Shall We Dance?
Monday, November 30, 2009 at 10:14PM This Thanksgiving, I went to the Heights Theatre in Columbia Heights with my husband and parents to see the classic Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie Shall We Dance. As Fred and Ginger began to inevitably fall in love with each other, I sat laughing with the audience around me, eagerly anticipating the next dance number, hoping, and knowing, that no matter what the next song would be, I would find plenty of pleasure and delight as long as Fred or Ginger did their thing.
The plot of this particular movie centers around Petrov, a famous ‘Russian’ ballet dancer with a secret longing to blend tap and ballet (one guess as to who plays this role), who has discovered and instantly fallen in love with a popular tap dancer named Linda Keene. She does not return his attractions, as least for a while (one guess as to who plays this role). The showcase number here is probably “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” in which our two stars dance on roller skates, but although Fred and Ginger have just a few numbers together, every dance feels fully realized and singular in its vision. Sure, Astaire and Rogers was a popular and immediately recognizable brand by this time (this was their seventh movie together), but none of it feels old, every dance scene feels alive and exciting 72 years after its initial release.
So is there anything missing today? Do we take dance too seriously? Where’s the excitement, the pure pleasure, the simple joy of dance like this? Of course it still exists, EEE hasn’t forgotten, of course, but sometime it’s just a bit hard to find it seems. I just want to remind us all of that absolute pleasure dance can give us. Thanksgiving was the perfect day to see a movie like this, to be surrounded by a family that was all there for the same reason: to see Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance on the big screen. There was laughter, there was joy, and we were all most definitely thankful for such a fantastic pair.
Emilie Moravec
From Ear to Eye: Ideas to Aid Jazz Music Lovers in Viewing Jazz Dance
Monday, November 16, 2009 at 10:07AM Saxophones, trumpets, drums, dancers……..the beginning of a large list of musical instruments. Wait a second; dancers!? Yes, dancers. Dancers should indeed be a part of this list, as far as those who study and proliferate jazz movement are concerned. This sentiment is not as uncommon as one would imagine. Lovers of the jazz aesthetic can agree, regardless of whether they prefer music or dance, that the two mediums are inherently and beautifully connected to one another for many reasons. It is these elements of connection to and respect for the music, versatility, embracing humanness, and most importantly, rhythm, that provide the common ground for jazz music lovers to view and appreciate jazz dance.
One of the most satisfyingly simplistic and authentic ways for both a dancer and a viewer to get involved is finding connection to and respect for the music. Purposeful use of and genuine connection to the music is a hallmark of quality jazz dance. Many jazzers enjoy dancing socially just as much as they enjoy dancing in a concert setting, and the common thread between those two things is music. Jazz musicians savor a close relationship between their eyes and mind, and by throwing in the additional element of the eyes, jazz dancers develop a keen relationship between the operation their body and the acting of listening to music; in short, they create a visceral absorbing of and response to music.
Another factor that can be taken into account by jazz music fans watching jazz dance is the shared concept of collaboration. Both jazz dancers and musicians have the distinct pleasure of working in tandem with several elements at once to produce a unified whole. Varied instrumentation (be it several dancers with their own distinct movement style or several musicians with their own distinct sound) creates numerous possibilities for unique and satisfying outcomes. Jazz dance and music also share in the joy of improvisation, another element that encourages the creation of fascinating chance encounters.
The jazz aesthetic also fosters versatility, an element that keeps jazz interested folk constantly wondering what could be done next. Jazz music has fused with pretty much every other form of music, and if it hasn't, it can. The same idea goes for dance – jazz fusions have created seemingly endless possibilities for movement and idea explorations. Truly understanding the basics of this aesthetic, such as musicality, rhythm, honesty in emotion, and collaboration can provide a solid base for successfully and whole-heartedly catapulting into new musical and movement territory, fostering a sense of variety not seen quite as much in other forms as it is in jazz. In a solid jazz dance concert, the appeal of this idea can often be seen rather well through presentation of a wide range of movement styles and music choices, allowing the viewer to enjoy several styles in one sitting.
Jazz also allows musicians and dancers a sense of emotional freedom; as a vernacular form from its roots, rather than trying to rise beyond it (as in forms such as ballet), the jazz aesthetic asks its participants to embrace and showcase their humanness by using common energy to emote. Jazz dance is unique from other dance forms in the fact that it often seems to be simply celebrating the music. If one takes into account the inherent humanness of dance and music existing as result of one another, this dance already has its purpose. This incredible humanness alone is enough to create purposeful, satisfying, engaging and visceral dance, particularly when matched with just the right tune.
Finally, there is rhythm; Our body runs on the rhythm of our heart. We make rhythm with our bodies, both through the creation of music and of dance. This bond is a strong one, and comes across quite clearly when experiencing a well thought out collaboration of jazz music and dance. Regardless of the music choice, rhythm is ever-present in dance. It is simply up to the choreographer and performers regarding how much they would like to acknowledge it. People who feel drawn to jazz often find rhythm to be the most essential element in their medium. Sharing interest in this creates a common thread for jazz musicians, dancers and viewers to understand and appreciate one another’s pursuits.
Connection to and respect for music, collaboration, versatility, embracing humanness, and rhythm provide a common ground within the jazz aesthetic for dancers and musicians to appreciate one another’s work. The inherent and beautiful connection between movement and music, though elusive, gains clarity when considering all that the two mediums share. Keeping this view in mind, it seems only natural that dancers be included on a list of musical instruments. Operating from this standpoint, jazz music lovers will be on just the right track to take a leap into whole-heartedly viewing and truly enjoying jazz dance.
This article was written for the July issue of Coda, the Twin Cities Jazz Society newsletter. I hope you found it an interesting way to view jazz and musically-driven dance, as the creation of such is what we foster in the Eclectic Edge Ensemble. There are many upcoming chances to try these ideas out for size; just check the front-page of our website for our next round of shows!
- Erinn Liebhard, Company and Board Member
Adventures in Counting
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 12:03PM Adventures in Counting
Unfortunately, this blog is not in reference to a Sesame Street segment, but a chronicling of my journey with the art of counting. When dancing to music, we put movement to counts to correlate it with the rhythms of the music. In the early rehearsal process, learning the choreography and pairing it with the correct musical counts can be the most complex and sometimes frustrating part. Once I’ve remembered what comes next, I’m usually off the counts and might as well die (dramatic but effective demonstration of my point). Truth be told, this is not every dancer’s issue, but it is surely mine.
Counting is an essential skill for dancers but for some it comes more easily than others. Some people are natural ‘counters’ and I would call myself more of a ‘feeler’ (please ignore the awkwardness of this label). I want to spend more time indulging in the sensation of one movement than moving quickly onto the next resulting in a lag behind the counts. I’ve been the girl that just looks a little off of everyone else receiving responses like, “You are so passionate, but end up a little behind the group” (great, passionate but slow. super.). For years, I have grabbed the ‘counter’ in the room (oftentimes EEE member Desiree Dantona... holla!) and had her review counts with me over and over again.
Karis (Sloss! the director, the boss, the head honcho) loves complex rhythms, but does not always love the counting part of the equation. She creates original movement that is fully inspired by the music. Karis teaches us complex jazz phrases and in some instances, figuring out the counts is a group effort. This is great for my brain. Participating in the counting process has helped me keep up with the quick minds of the rest of the dancers. I’m so thankful for the opportunity that I have in Eclectic Edge Ensemble to be challenged by brilliant jazz music, choreography, and dancers.
Staying consistent with the counting theme of this blog, I’ve made a numbered list of things that I’ve learned in my counting adventures…
1) Keep a notebook full of counts and choreography, so that once the counts have been given, you have a constant reference.
2) Add the passion and indulgence into movement once the counts are solid in your mind and body- because it is easier to add not take away.
3) Study the music!
4) Keep a clear mind. This sounds sort of new-agey, but it helps when you (oooh! A list within a list!)
- Don't freak out when given complex counts
- Keep emotions on low and repeat coordination of body with counts over and over and over and over and over etc.
At the place that I am in my dancing career, I am so thankful for the challenges that counting choreography has provided me with. Through growing in my ability to hear and feel the music accurately, I know that I adapt to the music earlier in the rehearsal process, and dance with more musicality, clarity and confidence than before. So bring on the syncopation, the complex rhythms and all the challenge and growth that the new EEE season is certain to include.
Cheers to choreography with complex counts!
-Mallory Dykema
p.s. I want to thank any EEE members that have been pulled aside to review counts with me. Thanks to Des for reviewing counts with me for the last 8 years.
Is it hot in here or is it just ME?
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 6:26PM I'm going to say it, and I don't want you to get mad. We just need to be honest with ourselves and face this thing head-on... WINTER IS COMING.
Don't get me wrong, I do love the beautiful white snow and the chance to bundle up and build snow forts (ps- FYI, you're never too old to build a snow fort, here's a useful link if you find yourself in the mood for being awesome: http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/). Sipping ... ok gulping.. hot chocolate while cuddled in your blankets or sitting by the crackling fireplace are all wonderous wintertime activities. BUT - for anyone who is very physically active, especially we dancers, the cold weather can be a difficult thing to get past when preparing to exercise your body.
It is so so very important to warm up, especially when it gets cold out. Cold weather decreases circulation efficiency in your body and without sufficient blood circulation, your muscles cannot perform their best. Things you might normally be able to do with ease could become quite difficult and even dangerous if you attempt them when your muscles do not have adequate blood flow. The last thing we want to hear is the dreaded "pop!" or "snap!" of a limb that wasn't quite ready to dance. SO, let's prevent that painful experience by getting our muscles ready to go.
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Here are some great ways I have found to warm up before rehearsal or a show:
1. Plank Position
Have to warm up QUICK? This is perfect. The plank warms from the core out. All you do is hold the push up position for as long as you can (i would suggest 20-30 second intervals depending on how strong you are). You can choose to balance on your hands or clasp your hands together and balance on your elbows. Either way, it's a great way to get your blood flowing quickly. Make sure you don't let your tush droop or pop up!
2. Releves through forced arch
Ankles are very fragile, so make sure you don't skip them in your warmup. I like to do ankle rolls in parallel and turnout. You simply demi plie, lift your heels to forced arch, rise to demi point, and lower. Then you can cycle through the reverse direction (releve, lower to forced arch, lower heels to demi plie, and straighten legs).
3. Sun Salutation
If you have ever taken a yoga class, you have probably done one of these. It's a pattern of movements and stretches that really helps to start integrating your muscle movements and gets your body ready to start doing more complicated stuff. It would be really long to describe in words here, so I am providing links to a couple websites that show the pattern. http://www.yogasite.com/sunsalute.htm and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ3rd5vAx0g&feature=related.*(Sun Salutation is also quite useful as a calming and centering exercise before going onstage!)
4. Breathing
Taking deep breaths alone will increase your rate of blood flow through your body and it will also help you focus in on what your body needs at that time.
5. Abdominal Workout
If I still feel like I still need a little umph to get me going, crunches usually do the trick. Once again, it works your core, gets your blood flowing, and you'll hopefully be a little sweaty by the time you're done!
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Hopefully, if you warm yourself up well, you won't have to deal with injury. However, just like the cold weather, injuries are something almost all of us must face at some point even if we do all the right things before we dance. In that case, there are a couple every day remedies you can try to get yourself back on your feet quickly.
1. Tiger Balm/Icy Hot
If your injury is something small like a muscle strain or just soreness, heat rub creams can be a source of temporary relief. I personally love the smell of Tiger Balm, but Icy Hot works just as well. The active ingredients in both of these rubs are Menthol and Methyl Salicylate.
Menthol acts as a local anesthetic (which will help to dull the pain your are feeling in your muscle) while the Methyl Salicylate dilates the capillaries in the area, thereby increasing blood flow. This is why heat rub creams are not only effective in reducing pain in an area, but also in preventing further injury.
Both of these creams are available at drug stores such as Walgreens for about $8.
2. Wrap It Right
If you have a joint sprain or strain, make sure you minimize the motion of the joint by wrapping it PROPERLY. Always wrap from the distal end of the joint to the medial end (farther away from you toward you). Here's some more links! wee! http://health.yahoo.com/musculoskeletal-resources/applying-a-compression-wrap-for-a-sprained-ankle/healthwise--zm2802.html and http://www.ehow.com/how_2300844_wrap-rehabilitating-knee.html
3. REST
You may think you can work through your injury, and you probably could! But if you don't let yourself rest, you will only delay your healing process and risk re-injuring it, which effectively makes your healing time 3X longer than it would have been and possibly giving you long-term or permanent injuries to deal with instead of recouperating quickly from your original problem. Basically, just let your body take the time it needs to get better. :)
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Ok.. so I think I have effectively used up all the space on the blog page, and I think I've shared all the wisdom I have for today. (Don't worry, I'll have more by next time.)
There's a billion more things you can do to warm up and help yourself heal.. I just threw out a few that are some of my faves right now. Come take a peek into the beginning of one of EEEs rehearsals and I can tell you confidently that you will find us rubbing that Tiger Balm, breathing those breaths, and holding that plank.. anything we can do to get our blood flowing so we can be the best we can be For Sports Sake!!
-Desiree Dantona
Eclectic Edge Ensemble 2009-2010 Season
Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 8:32PM
For Sport's Sake