Welcome to Footworks, your weekly eNews bulletin from the Alabama Dance Council. Please stay tuned each week as we keep you informed of news, performances, and special events from the Alabama dance community.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet on So You Think You Can Dance
Be sure to catch 2009 Alabama Dance Festival company-in-residence Complexions Contemporary Ballet on So You Think You Can Dance this Wednesday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m. (or possibly Thursday, July 17). Tony-nominated Desmond Richardson, one of today's greatest modern dancers, and Dwight Rhoden, one of dance's most sought after choreographers (both of Alvin Ailey fame) combined to form Complexions, recipient of the coveted New York Times "Critics Choice" Award in 1995. From "pointe" to "pop," they explore the full range of human emotions with cutting-edge choreography and original music.
Dwight, Desmond, and the entire Complexions company will be in Birmingham January 16-18 as part of the 2009 Alabama Dance Festival. Be sure to mark your calendars now to take part in Alabama's largest dance event. Complete Festival details will be available soon, but in the meantime be sure to log onto the Alabama Dance Festival website at www.alabamadancecouncil.org/dance_festival.htm for preliminary information.
Register today for the Alabama Ballet Royal Academy of Dance 2008-2009 School Year
Summer is here and the living is easy! Why not make your Fall easy too – go ahead and register today for classes at the Alabama Ballet Royal Academy of Dance! Alabama Ballet is excited to open the 2008-2009 school year on August 25 as the Alabama Ballet Royal Academy of Dance. With this new distinction, Alabama Ballet will be introducing the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Syllabus and will become the first registered RAD school in the state! Founded over 80 years ago, the Royal Academy of Dance is the largest, most influential teacher training and examining body for classical ballet in the world. The RAD Syllabus is taught in over 70 countries in the world, setting high standards of dance training for over 250,000 students each year.
To learn more about Alabama Ballet’s program, or to download the 2008-2009 school brochure, visit www.alabamaballet.org or call 205-322-1874. For more information on the Royal Academy of Dance, visit www.radusa.org.
Centre for Performing Arts to host Ballet Master Class
The Centre for Performing Arts in Prattville will host a master ballet class on July 16th with Valery Lantratov, Artistic Director of the Russian National Ballet Foundation. Two classes will be held that day and all interested ballet enthusiasts in the Prattville area are invited to attend.
A graduate of the Moscow Academic Choreographic College, Lantratov was selected as a first soloist with the Moscow Stanislavski Ballet. In 1993, Lantratov began working for the Kremlin Ballet. This same year, he formed the Russian National Ballet Foundation. The Russian National Ballet Foundation has toured in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States. In 1997, Russian president Boris Yeltsin named Valery Lantratov "People’s Artist of Russia," the Russian Federation’s highest honor. Mr. Lantratov holds a teaching certificate from Russia’s renowned National Academy of Theatrical Arts-GITIS. For three years, Mr. Lantratov served as a guest instructor at the Boston Ballet.
The Montgomery Ballet will launch its exciting 2008/09 season with the 33rd Annual Performance on the Green on Friday & Saturday, July 18 & 19, 2008 at 8:00pm at the Blount Cultural Park. Sponsored annually by Regions Bank, this free outdoor performance is attended by thousands each year, has been named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, and is one of Montgomery’s cultural highlights of the summer. This event is perfect for families, offering ballet at its finest in an outdoor, informal setting. The public is welcome to bring blankets and chairs and enjoy picnicking in the park prior to the performance. This performance will mark the beginning of a thrilling and extensive performing season throughout the Capital City and the State of Alabama. For information about the Montgomery Ballet’s Subscription Season and Performances, the Summer Intensive Seminar, Lecture Demonstrations or the Montgomery Ballet Professional Company & School, please call (334) 409-0522 or visit online at www.montgomeryballet.org.
All of this and more await audiences during Alabama Ballet’s outdoor performances at Gorham's Bluff. Overlooking the Tennessee RiverValley, the Bluffside Dance Tent offers patrons a matchless viewing experience. Alabama Ballet is excited to return to the Bluff for its eleventh annual summer residency, a unique collaboration between Alabama Ballet and the Gorham's Bluff Institute.
Friday, July 25 & Saturday, July 26
Dinner at 7pm, Performance at 8pm
The Bluffside Dance Tent, Gorham's Bluff
$75 – Dinner & Performance, $100 – Dinner, Performance and Bus from Birmingham
The Alabama Dance Theatre will open its 22nd Season with two spectacular free performances of "Stars on the Riverfront." These eclectic performances are the culmination of ADT’s two week Summer Dance Seminar and will be held Sunday, July 27th at 2:30 p.m. at the Armory Learning Arts Center and Monday, July 28th at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. on July 28th for picnicking. Guest teachers for the two week seminar include former Principal Ballerina with American Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Marianna Tcherkassky, former Soloist with American Ballet Theatre, Shawn Black, and Complexions dancer, Sabra Perry, who will coach dancers on their performances.
The performances will feature classical works along with new contemporary works by Ballet Master Foye Dubose, and Resident Choreographers Sara Sanford and Janie Alford. Professional guest artists from around the southeast will collaborate and perform with the dancers from the Alabama Dance Theatre’s seminar. The performance will also feature the up and coming talent of the company in "Etudes" under the direction of Artistic Director Kitty Seale. "Stars on the Riverfront" performances are sponsored by Summit America and supported in part by Alabama Power, the City of Montgomery, Montgomery Advertiser, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Performances are free. Call 334-241-2590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com for more information.
Attention Alabama... M.A.D. Skillz Dance Company needs your help!
On Wednesday, August 6, at 5:00 p.m., M.A.D. Skillz will be representing Alabama in the Battle of the Year on BET Wild Out Wednesdays All-Star Dance Competition. Log onto www.bet.com and vote for Birmingham's own M.A.D. Skillz Dance Company! Don't vote just once, keep voting 'till we win.
For more information about M.A.D. Skillz, or Winston Strickland, Artistic Director, log onto www.myspace.com/madskillzdance. To become involved with M.A.D Skillz, or to book the company for an upcoming event, feel free to contact Shuanny at (205) 447-8291 or email at madskillzent03@yahoo.com.
Come take a peek at what's new for this season! Experience a breathtaking view while exercising your etiquette with your young dancer at Montgomery's beautiful Capital City Club. View the Premiere Fall Dancewear Collection 2008-09 from Trendy to Classic by Capezio and more. Featuring the latest dancewear fashions for the Prima Ballerina, young classics for Junior and Pre-dancers, as well as Urban Pre teen and Teen fashions for the hipster. Dancewear models and entertainment from C.J.'s Dance Factory and The Prattville Ballet, Tammy's Academy of Dance, The Capital City Dance Alliance, and Sharon's School of Dance-Maxwell/Gunter AFB. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network. Saturday, August 9th, 2:00 p.m. For ticket information call: 334-265-5299 or 334-361-0554. The show is hosted by Jazz Z dancewear.
Irene Rimer and Corazon Flamenco present Blood Wedding at Workplay on August 16, 2007 at 6:00 pm at Workplay in Birmingham, AL. Based on a true story of love, lust, and betrayal, Blood Wedding is one of the most powerful and innovative plays written this century.
Federico Garcia Lorca wrote his best known play years after reading a newspaper account of a young bride in Andalusia who abandoned her husband-to-be on their wedding day to escape with her childhood sweetheart. Lorca evokes the spectacle of human passion through sophisticated and often surrealistic poetic technique, elevating the love story to a tragedy of fate. Tickets on sale at www.workplay.com.
July 28-August 5, Birmingham - BalletCenter is proud to present a 7-day Late Summer Ballet Workshop with ballet master Rafael Delgado July 28th through August 5th in Birmingham, AL. The get-back-in-shape/stay-in-shape workshop will include floor barre, ballet technique, pointe or male technique, partnering, choreography workshop and a variations & repertory class. This program is intended for serious minded ballet dancers ages 11 and above who are interested in improving their ballet technique skills. The workshop classes will be at an intermediate to intermediate/advanced level. Individual day and single class rates are available. Find more details at www.balletcenter.net.
August 3, Pelham - Open House: Stevan Grebel Center for Dance, Sunday, August 3 from 1-4 PM. The Academy at Grebel Ballet, under the direction of Stevan and Debbie Grebel, focuses on quality technical training in classical ballet as well as other forms of dance. Students are exposed at an early age to a disciplined, professional attitude, developing through the years the strength, line and flexibility of classical technique. Self-discipline and dedication to work, along with a love and appreciation of dance as an art form, are nurtured in each child. Grebel Dance offers a variety of dance classes for all ages, specializing in classical ballet technique (Vaganova/Russian Method). Classes include: ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip-hop, Irish, yoga, Tai Chi, DharmaSword and more. The 2008-2009 school year begins August 4, however, registration is open year round. Classes are filled on a first-com/first-served basis. The performing wing, Alabama Youth Ballet Company, as well as a community cast, will perform "The Nutcracker" in December. Other performances include the school's Spring Concert, touring performances, Lecture Demonstrations and special events. Stevan and Debbie Grebel have been teaching ballet in Birmingham for 37 years. Stevan Grebel's professional experience is unsurpassed in Alabama. Debbie Grebel is an expert in kinesiology and the biomechanics of dance, with a MA.Ed in kinesiology and dance. For more information on classes and programs, call 205-987-7234 or go to www.grebeldance.com.
August 4-8, Chicago - The Dance COLEctive (TDC), an innovative Chicago modern dance company is hosting a week long summer intensive at The Drucker Center in Chicago, IL. On August 4th-8th, TDC will conduct a week long summer intensive. Classes will meet Monday-Friday and will include Pilates Mat Class taught by company member Jessica Post from 10:00am to 10:45am, Modern Technique class taught by TDC Artistic Director Margi Cole with live accompaniment from 10:45am to 12:30pm, and Modern Partnering, Improvisation and Repertory, taught by Margi Cole with members of the company from 1:15pm to 3:00pm. The cost of the workshop is $350.00 ($325.00 if paid in full by July 1st). Classes will focus on correct alignment, athleticism, efficiency in movement and the individuality of each dancer. Space is limited to 16 participants. To reserve your space or for more information contact Donnette Cannonie (773) 604-8452 or email administration@dancecolective.com. Download the full release HERE.
August 8, Fultondale - The Birmingham Swing Dancers are hosting a swing dance on Friday, August 8 at the Fultondale Friendship Hall, 1024 Old Walker Chapel Road, Fultondale from 8:00 – 11:00 pm. Music will be provided by the well known Edd Jones Orchestra out of Huntsville, Alabama. The orchestra is a big band composed of talented and versatile musicians specializing in music for swing dancing and known for their ability to please the varied tastes of the dancing public. The band has earned an enviable reputation for dynamic instrumentals and unique vocal styles. Admission is $11 for BSD members, $13 for non-members. Light snacks, soft drinks, water and ice are furnished. No alcohol or smoking is allowed in the Friendship Hall. For more information or directions visit www.birminghamswingdancers.com or call Shirley at 205-903-0278. Everyone is welcome, join us, meet new people and have a great time!
August 14, Birmingham - Guitar Workshop with Manolo Vargas on Thursday, August 14th from 6:30 to 9 PM at Dance Essentials, Cobb lane, 1314 20th St. South, Birmingham, AL (above The Blue Monkey). $75 per person. Must Register by August 10th by emailing irenerimer@msn.com or calling 205-933-8922 (Please give us your name, phone number, and number of people attending in your group). Learn several flamenco techniques like compass, arpeggios, tremolos, falsetas, picados, pulgar and arzapua. For guitarists qualified, there will be practice on Friday and a performance opportunity with Manolo in "Blood Wedding" on Saturday, August 16th. www.danceir.com/Upcoming%20Events-new.htm.
September 21, Birmingham - Clean out your closets for Children's Dance Foundation (CDF). Don't throw away your gently-used, outgrown dancewear, dance shoes, costumes, dress-up clothes and accessories... donate them to CDF's Bargain Costume Closet. When your bring your items to CDF this summer, you will receive a receipt for your donation and a pass to shop early at the Bargain Costume Closet on September 21st. Children's Dance Foundation is located at 1715 27th Court South in Homewood, AL. For more information, please call 205-870-0073, or visit www.childrensdancefoundation.org.
October 7, Decatur - Decatur's Princess Theatre presents DIAVOLO on Tuesday, October, 7 at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets go on-sale August 11. The dynamic modern dance troupe left the audience gasping for air at their show in 2001. Under the artistic direction of Jacques Heim, DIAVOLO has redefined dance, redefined theater and redefined thrills. DIAVOLO takes movement, athleticism and risk to the extreme and creates surreal tableaux in which the imagination thrives. Q & A with artists after the show. For more information, visit www.diavolo.org. Box Office: (256) 340.1778, Reserved Tickets: $25-$40, Student/Teacher: $25, On line: www.princesstheatre.org.
Are you a current ADC member and have an announcement that you would like ADC Footworks subscribers to know about? Performances, masterclasses, special events, scholarship, educational, or audition opportunities - if it's going on, we want to know; and more importantly, we want to share it! Please send your info to Wesley@alabamadancecouncil.org with "Footworks" in the subject line. A headline, brief description with a link, and even a photo would be much appreciated. Weekly deadlines are Mondays at noon for Tuesday distribution. If you're not a member but would like to join, please visit our membership page at www.alabamadancecouncil.org/membership.htm to download a form.
Visit activeculture.info! Administered by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham, activeculture.info is an exciting web-based arts and culture service for Central Alabama. Bookmark this page and visit often to see what's happening in dance, theater, music, food, and sports. www.activeculture.info.
Culture Cards are here! Give the "one-size-fits-all" gift! Everyone on your list will love the CultureCard. Accepted just like money at the coolest places around like the Alabama Ballet, Alabama Symphony, Birmingham Zoo, Vulcan, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens! To learn more, visit www.activeculture.info.
