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SPRING/SUMMER 2009
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SPOTLIGHTS
NUMBER 1
special
national
member
adc
NEWS
VOLUME 13
7
NEWS
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FEATURE
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synchonicity spring 2009
INSIDE
Special Feature:
Summer Dance Opportunities
Page 26
Alabama Dance Council News
Page 3
• Message from the Board President
• Message from the Executive Director
• Save the Date: A preview of the 2010 Alabama Dance Festival
• Renew Your ADC Membership
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Member Spotlights
Page 7
• Dance Scholarships Carry ASFA Students Far and Even Abroad
• Merrimack Hall Launches Dance Your Dreams!
• Montgomery Ballet 2009-2010 Board Members and Performance Season
• Sanspointe Dance Company Presents SIX by SIX
• An Exciting and Eventful Year at Stevan Grebel Center for Dance
• Drake School of Irish Dance Proclaims Success and Continued Growth
• Devyani Dance Company, Here and Abroad
• Design Defined
• Samford University School of the Arts News
• Special Performances by Corazon Flamenco
• Emerging Star: Tyra Jackson
Page 7
Page 7
Page 9
Page 11
Page 13
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
Page 22
National News
Page 23
• DanceUSA Announces Results of Rough Waters Survey II
• Graham Dancer Lang Dies
Page 23
Page 25
Alabama Dance Council Board of Directors and Staff
Page 32
ON THE COVER: Merrimack Hall’s Dance Your Dreams! program provides weekly opportunities for children with a range of
special needs from Cerebral Palsy and autism to cancer and Down Syndrome to participate in dance classes suited to their needs.
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alabama dance council
NEWS
from the board president
DIANE LITSEY
Summer’s Here
If Spring brings dress rehearsals and performances to
end the school year with a big finish, Summer brings
opportunities to explore new learning intensives
and hone skills. It can be a time to focus on gaining
insight and technique to prepare for all that comes
next – whatever exciting adventures those may be.
To quote Liz Lerman, “Art is big, Dance is big, Beauty
is big, and nothing is too small to notice.” Learning
never stops if you remain curious, engaged and open
to new ideas and perspectives. Jump into a Summer
full of possibilities – and stay connected to the
Alabama Dance Council to share your news and hear
about happenings in Alabama and beyond!
Diane Litsey
President
adc NEWS
from the executive director
ROSEMARY W. JOHNSON
Dear colleagues,
I hope that you have had a successful year, and are
enjoying some well-deserved rest before embarking
on your busy summer schedules. It has been a
challenging year for all of us, and another difficult
year lies ahead. However, I remain optimistic because
challenging times always bring new opportunities –
and our creativity and ability to discover new ways of
thinking and new ways of doing things are our greatest
assets. Having just returned from DanceUSA’s annual
conference, I would like to share three observations
that reflect national thinking at this point in time: 1)
no one can predict how long this recession will last, but don’t expect things to return
to the way they were – we are facing a major paradigm shift that will result in new
operating models for our industry; 2) as people search for new lifestyles and means
of personal gratification beyond the local mall, the arts are poised to play a major role
in our new culture and new economy; and 3) this is a time of great optimism for the
country, and the spirit of public service and volunteerism presents an opportunity
to engage our patrons and communities in new and meaningful ways. The question
for all of us is simply this – how can we find new opportunities and most effectively
use them to chart our course into an uncertain future? The answer is simple – get
connected, stay connected, be proactive, and be open to moving in new directions.
Now is the time to really utilize the dance network provided by the Alabama Dance
Council. And, we’ve got some great new tools to help you out on our new website at
www.alabamadancecouncil.org. Look for these links to get started – Join, Subscribe,
Share. Use our online networking site at www.alabamadanceexchange.org to connect
with Alabama’s dance community. Create your personal and organizational profiles,
post events and dance classes, and promote your work throughout the state. Don’t
work in isolation – we are here as a resource just for you!
Let’s keep in touch,
Rosemary W. Johnson
Executive Director
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adc NEWS
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SAVE THE DATE:
A preview of the 2010 Alabama Dance Festival
The Alabama Dance Festival is Alabama’s largest
annual dance event, attracting over 1,000 performers,
teachers, students, and dance enthusiasts from
across the state, and over 3,000 people who enjoy
the numerous performances presented during the
Festival weekend. Held annually since 1998, Festival
attendance has grown from 180 who attended the
first one-day event to over 4,000 who participated in the
2009 Festival.
The 13th annual Alabama Dance Festival will take place
on January 14-17, 2010, and features three performances by Battleworks Dance Company as the
guest company-in-residence, an Alabama Dance Showcase, a Birmingham Dance Showcase, master
classes and workshops taught by nationally-renowned faculty for pre-professional and professional
dancers, and free community classes to engage everyone in the art of dance.
Battleworks Dance Company is a company of eight dancers that offers a wide range of performance
and residency activities. Robert Battle founded Battleworks Dance Company in 2001 as a platform
for his choreography and as a home for dancers to work and grow. The company premiered in
August of 2002 at the World Dance Alliance’s Global Assembly in Düsseldorf, Germany. Selected
as the American representatives to the festival, the company was chosen for its unique outlook
on the future of modern dance. Since then, Battleworks has continued to perform nationally and
internationally at such venues as Dance Theater Workshop, the Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow Dance
Festival and the International Baltic Ballet Festival, among others.
Additional confirmed faculty for the 2010 Alabama Dance Festival includes: Sarah Barry, modern/
improvisation; Robert Battle, modern/contemporary; Jessica Lang, choreography intensive; Amanda
McKerrow, ballet; Abe Reybold, broadway; Augusto Soledade, Afro-Brazilian; and Misnomer Dance
Company, Audience Engagement and dance composition.
Save the dates now: January 14-17, 2010! For more information about the 2010 Alabama Dance
Festival as it becomes available, please visit us online at www.alabamadancecouncil.org.
adc NEWS
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Renew Your ADC Membership
July 1 marks the beginning of a new membership year for the Alabama Dance Council. In
these times of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to stay connected, remain
proactive, and be open to moving in new directions. Now is the time to really utilize the dance
network provided through Alabama Dance Council membership, and we’ve got some great new
tools to help you out on our new website at www.alabamadancecouncil.org. One of our new tools
is our online networking site, www.alabamadanceexchange.org, your connection to Alabama’s
dance community. Create professional profiles for yourself and your organization, post events and
dance classes, and promote your work throughout the state.
As an ADC member you will be eligible to receive the special member rate for the 2010
Alabama Dance Festival next January 14-17, and organizational members will be eligible to
apply to perform on the Festival’s Showcases. In addition, the events that you post on www.
alabamadanceexchange.org will be automatically featured in Footworks, our weekly email
newsletter, and on our home page at www.alabamadancecouncil.org. Check out the website for
additional member benefits!
Don’t work in isolation – we are here as a resource just for you! So please, take a few minutes out
of your busy day and join your colleagues at the Alabama Dance Council. It’s easy, online, and you
can still pay by check, if you prefer. We look forward to your participation in 2009-2010!
To join or renew your membership:
–––––
• Visit www.alabamadancecouncil.org and click the “Membership” tab.
• Review the membership classifications, dues, and member benefits.
• Select “Sign Me Up.”
• Follow the online instructions or contact [email protected]
if you need assistance.
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member
SPOTLIGHTS
Dance Scholarships Carry ASFA Students
Far and Even Abroad
Several ASFA dancers recently won scholarships during the Alabama Dance Festival held in
January. Tenth grader Parise Reynolds was offered a scholarship to dance with the Americaine
Academy de Danse de Paris, France. Fellow 10th grader Mandy Holcomb was selected as a second
alternate. Eighth grader Eliza Krakower was also accepted to the dance program.
Many ASFA dancers also received scholarships to the prestigious American Ballet Theatre
(ABT) Company. Those results are as follows: Stephanie Irving, 8th grade, ABT New York; Eliza
Krakower, 8th grade, ABT California; and Parise Reynolds, ABT Detroit.
The following students have been invited to dance with ABT in Tuscaloosa: Mackie Harrison,
Carla Burroughs, Megan Ross, Samuel Akins, Ben Klein, Marissa Marsh, Harper McNutt, Alyssa
Parnell, Naomi Mayor and Chandler Champion. Collin Neel was offered a half scholarship
to ABT Tuscaloosa and has been invited to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Summer Intensive in
Manitoba, Canada.
In separate auditions, 11th grader Kyra McCarty has been accepted into the Hubbard Street Dance
Chicago Summer Intensive. Jessica Horton, a 12th grader, has been accepted into the Dayton
Contemporary Dance Company as a trainee and as a dance major at Wright State University in
Dayton, Ohio.
Merrimack Hall Launches Dance Your Dreams!
Wednesdays and Thursdays are special days at
Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center in Huntsville.
Each week, dancers ages 3-10 come to the facility
for weekly dance class. They come dressed in their
leotards and tights, wearing ballet skirts or tutus – the
boys dressed in black jazz pants, black t-shirts and jazz
shoes – and approach the barre with determination and
discipline. They start with plies and work their way
through to their battements, move out to the floor for
turns and leaps and finish with a graceful reverence.
This sounds like any other children’s dance class, but it’s not. The reason that these classes are
so special is that these young dancers live with a wide variety of challenges that would normally
prevent them from participating in dance education classes. Living with challenges such as
Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, hearing impairment, visual impairment, leukemia and other
life threatening illnesses, the children in the Dance Your Dreams! program are an inspiration to
everyone who sees them at work.
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The first class started meeting weekly in October 2008; the
second class kicked off in January 2009. The 18 students
currently participating in the program attend classes led
by Hayley Smith, Merrimack Hall’s Director of Dance
Education. The movement curriculum for the class was
designed by Ms. Smith, in consultation with physical
therapists and other children’s health care providers.
Dance Your Dreams! students debuted on stage in January,
when they performed at Merrimack Hall’s Second Annual
Evening of Dance. Dancing to “Singing in the Rain” and
outfitted with rain slickers and spats to cover their leg
braces, the students performed before a sold-out crowd
and received a five minute standing ovation. Dance Your Dreams! dancers will perform at
Panoply, Huntsville’s festival of the arts and are planning for an end-of-year concert to be held the
weekend of June 12-14, 2009.
The key to the success of Dance Your Dreams! is trained
volunteers who work with each student and assist them in
executing the movements that their challenges prevent them
from doing without help. Each volunteer agrees to work with
one student for an entire academic year, so a close bond and
attachment is formed between the students and their helpers.
The entire program is presented at no cost to its participants,
with Merrimack Hall supplying everything from tutus to tights
– the parents don’t even pay monthly tuition for the program.
Merrimack Hall is involved in an aggressive campaign to raise
funds for the program so that the current class schedule can
be expanded to accommodate the ever-increasing waiting
list. Merrimack Hall believes that every child should have a
chance to participate in dance education if they would like to,
regardless of their physical disabilities.
Elianna Starnes, age 5, has been an enthusiastic participant in
Dance Your Dreams! since the first class was held. Elianna has
Cerebral Palsy, uses a walker or canes to walk and cannot stand
without assistance – but thanks to Dance Your Dreams!, Elianna can dance. Elianna, was recently
interviewed by a reporter from Huntsville’s Fox 54 news team. Asked why she loves dance so
much, Elianna replied, “because dance is beautiful.”
For more information on Merrimack Hall and its Dance Your Dreams! program, contact Hayley
Smith at [email protected].
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member SPOTLIGHTS
Montgomery Ballet Announces New Officers
and Board Members and the 2009-2010
Performance Season
The Montgomery Ballet Board formally announced its new selected officers and board of
directors for the 2009-2010 season at its annual luncheon and meeting on April 14 at the
Montgomery Country Club. With the company doubling its budget during the past year, the
Montgomery Ballet Board of Directors is heading into an exciting era. The company has tripled
its visibility in the state of Alabama and has created new programs for the general public and new
educational programs provided to the state. This past season, 5 new productions were presented
in Montgomery, 2 repertoire concerts were offered on tour, and a touring lecture demonstration
was presented in 9 different counties. In addition, the company has expanded its employed
dancers to 14 with an additional 4 apprentices.
The 2009-2010 selected officers of the Montgomery Ballet are Executive Board Officers
Mrs. Catherine Woodson – President, Mrs. Jan Hodgson – Past President, Mrs. Dottie Hannan – Vice
President Special Events, Tom Albrecht – Vice President Development, Dick Morris – Vice President
Marketing, Jan Brannan – Secretary, Karen Herman – Treasurer, Beth Acker – School Chair.
New and previous year members include
George “Bubber” Bailey, Anna Kate Ingram
Bowen, Anita Capouano, Dee Coleman,
Suzanne Davidson, Marquirette Fields, Bobbi
Blair Smith Griswold, Bill Hudgens, Jennie
Kitchens, Ashley Layson, Gage LeQuire, Candace
Love, Chester Mallory, Ashley McDonald, Pat
McGregor, Gary Morgan, Nall, Jenni Payne,
Sally Pitts, Renee Smith, Donna Stricklin, Clare
Watson, Wynona Wilson, Sieu T. Wood.
Montgomery ballet is excited to announce its
2009-2010 season. The Montgomery Ballet,
under the direction of Artistic Director
Elie Lazar and Executive Director Priscilla
Crommelin-Ball, is excited to announce the
expansion of the professional company which
will include new dancers and new apprentices.
Mr. Dana Ross, who has previously been a guest
artist with the Montgomery Ballet, will join
the company as a full-contract member. His
accomplished bravura technique and classical style will be an asset to the Montgomery Ballet and
will enhance the company’s growing classical repertoire. Other members who will be joining the
Montgomery Ballet include Miss Jennifer Drake, who comes to the company after dancing with
the Cincinnati Ballet; Mrs. Drake, whose experience and artistry will compliment the roster of
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principal dancers who have made the Montgomery Ballet their home; and Miss Nicole Consuleo
Padilla, a former dancer of the Dayton Ballet who will bring an exciting diversity and artistic
freedom both in the classical and contemporary repertoire of the Montgomery Ballet. In addition,
we are thrilled to have Mr. Paul Gilliam for his second season with the Montgomery Ballet. Mr.
Gilliam has brought to the company a secure and exciting level of interpretive dance that Alabama
critics as well as international critics from the United Kingdom have hailed specifically for his
technique and stage persona. Those of you who have been following Mr. Gilliam’s amazingly
powerful and expressive style will be thrilled to find out that he will be choreographing his first
piece for the Montgomery Ballet which will premiere in February 2010. The Montgomery Ballet is
also very pleased to announce the return of several remarkable and talented dancers which include
Mrs. Laura Villalobos, Mr. Joseph Villalobos, Mr. Patrick Willison, Mr. Colin Hislop, and Miss
Kyana Neller. Miss Molly Wagner has been promoted to a full company member. Her dynamic,
expressive, beautiful dancing and captivating interpretation have made her a recognized dancer by
many audience members. New apprentices to the Montgomery Ballet include Miss Nicole Miller,
Mr. Will Smith, Miss Bailey Harper, Miss Sara Kosuth and Guadalupe Medina, expanding the
company of professional dancers to 20 members.
The Montgomery Ballet will open
its season in Andalusia with a mixed
repertoire on June 19, 2009 followed
by the company’s annual free outside
performances, first at Blount Park June 17
and 18, and later at the Montgomery Zoo
on September 11th. For the performance
at the Zoo, several Montgomery
organizations will be coming together to
honor the historical significance of the
September 11th date. The Montgomery
Ballet is also pleased to begin a new
tradition of free performances at the
Maxwell Air Force Base with a special
exciting program to welcome the new international officers and their families to the base.
The highlight of these ballet performances will be a rarely performed but beautiful romantic
pas de deux from the ballet, “La Peri;” the pyrotechnical classical duet “Diana and Acteon,”
choreographed by the famed Russian pedagogue Vaganova, with principal dancers, Mrs. Laura
Villalobos and Mr. Paul Gilliam; Lazar’s “Tête-à-Tête” to the Messenger score from the ballet “The
Two Pigions;” highlights from Lichine’s “Graduation Ball;” and the second act of “Don Quixote.”
Other highlights of the 2009-2010 Season will be the ballets “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
and “Gloria,” both of which received standing ovations and critical acclaim; “Snow White;”
“Sleeping Beauty;” “Lost, the Story of Carmen;” the Montgomery Ballet’s popular version of the
ballet “Coppelia;” as well as the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” In addition, the Montgomery
Ballet will stage a new “Peter and the Wolf ” and “Beauty and the Beast” to delight young and old
audiences alike as part of its youth audience series. The Montgomery Ballet will also be unveiling
Mr. Gilliam’s new ballet in conjunction with Artistic Director Elie Lazar’s ballet “Dance with Me
to the End of Love.”
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Montgomery Ballet has the honor this year of performing in many diverse venues including the
prestigious Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Historic Davis Theater, and the Wetumpka Civic
Center, as well as having the honor of touring in the State of Alabama.
The Montgomery Ballet School, the official school of the Montgomery Ballet, is planning to start
its school year activities for 2009-2010 on August 17, 2009. Open house and registration will be
the week of August 10-14, 2009 from 12 (noon)-4:30 pm. Placement classes for new students will
take place Thursday, August 6 from 4-6 pm, and Saturday, August 8, from 1-3 pm. Auditions for
the Montgomery Ballet School Ensemble will be August 29 from 1-3 pm, and Nutcracker audition
September 12, time to be announced, according to age and parts. Students of the Montgomery
Ballet are eligible to perform in productions of the Montgomery Ballet Company. Last year’s
productions in which the students participated included “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Coppelia,” “Snow
White,” “Nutcracker” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
For more information regarding the Montgomery Ballet extended performance schedule or the
Montgomery Ballet School, please visit us on line at www.montgomeryballet.org or write to us at
[email protected] or by phone at 334-409-0422
Sanspointe Dance Company Presents SIX by SIX
Sanspointe Dance Company presented SIX dances by SIX choreographers Thursday, May 28th
through Sunday, May 31st. SIX by SIX featured work by Alabama choreographers Sarah Barry,
Shellie Chambers, Kim Guion, Michelle Hamff, John McLaughlin and Rhea Speights and preshow
live music by Daniel Long and Justin Wallace.
SIX by SIX included Nature of Nurture,
choreographed by Chambers and Hamff with
support from the Cultural Alliance of Greater
Birmingham’s Grants to Individual Artists
Award. In addition, Hamff set a new work
for four dancers, titled Lessons. Barry, dance
professor at The University of Alabama, set
her work Mass Production on the company,
and John McLaughlin set a new work for eight
dancers based on poems by Edgar Allan Poe.
Speights set a new work on four dancers, which
was previewed at the company’s signature event,
PreMoves: Dances in Progress, on April 17, 2009.
Shellie Chambers, Interim Artistic Director of the company said, “It takes a lot of motivated and
committed people to put together a dance concert. Many of our company members work fulltime,
several are mothers, a few attend graduate school full-time, and several travel from an hour away
for rehearsals. We rehearse on the weekend, which does not leave time for much else! Each of us is
passionate about presenting modern dance for Birmingham audiences.”
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People often ask what modern dance is. Chambers says, “It is an expressive, American dance form.
No shoes are required, and it has a strong relationship with the floor. If you ever peek in on a
Sanspointe rehearsal, you will see a lot of collaboration between the choreographer and dancers
and a lot of physical partnership with the floor and each other.”
Improvisation is an important aspect of modern dance. Improvisation is when the dancers
generate the movement, structure and interplay based on their inspirations in the current
moment. SIX by SIX included an improvisation piece performed by Kim Guion and Rhea
Speights, directed by Kim Guion. The dance was different in each performance, and so was
the music, which was performed live by percussionists Daniel Long and Justin Wallace. Guion
said, “Instead of learning choreography to prepare for this dance, we practiced different
improvisational structures and made a new dance with each rehearsal. Musicians were also
invited in to improvise with us. It required a collective consciousness, which had to work to
build.” Sanspointe was founded by Michelle Hamff in 2003. Hamff said, “I wanted to present
a modern dance concert, and that’s how it all started.” Today, the company exists to provide
choreographers and dancers with an opportunity to create new work, collaborate artistically and
present high-quality modern dance performances for the community. Sanspointe presents at least
one concert of original and inventive choreography each year for audiences in its hometown of
Birmingham, Alabama, and performs at events during the year around the Southeast.
Under the artistic direction of Shellie Chambers, Sanspointe has been recognized as a 501
(c) (3) tax exempt organization, with 18 company artists and seven members on its board of
directors and is campaigning now for financial support. Sanspointe’s members bring a diversity
of interests, experiences and talents to the company. This unique fusion of artistic ideas and
inspirations allows Sanspointe to constantly evolve and challenges its members and the audience’s
expectations of what modern dance is.
Several of Sanspointe’s artists are alumni of The Unviersity of Alabama’s dance department, two
are currently seniors at UA and one is a professor. Sanspointe has also presented two concerts
at UA. Chambers is excited to provide an opportunity for students in college to work with the
company. “When I was a senior in college, I didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduation
or what opportunities there were for me in the area. I’m glad that we can give these seniors this
experience now before they graduate.”
SIX by SIX was performed in an intimate theatre setting at Children’s Dance Foundation’s
Community Arts Center Studio Theatre in Downtown Homewood (1715 27th Court South) May
28-31. To make a tax-deductible donation to Sanspointe, visit www.sanspointe.org.
member SPOTLIGHTS
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An Exciting and Eventful Year at Stevan Grebel Center
for Dance
The Stevan Grebel Center for Dance has been through
a very exciting and growth-initiating year. We are
excited to report that the Nutcracker 2008 was a joyous
success, and that the wonderful help from parents and
volunteers led to the formation of the Alabama Youth
Ballet Guild. The Ballet Guild was formed as a nonprofit to support and encourage ballet and the arts
in the Metro South area and is the top supporter of
the Alabama Youth Ballet Company, the performing
wing of the Stevan Grebel Center for Dance. The
Nutcracker this year featured Jon Caspian, a dance
major at Birmingham-Southern College, as the
featured performer in the role of the Cavalier, as well as Pelham’s new mayor, Don Murphy as
Mother Ginger. Former UAB/State of Alabama Ballet dancer, J. David Anderson, came from his
teaching position in Evansville, Indiana, to perform the role of Drosselmeyer. For this 5th annual
production, attendance by the community was phenomenal, and the city of Pelham is excited to
have its very own Nutcracker. The mayor and city council have promised support to the Alabama
Youth Ballet Company for the annual production which is held each year at Pelham High School
Auditorium.
Each year, after Nutcracker, Grebel Dance offers a Winter Dance Workshop that is open to all
students and professionals who would like to continue their classes during the holidays. These
classes are offered at a minimal cost to students,
and are free to professionals. This year’s workshop
was attended by many local dancers.
In January, the Alabama Youth Ballet Company
participated in the Alabama Dance Festival.
On Saturday morning, Deborah Grebel, the
executive director of the Alabama Youth Ballet
Company, taught two creative movement classes
for preschool students as part of the Festival’s
free showcase classes for the community. She
was assisted by Guild member, Suzy Spencer, who
played live music for the classes on a keyboard,
and Jr. and Sr. Company members. There is some
pretty amazing talent in this state and region!
Three of our Senior Company dancers attended the Alabama Dance Festival weekend and took
a variety of classes. Most of their choices were classical ballet, however, they also took audition
classes, lyrical jazz, Broadway choreography and Broadway audition techniques. They had a
wonderful time and were exposed to some new methods and techniques, and made some good
member SPOTLIGHTS
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contacts and friends. It was a very good experience. Our Guild President, Kellye Self, attended
a workshop on grant writing for non-profits and arts organizations on Saturday. Three of our
Senior Company members performed the pas de trois from The Fairy Doll in the Alabama Dance
Festival Showcase. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we want to encourage all
parents to try and plan for their children to attend
next year.
February brought several noteworthy occasions for
the Alabama Youth Ballet Company. The Alabama
Youth Ballet Guild was formed and held its first
fundraising event, Dessertissements. The Alabama
Youth Ballet Guild’s Dessertissements was held on
Sunday, February 8, 2009, at the studios of the Stevan
Grebel Center for Dance in Pelham, Alabama.We
were pleased with attendance at our first event, with
approximately 40 paying attendees, plus our dancers
from the Alabama Youth Ballet Company. The event
featured desserts, a chocolate fountain, fruit, cheeses
and various French, Italian and American wines for
a sparkling wine-tasting. Guests perused the items
up for silent auction and made their bids in Studio
2 before going to Studio 1 to view an in-studio
performance by the Alabama Youth Ballet Company.
Some of the items auctioned were a weekend at
Seachase at Orange Beach, a beautiful zebra motif painted chair by Beth Arnold, photography sessions
by His Hands Photography, Precious Moments and Igor Rykov. Massage gift certificates, dinner
at Nabeel’s and a signature black and gold t-shirt donated
by Russian Pointe of Chicago (beautifully displayed with a gold
tutu) were also auctioned. Delightful music was provided by
Fiddlin’ in the Parlor.
Russian Pointe, a maker of fine pointe shoes, has been
supportive of the Alabama Youth Ballet Company, advertising
in our Nutcracker program, and of the Alabama Youth Ballet
Guild, donating a beautiful logo tee to our recent silent auction
at the Dessertissements event. Many of our dancers wear
Russian Pointe’s pointe shoes. One of our families visited the
Russian Pointe Boutique in Chicago for a pointe shoe fitting.
The boutique has several professional fitters. They were there
on Valentine’s Day when they were having a celebration of love;
serving champagne to the adults and sparkling grape juice to
the dancers, and fine Russian chocolates to all. Kellye Self says
“it is an almost surreal experience to sip on champagne and
eat chocolates while watching your daughter being fitted into
pointe shoes!”
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Junior and senior company members also performed in the showcase performance “With
Every Beat,” presented each year by Liz Cochran at Pelham High School, for awareness for the
prevention of cardiovascular disease. Each year, dancers from around the area gather together
to honor their fellow dancer and friend, Meredith Ward, who died of cardiovascular disease
several years ago. The Alabama Youth Ballet Company performed God Speaking, choreographed
by Stevan Grebel Center for Dance instructor and choreographer, Amanda-Willis Brice. In
September, the youth ballet also performed at the Alys Stephens Center Kid Fest, with classical
ballet and lyrical set by AmandaWillis-Brice.
The Alabama Youth Ballet Guild also provided
assistance and support to the Alabama Youth Ballet
in February by setting up and manning the table
for the company and studio at the Birmingham
Parents Magazine’s Camp Fair at Brookwood
Mall. Junior company members performed a
class demonstration. Senior company members
performed variations from Sleeping Beauty and
Esmeralda and the Fairy Doll pas de trois.
As March arrived, who knew, snow in Alabama?
Of all the weekends for that to occur. The
Alabama Youth Ballet Company welcomed
master teacher Dmitri Roudnev, formerly of the
Bolshoi Ballet and Director of Ballet Intensive, from Moscow to Pelham, Alabama for a weekend of
ballet training. Workshops were held on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 and were open
to members of the youth ballet, students of the Stevan Grebel Center for Dance and members of the
community, upon registration. Students from the metro area, as well as Cullman and Gadsden, of
various ages and ability levels took advantage of the opportunity for master classes with Mr. Roudnev.
Students in the junior division learned lessons in correct body placement and musicality, and
in variations class, they worked on a Czech polka. One could tell from the smiles on their faces
that they had a good time while they were learning. Students in the senior division class also
experienced excellent instruction in body placement and musicality, and learned the Sylphide
variation on Saturday. They had pas de deux lessons on Sunday and learned about proper
body placement when partnering in promenade and lifts. On Sunday, students from Gadsden
even braved the elements and an unusual snow storm to attend classes. The experience was
worthwhile and rewarding and we thank Mr. Roudnev for his time and attention to providing
training for our students to help them be better dancers and build on the solid foundation that
they experience daily with Stevan and Debbie Grebel.
March also brought the artistic director of the Montgomery Ballet, Elie Lazar, to Grebel Dance to
teach a master class. Mr. Lazar was in Birmingham to conduct auditions for summer intensives
and company positions for the Montgomery Ballet on Saturday and requested to come and teach
a class. Elie Lazar has been a very encouraging force for our studio and company since he has
moved to Alabama.
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On April 20, the Alabama Youth Ballet Company and Grebel Dance had the honor of receiving
a proclamation by Mayor Don Murphy in recognition of World Dance Day in Pelham, Alabama.
World Dance Day was April 29, 2009 as described by the CID-UNESCO, of which we are proud to
be members. CID is the official umbrella organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the
world. This event took place at the City Council meeting, along with a large audience for Youth
Week. In celebration of Dance Day, Grebel Dance opened its doors to the community for a week
of interacting with all who desire to dance and be a part of classes and performances, bringing
a greater awareness of dance to our community. Grebel students have served as ambassadors in
their travel and study here and abroad and have received community service hours for much of
their work.
With spring in full force, the students and company members, parents and all, were gearing up for
the Spring Dance Concert. The Alabama Youth Ballet Guild sponsored The Fairy Doll, with music
by Josef Bayer and choreography by Stevan Grebel. The performance was at Hoover High School
Auditorium this year, on May 16, at 7:00 PM. Beautiful doll costumes and wonderful toyshop sets,
with fun and sparkling choreography, all combined to make this a wonderful children’s ballet. All
seats were reserved for this one performance.
Registration is active for the Grebel Ballet
International Summer Workshops. For the last two
years, we had excellent classes and training while
in Novi Sad, Serbia. Students and parents enjoyed
the classes, international teachers in classical ballet,
modern, jazz and character dance, performances
and wonderful sightseeing and shopping. We look
forward to another exciting workshop abroad in
2010. Summer is never lazy at Grebel Dance. We
have a variety of senior level classes, as well as
a Junior Camp Intensive and the most popular
Princesses and Princes Workshop. The Alabama
Youth Ballet Company is also performing a piece
at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville on June 20, in celebration of a colleague’s, Susan FishHayward, 25th year of teaching.
Our school seems to never close, and we hope that more and more people will take the
opportunity to try our classes and train with us. Our registration is open year round. We are
looking forward to a working and fun-filled summer. Registration for fall and preparations for
Pelham’s 6th annual Nutcracker in December have already begun. Look for AYBC to do some
contemporary ballet pieces in 2010, also. We are located right below the beautiful landscape of
Oak Mountain State Park at the intersection of Highway 31 south and Highway 119. There are
a great many things to do while there, including ice skating, hiking, restaurants, shopping, gyms
and more. We invite everyone to come to Pelham to visit us, and assure you that we will always
strive to offer the best in classical ballet training to you and your children.
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member SPOTLIGHTS
Drake School of Irish Dance Proclaims Success
and Continued Growth
The Drake School of Irish Dance has
made tremendous strides this year. We
moved to a new location, Bella Prima
Dance Studio in Hoover, which has
allowed us to continue to grow. Our
student population has seen an increase of
25 percent. We appeal to both young and
older dancers. Our tuition has remained
low to allow everyone who wants to learn
Irish Dance the opportunity to do so. Our
goals remain the same: to learn, to have
fun, and to be safe.
The Drake School of Irish Dance
participated in a number of significant
events this year. We participated in Dance
Across Birmingham, made school visits,
and performed at local community festivals, the University of Montevallo, Boo at the Zoo and
Imagicon. We also made television appearances and our students were featured in newspaper and
magazine articles.
Our dance school helped raise money and awareness for the Alabama Celtic Association,
Children’s Hospital Harbor Center, Kids One Transport Service and the Talladega Rotary Club.
We performed with local Celtic artists Mithrill and Hooley. We also performed with world
renowned Celtic Artists Eileen Ivers and The Chieftains. Our dance school will be working with
the Birmingham International Center to promote the culture of Ireland this year.
The Drake School of Irish Dance participated in several local, regional and national dance
competitions, winning several awards and medals. We have seen some of our dancers achieve what
they could only dream about just a year ago. We are looking forward to the North American Irish
Dancing Championships in July and for the beginning of our next school year in August. More
information is available at our website: www.drakebirmingham.com.
member SPOTLIGHTS
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Devyani Dance Company, Here and Abroad
It has been another busy year
of performing, traveling and
teaching American Tribal
Style Bellydance for the
talented ladies of Devyani
Dance Company. Devyani
was particularly excited to
have the creator of this dance
style, Carolena Nerricio,
in Birmingham teaching a
certification workshop April
28-30 and a teacher certification
May 2-3 at Devyani Dance
Center!
Anita Lalwani (FCBD), Kristine Adams (FCBD), Marsha(FCBD),
Robin Hayward, Liz Malcom, Marci Turner-Holcombe, Carolena Nericcio
(Director of FCBD), Michelle Amaral, Sandi, Wendy Allen (FCBD),
Megha Gavin, Wendi O’Kelley, DeAnna Freeman.
Director, Megha Gavin, has been traveling the globe to teach workshops and give performances
in places as diverse as Taiwan, Mexico, England, Finland, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Australia and New
Zealand over the past few years and the upcoming year looks to be no different.
In April, Devyani journeyed to Seattle and Phoenix. The women performed at the Cues and
Tattoo’s workshop show in Seattle with their sister dance troupe, FatChanceBellyDance. In
Phoenix, Devyani and Carolena Nericcio, creator of American Tribal Style Bellydance, reunited
with three former Devyani troupe members to perform at the “Tribal Pura” Gala show. This was
a spectacular and dynamic show. Clips from this performance can be viewed at www.youtube.
com/atsdancer.
In June, Devyani will travel to San
Francisco for the second annual
“Devotion” show. This production is
centered on a different theme associated
with dancing and devotion each year
and features dancers from California,
Kentucky, Alabama and India. All seven
shows will be at the Climate Theater, June
12-14 and 19-20. Last year’s performance
has been released on DVD and is available
through www.devyani.net.
(LtoR) Wendi O’Kelley, Marci Turner-Holcombe, Megha Gavin
(Director), Deanna Freeman, Liz Malcom.)
To celebrate FIVE successful years of
Devyani Dance Center, a Hafla (dance
and music party) was scheduled for May
16 at 7pm at Devyani Dance Center.
Door prizes included private lessons,
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19
henna, custom bindi’s, hair
flowers and more! There was a
free introduction to Bellydance
workshop offered earlier the
same day; so you could learn the
moves and then practice them
that night.
For everyone interested in
learning the dance form
described by many as a “life
changing experience,” dates have
been set for future workshops
(LtoR) (back row) Liz Malcom, Wendi O’Kelley, Carolena Nerricio, Megha
Gavin, Jenny Helms (North Carolina), Marci Turner-Holcombe, Heather
and new class sessions at the
Coleman (Phoenix), (front row) Sandy and Lucie (California) Deanna
Devyani Dance Studio in
Freeman, Jordan (Phoenix), Lenay (Phoenix).
Irondale. Whether your intent is
to dance professionally, experience a great cardiovascular workout, or feel the camaraderie among
the dancers, Devyani Dance Studio is the place to be this Summer. For more information, contact
the studio at 956-3384 or visit the website, www.devyani.net.
Perhaps you’ve always wondered what it would be like to travel to India, North Africa, or the
Middle East? Then come down to Silver Coin Indian Grill, located at 3321 Lorna Road in Hoover,
where each Wednesday you have the opportunity to experience Indian culture at its best through
food, music, and dance. Devyani troupe members, clothed in their most brilliant and elaborate
costumes, dance at Silver Coin each Wednesday with show times at 7pm and 8:30pm. Enjoy the
fabulous all-you-can-eat buffet or savor specialty items from the menu. You just may feel like
you’ve been whisked away to India for an evening!
Design Defined
Get ready to see a colorful addition to Children’s Dance Foundation’s Community Arts Center
this Spring!
Children’s Dance Foundation (CDF) commissioned Alabama artist Jane Timberlake-Cooper
to design a piece of art for the exterior of their Community Arts Center to celebrate and
communicate CDF’s mission. This artwork will be a bold, fun, visual interpretation of movement
on three sides of the Downtown Homewood facility and will serve as a vibrant welcome to CDF.
Board member and architect Jeremy Erdreich spearheaded a design planning project as well as
this public art project.
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member SPOTLIGHTS
This Fall, CDF will ask friends to name the art. Suggestions can be made on-line and in the lobby
at CDF beginning this summer.
This art project was the inspiration for the Upper School Students Spring Performance titled
“Design Defined,” which was performed May 2nd at the Alabama Theatre at 7pm.
This art installation is made possible by Betty and John McMahon, David McMahon and
the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Additional funds for the project are still needed and
welcomed!
Samford University School of the
Arts News
In March 2009, the executive committee of the
Samford board of trustees approved a name change
for the department of theatre to incorporate the dance
curriculum into the department name. Now officially
called the Department of Theatre and Dance, this part
of the School of the Arts houses the BA in Theatre, the
new BFA in Musical Theatre, and the minors in theatre
and in dance.
The department held its annual dance concert March
26 - 29. This event was the final project for students
in the choreography class, a requirement for both the
dance minor and the BFA. Momentum 2009 included
classical ballet, tap, modern, and music theatre dance,
and featured new works by faculty members Brandon
Ragland and Lisa Gibbs.
For more information on the dance program at Samford University, contact Lisa Gibbs at
[email protected] or visit www.samford.edu/arts/theatre.
member SPOTLIGHTS
21
Special Performances by Corazon Flamenco
“El Amor Brujo” by Manuel De Falla takes
place on Saturday, September 26th at 8pm.
A gypsy (Candela) is possessed by the ghost
of her faithless former husband (Jose) until
her new suitor (Carmelo) enlists a beautiful
friend to entice it away. Every one evokes a
diverse mood that is seamlessly integrated into
a moving tapestry of enthralling but restrained
human feeling. Witches sing and recite of the
cruelty and deceptions of love. Two lovers
(Candela and Carmelo), at last freed from the
stifling burdens of their past, emerge from a
night of sorcery to face the wondrous splendor
of a new dawn.
“Flamenco Blood Wedding” by Federico
Garcia Lorca takes place on Sunday, September
27th at 2pm. Based on a true story of love,
lust, and betrayal, Blood Wedding is one
of the most powerful and innovative plays
written this century. Federico Garcia Lorca
wrote his best known play years after reading
a newspaper account of a young bride in Andalusia who abandoned her husband-to-be on their
wedding day to escape with her childhood sweetheart. Lorca evokes the spectacle of human
passion through sophisticated and often surrealistic poetic technique, elevating the love story to a
tragedy of fate. Corazon Flamenco will “tell” the stories through acting & dance!
Both shows are at the Levite Jewish Community Center, 3960 Montclair Road,
Birmingham, AL. Tickets are $20 per show or $30 for both shows.
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Emerging Star: Tyra Jackson
At twenty years old, full time University of Alabama student, Tyra Jackson, is thirsty and
exuberant. As a student at Alabama, she is approaching the end of her four year journey in
pursuing a major in Fine Arts with a concentration in Dance and a minor in Communications.
Recently, she was honored to study with gold medalist at the 7th France International Ballet
Competition, Ping Guao; the World Renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre; and with
distinguished choreographers Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden of Complexions
Contemporary Ballet. Furthermore, she has been privileged to be one of 32 interns chosen to
work, learn, and grow with the astounding Jacob’s Pillow Summer Internship Program of 2009.
While with Jacob’s Pillow, Tyra will take part in the business intern session where she will learn
how a nonprofit organization operates. She will also receive invaluable training towards her
professional career in arts administration and performance production.
As mentioned, she is an exuberant and thirsty artist, and
as she searches to find the many quenching aspects the
arts have to offer, it is her burning desire to give it all
back. At the beginning of 2009, she started a company,
which has recently been incorporated in the state of
Alabama, entitled INNERGY Inc. Her company’s focus
is keeping the mind, body, and soul healthy. This is
done by starting with the inner self through a focus on
confidence and healthy eating, and then venturing to the
outer self through a focus on appearance and looking
healthy. Thus far, her company has done community
service projects that reach out to young dancers between
the ages of 5 and 18. As far as choreography is concerned,
self-choreographed dance “Sprawled” was chosen to be
showcased in the University of Alabama’s fall 2008 Dance
Alabama! concert and at the Alabama Dance Council’s
2009 Alabama Dance Festival Showcase. The company
also performed “Torn” at Dance Alabama’s! Spring 2009
concert.
In the future, it is Tyra’s goal to develop a school of the arts based in Mobile, Alabama. Of this
school Tyra explains, “I want my students to be exposed to every form of expressive art in the
world and to develop a love and passion for a good work ethic. I also want my students to learn
and appreciate the history and development from and how and why art is so important in our
everyday lives.” Furthermore, Tyra says she will always reach out and try and be a thirst quencher
for others, just as the many great people who have passed through her life have been.
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national
NEWS
DanceUSA Announces Results of Rough Waters Survey II
The Rough Waters Survey is part of Dance/USA’s effort to gauge the impact the recession is having
on dance-based organizations in the United States. The first round of the Rough Waters Survey took
responses from December 17, 2008 to January 13, 2009. As the economic challenges continued and
reports of companies cutting costs in the face of an uncertain future rose, Dance/USA launched a second
round of the Rough Waters Survey on April 7th, 2009 and accepted responses until May 1, 2009.
The second round of the survey was sent to member managers of dance-based organizations and
member service organizations, who were invited to pass the survey along to their constituents. In all,
115 began the Rough Waters Survey II. 91 respondents completed the survey, resulting in a 79.1%
completion rate. The demographics indicate that a similar grouping of dance-based organizations was
collected in each round of the Rough Waters Survey. However, because the groups of respondents are
not identical (just over one-third of second round respondents were confirmed as having also completed
the first round of the Rough Waters Survey), the results are not directly comparable from one round
of the survey to the next. Results can be interpreted to describe the experiences of some individuals
and organizations in the field while providing a glimpse of a national perspective to compare to the
headlines that dance-based organizations are making as a result of the economic turmoil.
Data drawn from the 91 completions demonstrates the following:
• 77 (84.6%) included revenue from ticket sales as part of plans. Of those,
35 reported that ticket sales have fallen short of plans by 5% or more.
• 79 (86.8%) included revenue from individual donations as part of plans. Of those,
48 reported that individual donations have fallen short of plans by 5% or more.
• 80 (87.9%) included revenue from foundation support as part of plans. Of those,
33 reported that foundation support has fallen short of plans by 5% or more.
• 66 (72.5%) included revenue from corporate support as a part of plans. Of those,
42 reported that corporate support has fallen short of plans by 5% or more.
As dance-based entities often receive funding from more than one source, combinations of
revenue categories were examined. Based on the 91 completed responses:
• Nearly one-third of respondents, 29 (31.9%), have seen decreases in revenue from both
individuals and corporations.
• One-fifth of respondents reported decreases in revenue in the following paired
categories: ticket sales and individual donations; ticket sales and corporate support;
corporate support and foundation support; and individual donations and foundation
support.
• 6 (6.6%) respondents reported a decrease beyond 5% of plans in ticket sales, individual
donations, foundation support, and corporate support.
• 3 (3.3%) respondents reported a decrease beyond 5% of plans in all revenue categories.
24
national
NEWS
Respondents were asked to describe what kinds of actions they have taken to address the
recession. 56% of all respondents have already implemented a contingency plan. Based on
responses, most frequently mentioned elements of contingency plans include offering discounted
tickets and changes in staffing (either by reducing staff numbers, wages, or hours).
In addition, respondents described how plans for the current season compare to plans for the
upcoming season (beginning September 1, 2009). Responses were varied and included reports of:
• production decisions favoring popular works and avoiding risky performances;
• budgets that had been cut on all sides;
• staff and dancer layoffs; and
• waiting to see where the current season finishes before planning for the next one.
A few respondents indicated that their budgeting challenges began two years ago. As a result
their plans for the upcoming season are more stable, and in some cases positive. Some individual
dancemakers reported that their teaching endeavors have not been hurt by the recession.
Overall, the relative bleakness of the current season has not changed since January. More
respondents were able to offer more specific responses to prompts about revenue for this, the
second round of the Rough Waters Survey. However, the general message remains the same.
There have been serious shortfalls and cutbacks already this year. Most have seen individual
donations, corporate support, or both decrease. Many have seen ticket sales decline. A handful of
dancemakers and dance presenters have seen improvements. There have been a few catastrophes.
However, widespread collapse and panic is not the main concern for this year as many
organizations are hanging on.
At this point, the level of uncertainty about the upcoming season remains high. Many of the
decisions companies have made in this economy (e.g. cutting programming or not renewing
dancer contracts) have affected not just the current season, but also the upcoming one. While
operational challenges are likely to remain, the financial turmoil’s impact on artistic decisions
(e.g. programming decisions, creation of new work, and risk taking) will continue to unfold
throughout the next season.
Prepared May 2009. Printed with permission from DanceUSA, John Munger, Director of
Research. For more information, contact [email protected].
25
national
NEWS
Graham Dancer Lang Dies
Modern dancer/choreographer Pearl Lang has died, age 87. Lang, who took over a string of roles
from dance pioneer Martha Graham, passed away on Tuesday, February 24 in Manhattan, New
York after suffering a heart attack while recuperating from hip surgery.
After concluding her studies at the University of Chicago, Lang moved to New York in 1941, when
she was accepted into the Martha Graham Dance Company and created parts in several of its
productions. She later took over Graham’s own role in works including El Penitente, Appalachian
Spring, Letter to the World and Clytemnestra. Lang was a member of the company until 1952,
when she founded the Pearl Lang Dance Theater. In addition to her contributions to modern
dance, she performed in several musicals throughout the 1940s and ‘50s, including One Touch
of Venus, Carousel, Finian’s Rainbow, Allegro and a revival of Peer Gynt, starring Academy
Award-nominated actor John Garfield. Lang also choreographed for the Dutch National Ballet,
the Boston Ballet and the Batsheva Dance Company of Israel, and taught dance at prestigious
universities including Yale, the Juilliard School, and the Martha Graham School of Contemporary
Dance, where she last taught in December.
She is survived by her husband, actor Joseph Wiseman, two nieces and a nephew.
Contributed by Deborah Mauldin, President, The American Dance Guild
Alabama Dance Council Board Member
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special
FEATURE
Summer Dance Opportunities
Alabama Ballet
Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama Ballet Tutus & Tiaras Summer Camp
2009 – Spots Still Available!
Session I: July 20 – July 24, 2009
Session II: July 27 – July 31,
2009 10:00 am – 2:00 pm daily
Alabama Ballet’s Tutus & Tiaras offers young
dancers the opportunity to experience dance in a
fun and nurturing environment and is a wonderful
introduction to ballet study. For one week, four hours
a day, children ages 4-7 will take an age appropriate
ballet class, a tap class, create ballet oriented crafts
and learn how ballet dancers tell stories with pantomime. During the day, children will also have a story
time where they can learn about ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Don Quixote
and other classics. This summer, young dancers will learn about the ballet, Don Quixote, which will
be performed by the Alabama Ballet during the 2009-2010 season. At the end of the week, parents are
invited to an end of the session performance. Students also need to bring a sack lunch each day.
Ages 4-7
Cost per session is $200
Contact Libba Owen at 205-322-1874 or [email protected] to register.
Registration forms also available at www.alabamaballet.org.
Alabama Ballet Summer Junior Camp – Spots Still Available
June 22 – July 3, 2009, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
Join the Alabama Ballet for a two-week Junior Ballet
Camp for dancers ages 8-12 years of age. Students will
take age appropriate ballet classes, learn modern and jazz
technique and take character and theatre dance classes.
All students will study dance history and prepare for an
end of the session performance. Family and friends are
invited to join us for this fun performance. Ages 8-12
Cost: $400 for 2 weeks, $275 for one week
Contact Libba Owen at 205-322-1874 or libbaowen@
alabamaballet.org to register. Registration forms also
available at www.alabamaballet.org.
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Alabama Ballet’s 12th Annual Gorham’s Bluff Summer Performances
An evening of gourmet dining and world-class dancing August 14 & 15, 2009
Spectacular views. Superb dancing. Splendid cuisine. All of this and more await audiences during
Alabama Ballet’s outdoor performances at Gorham’s Bluff. Overlooking the Tennessee River Valley,
the Bluffside Dance Tent offers patrons a matchless viewing experience.
Alabama Ballet is excited to return to the Bluff for its twelfth annual
summer residency, a unique collaboration between Alabama Ballet and
the Gorham’s Bluff Institute. Artistic Director Tracey Alvey and Associate
Artistic Director Roger Van Fleteren direct the company as they present
new choreography and previews of the upcoming season. The residency
provides the Alabama Ballet artistic staff the opportunity to challenge and
inspire the company, encouraging them to dance new roles and explore
the art of dance in a non-traditional performance setting.
An evening with the Alabama Ballet at Gorham’s Bluff is more than
a typical performance. Audience members have the rare opportunity
to interact with the artistic team as they answer questions, give
demonstrations, and offer commentary about the different pieces.
Because this is a time for company members to practice new works,
audiences have the chance to see the artistic staff ’s guidance at work, as
they make corrections or ask for steps to be repeated. For an additional
fee, audience members have the option of attending the Patron’s Dinner
prior to the performance. This special treat, provided by Gorham’s executive chef, takes place one
hour prior to each performance.
Patron’s Dinner and Performance
Friday, August 14 & Saturday, August 15
Dinner at 7 pm, Performance at 8 pm
The Bluffside Dance Tent, Gorham’s Bluff
$75 Per Person for Dinner and Performance
$100 Per Person for Dinner, Performance, and Bus
Buses from Birmingham
Need some help with the logistics of getting to and from this one-of-a-kind dance experience?
Take it easy--and take the bus! Enjoy a comfortable bus ride from the Alabama Ballet
Studios to picturesque Gorham’s Bluff, all while you munch a few complimentary hors
d’oeuvres on the way. (Be sure to save room for the chef ’s sumptuous dinner cuisine!) Best
of all, you can relax knowing your return trip is safe in the hands of a professional driver,
leaving you time to chat with your friends about the performance. * Bus leaves at 4pm *
For more information and to purchase tickets, call 205-975-ARTS.
www.alabamaballet.org
www.gorhamsbluff.com
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Alabama Dance Theatre Summer Classes
Montgomery, Alabama
The Alabama Dance Theatre will be offering
summer classes in classical ballet (pre-ballet to
the professional level), modern, jazz, hip-hop, and
tap June 1- July 10. Highlights of summer classes
include classical ballet training, pas de deux
(partnering) classes, men’s classes, and creative
movement classes open to ages 4 to 7.
Classes will be held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, home of the Alabama Dance Theatre
located at 1018 Madison Avenue. For more information please call 334-241-2590.
Alabama School of Fine Arts
Birmingham, Alabama
The Young Dancer Summer Intensive for students entering grades 5-8 will be held May 25-29 at
the Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 8th Avenue North. Classes will be held from 4pm to 8pm
This program is for students who already have a basic understanding of classical ballet and seek
further instruction in ballet technique. It also provides excellent preparation for those interested
in auditioning for entry into the Alabama School of Fine Arts Dance Program. ASFA Dance
Department Alumni include Shawn Black, Kathleen Moore and Wes Chapman (American Ballet
Theatre), Anne Mueller (Trey McIntyre Project and Oregon Ballet), Bennalldra Williams (Urban
Bush Women), Marshall Ellis (Orlando Ballet), Therese Laeger (Cleveland Ballet), Brandon
Ragland (Alabama Ballet) and Jamie Kilgore (AROVA Contemporary Ballet). The cost for the
program is $225, and participants will perform in a recital on May 29. For more information,
contact Jamie Kilgore at [email protected] or call Margaret Galloway at 252-9241, Ext. 2233.
Andalusia Ballet
Andalusia, Alabama
Andalusia Ballet offers an exceptional summer study opportunity for the beginner, intermediate
and advanced dancer to train with Elie Lazar, Artistic Director of Montgomery Ballet, Meryane M.
Murphy, Artistic Director of Andalusia Ballet, professional dancers with Montgomery Ballet and
Andalusia Ballet faculty members. The summer intensive is June 8-June 19.
The Andalusia Ballet Summer Intensive is open to all students (age 8 and up) with a love of
dance and a desire to learn. Young dancers will be immersed in a professional atmosphere with
extended daily classes, rehearsals and exposure to professional dancers in residence.
The program culminates with Evening of Dance, a concert performance with Montgomery Ballet.
All students from the Summer Intensive perform in this exciting program of both classical and
contemporary works.
For more information please call 334-222-6620 or visit our website at www.andalusiaballet.com.
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DANCE WITH US!!! is Andalusia Ballet’s fun Summer Session for young dancers (ages 3—12) on
July 6th-23rd. DANCE WITH US!!! concludes with an in-studio performance on Thursday, July 23rd.
For more information please call 334-222-6620 or visit our website at www.andalusiaballet.com.
Ballet Theatre School of Cullman
Summer Dance Intensive
Cullman, Alabama
The Ballet Theatre School of Cullman’s Summer Intensive is June 8-25 for ages 3 through adult.
The intensive features “Enchanted Doorway” for ages 3 to 7 as well as classes from intermediate
to advanced levels. Guest teachers for the intensive include Anne Taylor, owner of a studio in
England; Jenna McKerrow Wilson of the Alabama Ballet; Jackie Lockhart of Lockhart Performing
Arts; Jesse Calvert, formerly of BLT and currently a dance major on scholarship at BirminghamSouthern College; Alex Clark, formerly of BTS and currently with ASFA; Rhea Speights of
Sanspointe; and Corpus Euphonium. Classes will also be taught by BTS faculty: Elaine Brown
Willingham, Anna Lanier, Courtney Hebert & Joanne Skoog. Class schedule and registration
forms are available for download on our website: www.cullmanballettheatre.com.
Bellydance with Zaina
Birmingham, Alabama
Bellydance with Zaina is offering several
summer dance sessions for women of
all ages- teenage through mature adults
and those with and without previous
dance experience. For intermediate
level students, there are on-going
opportunities for performance although
performance is not required.
Shades Valley YMCA Family Branch
Location in Homewood
Beginner Bellydance Summer Session:
May 25-June 22
Beginner Bellydance plus Drums: July
13-August 10.
Classes meet weekly on Monday evenings at 6:30-7:30 pm. Cost per 5 week session: $50
members/$65 non-members. Registration is on-site. Childcare is available at no additional fee.
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Stevan Grebel Center For Dance Location
in Pelham
Beginner and intermediate level classes run May
26-June 23. All classes are on Tuesday evenings:
Beginners 7-8 pm
Intermediates 8-9 pm
Beginner Vei Technique and Choreography
classes run July 14-August 11. Classes are on Tuesday evenings from 7-8 pm. Veil session is open
to beginner and intermediate level students (no previous experience necessary). For additional
information, contact Zaina at 205-613-0373 or [email protected].
Bluebird Dance Academy
Pearl, Mississippi
Bluebird Dance Academy invites dancers 9 to 99 years old to participate in our 2009 Summer
Dance Classes. Our schedule will include classes in classical ballet technique, pre-pointe and
pointe technique, modern dance, and Pilates/yoga. We will also be offering classes for younger
dancers in Creative Movement, Creative Dance, and Pre-Ballet (Levels A and B).
Session 1: June 8- 27
Session 2: July 6- 25
Please contact Leslie Pitts at 601-939-6799 or visit our website www.bluebirddance.org for more
information about our summer program or to apply.
Grebel Ballet
Pelham, Alabama
Registration is being accepted now for Grebel Ballet’s International
Summer Workshops. Enjoy your summer dancing in a disciplined,
yet fun and nurturing environment. At Grebel Ballet our programs
are designed appropriately for each age group and level of experience.
Classes are kept small because individual attention is important to
your child’s learning experience.
For parents, there are plenty of things to do while your child
is learning: take a hike at Oak Mountain State Park, shopping,
restaurants, ice skating, gyms and more.
Princesses and Princes Camp: Ages 3 - 5 Ballet/dance classes,
tea parties, role-playing, crafts.
The workshop dates are June 15 –19 & 22 – 26 at $150/wk.
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Junior Camp Intensive: Ages 6-8 - Fun and dancing, crafts, June 1-13. Ages 9-12 Students will
learn the beginning Russian Classical Ballet syllabus, as well as jazz and modern. July 6 - 17.
Senior Intensive: For the older, more experienced student, approximate ages 12 & up en pointe.
We teach in the Classical Russian Ballet syllabus – Class of Perfection, based on the teachings of
Alexander Pushkin. June 1 - July 10. Full workshop: $250 per month for unlimited classes.
Regular classes also in: Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern, Baby Ballet, Creative Movement, Boys Classes,
Yoga, Pilates. Adult Ballet and special workshops are offered also. *$50/wk. for added care 9am4pm for ages 3-12. Students bring a sack lunch. 205-987-7234. To download summer brochure
go to www.grebeldance.com. Grebel Ballet summer workshops are sponsored, in part, by
Birmingham Kids Magazine.
Instructors: Stevan Grebel, Deborah Grebel, Amanda Willis-Brice, Sara deFuniak-Walker,
Guest Artist/Teachers.
Irene Rimer
Birmingham, Alabama
Flamenco classes:
Intro & Beginners: Thursdays at 5pm or by appointment
Intermediate: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm
Intermediate & Advanced: Wednesdays at 7pm (with guitarist)
Children’s class: Tuesdays at 4:45pm
Workshops are taught every two to three months.
Belly Dance classes:
Intro & Beginners: Thursdays at 8PM or by appointment
Intermediate & Advance: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm
Children’s class: Wednesdays at 4:45pm
Belly Dance Body Isolations Techniques Workshop are
taught every two to three months to enhance personal skills
and includes choreography.
Other Classes:
Classic Spanish for Intermediate & Advanced: Wednesdays at 6pm
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alabama dance council
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Diane Litsey, President
Executive Director
Children’s Dance Foundation
[email protected]
Mary Halverstadt,
Immediate Past-President
Independent Choreographer and Teacher
[email protected]
Tracy Solomon, Treasurer
Executive/Artistic Director
Southeast Alabama Dance Company
[email protected]
Faith Lenhart, Co-Secretary
Vestavia Hills High School
[email protected]
Edith Barnes
Birmingham Children’s Theatre
[email protected]
Debra Jenkins
Executive Director
Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center
[email protected]
Lavondia Bryant Square
Executive And Artistic Director,
Nathifa Dance Company
[email protected]
Laura Knox
Independent Choreographer & Teacher
Elie Lazar
Artistic Director
Montgomery Ballet
[email protected]
Cornelius Carter
University of Alabama, Department of Theatre & Dance/
Artistic Director, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre
[email protected]
CJ Martin
Artistic Director, Prattville Ballet
[email protected]
Winthrop Corey
Artistic Director, Mobile Ballet
[email protected]
Deborah Mauldin
President, American Dance Guild
[email protected]
Cindy Davino
Independent Choreographer & Teacher
[email protected]
Jenna McKerrow,
Co-Secretary and Dancer
Representative
Alabama Ballet
[email protected]
Kim Toney
Executive Director, Auburn Ballet
[email protected]
Kim Deale
University of Montevallo/Orchesis Dance
[email protected]
Tracey Alvey
Artistic Director, Alabama Ballet
[email protected]
Lindy Ashwander
Executive Director, Princess Theatre
[email protected]
Foye DuBose
Ballet Master
Alabama Dance Theatre
[email protected]
Ruth Henry
Birmingham-Southern College
[email protected]
Roger Van Fleteren
Associate Artistic Director
Alabama Ballet
Teri Weksler
Artistic Director, Southern Danceworks
[email protected]
alabama dance council
STAFF
Rosemary Johnson, Executive Director
[email protected]
Wesley Taylor, Program Development Director
[email protected]
Geoff Langdon, Chief Creative Guy
Advantage Marketing Communications
[email protected]
Caitlin Justice, Member Services Coordinator
[email protected]
Ted Perry, Production & Design
[email protected]
Alabama Dance Council
PO Box 2126 • Birmingham, AL 35201
Phone (205) 602- 3599 • Fax (205) 322-4444
[email protected] • www.alabamadancecouncil.org