Welcome back to this week's edition of Dance Rhythm, your go-to source for the
latest in ballet news and stories that inspire.
This week, discover how adults are rediscovering ballet for its physical and mental benefits at Westside Ballet of Santa Monica. Next, explore the documentary “Swan Song,” now on Amazon Prime, which follows the National Ballet of Canada’s production of “Swan Lake” and tackles issues of sexism and racism in ballet. Finally, watch as Sara Mearns of New York City Ballet performs an intricate duet in an art gallery as part of Diana Orving’s “Spirit Playground” at Carvalho Park gallery.
Stay tuned for these captivating stories and more in this week's edition of Dance
Rhythm!
For nearly 50 years, the Ballet of Santa Monica has been offering adult ballet classes, recognizing the profound physical and mental benefits ballet brings to adults. This commitment to fostering adult dancers was on full display at their Adult Showcase this past Saturday, August 3rd. The event featured over 70 dancers, each sharing their unique journey and demonstrating the transformative power of ballet. Among the performers were local talents like Deirdre Richards, Pauline Cheng, and Liliana Maria Isella.
The month of August, although it has only been a few weeks, has already brought exciting dancer career news including farewells, appointments, and promotions. Highlights include Thomas Docquir and Jack Gasztowtt being promoted to premier danseur at Paris Opéra Ballet, Isaac Hernández joining American Ballet Theatre as a guest artist, and several promotions across major companies like English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Joburg Ballet, and Colorado Ballet.
"Swan Song" directed by Chelsea McMullan, reveals the strenuous commitment behind the beauty on stage. Centering on the National Ballet of Canada's 2022 production of "Swan Lake," the film follows Karen Kain's final project as artistic director, exploring the unpredictable nature of life and the evolving challenges within ballet, including issues of sexism and racism, while celebrating the art form's transition from one generation to the next. You watch “Swan Song” now on Amazon Prime.
If You’re Around This Weekend
Joffrey Ballet School presents the New York City Jazz & Contemporary Intensive: SPECTRUM, a program bridging concert and commercial dance to prepare versatile dancers for the industry. Witness the magic on Friday, August 9, at 3 PM and 7 PM, as emerging talents showcase their skills under the guidance of today’s most notable artists and choreographers.
If You Feel Like Watching
Sara Mearns, a New York City Ballet principal dancer, realizes her dream of performing in an art gallery through an intricate duet choreographed by Jodi Melnick, emphasizing inward focus and nuanced movement. Their collaboration, part of Diana Orving’s “Spirit Playground” at Carvalho Park gallery, showcases a unique interplay of ballet and modern dance, enriched by a textile installation and evocative sound design.
On Friday, July 19th, at the 2024 Summer Intensive, the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) was delighted to host the historic Swans of Harlem, including ballerina pioneers Lydia Abarca Mitchell, Sheila Rohan, Karlya Shelton Benjamin, Marcia Sells, and the daughter of the late Gayle McKinney-Griffith, for a panel and book signing featuring Karen Valby's book, The Swans of Harlem, with students and current DTH company members.
On Thursday, August 8th, Neiwai Active, the comfort brand, unveiled an exciting collaboration with the New York City Ballet. Together, they introduced their latest creation, "The Dance! Collection," a versatile and elegant clothing capsule. This collection is thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of ballet, celebrating the joy, freedom, and beauty that the art form embodies, both on and off the stage.
If You Feel Like Listening
Despite claims of zero tolerance, bullying remains pervasive in society. In this episode of the Ballet Help Desk, Jennifer Fraser discusses the profound impact of bullying on the brain, debunking excuses for toxic behavior and exploring how ballet training can help heal past trauma and create a healthier environment for dancers.
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