Dance Maiden

n e d i a

M ce

n a D

Food Who?

The story of a young girl fighting the “ideal dancer.”

Band Names: Stupid or Creative?

I’m With the Band

The story of the band that goes back years before it ever started

Dance Maiden 06 Tabloids: A Libelous History

A questioning of the value in tabloids

08 “Quote It...�

Notable quotes from famous classic movies

12 Blood Funny Local young filmmakers Ernest and Ben win Audience Choice at the Sundance Film Festival

15 Iron Maiden: A Piece of My Mind We take a look at the top 11 albums by heavy metal band Iron Maiden

16 Band Names: Stupid or Creative?

An opinion on what makes band names interesting and some a turn-off

16 Metallica vs.

Megadeth: The Thing That Should Not Be The age-old feud between heavy metal bands Metallica and Megadeth

22 Dance Maiden The ultimate culmination of dance, music, and movies.

December 2009

Dance Maiden: Table of Contents

21 By The Numbers... An extended look on the rivalry between Metallica and Megadeth 22 Time To Face the Music Varying views on the many festivals in Austin 24 I’m With the Band(featured story) The story of a three-year search for the perfect band 26 Gillian Shines Margot Fonteyn is outdone by ABT’S Gillian Murphy 30 Dance Styles Demonstrated examples of 10 different styles of dance 32 Food Who? A feature on the effects of the pressure to be the “ideal dancer”

Phillip H. Co-Chair dept. of Music Iron Maiden consultant

Anna P. Head Chair dept. of dance head designer

Cody P. Co Chair dept. of music creative leader

Gabby M. President and CEO Dance Maiden Designing consultant

December 2009

Dance Maiden: Team Biographies

Phillip H. Phillip only listens to MC hammer. He also claims that the Jackson

5 stole their hit “ABC” from the songs his grandmother used to sing to him as a child. Phillip has been an intense student of the genre of crossing betweeen MC hammer and heavy metal, he contributes his fine works to the fact he has garage band on this computer. Phillip often pulls inspiration from his favorite Spongebob episodes and his hermit crab named Fotis.

Anna P .

Anna is an avid member of the Dance Maiden team. In fact she was

the inspiration for the dance section of this fine magazine. Anna enjoys dancing in her free time and long walks in the park or on the beach depending on what her current dog’s name is. She likes to refer to the day she got her braces off as “the day the music lived.”

Cody P .

Cody is considered by many, coincidentally all named Phillip, to

be a leading expert on scorpions, and coincidentally also the band Scorpions. Cody also enjoys the music of the sound of a crab commiting suicide, determined that there is another music note somewhere that has yet to be discovered. Cody has no sense of humor so watch out for him in a dark alley.

Gabby M. Gabby enjoys the show The Mighty Boosh and can often be found

talking in a Borat accent. Some days if you look really hard you can find her at her second job stealing the tips at the end of shoelaces.

She also enjoys painting bowls of fruit and persuading people to get dread locks.

5w

Dance Maiden | Team Biographies |

libel

li-bel noun, verb, -beled, -bel路ing or (especially British) -belled, -bel路ling.

1. a) defamation by written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures. b) the act or crime of publishing it c) a formal written declaration or statement, as one containing the allegations of a plaintiff or the grounds of a charge.

2. anything that is defamatory or that maliciously or damagingly misrepresents.

Tabloids: A Libelous History By: Cody P

December 2009

I

Dance Maiden: A History of Libel

walked into my local vide a meaning that they didn’t HEB and as I was originally have. checking out I looked at the Tabloids are widely rack of tabloids by the check- read by enormous amounts of out counter. They were full of people. On August 16, 1977, headlines about the intimate Elvis Presley died. His last lives of celebrities and the ev- photo was featured on the eryday details of their home cover of the National Enquirer. life. One of the According to tabloids headTvparty, a book ”When we inform lined a feature

by Billy Ingram, people, it’s usually by about a conThe National spiratorial plot Enquirer’s sales accident,” to steal Mipeaked at seven chael Jackson’s million. body. A single question comes Tabloids are notorious to mind, why would anyone for doing crazy things to get read this? information, and for writing

I believe that the indul- libel. Ingram says “in 1976 gence in popular figures per- when Carol Burnett sued the sonal lives is something to be Enquirer for falsely reporting avoided, because it fuels the that she was drunk in public public’s fixation on material- she received a judgment (but istic and narcissistic person- not much money) in 1981.” alities. I also find supermarket And “Elizabeth Taylor sued tabloids are a waste of paper the Enquirer in the nineties not due to their ridiculous sto- (when circulation was hoverries, but the fact that they are ing around 4 million a week) billed as the truth, when they for a headline that read: are more akin to a fictitious “While Doctor’s Battle To story for pure entertainment Save Her Life... Liz Boozes It value.

Up In Hospital.” These head I understand that peo- lines prove tabloids aren’t to ple need an escape from their be trusted to accurately assess daily lives. What I don’t under- any situation. stand is why people choose to read such derogatory and mis- leading information. The public Tabloids are full of needs to be made aware that ridiculous claims and outlandmany articles in tabloids have ish stories, and the worst part been twisted and bent to pro- is that the writers and editors

7

Dance Maiden | A History of Libel |

of supermarket tabloids know and admit that their tabloids publish false stories, and their intent is to shock rather than inform. Time magazine published an article by Kate Pickett, which said “Weekly World News, billing itself “The World’s Only Reliable Newspaper,” carried on the mantle of the weird, covering miraculous cancer cures and zombie sightings.”When we inform people, it’s usually by accident,” admitted its editor.”

The mere fact an editor would admit that the stories in its socalled “reliable newspaper” are not meant to inform. When I read this quote, I couldn’t quite believe anyone would say something like that.

People shouldn’t buy tabloids; I know that this isn’t realistic so I believe there should be ad campaigns highlighting the dishonest sides of tabloids, so the public is more aware of the lies they are buying. The best solution is for tabloids to stop slander-

ing people and try to stick with true news, but they make money by being as shocking and alarming as possible.

Tabloids need to have some sort of disclaimer on them that highlights the fact that they are for entertainment value only, and that the story should not be quoted as the subject of the feature may have been misrepresented. I hope that I can one day walk into HEB and not see rows of “sensational” headlines highlighting the most recent super-scandal.

“Quote It... ” Original quotes from classic movies By: Anna P Marty McFly: “Wait a minute, Doc, are you trying to tell me that my mother has got the hots for me?”

Dr. Emmet Brown: “Precisely.”

Marty McFly: “Wow, this is heavy.”

Dr. Emmet Brown: “There’s that word again, ‘heavy.’ Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the earth’s gravitational pull?”

Title: Back to the Future (1989)

Mrs. White: “Husbands should be like Kleenex: soft, strong, and disposable.”

Title: Clue (1985)

Title: Wuthering Heights (1939)

Edgar Linton: “No, not dead, Dr. Kenneth.

Not alone.

He’s with her.

They’ve only just begun to live. Goodbye Heathcliff.

Goodbye my wild sweet Cathy.”

Dance Maiden: Quote It

December 2009

Scarlett: “Rhett, Rhett... Rhett, if you go, where shall I go? What shall I do?”

Rhett Butler: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

Title: Gone with the Wind (1939)

Princess Ann: At midnight, I’ll turn into a pumpkin and drive away in my glass slipper.

Joe Bradley: And that will be the end of the fairy tale.

Title: Titanic (1997) Title:Roman Holiday (1953)

Birdee: “Beginnings

are scary. Endings are usually sad, but it’s what’s in the middle that counts. So, when you find yourself at the

Title: Hope Floats (1998) 9

Dance Maiden | Quote It |

beginning, just give hope a chance to float up. And it will.”

Rose: When this ship docks, I’m getting off with you.

Jack: This is crazy.

Rose: I know. It doesn’t make any sense. That’s why I trust it.

Dr. John Markway: When people believed the earth was flat, the idea of a round world scared them silly. Then they found out how the round world works. It’s the same with the world of the supernatural.

Until we know how it works, we’ll continue to carry around this unnecessary burden of fear.

TItle: The Haunting (Original 1963) Title: Star Wars (1979)

Norman Bates: She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven’t you?

Marion Crane: Yes. Sometimes just one time can be enough.

Title: Psycho (1960) Yoda: Do or do not. There is no try.

Title: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy (2004) Brick: Where’d you Ron: You stay get your clothes, classy, San the toilet store?

Diego.

December 2009

Dance Maiden: Quote It

Danny Torrence: Dad? Jack Torrence: Yes? Danny Torrence: Do you like this hotel?

Jack Torrence: Yes. I do. I love it. Don’t you?

Danny Torrence: I guess so.

Jack Torrence: Good. I want you to like it here. I wish we could stay forever... and ever...

Title: The Shining (1980)

Sheriff Bogany: What is that gizmo?

Forrester: I’d say that gizmo is a machine from another planet.

Title: War of the Worlds (1953) Klaatu: Klaatu, barada, nikto...

Title: The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) 11

Dance Maiden | Quote It |

December 2009

Dance Maiden: Blood Funny

Blood

Funny Four teenagers take home the Audince Choice Award at the Dismember the Alamo Zombie film festival.

By: Cody P

As the frame freezes and the credits begin to roll, the audience at the Alamo Drafhouse Zombie Film Festival erupts into a mob of whistling and cheering. The fans are dressed in rags and torn clothing, fake blood soaking their costumes. One by one the audience stands up until the short film receives a standing ovation. In the front row, the driving forces behind the film, Ben Tuttle and Ernest Arocha, dressed in Dismember the Alamo T-Shirts and blue denim jeans, are acknowledged and applauded. They are heaped with T-shirts, posters, pint glasses, and other zombie festival paraphernalia. Finally, they are handed a plaque recognizing them as the winners of the Audience Choice Award.

Ernest is wearing an Element T-shirt, and tight fitting skater pants held up by a black belt. A red cut underlines his right eye. Ben is dressed in a Day of the Dead Tshirt, covered in graphic zombie scenes. His shirt complements blue boot-cut Calvin Kleins.

Ernest and Ben have always been interested in filming, and experimented on their own before they met each other in 6th grade,

13

Dance Maiden | Blood Funny |

when they became close friends. Ernest took a film introduction class in 8th grade, taught by Frank Webster. Ben never took film class.

What set this film apart from the other entries in the Dismember the Alamo Zombie Film Festival is the young age of the directors and actors.

The four members were under 14, and they managed to win the Audience Choice Award against the other adult entries.

“We were the youngest entry in the contest,” said Ernest, one of the directors. “I think we didn’t win the cash prize because the other films had a much higher budget and were more serious”.

The Dismember the Alamo zombie film festival was hosted at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a movie theater unique to Austin that serves restaurant quality food during its movies. They featured films like Shaun of the Dead and invited Max Brooks, the son of Mel Brooks. He was the author of World War Z and Zom-

bie Survival Guide, both New York Times best sellers.

He signed books and gave autographs. They then had a short film contest in which they accepted entries from the public. The entries were judged and the best were placed in first, second, and third place. The film that received the most votes from the audience won the Audience Choice Award.

ences. They based most of the effects and zombie aspects on George A. R o m e r o ’s work. There wasn’t a designated filmmaker, the people who weren’t needed on screen held the camera. They used whatever props they had.

The film screening at the Alamo Drafthouse was a raging success. Although “The crowd went they didn’t win any of the cash prizes, apeshit!” the audience voted for their film with a sweeping majority. Throughout the entire movie, the audience would launch into bouts of “If you weren’t acting, you were filming.” Ben said. laughter.

“We all took turns.”

“The crowd went apeshit!” Ben said.

ers, and autographs from Max Brooks.

The audience voted them as the best movie, and they received 2 Tshirts, pint glasses, post-

“We felt elated” Ernest said. “We were glowing” Their prop budget was only six dollars, spent on fake blood, an integral and essential part of every zombie movie.

Ernest is always watching films. He makes movies with his friends and even works at a movie theater. He is almost always involved in some sort of film project. When I called him to set up the interview, he was busy helping out a friend make a short Public Service Announcement for his Media Tech class.

Ernest and Ben bought a slew of spicy burritos and donuts, and a cooler of iced tea. They met Owen and Aidan at the 7-11 where they bought their food. They walked to Aidan’s house and filmed the whole movie in one afternoon. Before they started acting and filming, they brainstormed the general direction of the plot.

“It was an intense session of creative energy.” Ernest said.

The four friends based their plot on a loose compilation of ideas they had pulled from previous filming experi-

“We got to Aidan’s house, and we raided his closet for anything that would be useful. We used air soft guns, fake blood, and sound effects from the internet.”

Ernest and Ben continue to work on new movies and film ideas. They live close to each other and hang out all the time and brainstorm ideas for movies. Even though their actors change, Ernest and Ben stick together. They always collaborate on films.

The films that Ernest and Ben make are usually light-hearted comedies. “We always have ongoing film projects. We have tons of test footage and a collection of miscellaneous works. Were working on a movie called ‘Rogue Badger’, but its getting a little too serious.”

Ernest and Ben have another Dismember the Alamo submission in the works. The zombie community waits with bated breath.

December 2009

Dance Maiden: Blood Funny

A Piece of My Mind

By Cody P

1

Number of the Beast

2

Piece of Mind

3 4 5 6 7

8 9

Number Of The Beast Hallowed Be Thy Name The Trooper Flight Of Icarus

Dance of Death Montsegur Rainmaker

Brave New World

Out Of The Silent Planet The Thin Line Between Love And Hate

A Matter of Life and Death Out of the Shadows The Longest Day

Powerslave

Aces High 2 Minutes To Midnight

Fear of the Dark

Fear of the Dark Be Quick Or Be Dead

Somewhere in Time Heaven Can Wait Wasted Years

No Prayer for the Dying Holy Smoke Run Silent Run Deep

Virtual XI

Clansman 10 The The Educated Fool

Iron Maiden

Free 11 Running Phantom Of The Opera

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

12 The Evil That Men Do The Clairvoyant

15

Dance Maiden | A Piece of my Mind |

A

BAND NAMES

THE POWER OF

s we evolve as a race our habits and interests evolve with us. Through the ages music has always been a large part of all society, and as our taste in music continues to evolve, so does the names of the bands producing the music.

Whenever I’m on Itunes I cant help but notice more weird band names showing up under the music that they recommend for me. Some bands had simple legendary names like The Beatles, but a new wave of strange band names are becoming increasingly popular, like Green Apple Quick Step and Dog Fashion Disco.

20’09 December , 2009

Dance Maiden: The Power of Band Names

December 2009

Band Names Stupid or Creative?

By: Gabby M

These strange band names are intentional. They draw attention to the band, which is crucial especially when a band is just starting off. The weird names represent the band, depending on what the name of a band is, that’s how they want to portray themselves. Also, a band’s name is a creative outlet for them; it’s a way for them to express themselves beyond their music.

I remember a few years ago I was at the dentist with my mom and sister and the dentist asked my sister what she was listening to, she replied coolly “Death Cab for Cutie”, at that point the dentist chuckled and asked “who on earth would name a band that?”

People like my dentist, and Charles R. Grosvenor Jr creator of http://www.amiright.com/ names/stupid/ (a website dedicated to trashing band names) say that band names like The Academy Is… and Secret Secret Dino Club are utterly pointless and just plain stupid.

The thing is, band names are like modern art, you can poke holes in it and talk about how ridiculous it is, or you can step back and appreciate the art in it.

17

Band names are thought about as a way to represent the band.

When the announcer introduces them before their gig, do they want to be represented as String Cheese Incident, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, or maybe even Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci?

Imagine if every band was named The Kinks or The Flys, it would be difficult to tell the bands apart. Music is an art form, and art by definition is expression according to aesthetic principles. Part of the band’s expression is their name.

The name of the band is another creative outlet beyond their music.

Band names are like modern art, you can poke holes in it and talk about how ridiculous it is, or you can step back and appreciate the art in it.

For example, Killing Joke got their name from a British phrase referring to an ironic or paradoxical situation or event. They chose this name to represent their band, and with song lyrics like “Far away in a quiet place, try to think of an open space, I watch my life flash before me” this name represents them well.

Another reason for having a ridiculous band name is for attention.I know that when I see a list of band names I skip the boring ones like The Bricks and names like Monkey Swallows the Universe.

Also, when bands are just starting out they need all the attention they can get.

Dance Maiden | The Power of Band Names |

Ozamatli’s Ulises Bella once said “Our main objective as a band is to bring our music and our band to a bigger level…”

To bring their band to a bigger level, they used a name that would stand out and would be another way of expressing themselves past their music.

With weird band names becoming more common, it’s easy to find some band with a “weird” name, but strange band names draw attention to bands, and they are another creative outlet for the band and represent their music. Weird band names will be a significant and inevitable part of our future, and as music continues to be made, who knows what the future of band names will be.

Metallica VS. Megadeth THE THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE BY: PHILLIP H.

Peace Sells... But No One’s Buying in the

heated feud between heavy metal greats Metallica and Megadeth, a feud that dates back almost to the 1970’s.

I

n mid-September of this year, Megadeth released their newest studio effort Endgame. Metallica, long-time rival of

Megadeth, released their ninth studio album Death Magnetic almost exactly a year before Endgame was released.

Both of these new releases refresh the “feud” James Hetfield, recording in the studio. between the two bands, well known within the metal community.

The two critically acclaimed thrash metal bands have been locked in a so called “feud” that has blackened the images of both bands, and goes

back all the way to 1981, back in the early days of Metallica, when the band consisted of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton, and Dave Mustaine.

Shortly before the production began for Metallica’s first album Kill ‘Em All in 1983, Dave Mustaine, who is currently the lead singer and guitarist of Megadeth, was cut from the band for his offensive behavior and excessive drug and alcohol use. Mustaine was replaced with Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammett, who is still the lead guitarist of Metallica today.

Kirk Hammett, performing live.

December 2009

Dance Maiden: Metallica vs. Megadeth: The Thing That Should Not Be

This feud to rival Metallica. has caused fans to

Apart from their become extremely actions, the music divided between of Metallica and the two bands Megadeth, especially and I believe it is in their early years, is pointless to choose exceptionally similar. between Megadeth Many songs by the and Metallica two bands have been because of a pointed out for being misunderstanding. easily comparable.

It is true In addition to similar Metallica on stage during the World Magnetic Tour promoting their newest that the actions songs, the two bands album Death Magnetic taken by both are in the same Mustaine and genre and have the Hetfield, lead same aggressive singer of Metallica, musicianship that were extreme, many metal fans have and offensive. come to love about Mustaine, these bands. It is in addition to his pointless to let this abuse of drugs and “feud” decide for you and tons of other fans, which alcohol, cursed at is the superior band. Metallica and Megadeth are Hetfield’s family so alike that many people, like me, enjoy both bands and trashed every greatly, and the preferences of fans is simply in the room he went to. eye of the beholder, and has nothing to do with who However, Hetfield was “right” in this feud. dismissed Mustaine

Not only are the differences between these from the band by bands a matter of opinion, but as far as the feud telling him he had goes, the memory has remained longer with the Dave Mustaine to leave within the next hour without fans than it has between Mustaine and Metallica. explaining why he was dismissing Mustaine from In a Mustaine interview with Blabbermouth.net, the band. Mustaine, in rebellion, started Megadeth Mustaine says: to rival Met allica, a move that is viewed by many as “I said it before, [and] I’ll say it again: I once childish. was resentful, but now I am over the feuds with

While both Mustaine and Hetfield were Metallica…” ridiculously disrespectful in matters to each other,

Not just this, the two bands have since gone their actions were justified. Hetfield and Metallica on extensive tour with each other, and claim to

“I said it before, [and] I’ll say it again: I once was resentful, but now I am over the feuds with Metallica...”

had every right to fire Mustaine just as Mustaine had every right to begin his own band, even if it was 19

have made up long ago. The fans have gotten more intense about the fight than the bands

Dance Maiden | Metallica vs. Megadeth: The Thing That Should Not Be |

Metallica VS Megadeth THE THING THAT SHOULD NOT BE (Continued)

Megadeth, live after performing a show.

themselves have, which helps add to the pointlessness of this feud.

So when it comes to this “feud” between Metallica and Megadeth, I think that people, especially fans, really need to drop this whole idea, and that it is the fans that have fuel-led this fight with no remorse. It’s had me sweating bullets, and the feud has become nothing but a Symphony of Destruction to both bands. Not only is no one at fault in the feud, but their music shares a lot of musical ideas and Mustaine and Metallica have moved on themselves. To me, it’s time to hit the lights on this feud, and let

it Rust in Peace, because it has been reduced to just a bunch of Puppets, dancing for their Master.

Metallica’s Death Magnetic was certified platinum by the RIAA on October 24th of last year, about a month and a half after it was released. It sold nearly 500,000 copies in its opening week, and became Metallica’s 5th consecutive album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200. Metallica is the only artist ever to have 5 consecutive studio albums debut at #1.

(from left to right) Metallica’s Death Magnetic and Megadeth’s Endgame

December 2009

Dance Maiden: Metallica vs. Megadeth: By The Numbers...

BY THE NUMBERS...

In the established rivalry between Metallica and Megadeth, Metallica has greatly out sold Megadeth with all of their studio albums (except Death Magnetic) certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Their catalogue includes the self-titled album Metallica (nicknamed The Black Album) certified 14x Platinum (selling over 14 million copies) in 2003. According to Metallica.com, Metallica is the 7th most selling act in the history of the United States, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Megadeth’s Countdown to Extinction is the only Megadeth album to be certified multi-platinum selling over 2 million copies.

Megadeth Albums selling over 1,000,000 copies: Peace Sells... But Who’s Buying?

Year: 1986 RIAA Certification: Platinum

Metallica Albums selling over 1,000,000 copies: Kill ‘Em All Year: 1983 RIAA Certification: 3x Platinum Ride The Lightning Year: 1984 RIAA Certification: 5x Platinum

...And Justice For All

So Far, So Good... So What?

Year: 1988 RIAA Certification: Platinum Rust in Peace Year: 1990 RIAA Certification: Platinum

...And Justice For All Year: 1988 RIAA Certification: 8x Platinum Metallica Year: 1991 RIAA Certification: 14x Platinum

Countdown to Extinction

Countdown to Extinction Year: 1992 RIAA Certification: 2x Platinum

Load Year: 1996 RIAA Certification: 5x Platinum ReLoad Year: 1997 RIAA Certification: 3x Platinum St. Anger Year: 2003 RIAA Certification: 2x Platinum

Youthanasia Year: 1994 RIAA Certification: Platinum Artwork taken from Metallica’s 3rd album Master of Puppets.

21

Master of Puppets Year: 1986 RIAA Certification: 6x Platinum

Dance Maiden | Metallica vs. Megadeth: By The Numbers |

Death Magnetic Year: 2008 RIAA Certification: Platinum

Time

to face the

music

By: Gabby M

If you were to walk down around the Zilker neighborhood in Austin some weekend in mid September you would probably be pleasantly surprised by the sound of music in the distance over the rustling of the trees. Or maybe you walked around Town Lake a day in March, you would see flashing lights and hear the constant rhythm of a man giving a speech. You might pass a large group of people with spread blankets and foldable chairs watching a movie made by an Austin local. Either way it always seems that there is something media related going on in the Texas capital.

A

ustin, lying southeast of the center of Texas is a town that is known for its live music, film and the weirdoes that roam the streets. This town has grown into a prosperous city home to many live entertainment festivals such as Austin City Limits, South

by Southwest, The Austin Film Festival, and plenty of other venues around town. Austin has the nickname “live music capital of the world” and with such a high expectation to live up to, its no wonder the media festivals in Austin are legendary.

been able to pull from the multi day music fest.

They were all great. I’ll tell you the biggest comparison; ACL in its format has been able to draw the greatest amount of performers from folkies to hard rock to rappers, across many different genres of music.”

Austin may not have been the original place for live music festivals but Austin, undoubtedly is an example for larger live music festival held routinely in a city.

“I think the stuff in Austin beats it, there’s no question about it,” Alan McRoberts notes on the live music in “Austin, speaking in general, there’s an incred- Austin compared to other cities, “everybody else, they ible amount of talent. Austin is known as one compare themselves toAustin- or try to.Whether they’re of the places for new bands to start.” Musi- saying it or not, that’s what they’re trying to achieve.” cian Abby Kane says about the music in Austin.

While the complete arts scene in Austin may not The live entertainment in Austin comes in an array be as fleshed out as some would like there seems of events. The Austin Film Festival shows the best of to be no dearth of opportunities or talent. “Hands the best films from Austin for a week held all across down it’s just brimming, oozing with talent; yeah Austin in mid October. South by Southwest (SXSW) hands down it’s oozing with talent,” Kane notes is a media fest including live music, films, and speech- about the abundance of talent in Austin. “I’d say that es held all around Austin, also a week, every March. [Austin], and New York are the two places to be.”

There’s also Austin City Limits music festival (ACL), a live music fest held in Austin every year around Austin’s live entertainment scene has been growing late September to early October in Zilker Park. more and more through the years. The live music is renowned, hence the nickname “live music capital “It’s a scene, it’s a huge scene,” Kane adds. of the world”. The highlights of the entertainment But she isn’t the only one who seems to think so. include the Austin Film Fest, South by Southwest Penny Karpel, an Austinite of 22 years, would and Austin City Limits, along with the countless even say, “ACL has been repeated through Lol- acts of music playing every night around town its lapalooza, and other touring festivals, ACL has no wonder that this city is always humming a tune.

December 2009

23

Dance Maiden: The Power of Band Names

Dance Maiden | Time to Face the Music |

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I’m With Band The

The

Three-Year-Old

History of a

By Phillip H.

Six-Month-Old

A

s Myles strikes the last chord of his new idea for a song, he turns off the microphone

“A band is like, well it’s really nothing like anything else. It’s a democracy, a communism, and a dictatorship… It’s a difficult process of knowing when to hold your tongue and knowing when to speak out.” - Myles M.

he was using to record himself and begins the vital process of editing, using GarageBand on his Macbook.

After hours shelled away in his room, numerous recording takes, and the careful editing of the song, the latest piece of Myles’s production is done. As he burns it to a CD, he feels a sense of pride for his new piece of work. Come rehearsal on Tuesday, the new song will be presented to the band.

Band

December 2009

Dance Maiden: I’m With The Band

Myles’s band is finally starting to pick up speed, but as and the opportunity to work in a professional sound he will tell you, moving a band forward is no easy task. studio.

As underage musicians, they are forced to balance “They told us [about being the premiere band] right music with the pressures of life such as school, extraafter we got offstage, actually… with the $120 a curricular activities, and learning to grow up. For month that we pay, we should be able to get into the Myles, compiling the band was a process that took studio by November.” two-and-a-half years.

They played four covers for the Rock Camp USA show “I wanted to be in a band since before I started at popular live music venue Antones’ Records. They learning [guitar], actually, it was the reason why I performed Aces High by Iron Maiden, Take It Away by started playing,” Myles says.

The Used, Spoonman by Soundgarden and Baby Rock In the summer of 2006, he finally decided to follow in

by Dead Sara. They called themselves Until Deaf. the footsteps of his father, also named Myles, who is a As exciting as the School of Music’s offer was, several long-time guitar player. of the members had to drop from the band because “The song that really made me want to play was Blue they were unable to provide the monthly fee. The Sky by The Allman Brothers School of Music introduced to the Band. I always imagined myself band several musicians who would “We were finally able to fill in the holes that were left. playing the solo onstage in front have a complete band... Now they have practices every of a crowd.”

After about a year of daily and we were really good.” Tuesday, and Myles and Janel practice and constant studying have finally come down with the of guitar, Myles began getting established band they’ve been a band together when he met the singer of his current looking for, and now they work on their own material band. During the summer of 2007, Myles and Janel, and coming up with a band name. the singer, met during Rock Camp USA here in Austin. “Until Deaf is not a permanent name, we’ve actually “We became amazing friends,” says Myles, “after dropped that now. We used that name because then Rock Camp, we decided we wanted to make a band, we weren’t really a true band, but now we’re trying to and her friend Macy was a bassist…” come up with a true band name.”

Myles, Janel, and Macy started getting together, but They have continued to have weekly practices they could never find a drummer to fill out the band, and have three completed works as a band. Myles and eventually Macy left because she felt she wasn’t however, practices on his own everyday, working on talented enough of a bassist. technique, practicing some of his favorite songs, and The next summer, Janel was able to find another even composing his own material to present to the guitarist to perform with, but they eventually band as a new song. As a guitarist, he draws influence separated after Rock Camp. Two years after Myles and from groups such as Green Day, Led Zeppelin and the Janel met, they would go to Rock Camp USA yet again Allman Brothers Band. in the summer of 2009, right before their freshman “A lot of [Green Day] rhythms give me influence. I year, still in search of a band. There, the two of them also get influence from a lot of late 60s, and early 70s combined with another three musicians, a guitarist, a bands as well.” bassist, and a drummer, and were able to finally fill out As a whole, the band gets their musical influence from the band they were looking for. bands such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, “We were finally able to have a complete band… and and Paramore. we were really good.”

This two-year-long process of getting a band together The Austin School of Music most definitely thought has taught Myles greatly in ways that no other so. After the Rock Camp USA performance at popular experience can. live music venue Antone’s Records, Myles and the rest “A band is like, well it’s really nothing like anything of his band were announced the premiere band by the else. It’s a democracy, a communism, and a Austin School of Music, and they were offered weekly dictatorship… It’s a difficult process of knowing when sessions with professionals from the School of Music to hold your tongue and knowing when to speak out.”

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Dance Maiden | I’m With The Band |

A swan worth

mentioning...

Dame Margot Fonteyn is outdone by American Ballet Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gillian Murphy in Swan Lake.

By: Anna P

Gillian Murphy in Swan Lake. Photo: Rosalie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor/ Courtesy American Ballet Theatre

December 2009

Dance Maiden: Gillian Shines

Gillian Shines H

er arms swayed like soft butter while her arabesque shows the longing to be human again. When she dances, her expressions show undying love for what she does.

For an hour and forty-five minutes, Gillian Murphy is the swan Odette and no one else. On the other hand, Dame Margot Fonteyn leaps across the stage with a pride for who she is and what she does but she is not the swan; she is just Margot.

Ballet is all about technique but it also possess a certain passion that can only be revealed by a certain dancer. American Ballet Theatre’s Gillian Murphy can do that. Margot Fonteyn was considered one of the best ballerinas of her time, but that time is over and it was over even before she died. When she dances the swan with Rudolf Nureyev, also considered one of the best dancers of all time, she was lifeless and a dying swan.

Many people consider Margot Fonteyn to be one of the best ballerina’s of all time. I completely agree but her style of dancing just doesn’t do anything for me.

She doesn’t express her feelings when she dances; she only executes movement. Gillian Murphy and most other dancers in the ABT show how the character feels at the moment.

Fonteyn being 47 when they filmed the ballet in 1966, considered very old for a ballerina and also to be dancing with a man half her age (Nureyev), she does not portray the swan half as well as Gillian 29

Dance Maiden | Gillian Shines |

Murphy. When I was watching the ballet, I found myself skipping through most of the first act just because of being bored! I was not drawn in to the characters like I was with ABT’s Swan Lake, but repelled. I got a sense that the dancers were not enjoying themselves, even Nureyev, while ABT’s soloists looked like they were having the time of their lives even though they were panting and drenched in sweat after their dance.

American Ballet Theatre has always put on a good show; from the dancers to the stage design and costumes, it is all worth mentioning. Being in front of a crowd may also be a contributing factor. ABT’s performance was in front of a live audience, which helps with adrenaline and excitement. But when you are not doing it for anything, there is nothing to think about, nothing to dedicate yourself to or feel a drive to do. You are just there, dancing with your partner thinking about getting the moves right rather than feeling and expressing the movement as you do it.

When I watched Fonteyn and Nureyev dance together I got the sense that they were just doing whatever the choreographer told them to do. They did not add anything extra to give it life. The dances themselves were just not something to remember. Both Nureyev and Fonteyn are excellent dancers but they are just not right for Swan Lake! When I watch ABT’s Swan Lake, I feel like I’m actually there with them and experiencing what the characters are going through.

They put the viewer in their spot and make them feel the emotions they are feeling as the character.

Swan Lake has been my favorite ballet ever since I saw ABT’s production in 2005. I just recently watched again and was blown away at how exciting and powerful one ballet can be. The feeling and movement of the dancers can make an impact unable to explain.

I found myself humming the tune of the pas de deux with the white swan, Odette (Gillian Murphy), and Prince Siegfried (Angel Corella).

Watching someone dance who you can tell really loves it is both amazing and unforgettable. You can tell they love it by how express their passion while they dance. Watching the dancers doing what they love is something I, and hope no one else, forgets.

Margot Fonteyn as Odette

Ballet

Dance By: Gabby M

The Ballet dance is a very beautiful form of dance with a formal look. This dance was developed in France and Russia. The classical Ballet is the most formal style of ballet. Apart from this, there is the Neoclassical ballet and Contemporary Ballet.

Swing

Dance [dans, dahns]

v. danced, danc¡ing, danc¡es 1. To move rhythmically usually to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gestures.

There are many different forms of expression and one of the most popular is dance. Dance has been around since cavemen have been around and it has developed a broad spectrum of styles all under the dance umbrella.

Jazz

The Swing dance style originated in the 1920s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1930s. There are many versions of the Swing dance including the jitterbug and boogie woogie .

This dance is also seen in competitions.

Breakdance

Cha-Cha Breakdance is a form of street dance that was a part of the hip-hop culture. The various clothing styles used while performing is a distinctive part of this form of dance.

Jazz dance finds its origins withmany influences that have added a variety to this dance form. One can see many overlapping of steps in Jazz dance, which are similar to various other styles.

Jazz dance is basically an energetic form that is equally graceful like other dances.

The Cha-cha is a type of Latin American dance which is very rhythmic in its appeal, it is energetic with slow movements as well.

Dance Maiden: Dance Styles

December 2009

Styles Jive

Jive is a type of ballroom dance that originated in the United States. It is a lively and uninhibited variation of the Jitterbug, a form of Swing dance.

Western dances are performed on country music.

These social dances follow the typical pattern where the male leads in the dance and the partner follows. Therefore, this dance style includes both, the partner as well as the group dances.

Tap

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Western

Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by a tapping sound that is created from metal plates that are attached to both the ball and heel of the dancerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoe. These metal plates, when tapped against a hard surface, create a percussive sound and as such the dancers are considered to be musicians.

Dance Maiden | Dance Styles |

Hip-hop is a street dance style. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a combination of dance moves combined with attitude as well as colorful dancewear.There are various other styles used with hip-hop dance, which includes popping and locking.

Hip-hop

Belly Dancing

Belly dance is more particularly danced in nightclubs and is now also emerging as a new way to remain fit. The basic steps involve the use of circular movements by the hips with a shimmy for the shoulders. Belly dancing would require one to be really flexible. The costumes are rather bold.

Food Who?

The story of how a young dancer fought the image of the By: Anna P “ideal dancer.”

“Most companies want you for your art, not your problems,” Ballet Austin Academy upper-school student, Ryan says. The image of the “ideal dancer,” a dancer who has long legs, and extremely thin and toned, has haunted young dancers from the time they became serious about their future in dance. “The sad truth is not all of us have this ‘ideal’ body and we must to find a way to work with what we have,” Ryan says.

So many young girls and boys have suffered from eating disorders because the great pressure from the non-dancing world.

The image does not only cause eating disorders, but self-esteem issues as well. A dancer should focus on their actual dancing, not about how they look.

Although image is one of the biggest factors in a dancer’s life (second only to technique), it should not be the only thing a dancer focuses on.

“I maintain weight by carefully watching my calorie intake and portions and it has become a part of my life,” Ryan says. “There are plenty of times when I still shake my finger at myself for having that extra serving, but I’m just smarter about it. I don’t let the angrier thoughts rule me.”

Dancers have to know how that there is a difference between dieting and eating healthy. Eating healthy can benefit one not only for dance, but it can pro-long one’s life and even improve their mood. While dieting, Ryan found that it just causes undesiredaressure only adding to the pressure she already had from needing to loose weight.

“I would yell at myself on the inside saying I shouldn’t eat it, and of course that made me want it even more!” Ryan says, “I even yelled at my mom once because she was trying to feed me everything in the kitchen, and I actually did want it!” Ryan says “That was a serious turning point in my thinking system.

I realized how self-harming I was and that these crazy thoughts of ‘dieting’ were making things worse, and I was actually GAINING weight. I ‘un-dieted’ for a week, and I let myself eat anything I wanted, whenever I wanted. I thought this was suicide... but my body actually took charge, listened to it [self] and told me when I was hungry, what for, and when I had finished. I lost weight during my ‘un-dieting’ session and since then; I’ve had nothing but good thoughts about healthfully nourishing my body.”

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Dance Maiden | Food Who? |

Actually listening to yourself can make a big difference in the way you eat. If you eat whenever you want, you are most likely going to gain weight.

Eating only when you are hungry can lead to losing undesired weight.

“One experience that I’m most angry with myself for is when I ate an entire bag of dried mango in one sitting and then almost went through with puking it up.” Ryan says, “Luckily I stopped myself! I think if I had gone through with puking my food up, it would always be there to haunt me, and I’d always feel like I could turn to that.”

Ryan knew that turning bulimia was not the way to go. She found that doing

small exercises everyday to either build up muscle or tone her body could help with weight also.

“Any time I feel ‘fat,’ I work out. I do crunches or push-ups, thera-band (a stretchy band dancers use to strengthen their legs and ankles), running around the block or anything that makes me feel like I’m taking care of myself,” Ryan says.

Being a dancer and taking care of your body can really take a commitment.

Eating healthy has to be something you always do, not just sometimes.

“I’ve noticed that finding your ideal body is not a challenge for yourself to work against but it has to be a lifestyle. And I’m not saying that purging out every meal is a lifestyle.”

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Dance Maiden | Food Who? |