND beyond to me. It is hypnotic. A living, breathing, dynamic statue.

And yes, fine, I may be in my office trying to replicate the pose above. It reminds me of a poetic take on what is called 'tree pose' in yoga. More flare, but the same idea.

And yes, I may not be doing it any justice whatsoever. And yes, that may be the understatement of the century.

But enough about me and my lack of balance and technique...It's stunning no?

Read more about the Dallas Black Dance Theatre & their new Ballet Master:

http://documents.clubexpress.com/documents.ashx?key=eqTQfgcRb%2bphTJ1Yn8GnkzND95wKo0BfXdi4dtkzstZbq%2bji4n0Sre3szxkdEg9p

Sidenote: what's a girl in the fashion industry gotta do to get a title like that? Talk about a resume builder:)

omg, I'm published in Dance!

2011-11-14T15:17:00.001-08:00

I was just cc'd on a link sent out to one of the photographers I was lucky enough to collaborate with on an article Linda James had given me the opportunity to write.

I clicked, and not only do I see the gorgeous images that had me entranced while writing the article (seriously, the level of distraction took my A.D.D beyond where I thought it could go), but there is my name under the title. Bliss.

I could not be more proud to be a contributor and more grateful to have been given the opportunity.

Linda, thanks for thinking of me. And to Sharen Bradford, Ellen Appel, Marty Sohl, and Amitava Sarkar, thank you for sharing your craft with me. I'm sure readers will be just as thankful once they get an eyeful.

So much fun I can't even take it, and on a Monday of all days! Love.

Here's the link:

http://documents.clubexpress.com/documents.ashx?key=eqTQfgcRb%2bphTJ1Yn8GnkzND95wKo0BfXdi4dtkzstZbq%2bji4n0Sre3szxkdEg9p

It's so ON...line that is.

2011-11-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

The Dance North Texas Publication is officially up and running online here.

Check. It. Out.

Eye Candy

2011-10-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

A few images to start the week off...

Images provided by www.lady-dutch.tumblr.com/

If this doesn't inspire you, I'm not sure what will.

Here's to a fabulous week!

to honor...

2011-09-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

The definition of "to honor" is to give special recognition.
Well, it's time to redefine what it is to honor those who deserve to be celebrated. I feel like giving special recognition is just round one.

I'm a huge fan of making a celebration out of everything. Sure it could come across as me going overboard, but I like to think that it's training myself, my friends, and my family to really recognize everything good in life. Well, DCNT is bringing honoring some incredible individuals to the next level.
It's called:
Dance Council of North Texas Honors

Celebrating theachievements of
Revathi Satyu, Michael Serrecchia, Danny Curry,
Dottie Williams Hunt Kleeb and Gene Pflug.
with performances by
DBDT . 2011 DCNT scholarship recipients

Here are the details:
Sunday, October 2nd. 2:30 PM.
Where:
Dallas Black DanceTheatre
2700 Flora Street . Dallas . TX . 75201

Tickets: $35 adult .$25 DCNT member . $20 student under age 13
Available at www.thedancecouncil.org Phoneorders 214.219.2290

I sipped, I samba'd, I redefined Sunday Funday.

2011-08-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I took a small detour from my Sunday routine that usually consists of furiously writing for my site (I admittedly have a love affair with procrastination) and stocking up on food for the week all while attempting to have minimal amount of exposure to triple digit heat.

The detour, courtesy of my friends at DCNT, led me to the Gocha & Shorena Center of Dance. I didn't even know this place existed, which kills me since I used to only live a block away! That said, I'm so glad I found it, or I should say, was introduced to it (eh 'hem, just another perk when you have a figurative Members Only jacket with the DCNT).

The event kicked off the new dance season with some major hip action and had lovers of all things dance-related in one room, chatting, shaking, and drinking it up.

I could do plenty of word play here using dance terminology and weaving it in with witty alliterations, but I'm not going the 'Hallmark-card' route. It's not how I roll.

While taking just a couple of pics at this event (I posted my favorite one below) I realized something relatively profound. I saw people from all walks of life brought together on one floor, all in the name of shaking it. Some hips moved quicker than others, some steps were taken more gracefully than others, but there was one common denominator, and that was pure, in-the-moment, carefree contentment. You don't have to look too hard to see it on the faces of those dancing. Trust me, this is the facial recognition skill that your inner ten year old has managed to keep in the deep dark recesses of your mind just for moments like this. Moments that, almost like muscle memory, have your inner dialogue saying something to the tune of, "Ohhhhhh yea, I know that face. I'd recognize it anywhere."

It was a short event and it was a sweet event. To watch others get out on a floor and check their busy minds at the door was not only refreshing, I left inspired. I left with a level of certainty that only further reinforced my absolute adoration for dance. A small word that encompasses far beyond the five letters we use to talk and write about it.

Cheers to everyone at the DCNT for coordinating such a great event. Cheers to Gocha and Shorena for the beautiful center and community they have built. And a final toast to the feet that made their way onto that shiny floor (see below)...

Salsa Saturdays!

2011-08-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you that weren't able to make it, last Saturday, there happened to be a lot of shakin' it going on in North Texas, specifically Addison.

Can't salsa...yet? Need a refresher? Classes start at 7pm, and then around 8pm, the band of the week (listed below) picks things up with a concert in Beckert Park. Did I mention this is free?

Last Saturday was amazing with salsa instructor Ramiro Gonzalez at the helm.

Sure, the temps are still living in that triple digit zone, and yes, the last thing some of us (eh 'hem, says the girl who grew up in the Midwest and along the East Coast) want to do is be out in the heat, but Salsa Saturdays are worth it and only go through the end of August.

The sun goes down, the music goes up, and you're surrounded by people who just want to dance and enjoy themselves.

It's infectious, and in a good way. Everyone needs to let go and shake it now and then.

Here's the schedule for the rest of the summer. As if you really need the dates since it's called Salsa Saturdays for a reason, but just for the sake of follow through:

August 6 Orquesta Sabor

August 13 Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son

August 20 Havana NRG

August 27 Parranda Venezuela

2011 Dance Council Honors...

2011-08-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Here are the deets (I've become abbreviation happy- translation: details) on the upcoming Dance Council Honors Program Event. The press release covered the What, Where, When for me, so I thought I would pass along the info so you are all up to date.

WHAT: A significant Dallas, TX awards ceremony to recognize five outstanding Texans for professional and service achievements in dance. Event includes a gala showcase of selected 2011 DCNT Scholarship recipients and the exciting Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Attendees enjoy a silent auction and a complimentary reception.

WHEN: Sunday, October 2, at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Dallas Black Dance Theatre, 2700 Flora Street, Dallas, Texas 75201.

TICKETS: $35 adults, $25 DCNT members, and $20 students under age 16. Ticket price

includes complimentary reception. Prices rise after September 25: $40 adults; $30 DCNT members; $20 students under age 16. Proceeds benefit the Dance Council of North Texas and its celebrated Scholarship Program.

Purchase Tickets: Online at DC website (www.thedancecouncil.org), by phone at 214-219-2290,

or at the door. Seating is limited; reservations are strongly urged. Free parking.

Get on those tickets asap!!

Mark Your Calendars!

2011-08-14T20:35:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

Here's what is coming up when it comes to all things Dance in North Texas. Where to begin...How about Addison?

August 13, 20, 27: Summer Salsa in Addison @ Beckert Park. Time: 7 - 8pm followed by a different latin band each Saturday night. On a side note, I lived in Addison Circle for a few years and have been to this a few times. I'm biased because I happen to be in love with salsa, but even if you're new to it, it's a great way to play on Saturday night. Love it. More details on the instructors who will be shaking it salsa style for the events...

August 28: The members party at Goch and Shorenas. Still gathering more info on this one as well. Updates to come. p.s. It's free and I can tell you there will be some samba involved.

Oct 2: 2011: Dance Council Honors program, 2:30pm @ Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Want more info on the honors program? Let us know. I'll send a quick blurb that I get from the team so you have some 101 to go off of should you need the condensed version. Tickets will be required. This event is not just all fun, there's a bonus round. The event itself benefits DCNT and the Scholarship Program.

The schedule is coming into focus!

Voooooooooooooooooooote!!!!

2011-05-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's happening!!! This post is all about timing...read below and please do what you can to get your vote on! Thanks!

Say it with me, "$50,000, $50,000, $50,000!" With your help we can make this happen.

Please VOTE TWICE each day:

1. by text: Vote via your phone – text “106158” to “73774”.

2. online: www.refresheverything.com We are listed under the $50,000K Arts & Music category as ”Launch the Sammons Center Weekend Family Arts Festival” (look for photo/icon of the Sammons building – that’s us!)

Help us win the Pepsi Refresh Challenge!

The Sammons Arts Consortium has made it to the finals and now it’s up to you! Voting determines who will win $50,000. Vote everyday from now until May 31^st! Here’s how:

1. Text

Vote via your phone – text “106158” to “73774”. You can text your vote in once per day.

2. Online

Go to www.refresheverything.com. Create an account or sign in via Facebook and vote for “Launch the Sammons Center Weekend Family Arts Festival” under the $50,000 Arts & Music Category. You can also find us by searching Turtle Creek Chorale. You can vote once per day.

3. Power Voting

Look for it on specially-marked Pepsi products. It should be under the bottle cap or printed on the inside of your multi-pack. Enter your code in the box above and click "Activate" and feel the power! Enter a max of 10 codes daily.

Again with some B&W visual inspiration in the land of all things dance...

2011-04-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it, I am completely insatiable when it comes to beautiful photography. I'll take it even further. Should the images center around anything related to the art of dance, it's over. Let the tunnel vision commence and A.D.D. fly out the window.

The result of my never-ending desire to soak up all of this eye-candy? Posting them on this blog, because, as much as I adore the photog-moment, I am even more passionate about sharing it.

Hopefully you can take a moment out of your day to appreciate a little something beautiful & let these images inspire you as much as they do me.

So go grab a cup of coffee, shut off the phone, close the other windows on your computer, and take it in.

Enjoy the dance...

Images courtesy of mani10mn on flickr.

Always give credit, where credit is due.

Tap it out | Add this one to your summer calendar!

2011-04-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, it IS Sir Tap-a-Lot. Your eyes do not deceive you. So, why is he fiercely gracing the DCNT blog you ask? Get out those Google calendars and pencil (type to be more accurate) in the National Tap Dance celebration for June 21st through June 25th.

TAP-A-LOT performances will be in full effect over the course of those five nights, leading right into the hit Broadway show SPAM-A-LOT that will be performed under the canopy of trees at the Music Hall at Fair Park. It's the perfect summertime tag-team dance collaboration that is not to be missed!

Get more info here.

Because Sometimes Pictures Are Better Than Words...

2011-03-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

A little dance eye-candy to start the week off right...

1. classic arch.

Image provided by http://cateli.tumblr.com/

2. the line-up.

Image provided by http://dedicatedtomakeyousmile.tumblr.com/

3. the arms-wide-open approach.

Image provided by http://vi.sualize.us/view/ac8bc2d4e8fd9129f087e4e1b406dbb5/

4. three's a crowd.

Image provided by http://glam-on.tumblr.com/

5. meditation.

Image provided by http://im-a-muffin.tumblr.com/page/5

Never Too Many Tutu's....

2011-03-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

A tutu is not just a tutu. Sure, it's fun to say and yes, it sounds somewhat ridiculous when you utter the word out loud, but the word is not just a mish-mash of four letters, there's always a story behind it.
Tutus to me, bring back memories of recitals. Costume changes, sequins flying all over the place, my hair being in a bun that could withstand gale force winds (thank you mom), and so on.

When the tutu went on, I knew dress rehearsals were done and it time to take my place behind the massive curtain. A transformation simultaneously occurs with such a costume change. A good item of clothing will do that. I see it every day at my job with a tailored blazer or pencil skirt constructed to perfection. We walk a little taller when we put on a 'costume' that signals the departure of life's dress rehearsals, and arrival of our grand entrance onto the stage.

You've got your romantic tutu, the classic tutu, the Balanchine tutu (a.k.a 'powder puff'), and even a tutu shaped like a pancake (classical tutu; food references always seem to help). Different tutus for different dances, genres, moods, and music.

So many options for such a compact word. The four letters (two 't's and two 'u's) do a masterful job of defining the product itself. Still, it's the dancer gives the tutu it's story. At the end of the night, when the curtain closes and the audience makes it's exit, the costume goes back on the hanger not as a garment, but as a moment in time. You may want to call it a tutu, but from that point on, it has been redefined.

Why Is This Not an Everyday Occurence?

2011-03-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

Just a little pick me up on St. Patty's day as we head into the weekend. I'm feeling festive and what's more festive than spontaneously bursting into dance right?
This video is courtesy of YouTube and actually an advert (very British of me) for T-Mobile, which is not at ALL why I decided to share.

It made me smile, and I hope it does the same for you.

DCNT is in no way affiliated with T-Mobile.

Summer Lovin' DCNT-Style

2011-03-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

Get your DCNT fix, along with some amazing experience under your belt (bonus-round), by getting involved.

An Events Coordinator position, sponsored by Exxon Mobil Community Summer Jobs, may be your summer calling.

Events Coordinator not your thing? How about a Grant Assistant?

You've got options.

Some key points for those interested:
Work Dates: June 6 – July 29, 2011 (flexible, if needed). Hours: 35 hours per week ~ 9:30am to 5:00pm M-F including performances.
Salary: $2,800.
Qualifications: must have completed freshman year of college & returning as a full-time student in Fall 2011. Deadline for application: March 29, 2011.

Find out more info here.

Follow Up...

2011-02-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

So, my promise to you was to follow up on this whole 'scholarship' thing right? Right.

Sure, I could go on and on about the opportunity just one scholarship could provide someone. How, when offered to a passionate and motivated individual, a scholarship is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a life...A scholarship says to the dreamer, "we believe in you." It's an affirmation only a select few would put their necks on the line to get, but with great risk can sometimes come even greater reward (I should take my own advice here, but that isn't the point).

However, I'm off waxing poetic on the topic, yet, I have to ask myself, "who am I to go on and on about such things?" I never applied for one of these, bagillion (technical term) scholarships (see what I mean; I exaggerate at times, but this is not one of them), so where would I begin with such a topic?

How about I go right to the source. Below are a few of my favorite excerpts from previous recipients. They sum it up better than I ever could, plus, it's just fun to read. And by fun, I mean inspirational...Enjoy!

"These dance pieces were meant to challenge, provoke and inspire the audience causing one’s breath to quicken and pulse to race, which in actual fact did." -Kwaku Manu

"The main thing that I learned was to always believe in myself no matter how hard the circumstances are." -Michael Bradford

"My experience gave me a great gift - the opportunity to fall even more deeply in love with dance." -Tenley Dorrill

Does it get any better?

Next Up...

2011-02-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

I'll be sure to get further details on this, but for now, what I DO know is that someone's life is about to change in a massive, fabulous, dream-being-realized, kind of way.

The DCNT board deliberated last weekend on what I'm sure was a massive undertaking.

How can you not love knowing someone's dream is about to be a reality? Reminds me of a quote:

"The greatest achievements began with impossible dreams..."

Dream big.

Image provided by http://cameronsong.blogspot.com/

More to come...

Quite the Event: Honoring Margaret Putnam

2011-02-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember, ‘ballerina,’ has been on the long list of things I wanted to be when I grew up. It’s still on there, but for now is taking a back seat to writing…

Since age six I have been in love with dance, specifically ballet. So when I was asked to write about the recent event held for Margaret Putnam by the Dance Council of North Texas, I jumped.

I was involved in dance for over a decade as a child, so the names Baryshnikov, Nureyev, and Tallchief were familiar ones to me. Putnam, however, was not ringing any bells. On top of that, having spent the last decade in retail, the space where my childhood daydreams of plies and pas de chats used to reside, has limited space to twirl about. Runway collections, gross margin analysis, and the bottom line have settled in and sprawled out instead.

What better motivation to clear some space and regain the custody of my inner-twirling-child, than an event that’s program included performances from the following hit list: Texas Ballet Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theater, the Indian Cultural Heritage Foundation, Bruce Wood, and Delilah Muse? Before I go into the actual event, a little background…

Margaret Putnam has a resume that could eclipse most dancers and writers out there, but that wasn’t what resonated with me most. This recognized individual in the writing world admittedly does not like (ok, I’m glossing over, not very Putnam-esque of me, so I’ll quote her words, “hates”) writing. With that little factoid I realized something. It’s no wonder she’s regarded highly in the dance community and by her peers. She writes what many of us crave to read, and surprise, surprise, it’s not sugar-coated. The syrupy-sweet and somewhat predictable words are substituted with all things authentic, fair, and honest. It’s a different flavor all together and one that takes no time at all to develop a taste for.

The background check had been done, and my expectations of the upcoming event had grown even higher. I was not let down…Far from it actually.

I’m not a professional dancer, nor am I a professional critic. Margaret Putnam could trump me on all accounts, especially with the purple hair she was gracefully sporting during those few hours on a sunny afternoon in January. I saw the hair and thought one thing, “I like it.” The sentiment only grew with the first two performances involving couples.

The trust involved between the two dancers in each performance mirrored the level of trust a writer needs to have in his or herself. One dancer would essentially do what I would remedially call an incredibly graceful ‘trust-fall’ into the others arms, and without a level of trust, this choreography would not play out. Each time Putnam reviewed, she was known to write fairly, and each time she put pen to paper (or began typing it out), her words would do their very own trust fall from her head to where they would inevitably make their mark on the page.

The other two performances I’ll note from the Indian Cultural Heritage foundation and Delilah Buitron Muse, entranced me. Time stopped, life began, and I was lost in the color, the movement, facial expression, ferocity, and diplomacy in their dances. Only when the voice of the next speaker came across the microphone would my focus return. It was an escape I found myself happily lost in, without any desire to be found.

But, so goes life…Back to reality for a bit, and here I am, hopefully doing this event some justice, let alone honoring this beloved force, Margaret Putnam, in a way that is undoubtedly deserved.

We Have Arrived!!!

2011-02-17T16:13:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the new DCNT blog!

Check back here for updates, reviews, and all things DCNT.