Los Angeles Times-
"American Idol" isn't the only talent competition with a new judge on the block.
Fox has announced film director and choreographer Adam Shankman will be added as a new judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" starting Oct. 27.
A frequent guest judge and choreographer on the show since the show's third season in 2007, Shankman most recently helped guest judge the audition rounds for the dance competition's inaugural fall season. He will permanently join current judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy beginning with Season 6's Top 20 performance special next month.
-- Kate Stanhope
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Martha Graham Was Weird
I watched a documentary on Martha Graham on OVTV the other night. I can appreciate her passion for the art of dance, but dang...she was weird.
Her early work was quite disturbing. I felt that all of the beauty of the human form was lost. I will investigate further to see how her style evolved.
I also watched Tap Dogs. I liked about 30% of the dancing. Most of the performances took place on some kind of stage hardware/apparatus that I felt got in the way of the dance. Some of the ideas were innovative, but the dance technique suffered because of the clunkiness of the apparatus. I did appreciate that every one of the dancers was tremendously skilled.
Her early work was quite disturbing. I felt that all of the beauty of the human form was lost. I will investigate further to see how her style evolved.
I also watched Tap Dogs. I liked about 30% of the dancing. Most of the performances took place on some kind of stage hardware/apparatus that I felt got in the way of the dance. Some of the ideas were innovative, but the dance technique suffered because of the clunkiness of the apparatus. I did appreciate that every one of the dancers was tremendously skilled.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Ovation TV
Ovation TV (OVTV)-
With a mission to "Make Life Creative," Ovation TV is a multiplatform network focused on entertaining, inspiring and engaging the artist in all of us by offering original and acquired programming focused on art, culture and personal creativity.
Ovation TV's primetime programming features a different theme, or "genre," each night -- performance, people, visual arts, music and film -- with weekends devoted to original and event programming. The network showcases the world's greatest artists in theater, dance, opera, literature, film, visual and fine art, music, design, photography and architecture. In addition to original programming, the schedule also leverages an extensive library of high-caliber programming amassed from major studios, independent producers, leading American performing and cultural arts institutions, arts education organizations and other sources from around the world.
Some of the dance shows slated to show on OVTV are:
Martha Graham: The Dancer Revealed
Monday, September 14, 2009 10:00AM 01:00PM
Friday, October 30, 200908:00AM11:00AM
Modern dance owes more to Martha Graham than to any other single figure. As dancer, choreographer and teacher, she conceived and shaped the major dance form of the 20th century. Martha Graham died in 1991, at almost 97, having towered over American and world dance for seven decades. THE DANCER REVEALED is the definitive documentary on her life and work. Includes interviews with leading figures such as Agnes de Mille, Erick Hawkins, Ron Protas and many others.
Tap Dogs
Monday, September 14, 200902:00PM05:00PM
Tap Dogs have taken the world by storm with their unprecedented tap show that combines the strength and power of male workmen with the precision & talent of tap dancing. The show starts with six guys from a steel town north of Sydney, Australia. Award winning choreographer Dean Perry headed the team of designers, directors and composers and created Tap Dogs; a reinvention of tap.
With a mission to "Make Life Creative," Ovation TV is a multiplatform network focused on entertaining, inspiring and engaging the artist in all of us by offering original and acquired programming focused on art, culture and personal creativity.
Ovation TV's primetime programming features a different theme, or "genre," each night -- performance, people, visual arts, music and film -- with weekends devoted to original and event programming. The network showcases the world's greatest artists in theater, dance, opera, literature, film, visual and fine art, music, design, photography and architecture. In addition to original programming, the schedule also leverages an extensive library of high-caliber programming amassed from major studios, independent producers, leading American performing and cultural arts institutions, arts education organizations and other sources from around the world.
Some of the dance shows slated to show on OVTV are:
Martha Graham: The Dancer Revealed
Monday, September 14, 2009 10:00AM 01:00PM
Friday, October 30, 200908:00AM11:00AM
Modern dance owes more to Martha Graham than to any other single figure. As dancer, choreographer and teacher, she conceived and shaped the major dance form of the 20th century. Martha Graham died in 1991, at almost 97, having towered over American and world dance for seven decades. THE DANCER REVEALED is the definitive documentary on her life and work. Includes interviews with leading figures such as Agnes de Mille, Erick Hawkins, Ron Protas and many others.
Tap Dogs
Monday, September 14, 200902:00PM05:00PM
Tap Dogs have taken the world by storm with their unprecedented tap show that combines the strength and power of male workmen with the precision & talent of tap dancing. The show starts with six guys from a steel town north of Sydney, Australia. Award winning choreographer Dean Perry headed the team of designers, directors and composers and created Tap Dogs; a reinvention of tap.
Juilliard vs. SYTYCD
Last night I watched a three-part series about Juilliard School of Dance on the Ovation Channel (awesome channel by the way. Look it up). It followed the lives of the senior graduating class, which consisted of only 16 students! Wow!
Here's a link to the Ovation TV website: http://www.ovationtv.com/
The show took an inside look at the style of dance taught at the school. It is much more creative than a traditional dance academy. A jazz performance training program was established in 2001. But here's the deal, I wasn't that impressed with the technique of some of the dancers. I believe that I saw better technique on the last SYTYCD. Seriously. Jeanine's turns looked far more controlled and centered than most of the students at Julliard. I was really suprised.
I guess this is why I am hooked on SYTYCD. The quality of the dancer's techniques are superb. And you can't beat the variety of styles.
Here's a link to the Ovation TV website: http://www.ovationtv.com/
The show took an inside look at the style of dance taught at the school. It is much more creative than a traditional dance academy. A jazz performance training program was established in 2001. But here's the deal, I wasn't that impressed with the technique of some of the dancers. I believe that I saw better technique on the last SYTYCD. Seriously. Jeanine's turns looked far more controlled and centered than most of the students at Julliard. I was really suprised.
I guess this is why I am hooked on SYTYCD. The quality of the dancer's techniques are superb. And you can't beat the variety of styles.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Pick On Someone Your Own Size
Yesterday I stumbled upon a blog dedicated to SYTYCD. It’s at soyouthinkyoucandancefever.blogspot.com. The blog’s author, SoYouThinkUCanDance, has written a post that states exactly how I felt about the way Evan Kasprzak was treated all season. You can read it here:
http://soyouthinkyoucandancefever.blogspot.com/2009/08/sytycd-finale-america-hearts-evan-but.html
In addition to what she wrote, I'd like to point out a few things I noticed this season. I'll try to post as many photos as possible to illustrate my points. Incidentally, I don't recall one instance of the judges commenting on the things I am about to share.
LINES OF ACTION:
If you’re like me, you watch Gene Kelly movies on DVR and pause the film during the dance scenes to watch his moves frame by frame. You especially compare his technique when he dances with a partner. All of his partners were fantastic, but you just can't deny that Gene's lines were superb.
I am an artist by trade, so sometimes I see things that others don’t; especially how lines relate to the flow of movement. I am reminded of a book I had when I was a kid. It was called “Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair”. There was a section that showed the best way to illustrate movement in a character. They had a correct and an incorrect version side by side. The correct version had long, curved lines illustrating the flow of movement. The incorrect version showed a character all angular and discombobulated. These lines are called “lines of action”.
Boy, does Evan Kasprzak have correct lines of action! This photo illustrates not only Evan’s beautiful lines, but how much more graceful he is than his partner. Randi was a fantastic dancer, but look at the differences here. Look at the way they hold their hands, where they are looking, and the bend of the knee. For me, a dance is made up of a sequence of snapshots. I remember particular moments that standout because of the emotions they evoke. My Evan snapshots are all technically beautiful. Even though Randi & Evan were praised for this particular routine, I don’t think these good points were ever brought up by the judges.
More beautiful lines……
And one more…
EVAN HANDS:
How many of you have noticed that Evan uses many of the same hand positions as Gene Kelly? I noticed in his first audition for SYTYCD. He uses the relaxed finger-pointing-to-the-ground position often. The arm and finger are aligned with the upper body and leg. I think this technique helps to elongate the body and bring subtle attention to what the feet are doing. The hand position reminds me of the way the Old Masters painted hands (again, my artist’s brain sees dance as it relates to art). Painters like Michelangelo and Raphael used hand position (among other things) to draw the viewers eye to a particular spot.
The next time you watch Evan doing a solo Broadway routine, watch his hands.
HEIGHT:
According to Wikipedia Evan is 5’6” tall. This fact seemed to be of constant interest to the judges.
I say, “Leave him alone!” There is only an inch or so difference between Evan and Brandon for cripes sake!
http://soyouthinkyoucandancefever.blogspot.com/2009/08/sytycd-finale-america-hearts-evan-but.html
In addition to what she wrote, I'd like to point out a few things I noticed this season. I'll try to post as many photos as possible to illustrate my points. Incidentally, I don't recall one instance of the judges commenting on the things I am about to share.
LINES OF ACTION:
If you’re like me, you watch Gene Kelly movies on DVR and pause the film during the dance scenes to watch his moves frame by frame. You especially compare his technique when he dances with a partner. All of his partners were fantastic, but you just can't deny that Gene's lines were superb.
I am an artist by trade, so sometimes I see things that others don’t; especially how lines relate to the flow of movement. I am reminded of a book I had when I was a kid. It was called “Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair”. There was a section that showed the best way to illustrate movement in a character. They had a correct and an incorrect version side by side. The correct version had long, curved lines illustrating the flow of movement. The incorrect version showed a character all angular and discombobulated. These lines are called “lines of action”.
Boy, does Evan Kasprzak have correct lines of action! This photo illustrates not only Evan’s beautiful lines, but how much more graceful he is than his partner. Randi was a fantastic dancer, but look at the differences here. Look at the way they hold their hands, where they are looking, and the bend of the knee. For me, a dance is made up of a sequence of snapshots. I remember particular moments that standout because of the emotions they evoke. My Evan snapshots are all technically beautiful. Even though Randi & Evan were praised for this particular routine, I don’t think these good points were ever brought up by the judges.
More beautiful lines……
And one more…
EVAN HANDS:
How many of you have noticed that Evan uses many of the same hand positions as Gene Kelly? I noticed in his first audition for SYTYCD. He uses the relaxed finger-pointing-to-the-ground position often. The arm and finger are aligned with the upper body and leg. I think this technique helps to elongate the body and bring subtle attention to what the feet are doing. The hand position reminds me of the way the Old Masters painted hands (again, my artist’s brain sees dance as it relates to art). Painters like Michelangelo and Raphael used hand position (among other things) to draw the viewers eye to a particular spot.
The next time you watch Evan doing a solo Broadway routine, watch his hands.
HEIGHT:
According to Wikipedia Evan is 5’6” tall. This fact seemed to be of constant interest to the judges.
I say, “Leave him alone!” There is only an inch or so difference between Evan and Brandon for cripes sake!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Fantastic Website
All of you Gene Kelly fans need to go to this fan website. It is the best one (by far) that I have ever seen:
Gene Kelly, Creative Genius
Gene Kelly, Creative Genius
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Dance Shows Find Their Groove With Viewers
(CNN) Tue August 18, 2009-- When Christjohn Batters looks around the dance studio where he works in Atlanta, Georgia, he notices something different these days.
"I've been at this studio for eight years, and I would definitely say that there has been a steady increase and an influx of people wanting to learn how to dance," said Batters, an instructor and assistant manager at the Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta.
"People see dance on TV, and they see people learning to dance ... and they think, 'OK, this is something I could learn to do.' "
Shows like ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance," MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" and Oxygen's "Dance Your Ass Off" are drawing millions of viewers and helping expose audiences to the art of dance.
Be it hip-hop, salsa, tango or ballet, viewers are learning that dancing is no longer just for the enjoyment of the Lawrence Welk set.
Batters said a lot more younger couples -- and men -- are venturing to his studio to kick up their heels.
He also said he's tickled that professional ballroom dancers such as "Stars' " Julianne Hough, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff are staring out from magazine covers usually dominated by celebrities.
"Professional ballroom dancers, we were always like an underground club for a long time," Batters said. "Now, all of a sudden, ballroom dancers are household names."
"DWTS" has proven to be the most popular of TV's dance shows. Its two weekly episodes finished third and fourth in the year-end ratings, after "American Idol's" two weekly episodes. The show links celebrities with professional ballroom dancers who put them through their paces in a weekly competition.
On "SYTYCD," a summer hit, amateur and professional dancers perform in pairs and compete for the title.
"America's Best Dance Crew," which premiered its new season on Sunday, pits dance crews from across the world against each other, performing in various styles.
The newest entrant to the competitive dance field on television, "Dance Your Ass Off," has been viewed as a combination of "DWTS" and "The Biggest Loser" in that contestants compete to lose weight and win points for their moves.
Tonya Plank covers dance on her blog, Swan Lake Samba Girl, and said many readers venture there in their search for more information on "So You Think You Can Dance" contestants and others.
Plank, a former ballroom dancer who has taken instruction from "So You Think You Can Dance" season three finalist Pasha Kovalev, said visitors to her site flock to posts and videos about the ballet companies and ballroom competitions, even if they don't live in the area.
More people are also coming out to watch dance, she said.
"The dance competitions are so much more popular these days," Plank said. "There are so many more people there, and the ballrooms are so crowded now."
Robert Abrams, publisher and editor of ExploreDance.com, said that gauging interest in dancing can be tricky, but he agreed that the shows are helping feed the public's fascination, as is the poor economy.
Dancing makes people feel good, even in bad times, said Abrams, who has trained in competitive ballroom dance and West Coast swing dancing and served on a board of directors for the Dance Critics Association
"While I certainly think that there has been a greater amount of interest that has been generated by these different dance-related TV shows, you also have to take some of the other types of circumstances that we are experiencing in to account," he said.
Abrams also points out that now is not the first time the public has become enthralled with dance and that such a resurgence often happens in waves throughout the years.
"Look at the reaction to the Gap commercials featuring dance in the late 1990s, and eventual fall-off, for some historical perspective," Graham said.
Wendy Goldberg, a freelance photographer and reviewer of modern dance and ballet performances in the New York area, said she has noted a growing interest in dance, particularly among women in their 20s.
Manhattan has a thriving dance culture, with each genre having a devoted following, Goldberg said. Dancing helps people connect, she believes.
"You have to communicate with your partner," Goldberg said. "When you are at a party, you don't know what your partner might do, so you have to be in the moment and really focused on that partner."
Instructor Batters said he has seen an increase in people wanting to pursue competitive dance since the shows have gained popularity.
Even with all of their distinct differences in styles and setup, Batters said, he thinks all of the shows share a common message: "You don't have to be born a dancer to learn how to dance."
"I've been at this studio for eight years, and I would definitely say that there has been a steady increase and an influx of people wanting to learn how to dance," said Batters, an instructor and assistant manager at the Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta.
"People see dance on TV, and they see people learning to dance ... and they think, 'OK, this is something I could learn to do.' "
Shows like ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance," MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" and Oxygen's "Dance Your Ass Off" are drawing millions of viewers and helping expose audiences to the art of dance.
Be it hip-hop, salsa, tango or ballet, viewers are learning that dancing is no longer just for the enjoyment of the Lawrence Welk set.
Batters said a lot more younger couples -- and men -- are venturing to his studio to kick up their heels.
He also said he's tickled that professional ballroom dancers such as "Stars' " Julianne Hough, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff are staring out from magazine covers usually dominated by celebrities.
"Professional ballroom dancers, we were always like an underground club for a long time," Batters said. "Now, all of a sudden, ballroom dancers are household names."
"DWTS" has proven to be the most popular of TV's dance shows. Its two weekly episodes finished third and fourth in the year-end ratings, after "American Idol's" two weekly episodes. The show links celebrities with professional ballroom dancers who put them through their paces in a weekly competition.
On "SYTYCD," a summer hit, amateur and professional dancers perform in pairs and compete for the title.
"America's Best Dance Crew," which premiered its new season on Sunday, pits dance crews from across the world against each other, performing in various styles.
The newest entrant to the competitive dance field on television, "Dance Your Ass Off," has been viewed as a combination of "DWTS" and "The Biggest Loser" in that contestants compete to lose weight and win points for their moves.
Tonya Plank covers dance on her blog, Swan Lake Samba Girl, and said many readers venture there in their search for more information on "So You Think You Can Dance" contestants and others.
Plank, a former ballroom dancer who has taken instruction from "So You Think You Can Dance" season three finalist Pasha Kovalev, said visitors to her site flock to posts and videos about the ballet companies and ballroom competitions, even if they don't live in the area.
More people are also coming out to watch dance, she said.
"The dance competitions are so much more popular these days," Plank said. "There are so many more people there, and the ballrooms are so crowded now."
Robert Abrams, publisher and editor of ExploreDance.com, said that gauging interest in dancing can be tricky, but he agreed that the shows are helping feed the public's fascination, as is the poor economy.
Dancing makes people feel good, even in bad times, said Abrams, who has trained in competitive ballroom dance and West Coast swing dancing and served on a board of directors for the Dance Critics Association
"While I certainly think that there has been a greater amount of interest that has been generated by these different dance-related TV shows, you also have to take some of the other types of circumstances that we are experiencing in to account," he said.
Abrams also points out that now is not the first time the public has become enthralled with dance and that such a resurgence often happens in waves throughout the years.
"Look at the reaction to the Gap commercials featuring dance in the late 1990s, and eventual fall-off, for some historical perspective," Graham said.
Wendy Goldberg, a freelance photographer and reviewer of modern dance and ballet performances in the New York area, said she has noted a growing interest in dance, particularly among women in their 20s.
Manhattan has a thriving dance culture, with each genre having a devoted following, Goldberg said. Dancing helps people connect, she believes.
"You have to communicate with your partner," Goldberg said. "When you are at a party, you don't know what your partner might do, so you have to be in the moment and really focused on that partner."
Instructor Batters said he has seen an increase in people wanting to pursue competitive dance since the shows have gained popularity.
Even with all of their distinct differences in styles and setup, Batters said, he thinks all of the shows share a common message: "You don't have to be born a dancer to learn how to dance."
Debbie Allen Scares the Crap Out of Me
I'm an armchair dancer. I love to watch dance because it inspires me. I have been embarrassed to tell anyone until now. I have no idea why. Perhaps because my best friend was teased by my boyfriend when she tap danced in her softball uniform to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in our 7th grade talent show. I just kept quiet. Deep down inside I wanted to do what she was doing, but I was too much of a tomboy to admit it.
Little did I know that seeing her dance that day planted a seed. In 8th grade I went to Disneyland with my school's singing class. I danced in leotard with a friend to "Jingle-bell Rock" and "A Chorus Line". I seriously have no idea what made me do that. I mean, we auditioned, choreographed the dance, made costumes and everything! It was soooooo out of character for me. I dressed up like an elf for Christ sake!
I watched my best friend dance again in college and she blew me away. She performed in a Brazilian Maculele routine and was the lead in a tap routine where she was dressed up in a Zoot Suit. I was so proud of her. Watching her made me cry.
I remember showing up at my college the next week and timidly climbing the stairs above the locker room to the 2nd floor where the dance classes were held. I stood in the hallway and looked into each class, hoping to hell that someone would just grab my arm and pull me into the room. I guess I expected some kind of "Fame" episode to unfold in front of me. Maybe Debbie Allen would walk over, scare the crap out of me, and insist that I take her class; or a group of students would swoop in with jazz hands and carry me onto the wood dance floor. The theme song would play "remembah, remembah, Fame!" Sigh, this obviously never happened.
So here I am, 20 years later, out of shape and wishing I was young enough to try dance. At least this is the attitude I have had for a while now. But I see that our local community college has a few dance classes; tap, jazz, modern. I think I will try beginning tap next semester. What the hell. At 39, it will be all I can do to show up, but I have to try. I will regret for it the rest of my life if I don't.
If I actually take on this goal you will have to indulge me and my journal-like entries about the experience. It will be a big deal for me. On par with going to a class reunion and telling the class bully to go eff himself; totally empowering.
We'll see where this takes me.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Pirate
As mentioned in my last post, I must comment on the 1948 MGM film The Pirate staring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. I have read mixed reviews about this movie, including comments from Gene Kelly himself. Some were about Judy Garland and her behavior on the set, some about her personal life. As expected, these comments put the movie into question before I even saw it. After seeing the film, I must say that Judy had nothing to do with any low ratings the film may have received. As far as her acting and dancing were concerned, she was spot on.
So you may ask, "What is it that made the movie a flop?" In my opinion, the choice of songs and some of the costuming left a lot to be desired. I thought the opening number "Niña" was embarrassingly bad. The lyrics were terrible. I'm sorry Mr. Porter, but you don't have to use the word Schizophrenia just because it rhymes with Niña!
It's been said that "Cole Porter abhorred the picture, calling it 'a $5,000,000 Hollywood picture that was unspeakably wretched, the worst that money could buy.'" I say, "Thanks for your contributions Cole!"
In addition, I don't think the "Be a Clown" number fit the time period of the film. I loved seeing the Nicolas Brothers dance, but the style of song stood apart from the rest and felt too modern. It seemed as though the use of the song was an afterthought. Personally, I couldn't get past the fact that the melody was just like "Make 'em Laugh", which Donald O'Connor would dance to in Singing in the Rain four years later.
Lastly, Gene's wig drove me crazy. It was so stiff and when he did any spin or quick turn it would fly out and stay all wonky. God! Not attractive at all.
With all of that being said, I must confess that the film gets better with each viewing. If people can look beyond the things I mentioned above they will see a truly entertaining film. The Pirate takes a poke at the serious swashbuckling films of that period. In fact, the film is filled with some of the best comedy I have ever seen in a Garland film. Her physical comedy is on par with Lucille Ball throughout the film. Her far-from-subtle fainting scene just about had me on the floor.
Again, the chemistry between Judy Garland and Gene Kelly is evident in this film. According to the Judy Garland Database, Judy and Gene's original take of "Voodoo" was so steamy that Mayer had the negative destroyed and demanded that they retake the number. The number was eventually replaced with "Mack the Black." Even as it stands, it is definitely the most sensual and suggestive number Judy ever performed on film.
Not only do they portray their attraction for each other with great ease, they dance beautifully together as well. Often, when watching Gene dance with a partner (male or female) I find my eyes lock onto Gene. He is such a fantastic dancer. It's hard not to notice. But Judy Garland can keep up with him with no problem. She has so much charisma, she just about jumps off of the screen. What a talent.
The Pirate Movie Preview
"Mack The Black"
The Connection
Interesting trivia from IMDb-
Gene Kelly fought to get The Nicholas Brothers (Fayard Nicholas and Harold Nicholas) included in the movie. But, when one dance sequence was being rehearsed, Harold Nicholas was just going through the motions, and Gene Kelly accused him of not knowing the routine - so Nicholas danced the whole routine, alone, full-out and flawlessly. Kelly was speechless.
The "Be a Clown" sequence was cut by exhibitors in Memphis and other U.S. cities in the South because it included The Nicholas Brothers, who were black.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Connections
Sigh, I'm supposed to be working right now. Ugh.
Last night I started going through Kasprzak withdrawals. I needed my Broadway fix. So, I plopped down in the lazy boy and watched my favorite dancer, Gene Kelly, in his 1942 debut film For Me and My Gal. Gene Kelly & Judy Garland were a fine match in this film.
I had seen this film once before and I recall that I wasn't too impressed with it. Don't get me wrong, Gene and Judy were cutie patooties back then. But after watching Singing in the Rain and An American in Paris on a normal basis, I was left wanting more from this movie.
I'm glad I watched it again. I found myself much more involved in the film this time. Perhaps because I have seen a few more of Judy's films recently. TCM just ran a full day of her best films. They replayed The Pirate and I must say, she was a total card in that film. More on that in another post.
Back to For Me and My Gal. At 20 years old, Judy was an old pro by the time this was filmed, and it showed. It's not hard to notice the chemistry between Gene & Judy. I don't think Gene kissed any other actress like he kissed Judy. They seemed to have quite a connection. Most of his on-screen kisses were like cardboard, dry and stiff. Not that his kissing prowess is the only reason why I adore him.
It was interesting to see Gene dance some of the steps that would become his signature moves later on. In particular, he does a number with Judy where they dance 2 moves that he will use later in his Vaudeville routine with Donald O'Connor at the beginning of Singing in the Rain, and one move from the "dream" sequence in An American in Paris. If anyone would like to know what moves I am talking about, just ask, I would be happy to ellablorate.
A few times during the film I became filled with sadness because all of the wonderful actors and dancers I was watching are now gone. It's so hard to be a fan of those who have already made there mark and left this world. It can leave me feeling kind of empty. I suppose that is why I, and so many others, support the Kasprzak brothers. They are carrying on a tradition, and they seem to be good guys to boot. Go Broadway Brothers!
This post is about connections, and I never expected this one: In For Me and My Gal there is a scene where Gene & Judy are on a train and Gene is asleep. Judy wakes him up, Gene sneers and lets out a big yawn. You know how hard it is not to yawn when you see someone else yawn? I bet you are trying to hold back a yawn right now while reading this. Same thing happens to me if I see someone yawn on TV. So without thinking, I yawn too. And I'm like, "Holy Crap! I just had a connection with Gene Kelly!". Isn't that kind of weird that yawning passes on like that? The whole thing just made me stop and think. Kinda cool.
Connections.
For Me And My Gal Trailer
Favorite Moments
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Meet Evan Kasprzak
Evan Kasprzak
Birthday: June 15, 1987
Specialty: Broadway
Hometown: West Bloomfield, Mich.
Currently Resides: West Bloomfield, Mich.
Age: 21
School: “I attend Illinois Wesleyan University, BFA Music Theatre Class of 2010″
Other talents/hobbies: “I love cars! I built my own car my senior year in high school. I also like rock climbing, skiing, and when there is time I enjoy cooking.”
Favorite professional dancer: “No doubt, Gene Kelly.”
Choreographers would like to work with: “I hope I have the opportunity to work with Andy Blankenbuehler and Mia Michaels.”
Click Here to see Evan struttin' his stuff
Meet Ryan Kasprzak
Here are a few links to Ryan Kasprzak's website, podcast, and dance troop:
Ryan's website:
www.ryankasprzak.com
Ryan's YouTube Page:
www.youtube.com/user/razznakazz
Funkalicious Feet Podcast:
Dancer and choreographer Ryan Kasprzak has got tips to help you look cool and keep your feet movin’! Whether you’re a tap dancer or just trying to have a good time at a party, Funkalicious Feet is a fun way to learn some sweet dance moves.
Funkalicious Feet
Parallel Exit Theater Group:
Parallel Exit blends theatre, dance, and music into works of physical theatre that transcend age, cultural, and language barriers.
Parallel Exit
In House AllStars
www.inhouseallstars.com
Enjoy!
Ryan's website:
www.ryankasprzak.com
Ryan's YouTube Page:
www.youtube.com/user/razznakazz
Funkalicious Feet Podcast:
Dancer and choreographer Ryan Kasprzak has got tips to help you look cool and keep your feet movin’! Whether you’re a tap dancer or just trying to have a good time at a party, Funkalicious Feet is a fun way to learn some sweet dance moves.
Funkalicious Feet
Parallel Exit Theater Group:
Parallel Exit blends theatre, dance, and music into works of physical theatre that transcend age, cultural, and language barriers.
Parallel Exit
In House AllStars
www.inhouseallstars.com
Enjoy!
Evan & Ryan Kasprzak
I am sooooo inspired by dance right now and here's the reason (or reasons) why: Evan and Ryan Kasprzak.
Evan & Ryan have been bright lights in a sea of sameness on the fifth season of SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance). Evan caught the attention of many viewers when he auditioned for season four. His dance style is reminiscent of past Broadway dancers like Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Fred Astaire. Without much debate Evan went straight through to Vegas. I watched intently to see if he would make it through Vegas week, but much to my disappointment he did not.
This year Evan returned, and brought his older brother Ryan with him. The two of them were fantastic during the audition process. Evan and Ryan both earned tickets to Vegas. Things were looking good! Unfortunately when it came to narrowing the group down to the top 20, Ryan was left out. He was guaranteed a spot in Vegas for Season six. Yeah! I have spent some time checking out Ryan's activities away from the show. He is amazing! A true entertainer. I'll post the links to his podcast and performance troop in another blog.
Evan went on to wow all of his fans for the entirety of the show. He came in 3rd place in the end. A respectable finish considering the competition. I VERY much look forward to watching how his career progresses and I hope to see him and his brother dance live some day.
Check this out:
Evan & Ryan on SYTYCD
Evan & Ryan have been bright lights in a sea of sameness on the fifth season of SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance). Evan caught the attention of many viewers when he auditioned for season four. His dance style is reminiscent of past Broadway dancers like Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Fred Astaire. Without much debate Evan went straight through to Vegas. I watched intently to see if he would make it through Vegas week, but much to my disappointment he did not.
This year Evan returned, and brought his older brother Ryan with him. The two of them were fantastic during the audition process. Evan and Ryan both earned tickets to Vegas. Things were looking good! Unfortunately when it came to narrowing the group down to the top 20, Ryan was left out. He was guaranteed a spot in Vegas for Season six. Yeah! I have spent some time checking out Ryan's activities away from the show. He is amazing! A true entertainer. I'll post the links to his podcast and performance troop in another blog.
Evan went on to wow all of his fans for the entirety of the show. He came in 3rd place in the end. A respectable finish considering the competition. I VERY much look forward to watching how his career progresses and I hope to see him and his brother dance live some day.
Check this out:
Evan & Ryan on SYTYCD
It's All About Dance!
Welcome to my new blog called Hit The Timber.
The name refers to Irving Berlin's song "Let Yourself Go" as sung by Gene Kelly:
As you listen to the band don't you get a bubble?
As you listen to them play don't you get a glow?
If you step out on the floor
You'll forget your trouble
If you go into your dance
You'll forget your woe
So:
Come, Get together
Let the dance floor feel your leather
Step as lightly as a feather
Let yourself go
Come, Hit the timber
Loosen up and start to limber
Can't you hear that hot marimba?
Let yourself go
Let yourself go
Relax
And let yourself go
Relax
You've got yourself tied up in a knot
The night is cold but the music's hot
So, Come, Cuddle closer
Don't you dare to answer "No, sir"
Butcher, banker, clerk and grocer
Let yourself go
The name refers to Irving Berlin's song "Let Yourself Go" as sung by Gene Kelly:
As you listen to the band don't you get a bubble?
As you listen to them play don't you get a glow?
If you step out on the floor
You'll forget your trouble
If you go into your dance
You'll forget your woe
So:
Come, Get together
Let the dance floor feel your leather
Step as lightly as a feather
Let yourself go
Come, Hit the timber
Loosen up and start to limber
Can't you hear that hot marimba?
Let yourself go
Let yourself go
Relax
And let yourself go
Relax
You've got yourself tied up in a knot
The night is cold but the music's hot
So, Come, Cuddle closer
Don't you dare to answer "No, sir"
Butcher, banker, clerk and grocer
Let yourself go
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