just dance! | January 2013 | Issue III

January 2013 | Issue III

Cold Weather Fun! Natalie ThornlEy-Hall is IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Pros & Shows: Wise Words from Emily Molnar, Josh Beamish & Artemis Gordon

+Good Advice

> Makeup Magic with MAC > Time Management Tips > Costume Care

An Inter with Indview ian Classic a l Guru Me Dance naka Thakka r

justdancemagazine.com $4.00

P ubl i s he r s ’ L ette r s

H

ARock Publishing Group Ltd. 34A - 2755 Lougheed Hwy Suite 212 Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9 justdancemagazine.com facebook.com/jdmagazinebc General Inquiries & Sales info@justdancemagazine.com Co-publisher & Managing Editor Racquel Foran racquel@justdancemagazine.com Co-publisher & Public Relations Andrea Albanese andrea@justdancemagazine.com Art Director (Ad production, layout & image submission guidelines) Laura Bellis laura@justdancemagazine.com Copy Editor Hillary Wood Staff Photographer Karen Fisher-Hagel Operations Assistant Meagan O’Connor just dance! magazine is available for $24 per year (6 issues).

To subscribe visit justdancemagazine.com Copyright © just dance! magazine 2013: Material appearing in this publication may not be reproduced in print or electronically without written permission of the publisher, and without proper credit given. Editorial viewpoints and opinions do not necessarily reflect the view of the publishers.

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2 just dance! | January 2013

appy New Year! It is hard to believe that not only have we started a new year, but that we have already published three issues of just dance! It has been a whirlwind six months. We have met dozens of new people who have all enthusiastically shared ideas, information and resources with us. Every day that passes we learn something new about the dance community or about magazine publishing. But the constant learning and flood of fresh new ideas is what keeps us motivated and inspired, and confirms for both Andrea and me that people want more of what we are providing.

In this issue of just dance! we are honoured to be able to share our conversation with “the mother of Indian dance in Canada,” Dr. Menaka Thakkar, as well as teach our readers a little bit about the ancient history of classical Indian dance. If you are ever offered the opportunity to take a Menaka Thakkar

H

appy New Year! I’m hoping that everyone had a lovely holiday break and managed some downtime from the business of life. Though somehow I doubt it…There was a lot going on in the dance world these past weeks: Countless productions of ‘The Nutcracker’ staged by professional companies, local youth companies, dance schools and community programs—all giving opportunities to local dancers to perform on stages big and small. I was lucky enough to see our ‘In the Spotlight’ dancer perform the role of Clara with the Goh Ballet as well as attending ‘Mixed Nuts’ by Arts Umbrella Dance and the MOVE 2013 Gala which gave me the opportunity to see some of the choreography that local Team Canada dancers competed in Germany this past October. I found the performances inspiring and exciting. There’s a lot of talent in this town.

As always, we continue to meet enthusiastic and inspiring members of the dance community who are generous with their time, expertise and advertising

workshop, it is an experience you should not pass up.

With competitions just around the corner we also wanted to provide you with some information to help you have a successful season. Caitlin Callahan, Senior Artist with MAC Cosmetics shares makeup tips for both stage and street; co-publisher Andrea Albanese provides excellent advice on how to get the most out of your costumes; and professionals from the dance community tell young dancers why they should get out and see some live performances. We hope you find all the information helpful.

Of course, we are also already planning our next issue. Available March 15, this issue will be dedicated to “mom.” One of the things we have learned is that no matter who you speak with, “mom” plays a major, if somewhat invisible, role in a dancer’s life.

If you have a great story about how your mom has helped you realize your dream of dancing, just dance! wants to know, so make sure to contact us.

And as always, keep dancing!

— Racquel

budgets in supporting just dance! so that we can continue to bring you—our readers and dancers—great content to celebrate your achievements, to inform and inspire you and to create a great local dance community.

We’re right back in the thick it now: Auditions for Summer Intensive programs began the first weekend of January in Seattle (check our website for more information); festival and competition choreography is being finalized and rehearsed; costumes are being ordered and sewn; some schools are planning January showcases and performances; and some are planning trips to compete or attend dance conventions in other cities. Let us know what you’re up to.

We’d love to post some photos on Facebook of our local dancers working hard in the studio, rehearsing, auditioning or competing!

As always, thanks to our readers for your support, enthusiasm and feedback; to my partner Racquel for her vision and willpower; to our art director Laura for her patience and incredible skills; and to my family and friends for their encouragement.

Best,

— Andrea

1

By Racquel Foran & Andrea Albanese

2

4 In the Spotlight Natalie Thornley-Hall...........................................................5 Competitions...................................................................................................

By Andrea Albanese

Why the Pros go to Shows.........................................................................

Emily Molnar, Josh Beamish & Artemis Gordon Explain Why Dancers Should Sit in the Audience

8

By Andrea Albanese

Putting Your Best Face Forward.................................................................

By Andrea Albanese

Balance.................................................................................................

Time Management: Relieve Stress with Good Planning

11 14

By Racquel Foran

just dance! Wants To Know...................................................................

What is Your Favourite Dance Photo of Yourself?

23

16

28

11

just dance! Talks with Dr. Menaka Thakkar, Canada’s.........................

“Mother” of Indian Dance

20

By Racquel Foran

The History of Dance Indian Classical Dance..........................................

By Racquel Foran

Flurries of Fun Winter Activities for Dancers..............................................

By Andrea Albanese

Creative Costuming: Recycle, Reuse & Revamp....................................

By Andrea Albanese

Directory Listings .........................................................................................

Cover: Natalie Thornley-Hall, photo credit: Visual Arts Masters vamproductions.com.

23 26 28 30

In This Issue...

Publishers’ Letters............................................................................................

competitions Shine Dance Festival shinedancefestival.com

Festival du ballet festivalduballet.com

Synergy Dance synergydance.ca

Okanagan – Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre: April 4 to 7

Surrey – Surrey Arts Centre: May 14 to16

Kelowna – Rotary Centre for the Arts: March 1 to 3

Mission – Clarke Foundation Theatre: April 18 to 21 North Vancouver – Centennial Theatre: May 2 to 5 Peak Invitational peakinvitational.ca Surrey – Bell Performing Arts Centre: February 28 to March 5 Burnaby – Michael J. Fox Theatre: April 13 to 21 North Vancouver – Centennial Theatre: April 23 to April 28 Abbotsford – Abbey Arts Centre: May 3 to May 12 Whistler – Westin Resort & Spa: May 17 to 20 Terpsichore terpsichore.ca Chilliwack – Chilliwack Cultural Centre: May 23 – 24 North Vancouver – Centennial Theatre: May 9 to 11 Thunderstruck Canada thunderstruckcanada.com Maple Ridge – The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre: April 6 to 8

Surrey Festival of Dance surreyfestival.com Surrey – Surrey Arts Centre: April 2 to 30

Surrey – Bell Performing Arts Centre: April 15 to 21

Star Talent Dance Competition startalentdancecompetitions.com

Burnaby – Michael J. Fox Theatre: May 1 to 4

Maple Ridge – The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre: April 12 to 14

Victoria – University of Victoria: May 18 to 20

Burnaby – Michael J Fox Theatre: April 26 to 28

Prince George – Vanier Hall: May 24 to 25

Chilliwack – Chilliwack Cultural Centre: May 10 to 12

5678 Showtime 5678showtime.com

Next Level Hip Hop Competition nextlevelhiphop.ca

Whistler-Fairmont Chateau Whistler May 17 to 19 (see special Valentine’s Day offer, pg.19)

Surrey – Chuck Bailey Rec Centre: April 12 to 13

Dance Power dancepower.com

Kids Help Phone Challenge showtimedancepromotions.com

Burnaby 1– Michael J. Fox Theatre: March 5 to 10

Surrey – Bell Centre: April 5 to 7

Surrey – Bell Performing Arts Centre: March 25 – 31

Great Canadian Dance Challenge showtimedancepromotions.com Kelowna – Community Theatre: May 8 to 12 Dream Team Dance Festival showtimedancepromotions.com Surrey – Surrey Arts Centre: May 3 to 5

Chilliwack – Chilliwack Cultural Centre: April 3 to 7 Burnaby 2 – Michael J. fox Theatre: May 6 to 13 Maple Ridge – The ACT Arts Centre & Theatre: May 22 to 27

Douglas Ballet Academy presents ...

February 22, 2013, 7:30pm February 23, 2013, 2pm and 7:30pm

Renowned for its classical technique, Douglas Ballet Academy follows the overwhelming success of Coppelia (staged Spring 2012) with a full length production of the fairy story ballet Cinderella.

Come celebrate 20 years of dance training with us! tickets are available at the studio or call (604)420-0204

Terry Fox Theatre, Port Coquitlam, BC Ticket price $25.00

i n the s potl i ght

In the Spotlight: Natalie Thornley-Hall

By Andrea Albanese

Top and bottom right: Louis Li

Natalie Thornley-Hall has packed a whole lot of dance into her 12 years. The Grade 7 French Immersion student started dancing at age 2½ with her twin brother James, who quickly decided that the dance world was not for him. At age 5, Natalie was taking jazz, tap, ballet and gymnastics and by 7 she decided her true love was ballet. She then began training at the Vancouver Junior Professional Division (VJPD), a North Shore studio that specializes in classical ballet.

January 2013 | just dance! 5

i n the s potl i ght Natalie with her aunt, Leigh-Ann Cohen Hafford.

Natalie performing her contemporary solo Getting ready for class at The Dance Centre. (choreographed by her aunt) at the YAGP 2012.

Natalie comes by her love of

By the age of 10 Natalie was

conditioning and modern classes

ballet honestly: Her mum took

dancing upwards of 12 hours per

plus private instruction to rehearse

ballet and classical Spanish dance

week at VJPD where students

the variations she will perform for

until the age of 16; her beloved

wear a uniform, ankle socks (until

the year.

grandma took ballet classes when she was a young girl; and her aunt, Leigh-Ann Cohen-Hafford, danced professionally with Ballet BC and various other companies.

Leigh-Ann is now a senior ballet

Division 3) and are expected to sport a perfect ballerina bun with

In 2012, Natalie competed at the

no wispy bits. Natalie doesn’t

Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP)

mind the strict discipline and says

for the second year in a row. She

the only thing she doesn’t like

did variations from Paquita and

about ballet is “getting up really

Swan Lake and a contemporary

early to compete or take class.”

piece choreographed and

instructor at the Cornish Institute in

Natalie’s current schedule is

coached by her aunt. She

Seattle and also works as a private

approximately 15 hours per week

ballet coach and choreographer.

and includes ballet, character,

Youth America Grand Prix The Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) creates a unique opportunity for ballet students, teachers and choreographers to come together with the artistic directors of the world’s finest ballet schools and companies. Founded in 1999 by two former Bolshoi Ballet dancers, the YAGP is the largest international dance competition for students age 8–19. Over 5,000 dancers compete for more than $250,000 in scholarships as well as job offers from the world’s top ballet companies.

In 2011, director Bess Kargman received permission from YAGP organizers to film a documentary on the competition and the resulting film, First Position, has met with resounding success in both the ballet and non-ballet worlds.

6 just dance! | January 2013

in the spotlight

competed in two YAGP Regional competitions: In Seattle she placed first in her division and in Los Angeles she won the Hope Award for the second year in a row. Her scores earned her a spot to compete in the NYC finals where she was awarded a bronze medal.

When asked if there were any scary competitive dancers at the YAGP Nat replies, “No…they were competitive, but pretty friendly and nice. I liked it at YAGP; the dancers were really good.”

Her YAGP success earned her an invitation—as the youngest performer— to Miami’s International Ballet Festival Young Medalist Gala, which features top award winners from the international ballet competitions of 2012. Back at home, Natalie also won scholarships from both the Vancouver Ballet Society’s (VBS) Spring Seminar and the Pacific West Performing Arts Festival.

Natalie attended the National Ballet of Canada’s summer program in 2011 and was asked to stay on for full-time training, but she wasn’t quite ready to move to Toronto. For now, Natalie is happy living at home and training locally. She’s busy almost every day with dance: performing the role of Clara in the Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker for the second year in a row, perfecting her new variation from Le Corsaire for the YAGP in Seattle this February and attending auditions for summer intensive programs. She’s been offered several scholarships for summer programs but hasn’t made any decisions yet, though she’s hoping her family can come along for at least part of the time.

As for her future dreams, Natalie says, “I like classical ballet and I’d like to dance for the Paris Opera Ballet.” When her

Ballet Barres StudioBarres, PortaBarres, Wall Mount Barres & Brackets Dance Floors Sprung Dance Floor, PortaFloor, Vinyl Dance Flooring Glassless Mirrors Wall Mount Mirrors, Mirrors on Rolling Stand Staging

mom informs us that almost all of their dancers come from the Paris Opera Ballet School located in Nanterre on the outskirts of Paris, Natalie replies, “That’s OK. I’d go there.”

1-866-491-9019 | info@en-pointe.com | en-pointe.com January 2013 | just dance! 7

Why the Pros go to Emily Molnar, Josh Beamish & Artemis Gordon explain why dancers should sit in the audience

By Andrea Albanese Many dancers may be missing a key component of their dance education without realizing it. Dancers know that they spend most of their time in the studio perfecting technique, conditioning their bodies and learning choreography. Less time is spent on stage, but that is another key component of dance education—the art of performance. But how many dancers regularly spend time in the audience watching dance? There are two main reasons why dancers do not attend professional dance performances: money and time. Or a dancer may think, “That’s not the type of dance I do” or “I don’t like contemporary dance/musicals/classical ballet.”

to see similarities in technique and

modern, and tap to street dance

the studio

movement as well as being able

benefits every dancer, and is, in

and seeing a

to spot the differences. Ballerinas

fact, an essential part of being a

professional

and hip hop dancers don’t move

dancer. She recalls eagerly taking

show can

the same way at all, but both

in all kinds of performances as a

be an eye-

need strong technique to perform

student. “If you want to become

opening experience. Let’s face it;

and spend countless hours in the

a professional dancer,” she says,

beginner hip hop class is nothing

studio. And finally, both dancers

“it is so important to see what is

like seeing the Bad Boys of Dance.

experience the same thrill when

out there. It helps you believe in

‘Intro to Contemporary’ bears no

performing.

what is possible and see where

resemblance to Kidd Pivot or Ballet

you are going as a dancer. When

BC, and those first few years of acro

Emily Molnar, Artistic Director

I was in Europe, as a 17-year old

do not prepare you for Cirque du

of Ballet BC, passionately

dancer, it opened my eyes to

Soleil. Seeing a great performance

believes that seeing a wide

all kinds of dance. It was a huge

can lead to a new appreciation

variety of dance performances

learning curve. Seeing different

and excitement for an unfamiliar

ranging from classical ballet

types of dance enlarges your

type of dance. Dancers may begin

to contemporary, musicals to

world and your perspective. It

8 just dance! | January 2013

Michael Slobodian

G

etting out of

Shows:

required to attend professional dance performances? It is as much a part of the curriculum as daily class, repertoire, conditioning, Pilates, nutrition, dance history and music. Artemis Gordon, Artistic Director of Arts Umbrella Dance, believes attending performances is so important that tickets to Ballet BC, DanceHouse and the Chutzpah! Festival are included in the yearly tuition for Arts Umbrella dance programs. And Emily Molnar recalls, “When I was a student at the National Ballet School we had subscriptions to the National Ballet of Canada shows in addition to Harbourfront Centre to see contemporary and modern dance.”

Not living near a big city doesn’t mean you have to give up the idea of attending performances.

Since 1995 dance photographer and parent Erik Zennestrom has organized countless road trips for Okanagan dancers to see performances in Vancouver. He says those trips are still talked Ballet BC’s Muse.

about fondly by former students who enjoyed the thrill of seeing a

encourages you to learn how to

training.” Beamish says viewing

show, having a backstage tour,

evaluate the quality of technique

others’ work keeps him aware of

meeting Karen Kain (or other

and artistry. You learn who you

how audiences respond. It also

famous dancers), and travelling

want to become as a dancer and

inspires and challenges him in

with up to 60 fellow dancers and

even where you’d like to dance.

his own choreographic process.

a couple of parent chaperones.

As a professional, it will inform and

“Seeing Crystal Pite's Uncollected

Apart from the obvious aim of

inspire you.”

Work completely challenged

supporting professional dance in

my every notion of the depth of

the community—“Dancers need

Josh Beamish, founder and Artistic

communication that dance could

to support dancers”—Zennestrom

Director of MOVE: the company,

offer,” he says. “Seeing (William)

goes on to say, “I think the most

agrees. “How are students

Forsythe for the first time made me

important thing that happened

supposed to truly understand what

wish I'd worked harder in ballet

during the trips was meeting

they are aspiring towards without

growing up, so I that could have

professionals, realizing that they

seeing professional dance?” he

danced that work myself.”

are no different. They get sore

asks. “Even as a professional,

and tired, yelled at sometimes,

I consider seeing work to be

Do you know that in almost all

disappointed often. They also love

as high a priority as my daily

professional schools dancers are

what they do AND they take class January 2013 | just dance! 9

every day! Even on performance days! All this creates a visible bridge, the realization that the pros aren't superhumans, and you don't need to be one to be successful.”

But what if you don’t want to be a professional dancer? What if you just like to dance and maybe festivals? Molnar says it doesn’t matter. In fact, she believes that dancers who compete frequently might get a very interesting perspective by spending some time in the audience. “When you

Arts Umbrella dancers at the theatre--a required element of their dance training.

enhancing their ability to make

of focus, determination, passion

that connection. And that just

and hard work.”

might be something the audience (and the judges) will notice the

Once you’ve decided to make

next time you’re on stage.

audience participation part of your dance education, where

compete, you are being judged

The bottom line is that seeing

do you start? Ask your teachers

by the audience, because that’s

professional dance performances

what to see. Search the ‘Dance

where the judges sit. It’s hard to

is an important part of your

Listings’ online or in the local

forget that. There is a focus on

dance education. Being a

newspaper. If expense is a

showmanship. Not that that is

dancer in the audience can

consideration, talk to your parents

a bad thing, it’s just that it can

be an inspiring, educational,

and set a budget, keeping in

be a very different experience

interactive, motivational, learning

mind that community theatres

to perform when you are not

and life-changing experience

are often more affordable than

being judged—you develop a

that’s a whole lot more than just

downtown venues. Vancouver

relationship with the audience.

entertainment. Arts Umbrella

Ballet Society members often

You are sharing and participating

parent Noni Raskin says, “It's

get special rates for many local

in a mutual experience, which is

often quite interesting to watch

dance performances (not only

that of the performance.” Molnar

the faces of the dance students

ballet), as do members of Harbour

feels that spending time in the

in the audience of a dance

Dance Centre. Ballet BC offers

audience, experiencing how the

performance and to follow their

2 for 1 tickets on the day of the

performers on stage connect

gaze. They're soaking it all in and

performance from Tickets Tonight.

with the audience, will not only

are often the ones to lead in the

Make a commitment to see at

inspire dance students, but will

applause and standing ovations

least one performance every few

also help them improve the quality

because they know that the magic

months and see how it changes

of their own performance by

on stage is a result of endless hours

your dancing world!

Ballet BC is committed to creating a bridge between the studio and the stage to make the professional dance world more accessible for dance students.

In addition to hosting two student dress rehearsals, choreographic workshops, artist salons, and presenting a Summer Intensive in collaboration with Arts Umbrella, Artistic Director Emily Molnar is currently designing an outreach program that will make it easier for local dancers to attend Ballet BC performances. Contact Kerriann Cardinal (kcardinal@balletbc.com) for more information on group tickets for dance studios.

10 just dance! | January 2013

balletbc.com dancehouse.ca chutzpahfestival.com thedancecentre.ca artsalive.ca movethecompany.com

Kidd Pivot, photo courtesy of DanceHouse

perform in local competitions and

putting

your

BEST

Face

By Andrea Albanese

FORWARD M

AC Cosmetics Senior Artist, Caitlin Callahan’s degree in theatre arts coupled with her training

and international experience as a Senior Artist with MAC Cosmetics makes her a true subject matter expert in the field of stage makeup. Caitlin views makeup as an essential aspect of being on stage and sees it as an extension of your costume.

Caitlin explains that being a

brush—a sponge gives much

‘makeup artist’ is just that—you

heavier coverage—and cover

are truly ‘painting your face:

your whole face. Remember, you

Foundation evens out the skin

are creating your blank canvas.

tone, creating a ‘blank’ canvas;

2

contour powders add highlights and shadows, giving the face shape; an eyebrow pencil brings

Applying concealer in a ‘c-curve’.

1

out brows, framing the face; lip

Contouring adds shape back to your face. To highlight, apply white

powder (or a colour that is 1 to -2

colour defines the mouth; and

shades lighter than your skin) with

finally eyeliner and eye shadow

a contour brush (round, smaller

emphasize the eyes, giving life

than the foundation brush) ABOVE

and depth to the face.

your cheekbones, on the top of your jaw line, under and above

If you understand the basics of

your eyebrows and on your lower

drawing and shading, you have a

eyelid.

bit of a head start in the makeup

even if you can’t draw a straight

3

line.

brush under your cheekbones,

department. Don’t worry though: there are proven techniques that you can use to get great results

2

After the contour shading has been applied under the cheekbone.

In addition to basic skincare, there are two things you need

Filling in the liquid eyeliner outline.

12 just dance! | January 2013

tone) and apply with a contour under your jaw line and under your bottom lip.

Blush is not commonly used unless you are trying to look very young

remove your makeup AND wash

or have very pale skin. To apply

your face. This is NOT the same

blush correctly, smile and brush

thing. If there’s any makeup on

blush on the ‘apple’ of your

LETíS GET STARTED!

First, wash your face. Apply a small amount of moisturizer on your face

cheeks with a contour brush.

4

For your eyes, use your taupe/brown contour powder and an eyeshadow

brush. Apply along orbital bone

and lips. (Or if you want to get

which is above the crease of your

fancy, use moisturizer, eye cream

eye but don’t go into the crease

and lip conditioner.)

of your eye.

1 4

shades darker than your skin

according to Caitlin: Always

which can lead to breakouts.

Applying taupe contour shadow along the orbital bone.

or brown powder (1 to 2

to remember about makeup

the towel, your face is not clean,

3

To shade, use a taupe

With a small flat brush, apply

Use a small angle brush and put

concealer on any blemishes

the taupe/brown contour colour

and under the eyes in a ‘C’

under the eye in a line about 2mm

curve (go right up along the side

under the lash line. Follow the lash

of your nose but not to the edge

line but don’t start right in the

of your eye).

corner.

Powder foundation (MAC Studio

Fill in the space between the

Fix) is easiest to apply. Use a

colour and the lower eyelashes

medium/large round powder

with white eye pencil.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR INVESTMENT! Young skins are sensitive and when you are dancing and sweating, your pores open up, absorbing all that makeup.

It’s important to buy the best quality cosmetics and brushes you can afford and to take good care your makeup kit.

Don’t forget to remove your makeup and WASH your face!

5

• Keep makeup in a cool, dry place away from the light.

• Don’t share your makeup.

• Wash your brushes frequently (after every competition/performance, especially if you use brushes to touch up your makeup each time

6

Applying false eyelashes just along the upper lash line.

Outlining the lips with lip liner.

You can also use white eye pencil

the eyes open and look down.

on the inside of the lower lashes to

Apply along the natural line of the

emphasize your eyes even more (takes the red out).

Use a dark eye pencil along the outside of the lower lashes to outline the eye.

Outline the shape of your eyelid using liquid eyeliner then fill it in.

Use the side of the brush for more

eyelashes. You can add mascara to ‘stick’ the false eyelashes to

you perform. Sweaty skin=bacteria).

• Mascara doesn’t keep. The brushes can hold bacteria from your eyes, which then contaminates the remaining mascara in the tube.

7

Pressing on lip colour with a lip brush.

7

Apply lip colour over top of the lip liner using a lip brush to press the product into the

lips for long wear, making it less likely to smear on costumes.

your real eyelashes if you wish.

6

Always fill in your eyebrows with Using a lip liner, outline the

an eyebrow pencil in an elegant

lip starting in the middle of

classical arch shape. If you have

the lower lip. Use the flat of

very light eyebrows, MAC carries

a sharp lip pencil to follow the

a pencil called ‘Fling’ which is an ashy blond.

control (press the colour on, don’t

natural line of the lip. If you need

‘paint’ it).

to even out your natural lip shape,

For a fancier and more dramatic

5

use a taupe colour pencil BEFORE

eye add more shadow in a natural

False eyelashes may need to be trimmed for younger dancers. Apply a thin line

of adhesive to the eyelash. Keep

you start. For long-wearing lip

tone (plum, brown, peach–NO green or blue) with an angled

colour, fill in the whole lip with liner

brush above eye and make the line

before you apply lip colour.

under the eye thicker.

January 2013 | just dance! 13

B a l a nce

Time Management

fashioned wall or desk calendar, but in it you should list every event, important date, and deadline you can think of for as far in advance as you can. Birthdays, school holidays, competition days, school and dance exam days,

By Racquel Foran

dance class days and times, and anything else that you need to make time for should be noted in your calendar.

But don’t stop there. After you have filled in your calendar, go back and review each of your entries to see if there is any preplanning associated with the item listed. For example, Valentine’s

Relieve Stress with Good Planning

Day falls on February 14, so on February 10 you might want to schedule time in your calendar to go to the mall to pick up cards and chocolates for friends and family, and on the 12th you should block off 30 minutes to write your cards.

It is 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday night and you just walked in the door after

Then on the morning of the 14th you

having spent the previous three hours at the dance studio. You have been

will be all set to enjoy the day.

on the go since 6:30 a.m. and are feeling exhausted, but you still have to work on an English assignment that is due the next day. It looks like you are

Prioritize

heading into a late night of homework—again!

After your calendar is filled in, it is all about prioritizing and the best

Just thinking about the work

purpose. Life will always be busy

ahead makes you feel stressed

and you will always have to juggle

out. You wonder how you will

multiple responsibilities with varying

manage everything: achieving

priority levels. It is important to feel

good grades in school; improving

positive about our responsibilities,

and advancing in dance; finding

not stressed— and this comes

time for friends and family;

down to good time management.

sleep…?

Responsibilities Should Not Be Stressful

Plan Ahead

way to prioritize is with lists. Each day get in the habit of setting aside 15 minutes to list out your daily schedule; good times to do this are right before going to bed, or while eating breakfast in the morning.

Referring to your calendar, write down everything you need to do, noting times where necessary and

It is difficult to manage your time

making sure to add anything that

when you don’t know what’s

has come up at the last minute.

But having a lot to do shouldn’t

coming. If things are always

Then number these items by

make you feel overwhelmed

catching you by surprise, it’s

and stressed out. Being able

because you aren’t planning

“Always arrive on time: if you

to achieve the things we set

a ead. This is where a calendar

arrive late you waste the time

out to, and doing a good job

comes in handy. This can be the

of the person expecting you, if

of those things is what gives us

calendar on your smart phone,

you arrive early you waste your

self-confidence and a sense of

tablet, computer, or an old-

own time.”

14 just dance! | January 2013

smaller and more manageable, but you will also likely spend less time working on it and produce better results than if you try and cram the whole thing into one or two work sessions. When you are assigned a new project at school, ask your teacher how much time she thinks a student should spending working on it to achieve a good grade. If your teacher responds with six hours, for example, and you have seven days to complete the assignment, then set aside one hour a day for each of the seven days. If you follow this method, late nights studying and late assignments will be a thing of the past, and if things go well you might even finish your assignments early. importance. For example, school

amazed how good it feels to see

at 8:30 is a must, so it is #1 on the

everything checked off at the end

list, but watching So You Think

of each day.

your world in order Balance Your World

Staging | Organizing | Designing

What’s in it for you?

Sell your home faster!

Find what you’re looking for!

Love your home again!

You Can Dance is something you would like to do but might not

In the beginning, it might be

have time for, so it would have a

difficult to develop the habit of

number towards the end of the

keeping a calendar and lists, but

list. When you are done, tuck this

once you start you will realize that

list in your planner or pocket and

being in control of your own time

refer to it throughout the day so

and responsibilities will free you to

you stay on track and don’t forget anything. Each time you complete a task cross it off the list. You will be

truly let loose on the dance floor.

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B a l a nce

Dividing large projects into small tasks not only makes the project feel

Abigail

WDL Kin

g

just dance! wants to know…

Daniella Pettenon

Age: 15

Douglas Ballet Academy, Burnaby This is my favourite dance photo of myself because it brings back memories of my first pointe dance back in 2011. It was choreographed

by Meagan Ekelund and the piece was called Shooting Stars.

I absolutely loved our silver costumes and dancing with the silk scarfs. In all my years of dancing, this was one of my favorites.

Amanda Murphy

Tygre Perl Kennedy Urquhart Age: 11

The danceLab, Coquitlam

I have taken. My mom found this cool graffiti wall downtown and we went there and took pictures.

This is my favourite photo of myself because I think that the nature scene really matches my tutu and it almost looks like I am a fairy nymph in the middle of the forest.

Age: 15

Tri-City Dance Centre, Coquitlam

We had many homeless people watch and tell us the pictures will

I have attached one of my

be beautiful. I hope you like it too.

favourite dance photos . It was taken last year at a dance

hner

different from other dance photos

Matisse Maitland

Attending Idylwild Arts Academy in California beginning January 2013

Tamara Lec

I love this photo because it is very

Age: 14

competition. It is my favourite because I think they just caught me at the perfect time.

Respond to Win! GTFotofx

Our March issue is all about Mom so just dance! wants to know, “What does your mom do to support you and your dancing?”

16 just dance! | January 2013

Send a favourite photo of you with your mom for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from Jazz Ma Tazz Dance and Costume Supply and a photo shoot with Nadine

Inkster Photography for you, and a gift basket and free consultation from your world in order for mom.

Congratulations to our November winners Jada Tang and Amanda De Paiva who won gifts donated by Live Love Dancewear, Sugar & Bruno, and Ballet BC.

What is your favourite dance photo of yourself?

Emma Kelly

Age: 9

K&S Dance, Port Coquitlam My name is Emma. I am 9 years old and I have been going to K&S Dance in Port Coquitlam since I was 2. Attached is my favourite dance photo of GTFotofx

myself. It is my favourite because it is from my very 1st solo, and I love the colour of the tutu!!!

Place: Dance Power Maple Ridge May 2012 This is one of my daughter’s favourite photos from last year’s dance competitions. She was performing her lyrical acro solo at Dance Power Maple Ridge.

The judges made a special

Age: 13

Centre Stage Dance, Pitt Meadows This is my favourtie dance photo of myself because this was my first in-the-air photo. I was so happy when I saw what it looked like, I realized how high I could go and how much further I could go. It felt otos

Age: 9

Hana Pauls

effortless, that is why I love it.

On Sight Ph

Tiffany Reitsema

performance, even during her tricks – which can be quite difficult. Tiffany, (she just turned 9

GTFotofx

to smile throughout the whole

Photo Express

mention of her for being able

in this photo) loves to dance and perform, and this photo captures her joy of performing, even in a difficult position.

I asked her what the best part of going to competitions was for her, and I thought for sure she might say winning a medal or trophy, but she surprised me by saying, “getting that piece of paper to see what I need to work on for next time” I was pleasantly surprised to be reminded how

Amanda De Paiva

Age: 11

Studio One Dance Center, Aldergove

mature my 9 year old can be about receiving constructive

This costume so far has been my favourite because I really had to find my

criticism, and actually looking

character in this dance!! This solo taught me about dancing the music and

forward to it, to make her a

having fun!! I’m a Cyber Girl! Many dance families we have met always

stronger person and dancer.

say to me “You’re that Cyber Girl!!” YES, I am!!

January 2013 | just dance! 17

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CASTING TEAM

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL DANCE AUDITIONS MONTREAL - JUNE 29 - 30, 2013 I N V I TAT I O N S @ 5 6 7 8 S H O W T I M E Cirque du Soleil Casting Team is holding auditions to cast dancers in their new and existing productions.

5678 Showtime will be scouting for dancers for Cirque, and will be present at the Cirque audition in Montreal. Unlike most auditions where dancers learn set choreography, Cirque auditions encourage dancers to “improv” in groups, with partners, and as soloists utilizing their diverse vocabulary of movement to music that spans the spectrum. Cirque is lookiing for dancers that T H I N K O U T S I D E T H E B O X

C I D W O R L D C O N G R E S S - M O N T R E A L - J U LY 3 – 7 , 2 0 1 3 DANCE SPECIALISTS FROM OVER 40 COUNTRIES W O R KS H O P S ; E X H I B I T I O N S ; P E R F O R M A N C E S Visit cidcanada.org - cid-portal.org or email info@cidcanada.org With 20 CID members, BC can host the CID World Congress in 2014

The Montreal CID Section of the International Dance Council will host the 34th CID World Congress, the first on the North American continent. D A N C E I S O U R V O I C E is intended primarily for professionals though supporters in related professions and youth are welcome to attend this Congress which is an opportunity to share one’s work with teachers, choreographers, dancers, researchers, organizers, and suppliers.

CID is the only international organization representing all forms of dance that is recognized by United Nations

Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO. CID Headquarters are in Paris,

France, and the administrative office is in Athens, Greece. In 1982, CID designated April 29 as World Dance Day with celebrations in more than 200 countries. In 2001, CID hosted the first World Congress in Athens, Greece. Approximately 400 conferees from more than 40 countries attend each congress.

18 just dance! | November 2012

FROM A FAMILY BASED BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER, BC with one competition 20 years ago, 5678 Showtime now hosts 15 annual dance conventions and competitions across Canada from BC to Newfoundland. Their mandate is to P R O M O T E E X C E L L E N C E A N D D I V E R S I T Y. They have achieved this by bringing families together at World Class Resorts, developing an award system that emphasizes

anniversary

diversity of training, initiating summer dance tours in Hollywood, New York, London, and Paris, and awarding outstanding performers $ 1 , 4 1 2 , 4 0 0 . 0 0 Cash in 20 years.

5678 showtime has now reached a global scale by

montreal, canada

hosting Dance World Cup since 2008, working with

NATIONALS, JULY 5 - 7, 2013

Cirque du Soleil since 2011, and sponsoring the first CID

DANCE WORLD CUP, JULY 8 - 10, 2013

World Congress in North America in 2013.

FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER - MAY 17 - 19, 2013 VALENTINE'S DAY OFFER FOR BC STUDIOS FOR SUPPORTING US FOR 20 YEARS REGISTER FOR THE WHISTLER CONVENTION and ENTER YOUR COMPETITION ROUTINES FOR $20 EACH 604-945-7469 - info@5678 showtime.com - REGISTER BY FEB 14

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CASTING TEAM WILL OFFER TOURS, BE PRESENT FOR and

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5678 Showtime first hosted Dance World Cup in Vancouver. More than 6,000 dancers from China, Japan, Guam, South Korea, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Poland, Turkey, Hungary, India, Ghana, USA and Canada have competed at Dance World Cup since 2008.

Dance World Cup is recognized as a CID-UNESCO event. Qualify for Dance World Cup at 5678 Showtime.

Contact us at info@danceworldcup.com

Host Hotel - Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal - 866-540-4483 - Code 13Showtime - from $169 cid-portal.org - cidcanada.org - cirquedusoleil.com/jobs - 5678showtime.com - danceworldcup.com January 2013 | just dance! 19

just dance! talks with Dr. Menaka Thakkar Canada’s “Mother” of Indian Dance

By Racquel Foran, Photos by David Hou In 2012 Dr. Menaka Thakkar conducted an Indian dance workshop and presented two shows at Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam. I was invited

by Evergreen to interview Dr.

command of our meeting without me even realising she was doing it.

If not for the fact that she needed to eat, rest and prepare her theatre company for the evening performance, I would have gladly listened to her for many more hours.

Thakkar, who had recently been

Through all her many stories, there

awarded The Walter Carsen Prize

were three points she tended to

for Excellence in Performing Arts.

I thought young dancers would

come back to: If you want to be a dancer you must be patient,

like to learn about the woman

passionate, and you must, as

who is credited with bringing

she said, “practice, practice,

Indian dance to Canada.

practice.”

I arrived at Evergreen with

Menaka was born to dance.

questions prepared and

By the time she entered the

tape recorder ready, but

world in Bombay, India in 1941,

as soon as we finished our

her sister Sudha was already an

introductions Dr. Thakkar

accomplished dancer. At the age

simply started to talk. At 71 years old, she appears ageless.

of three, she was begging Sudha to teach her dance. One of the

She is a petite woman who

first lessons Sudha taught Menaka,

moves calmly and silently, but in

however, was patience. She did

her stillness there is also energy.

not immediately agree to teach

Her dark eyes are unbelievably

Menaka, saying that she was too

bright and I sensed she didn’t

young. When Menaka argued she

miss much. She serenely took

wasn’t, Sudha questioned how

The Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in Performing Arts was established in 2001 with a $1.1 million donation to the Canada Council for the Arts. The prize is awarded on a four-year cycle in dance, theatre, dance and music “in recognition of the highest level of artistic excellence and distinguished career achievement by a Canadian professional.” Menaka Thakkar was awarded $30,000 in 2012 for her contribution to the field of dance.

20 just dance! | January 2013

serious Menaka was. Menaka assured her sister she was very serious and finally, after months of begging, Sudha agreed to teach her the beginning step of Indian dance: aramandi or half-sitting.

“She told me ‘When you master this step, I’ll teach you the second one’,” Menaka explained. When she heard this she thought, “Okay, I must practice.” And practice she did. Every day for a year and a half she practiced that single step until finally her sister told her she was ready to learn the second step. Almost 70 years later Menaka still remembers how excited she was. “I ran to my friends saying YES!, I have learned the first step.

Now I get to learn the second.” At only four years old, Menaka had already proven she had patience

A young student from Dr. Thakkar’s school demonstrates the first position of classical Indian dance - “Aramandi” or half-sitting.

A younger Menaka demonstrating one of many intricate hand gestures.

and passion, and that she was more than willing to practice.

With Sudha as her guru (teacher) guiding her through the first seven years of her training, Menaka gained experience dancing in her sister’s productions. But the path to graduation and Arangetram (on-stage solo debut) is long, and Menaka moved on to broaden her experience by training under several well-known classical Indian dance gurus. She was different from other Indian dancers in that she studied three forms of Indian dance: Bharatanatyam; Odissi; and Kuchipudi. By her early twenties she had a successful solo career in India, travelling to festivals throughout India with her eight-member band.

A trip to Toronto in 1971 to visit her brother and sister, both of whom were working there at York University, changed everything.

January 2013 | just dance! 21

The York University Department of

When Menaka visited York, she

company, Menaka Thakkar Dance

Dance launched in September

met Grant Strate, the founding

Company. For the past 20 years she

1970 under the leadership of

Chair of the Department of

has also spent summers teaching

Dance, who invited her to teach

Bharatanatyam to students at

an Indian dance workshop. This

Canada’s National Ballet School.

offer led to her staying in Canada.

She has travelled across Canada

founding Chair Grant Strate with five faculty members and an inaugural class of 32 majors. In

Originally, she had planned to stay

to both teach and perform, and

1976 the Department launched

for only three months; she is still

although well past the age that

Canada’s first Master’s Program

here more than 40 years later.

many retire, she shows no signs of

in dance. Today, the Department offers a full range of study options to over 250 dance majors pursuing

slowing down. “I am lucky to spend Since arriving in Canada she has built an impressive list of accomplishments. She has

BA and BFA degrees at the

choreographed more than 20 works

undergraduate level, as well as 45

including traditional classical Indian

students pursuing MA, MFA, and

dances, children’s works, and works

PhD degrees at the graduate level.

that fuse Western music and ballet

Find out more at: dance.finearts. yorku.ca/about-us/mission-history

poses with Indian dance styles and music. In 1971 she founded Canada’s first school of Indian

More info about

dance, Nrtyakala (the Canadian

Menaka Thakkar:

Academy of Indian Dance). Five

menakathakkardance.org

years later she founded Canada’s first professional Indian dance

my life doing what I love,” she says.

I ended our interview by asking Dr. Thakkar if she had any advice for young dancers. She encouraged all dancers to be open to learning about their own culture as well as others’. She concluded by reminding dancers that your body is your instrument and “to be honest about what your body can do and then practice with that understanding.”

Namaste Dr. Thakkar.

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with Children’s Choirs from Coastal Sound Music Academy and School District 43

La Diva Malbouffa (pictured) March 10, 2pm

featuring Natalie Choquette

Naomi’s Road

Sunday, May 5, 2pm

Vancouver Opera in Schools based on the novel by Joy Kogawa

SPRING BREAK: Raven Meets The Monkey King March 19-20, 11am + March 21, 7pm

Axis Theatre Company’s latest modernday adventure

The Kerplunks!

March 26-27, 11am + March 27, 7pm Canada’s hippest, new children’s entertainers!

TICKETS $14 for Children | $18 for Adults | $54 for a Family of Four

EVERGREEN CULTURAL CENTRE | 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam | 604-927-6555 evergreenculturalcentre.ca facebook.com/evergreenculturalcentre @EvergreenArts

Photos by David Hou

By Racquel Foran

Classical Dance W hen someone mentions

classical dance, however, has

Indian dance, the first thing

a 2000-year history.

you likely think of is Bollywood; this is the unmistakable influence of pop culture. But the huge dance numbers with distinctive music that are part of every Bollywood production don’t truly represent

classical Indian dance. Bollywood isn’t even a type of dance, but

Carvings on the hillsides of the eastern Indian state of Odissa dating back to the first century clearly depict dancing. And the Natya Shastra, one the world’s oldest handbooks on dramatic arts, mentions dancing from this region in its text. Over the

rather it is the name used to

centuries different regions of

describe the Bombay arts, culture

India have each developed

and movie industry. The dances

their own folk dances, but it is

performed in modern Bollywood

the dances that have stood the

productions are a fusion of Indian

test of time and had influence

classical and folk dances, belly

throughout the country that are

dancing, and modern jazz, with a

considered classical. There are

hint of Western pop culture as well.

several, including Manipuri from

This modern style of Indian dance

Northeast India; Bharanta Natyam

has a large following worldwide,

from Tamilnadu in Southern India;

but it has only been evolving

Kuchipudi from Andhrapradesh

over the last 50 years or so. Indian

in the southeast region; Kathakali

January 2013 | just dance! 23

The History of Dance

Indian

T he h i s to r y o f d a nce

bent. Jumps tend to be small and

costumes, make-up and head

light and footwork focuses on

dresses. Everything about Kathakali

stomping rhythms, which enhance

is bigger than other types of Indian

the accompanying music; many

dance: legs are lifted higher, lunges

dancers wear bells on their ankles

are deeper, and jumps travel

to add another dimension to the

farther. Arm and body movements

music and beats. They use their

are much larger and facial

entire body to tell a story. The hips,

expressions are more exaggerated.

torso, arms, hands, neck and face

It is said that the most talented

are all in constant fluid motion,

Kathakali dancers are able to laugh

with each movement having a

with one side of their face, while

specific purpose. For example,

simultaneously crying with the other.

the well known side-to-side movement of the head is meant to bring attention to a change in facial expression. Movements are often subtle but detailed; the Neena Jayarajan Assistant Artistic Director of Menaka Thakkar Dance Company models the dramatic makeup that Indian dancers wear to enhance the facial expressions that are such an important part of the dances.

from Kerala in the south; and Odissi from Odissa in the east.

Each of these styles of dance

position of each pinkie finger is choreographed and eyes dart to the rhythm of the music.

Indian dance training begins at a young age and is a lengthy process that takes a great deal of patience and desire to succeed. Dr. Menaka Thakkar said that when she was a child she practiced the first pose she was taught for an entire year before she advanced to learning

A classical Indian dance performed

the next pose. (Read interview

mostly by men is Kathakali; even

with Dr. Thakkar on page 20)

female roles are played by

However, despite starting young,

men. It is a very fast dance that

dancers do not usually advance

is characterized by elaborate

to company until their mid-teens

has religious beginnings; the dancers would worship the gods by re-enacting their lives through

Raveena Ravishankar depicting Lord Shiva, the lord of dance in Indian mythology.

dramatic storytelling. There are three main parts to Indian dance: natya, the dramatic; nritta, the dance itself and how it interplays with the music through movements of the hands and body, and by the stamping of the feet; and nritya, mood portrayed through facial expressions, hand gestures, and foot and leg positions. All of these combine to create a very unique style of movement that relies on every part of the body to convey a message and tell a story.

The movements and poses of Indian dance are very different from Western ballet. Indian dancers’ feet are almost always flat and their knees frequently 24 just dance! | January 2013

Ancient Indian Scholarly Text The Natya Shastra was written by Indian sage and priest Bharata between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. It is considered to be the oldest written work detailing the art of writing and dramatic production. It covers all aspects of the arts from poetry and drama to music and dance. It is believed that its primary purpose was to promote Indian drama as a vehicle for religious enlightenment.

Multitude of Complex Gestures Indian dancers use a large number of gestures to express complex events, ideas, and emotions. There are 13 gestures of the head, 36 different glances, and 67 mudras (hand gestures). All of these can be combined in any number of ways, with each combination conveying a different meaning.

and they do not have their senior debuts arangetram until they are adults. This is because Indian dance has deep roots in storytelling.

Many of these tales cover mature subjects that must be conveyed through facial expressions, making youth a disadvantage. As Neena Jayarajan, assistant artistic director of The Menaka Thakkar Dance Company explained, “A child of 13 or 14 cannot understand the emotions of a mother or a woman scorned.” Neena herself did not have her senior debut until she was 30 years old. Now, at 32, her

PosTurAl AlignmenT for dAncers On-site treatment available for local dance studios.

The Art of Well Being

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Misha Waite

career in Indian dance as both

MA, RCC, Certified BodyWorker

a performer and choreographer is just starting to peak at an age

misha@theartofwellbeing.ca 604.727.8662 www.theartofwellbeing.ca

when many professional ballet dancers might be considering retirement.

There is no doubt that classical Indian dance has a very different look and feel than Western styles of dance, but the passion and commitment of the dancers is the same. They dance because they want to share their story, their art and their culture with others. And their enthusiasm has caught on, with both classical and Bollywood dance experiencing growth

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around the globe.

January 2013 | just dance! 25

T he H i s to r y o f D a nce

In aramandi position, holding the pose of Lord Ganesh another God in Indian mythology.

Flurries of Fun M

By Andrea Albanese

Winter Activities for Dancers any dancers’

What is cross-training? One of the

jam-packed

current buzzwords in the world

schedules

of dance fitness is cross-training.

don’t leave

The idea behind cross-training is

much time

to enhance your dance training

for winter

by doing a completely different

sports, especially ones that

activity. The key is choosing

involve driving to ski hills, hauling

activities that will work on areas

gear, or taking lessons to learn

of the body that are important

skiing, snowboarding or figure skating. Winter weather also tends to makes an appearance in

to dancers (like the core) OR enhance areas that need work (like balance or flexibility).

December—Nutcracker season—

You might be surprised to learn

and wraps up in March—just in

that cross-country skiing is a great

time for competitions and ballet

cross-training activity for dancers.

exams. The cost of winter clothing

The parallel foot position used

and equipment, in addition to dance expenses, can rule out winter sports for many families.

in cross-country skiing works on internal rotation, and strengthens the hips which are sometimes weak and overstretched in

And finally, the main reason why

dancers from being in an

dancers often ‘freeze out’ winter

externally rotated position (aka

sports like skiing or snowboarding

turnout) most of the time. It’s also

is the potential for injury. Great

a great cardio workout. Even

news! There’s a lot of winter fun

beginners can have fun gliding

out there that is affordable and safe for dancers, that does not require a huge time commitment,

through the trails and crosscountry equipment can be easily rented at most ski hills.

AND can actually enhance your

TIP: Though the injury rate is low,

dance training.

the most common way to hurt

26 just dance! | January 2013

yourself is to ‘catch an edge’ in the snow and twist your knee. Look

Did you KNOW?

Downhill skiing and figure skating might not be activities your

for soft powder snow and avoid

There was a competitive sport

icy areas to keep your knees safe!

called ‘ski ballet’ that achieved

to pursue…but skiers and figure

demonstration status in the

skaters often take dance/ballet

snowshoeing, which can also double

1988 and 1992 Olympics. In

classes to enhance THEIR training!

as a fun social event with friends. You

the late 1960s, ski ballet was

There are specialized coaches,

can find organized snowshoe tours

categorized as a discipline

Another great option for dancers is

(fondue and hot chocolate–YUM!) on most of the local mountains or

of freestyle skiing that used

dance teacher would want you

training programs, and books on how ballet enhances figure skating by improving posture, balance and

you can follow the marked trails

choreographed jumps, spins,

with your own group. Snowshoeing

flips and rolls on a downhill

qualities. Downhill skiers and

slope. After the mid-‘70s it was

aerialists are also encouraged

difficult to organize. You can easily

even done to music! Sadly,

to take dance classes in the off

rent snowshoes on the mountain

the International Ski Federation

and have a great afternoon

ceased all competitive actives

is a great activity because it’s affordable, fun for beginners and not

with friends without lessons or complicated equipment. It’s also a GREAT cardio workout with a pretty

for ski ballet (later called acroski) in 2000.

musicality as well as performance

season because dance improves your balance and your ‘kinesthetic awareness’, which is the ability to feel how your body moves through space.

low risk for injury.

Another fun winter activity is ice skating, especially if you can skate outdoors and enjoy the alpine scenery but if you can’t get up the mountain, there are plenty of community rinks with public skating sessions and skate rentals.

Don’t forget about sledding and snow tubing as well—fun activities for everyone that don’t require any special skills and also give you a great workout in that crisp winter air!

Left: J. J. Koeman, Location: Cypress Mountain.

Grouse Mountain: grousemountain.com snowshoeing, sleigh rides, outdoor skating.

Cypress Mountain: cypressmountain.com snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowtubing.

Mount Seymour: mountseymour.com snowshoeing, snowtubing, tobogganing.

Pre-Professional Programs Showcase Kay Meek Centre 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver February 23, 2013 7:30 pm Kay Meek Centre Tickets $17 / $25 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver www.proartecentre.com at the Kay Meek Box Office Saturday, November 17th, 7:30 pm Photography: Pam & Scott McFarlane Tickets: $15 at theContemporary Kay Meek Box Office Dancer: Chloe Campbell of Pro Arte's CatchingART Ballet Theatre

January 2013 | just dance! 27

Creative Cos

tuming:

By Andrea Albanese

p m a v e R & e s u Recycle, Re • Consider a hand-me-down

C

can have a pretty long life if you

from an older sister, a friend or a

take care of them. (See sidebar).

dancer in your studio.

bank. There are lots of creative

Ask around. Check with your

and affordable ways to source

studio, your dance friends and

costumes for solos, duos, trios and

teachers to see if they know

a new dance or in a different

even groups if you’re resourceful

of anyone selling or renting

dance discipline.

and persistent. Costumes are not

costumes.

usually worn for a long time on

• Check with your local dance

ostumes can make or break a routine but they don’t have to break the

Where to Look:

• Swap with a friend who has a costume you’d like to use.

• Use the same costume but for

• Use an old costume that has been ‘revamped’.

stage nor are they used for a large

retailer for new or consignment

Check local studios and rec

number of performances, so they

costumes.

centres for costume sales (usually near Halloween) and keep an tanktop: Walmart 3 for $6

eye on the just dance! Facebook page. This fall, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and the ,Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts both held costume sales.

CLEANING: top: TNA $32

Costumes are not everyday clothes and many must be washed by hand or dry-cleaned—if at all. That’s right. Many costumes are made of fabrics that can’t get wet, which is impractical but very common.

Spot clean only. Never soak or immerse a costume in water.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions, but still keep washing to a minimum.

skirt: Claires $16

socks: American Apparel $10

pink shoelaces: Walmart $5 shoes: Payless Shoe Source approximately $25

28 just dance! | January 2013

If you take a stained costume to a dry cleaner, make sure they have experience working with costumes and speciality fabrics with rhinestones, feathers, delicate fabric and glue. (Note that dry cleaning does not remove body odour.)

If a costume smells bad, it does not necessarily need to be laundered: air it out after every performance, and use a odour neutralizing product—Fresh Again®, Febreeze®, water/vodka mixture etc.—but always test any spray products on the inside of the costume.

Use dress shields pinned into your costume if you sweat a lot. Take them out before you store the costume.

Check on e-Bay. It sounds crazy,

add a hair bow or hat

but often you can get decent costumes at very reasonable

add a feather boa

prices even taking alternations and shipping costs into account.

Revamp Old Costumes:

add sleeves or wear a long sleeved hot pink or black top underneath

Many costumes (or plain bodysuits) can easily be altered or embellished to create an entirely

how about gloves or armbands?

new look by adding accessories and trim, using pieces from other costumes, dying the fabric, or

remove belt and add a sash

doing minor alterations. The very first place to look is your own

wear tights instead of leggings

closet! Find all the costumes that fit you and see if you can: • Combine parts of a various

wear jazz shoes and leg warmers

costumes for a whole new look • Change the look with a new accessory

add pink bows to tap shoes

• Purchase a new top/bottom to use with a piece you already own • Cut off the sleeves or add

Mart, Winners or Payless Shoes.

Two-piece costumes can be

sleeves, shorten the skirt, or

separated: pants or shorts can be

make pants into capris or shorts

used with a different top; a chiffon

Tutus or ballet dresses can be

top can be used with different

changed by adding lace,

bottoms. Alternatively, you could

appliqué, flowers or feather

dye the costume a darker colour

trim to the bodice and straps,

for a new look.

and ribbons, sequins or lace to

Revamp

the skirt. Check craft stores or

Accessories like feather boas, fluffy

STORAGE:

fabric stores—Dressew has an

skirts, hats, ribbons, bows, wigs and

Taking good care of your costumes

amazing collection of fabric,

coloured tights can totally change

lace, trim, sequins, appliqués and

the look of a costume and can

rhinestones.

be purchased cheaply at dollar

For a flat tutu, you can add an

stores, fabric stores or accessory

overskirt to cover the top layer

stores like Claire’s.

of net with chiffon or lace of a different colour and/or add rhinestones and appliqués.

A hip hop costume can be changed by adding a different hat, new socks, a coloured bandanna, coloured shoelaces

Get creative. Have a look in your

protects your investment: Even if you don’t wear it again, you can re-sell it, rent it or donate it.

• Do not store a costume that is dirty.

• Store completely dry costumes in fabric bags, not plastic.

• Add a dryer sheet, small fabric bags

closet and see what you can

of lavender and/or baking soda to

re-use and revamp. Consider

help keep costumes fresh.

also what you don’t need and think about donating it or selling it on e-Bay, through your studio or

• Store costumes in a cool, dry place out of the light. Add silica if necessary (those little packages of crystals that come in your vitamin

or new runners or high tops. Many

on Facebook. Who knows…you

of these items can be purchased

may help create someone else’s

in any electronics packaging) to

cheaply at a dollar store, Wal-

dream costume!

absorb any dampness.

bottles, with your new shoes and

January 2013 | just dance! 29

ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS & STUDIOS Ballet Bloch Canada balletbloch.com info@balletbloch.com 203-106 W 1st St, North Vancouver

The danceLAB Studios Ltd. dancelab.ca info@dancelab.ca 604 525 5289

We have some big announcements coming that you don’t want to miss...

Opportunities to appear on the cover of our magazine New dance scholarships | Contests with fabulous prizes Exclusive event announcements Visit our website justdancemagazine.com often for current industry news & respond to our just dance! wants to know question while you’re there!

Share your news & photos with us on facebook.com/jdmagazinebc Read our blog & post your comments & ideas at justdancemagazine.blogspot.ca

910 Sherwood Ave., Coquitlam

Danzmode Productions danzmodeproductions.com info@danzmodeproductions.com 604 294 4677 7209 Curragh Ave, Burnaby

Debbie Lee Dance Company debbieleedance.com info@debbieleedance.com 604 312 4408

Defy Gravity Dance Company Inc. defygravitydance.ca

just dance!: informing, inspiring, & celebrating young local dancers.

Get involved to be involved!

Pro Arte Centre

5678 Showtime

proartecentre.com

5678showtime.com

office@proarte.ca

info@5678showtime.com

604 984 2783

604 945 7469

3 - 1225 E. Keith Rd, North Vancouver

The Spiral Dance Co. spiraldance.ca

Avalon Dance Shop of Canada

info@spiraldance.com

avalondance.ca

604 541 2840

info@avalondance.ca

1471 Stayte Rd, White Rock

604 874 2461 4750 Main St, Vancouver

office@defygravitydance.ca

Tri-City Dance Centre

604 272 0808

tricitydance.com

30 - 11151 Horseshoe Way

info@tricitydance.com

Richmond

604 523 6868

Douglas Ballet Academy douglasballet.com

DANCE SUPPLIERS

98 Brigantine Dr, Coquitlam

En Pointe Enterprises en-pointe.com facebook.com/danceproducts 1 866 491 9019

Jazz Ma Tazz jazz-ma-tazz.com

604 420 0204

COMPETITION & EVENT ORGANIZERS

202 - 4199 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby

Next Level Hip Hop

Maple Ridge: 604 466 0861

dba2@telus.net

nextlevelhiphop.ca

Fusion Force Studio

info@nextlevelhiphop.ca

fusionforce.ca

604 868 1426

fusionf@telus.net 604 533 1863

Thunderstruck Canada

101 - 19670 Landmark Way, Langley

thunderstruckcanada.com/BC

Place des Arts placedesarts.ca

1 888 688 5442 Ext. 201

jazzma@telus.net Abbotsford: 604 855 9166

MOVE Athletics moveathletics.com moveit@moveathletics.com Greater Vancouver: 604 812 1382 Toll Free: 888 267 0576

SUPPORTS & SERVICES

Wharton Event Management

The Art of Well Being

info@placedesarts.ca 604 664 1636

wemlive.com

misha@theartofwellbeing.ca

120 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam

604 868 1426

604 727 8662

30 just dance! | January 2013

theartofwellbeing.ca

Want Your business listed here?

Contact: info@ justdancemagazine.com

Dr. Fred Meinzer

604 682 6000

Chiropractor for Ballet BC

403 West Cordova St, Vancouver

drfredmeinzer.com Vancouver: 604 738 1012

TD Foto-Photography

by Tarzan Dan

Dr. Lawrence Chan

Aldergrove Wellness Centre:

tdfoto.ca

Naturopathic Doctor for Ballet BC

604 856 5299

dan@tdfoto.ca

Dr. Harold Meinzer

your world in order

Vancouver: 604 738 1012

Chiropractor for Ballet BC

yourworldinorder.com

thunderbirdwellnesscentre.com

Fs Financial Strategies

Back2Health Chiropractic,

info@yourworldinorder.com

fsfinancialstrategies.ca

Vancouver: 604 742 0111

info@fsfinancial.ca

Thunderbird Wellness Centre,

1 855 264 8598

Langley: 604 881 2404

Laura Zeke Photography

Nadine Inkster Photography

THEATRES

laurazekephotography.blogspot.ca

nadineinksterphotography.com

info@laurazeke.com

604 722 7337

Evergreen Cultural Centre

Lechner Syndications

Rocket Reprographics Inc.

info@evergreenculturalcentre.com

thedanceseries.com

rocketrepro.com

604 927 6550

tammy@lechnersyndications.com

order@rocketrepro.com

1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

integrative.ca Integrative Healing Arts,

Integrative Healing Arts,

604 472 1000 (staging & organizing the Tri-Cities & beyond)

evergreenculturalcentre.ca

January 2013 | just dance! 31

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