Just a reminder that the early bird discount to attend the Dance Teacher Web Live Conference & Expo in Vegas this summer August 6-9 ENDS TODAY, May 15th!!!! Register now and Save $100! See you at the Creative Oasis!!!
http://www.danceteacherconferenceexpo.com

AND STAY TUNED FOR EXCITING UPDATES  ON ALL THINGS DTW CONFERENCE !!!

Bring your students, teachers and yourself to what is sure to be a season filled with what is the best of the best of dance on film! Click the links to be transported to the films’ websites to find information about the documentaries, trailers, screening locations, etc.

“NEVER STAND STILL”

Winner of “Best Documentary” honors at Dance Camera West at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival. Narrated by Bill T. Jones. This documentary, filmed at the legendary Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, delves into the dance world and showcases powerful performances and world renowned artists who have dedicated their life to the art.

Click here for information

“JOFFREY: MAVERICKS OF AMERICAN DANCE”

Narrated by Mandy Patinkin, this documentary chronicles the story of what came to be known as the “First American Dance Company,” and how it revolutionized  American ballet with its progressive and daring approaches to concept and the art.

Click here for information

“FIRST POSITION”

Winner of multiple critic’s choice and film festival awards, this documentary follows six up and coming ballet dancers ages 9-19, over the course of a year on their personal journeys towards the very prestigious ballet competition, The Youth America Grand Prix.

Click here for information 

“PINA”

2012 Oscar nominee .The  film by Wim Wender,(& in 3D,) takes you on a ride into the brilliant and innovative mind of Pina Bausch as a tribute to her life’s work and company. The documentary explores the inner workings of this progressive and legendary artist with tributes of performances by her company

NY Times Review:  Click here    

IMDB info & trailer: Click here    

Wim Wenders on Pina- NPR Interview: Click here

In last week’s blog we looked at some quick tips and “mini-projects” you can give your dance students in the hopes of adding to their well-rounded library of dance knowledge. This week I’d like to share with you some of their responses when asked about their “movie musical assignments,”  how they feel about being assigned these movies to watch and how it has enhanced their musical theater knowledge! (*in case you missed last week’s blog, I give my students two-three weeks to watch a classic movie-musical that has shaped musical theater/jazz history. I have them jot down their observations, likes, dislikes, etc, about the movie [doesn’t have to be an official paper in essay form,] and on a given date we take the last ten or fifteen minutes of class and discuss.) Look at the impact these “mini-projects” can have and the fun it can create for all! Plus, it keeps the legacy of the “movie musical” genre alive with a whole new generation of fans to admire them and pass down too!!

“I like watching the movie musicals because it helps me to feel what it’s like to be back in a certain era and style of dance. It’s taught me how to make my “steps” from a certain period have more feeling and emotion.”  Liza, age 12

“I enjoy the movie musical assignments because it helps me understand where movies from dance originated.” – Emily, age 15

“I like watching the movies because I like to compare the types of dances they would do then and I would compare what they are like to now.” – Erica, age 11

“I like watching the movie musicals because it really does show me the roots of musical theater and how it changed from then until now. It’s fun to now be able to recognize the songs during class and the stories behind them.” -Samantha, age 14

“I like the musical theater movie assignments because a lot of the dances are about songs, topics or from time periods. Most dancers my age would just do the steps but I can take on a real character.” -Emily, age 12

“The movie musicals are really fun and it helps me get into character and mindset so I can BE the character. It shows me what is used to be like because we don’t have this now.” – Nadirah, age 12

“I like watching musical theatre movies because I get to learn how the styles differentiate throughout the years.” –Jane, age 15

The movies give me more knowledge about different eras. It teaches me about the growth of dance.” –Emily, age 12

“I like watching the movie musicals because I get to see how that era or type of dance was originally done, danced and portrayed. I think these movies have helped me because now I know how the style was or the mood/era was too.” –Kate, age 12

See you in the studio…

Jessie                                                              

* For further info on Jessica Rizzo or to contact her, go to the “teacher profile” section click here.