Volume 4, Issue 1 - November 2001
Artistic Director's Message
Administrative Co-ordinator's Message
McMaster Dancers
McMaster Dancers - Guest Teachers
McMaster Urban Dance Company
McMaster Interdisciplinary Performance Group
Hamilton Dance Company
McMaster Dance Club
Conduit
American College Dance Festival - University of Michigan
Urban Dance Competition
Dream Dancers - 90 Minute Improv
Multi-Cultural Entertainment Evening
McMaster Musical Theatre
Centre for Dance Classes
Teacher Evaluation Comments: Winter 2001
Columbia International College Dance Classes
Auditions
Centre for Dance Profiles
Out and About - Burlington Senior Centre
Newsletter Contributors
This semester has flown by, hard to believe. Maybe the good weather has something to do with it? Each September brings a flood of new life, new ideas and of course new people. This year was no exception. I have been impressed with my 3 new staff members who work together efficiently and with good humour. Jill Paradis co-ordinates all the delegated tasks and Regina Kamau and Bahar Khosroshahi take charge of specific projects. Our early contact with new students was at the Clubs Fest, our Open House and also the Try-Mac event organised by the Department of Recreation. The number of students taking classes has exploded this year. We have 626 students compared to 498 last year. Let’s see what January 2002 will bring!
Our dance companies are now well organised and there are a lot of new dancers as many dancers graduated last year. A new cycle has begun. McMaster Dancers (Modern) has 14 dancers, The Urban Dance Company (Hip Hop) has 12 and the Interdisciplinary Performance Group has 7 members. Each group is creating works for the December 1 and 2 production of Conduit, to be held in the Robinson Memorial Theatre, Chester New Hall at 8pm. There will be approximately 14 dance pieces in the show.
We are also planning a large dance competition for Saturday February 2nd, 2002 - the Urban Dance Competition. The event will take place in the main gym featuring solo and group contestants in hip hop, break and other street dance styles. The main participants will be from studios and high schools. Our Urban Dance Company members are not eligible to participate though other McMaster students are more than welcome. Our company will perform dance demos. There will also be dance workshops throughout the day.
Keep dancing,
Administrative Co-ordinator's Message
“I believe in a celebration, I believe we can be free. I believe you can loose these chains, I believe you can dance with me.” Bono
A big hello to everybody out there in the dance world! To start with, I would like to thank everyone affiliated with the Centre for Dance for making me feel so welcome as your new Administrative Co-ordinator from May 2001. Special thanks go out to Dave Wilson (Artistic Director) and all the fabulous instructors and dance company members that make up the Centre for Dance family.
Secondly, I would like to introduce two new members of the Centre for Dance team - Regina Kamau and Bahar Khosroshahi - your two new Administrative Assistants. Regina comes to us all the way from Nairobi, Kenya and is currently finishing up her Labour Studies degree here at McMaster. After graduating, Regina plans to go to Sheridan College to pursue a career in multi-media. Bahar is originally from Ankara, Turkey and is in her fourth year at Mac in the Arts and Science program. Bahar would like to work and travel abroad after completing her degree.
I myself am a recent Mac Honours Kinesiology graduate. This past summer I celebrated the end of my university career with a trip to Spain and Ireland. With no more homework to do, I have also had the opportunity to do some writing. A number of my works have been published in McMaster’s The Silhouette newspaper and Hamilton’s Artsbeat Magazine.
Feel free to come and visit us in room 230/C in the Ivor Wynne Centre next to the Rose Hill Dance Studio. We are here to serve your dance needs! I hope that everyone has a great year and rock on!
Sincerely, Jill Paradis
The MacDancers, founded in 1987, are entering their 15th year of operation - how time flies! There are presently 5 returning dancers (plus 2 on educational exchange) and 7 new dancers. This semester the dancers are preparing pieces for our December 1st and 2nd production at the Robinson Memorial Theatre and also for our participation in the American College Dance Festival, February 27- March 2 at the University of Michigan. On October 16 the dancers showed 4 works-in-progress at an Informal studio showing, and received feedback that will help develop the dances further. Dancers are encouraged to choreograph, either alone or in small groups. Our professional guest teachers also watch our pieces and give constructive feedback. Tomiko Robson is Assistant Artistic Director and Heather Finn is Performance Coach. Dancers this year are as follows: Michele Brown - Kinesiology Alumni; Amy Chong - Yr. 3 Gerontology & Psychology; Meghann Clark - Yr. 3 Biochemistry & Co-op; Jen Holmes - Yr. 2 Kinesiology; Jena McGill - Yr. 3 Arts & Science; Jasmin McGraw - Yr. 1 Science; Michele Odle - Yr. 1 Kinesiology; Tomiko Robson - Yr. 4 Arts & Science; Janine Slavec - Yr. 1 Science; Katie Smith - Yr. 3 Kinesiology; Sarah Snaith - Community; Chantal Stek - Yr. 1 Kinesiology.
McMaster Dancers - Guest Teachers
As part of the Mac Dancers training, we usually bring in several modern dance guest teachers each semester. Our exciting roster this semester is: Marlee Cargill - Toronto; Adam Tindall - England; Malgorzata Nowacka -Toronto; Alina Ciavarella (Mac Dancer Alumni) - Hamilton; Jen Johnson (Mac Dancer Alumni) - Toronto; Megan Andrews - Toronto; Stephanie Thompson - Toronto; Ana-Francisca de la Mora - Toronto; Kate Alton - Toronto; Yvonne Ng - Toronto.
Now in its second season and formerly known as the McMaster Hip Hop Company, the Urban Dance Company is steaming ahead with new choreography. Several trained dancers have joined the group this year and have been keen to choreograph. There are six pieces on the go. The company presented a demonstration at Columbia College in early September and hip hop classes are now taught at the school. The company practice primarily (late) on Monday and Wednesday evening - so dedicated! - and have been creating small group pieces as well as company works. Michelle Odle is Assistant Artistic Director and Jen Deadman is Performance Coach. The present dancers are: Christie Allen - Yr. 1 Humanities; Tara Artner - Yr. 4 Science; Theresa Boyd - Yr. 3 Commerce; Trevor Chee-A-Tow - Yr. 1 Kinesiology; Mariel Heller - Yr. 1 Arts &Science; Laicie Laufman - Community; Abby Lichtenberger - Yr. 1 Kinesiology; Jessica Lungrin - Yr. 1 Kinesiology; Ashleigh Redfern - Yr. 1 Social Science; Gillian Shadlyn - Yr. 3 - Kinesiology; Sam Shepherd - Yr. 1 Kinesiology; Natalie van Dine - Yr. 4 Anthropology; Andrew Wood - Yr. 1 Humanities.
McMaster Interdisciplinary Performance Group
The McMaster Interdisciplinary Performance Group entered its second year this season and has a very promising future. With its 6 new McMaster and local community members, this diverse group will prove to be a dynamic and stimulating performance collaboration. The Interdisciplinary group includes a wide range of disciplines including art, dance, poetry, music, and gymnastics. Currently, the members are working on several pieces to be featured in the Centre for Dance’s upcoming December show Conduit here at McMaster. If you are interested in finding out more about the group, call 905-525-9140 ext. 23571.
Alina Ciavarella is a familiar face at the Rose Hill Dance Studio. Alina was a member of the McMaster Dancers from 1996-1998, and is now a dancer with, and the assistant artistic director, of the Hamilton Dance Company. She works as an occupational therapist at Brantford General Hospital and attends classes at the Centre for Dance, as well as preparing with the Hamilton Dance Company for their upcoming events.
The Company will next be seen as part of the upcoming McMaster Centre for Dance show Conduit on December 1st and 2nd, alongside the McMaster Dancers, the Urban Dance Company and the Interdisciplinary Company. In April 2002, the Hamilton Dance Company will again be part of the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival, performing site-specific works and participating in a new program called the Ouigo Series. This program encourages Guelph youth to attend professional artistic showcases free of charge, and the Hamilton Dance Company will be performing in the series with other professional dancers and artists from the Toronto area. Following this event, the company will be presenting a site-specific work at the Art Gallery of Hamilton in May of next year. This was a successful event for the company last year, when they presented the piece You, the Earth and the Air to positive feedback from both audience members and art gallery staff.
Alina Ciavarella and the other members of the Hamilton Dance Company are an important part of the community at the Centre for Dance - be sure to watch out for the Hamilton Dance Company and support them at their future events.
The McMaster Dance Club is a student based club run by 7 executive members led by Syma Merchant (president), Kristin Mairs (vice president) Erin Reid (secretary), Shannon Eldridge (treasurer), Jenny Kessler (events co-ordinator), Liz Byers and Liz Hosing (advertising and publicity).
The club consists of many different styles and levels of dance, ranging from jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop, modern, belly dancing, acro, Latin and more. The club's primary focus is an annual dance show which is entirely planned, choreographed and performed by the club members held after the Christmas holidays, showcasing a wide variety of talented dancers. This year the club is hosting its third annual show that is scheduled for January 20th, 2002, at Hamilton Place, in downtown Hamilton. Last year, the show was completely sold out and proved a great success. We hope to experience that again this year. Tickets will be sold at the Hamilton Place Box Office as well as from members of the dance club. Keep your eyes open for posters and flyers around McMaster University and its surrounding community.
In addition to the dance show, the Mac Dance Club organizes opportunities for members as well as the McMaster student body to participate in workshops and to attend trips to see musical performances. This year, the club is planning to set up competitions against other universities, as well as performing at half - time shows for basketball games and in the Centre for Dance’s December show Conduit here at McMaster. Last March 2001, we performed at an international business convention, and hope to do that once again this year, as well as perform at other variety shows. New members are always welcome to join. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at macdanceclub@hotmail.com
The Centre for Dance dance companies have been very busy this semester training and choreographing pieces for Conduit, our end of semester dance production. The McMaster Dancers (modern), the Urban Dance Company (hip hop) and the Interdisciplinary Performance Group will all share their creations, totalling about 12 works. The McMaster Dance Club will also have a piece in the show. The dates are Saturday December 1 and Sunday December 2, 8.00pm in Robinson Memorial Theatre, Chester New Hall. Tickets are $7 - students/seniors and $10 - adults. Call x23878 for reservations.
American College Dance Festival - University of Michigan
The McMaster Dancers and the Urban Dance Company will participate in the American College Dance Festival this February 2002 in Ann Arbour, Michigan at the University of Michigan. This event usually brings together over 30 U.S. universities presenting some scintillating modern dance works. We will enter 2 modern dances in adjudicated competition, choreographed by Dave Wilson (faculty piece) and Jena McGill (student piece) and a hip hop piece in the Informal concert. We plan to take a party of 30. The event also includes Master Classes in many styles and other performances by faculty and professional companies. This year there is a focus on ‘dance and technology’ in performance.
The Centre for Dance will be hosting the Urban Dance Competition at Mac on Saturday February 2nd, 2002. The event is open to dancers age 14 and up in the categories of Hip Hop and Break Dance, either solo/duet/trio or group. Prize money will be approximately $1000. There is also an entrance fee. The competition is open to McMaster students and dancers from Hamilton and beyond. The McMaster Urban Dance Company is not eligible but will perform several demonstrations. There will be workshops in the dance studio in the morning as well as all day competitions in the Main (Burridge) Gym, in the Ivor Wynne Centre. Call (905) 525-9140 x23878 for details. Spread the word!
Dream Dancers - 90 Minute Improv
Dave Wilson’s Dream Dancers performed the 90 Minute Dance Improv in Toronto on October 12 - 14. The production included past and present MacDancers - Trish Caluag, Heather Finn, Jen Johnson, Ayanna McAlmont, Tomiko Robson, and Kelly VanderBoom. Guest Artist Adam Tindall, from Newcastle, England also performed.
Multi-Cultural Entertainment Evening
Mark your calendars because Sunday, November 18th will celebrate an evening of multi cultural dance and entertainment in Hamilton with our very own McMaster Centre for Dance companies taking contemporary dance culture into the heart of the community. Organized by the McMaster Rotary Club, this fundraiser aims to collect funds for disabled kids in Thailand as well as New York City victims and is set to feature a variety of local talent, including our very own McMaster Dancers and Urban Dance Company. For more information call (905)-536-4244. See you there.
Mark your calendar now for McMaster Musical Theatre’s 2001/2002 production of Fame, the story of 1980’s high school kids in the renowned New York Performing Arts School, with dreams of hitting the big time. Dance, music and drama all come together with attitude, romance, sorrow and laughter. The cast has been chosen, rehearsals have begun and hard work is underway for another exciting production by McMaster students and staff. Performance dates will be February 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th, and March 1st and 2nd in the Robinson Memorial Theatre here on campus.
The McMaster Musical Theatre group is a non-profit organization run by the students for McMaster and the surrounding community. Past shows have included Cabaret, A Chorus Line and Anything Goes. If you love dance and musical theatre and you enjoy the hit movie and T.V. show, you won’t want to miss McMaster’s performance of Fame! For more information, contact Terri Galan, producer at tgalan@mcmaster.ca.
- Teacher Evaluations
Over the course of the next two weeks, we will be conducting Teacher Evaluations in our dance classes. Your feedback helps us improve our programming and administration so don’t be shy! The teachers also receive a final average score and comments. This helps them realise their strengths and weaknesses.
- Pilates
Due to popular demand we added 2 more Pilates classes this year for the fall and winter terms. This proved to be a good move as we were able to offer both lunchtime and evening classes. Our numbers are 86 compared to 66 last year.
- Tap
We have tried offering Tap dance many times in the past, always to no avail. Numbers would be low, usually 3-4 and the classes would swiftly be cancelled. This year, with more effort in the PR department, we have 2 ‘healthy’ classes. The Beginner has 7 students and the Intermediate has 11.
- Dance Basics
Dance Basics is a new and exciting dance class that introduces students to dance techniques from a variety of popular styles. This semester the students were taught by three wonderful guest teachers and had the opportunity to learn hip hop, jazz and ballet with a final choreography class. Next term we hope to include more styles, including modern dance, so stay tuned!
- January Classes
In January, we will be offering a new class - Teaching Dance. This will introduce students to a variety of ways in which to teach. Several guest teachers will present goals, content and method differently. Class participants will also have an opportunity to demonstrate teaching skills.
Due to popular demand, we will be offering another Hip Hop Beginner class on Mondays at 10.30am - 11.30am. This will go from Jan 14 - Mar 25. Check with the Recreation office, Rm. 220, IWC for details. We presently have 110 students taking Hip Hop classes (93 in Beginner and 17 in Intermediate).
Classes not offered in January are Ecstatic Dance, Choreolab and Dance Skills.
REGISTRATION FOR WINTER CLASSES BEGINS DECEMBER 11, 2001. GO TO RM. 220, IWC (RECREATION OFFICE) OR CALL EX. 24464 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
- Participants per Dance Style (Fall 2001)
Style # Classes # per Class Ballet 53 5 10.6 Ballroom 49 2 24.5 Belly Dance 38 2 19.0 Break Dance 64 3 21.3 Dance Basics 10 1 10.0 Dance Workout 12 1 12.0 Hip Hop 110 4 27.5 Latin 118 3 39.3 Jazz 27 3 9.0 Lindy Hop 17 1 17.0 Modern 24 2 12.0 Pilates 86 4 21.5 Tap 18 2 9.0 Total 626 33 18.99
- Participants Each Year - A History/Herstory
1997 Winter
Fall249
Not Available1998 Winter
Fall383
5631999 Winter
Fall507
5282000 Winter
Fall429
4992001 Winter
Fall575
626
Teacher Evaluation Comments: Winter 2001
Terry Gallo - Pilates II: “Great class, great teacher”
Michelle Odle - Hip Hop Beginner: “She really knows her stuff”
Sarah Hamilton - Jazz Beginner: “Had lots of fun and practiced my technique”
Barbara Glazer - Ballet Intermediate: “Good explanations, good energy”
Jennifer Paul - Jazz Intermediate/ Advanced: “Jen is a wonderful, enthusiastic instructor”
Columbia International College Dance Classes
For the second year in a row the McMaster Centre for Dance went in to Columbia International College to teach dance classes. Although there was less response this year than previous years, two determined hip hop and break dance teachers went into the school to provide some premium dance lessons to the Columbia student body. The classes run every Saturday morning at the school’s gymnasium with Troy Feldman teaching break dance at 11am and the Urban Dance Company’s Christie Allen leading hip hop at 12pm.
Auditions will be held on Saturday January 12 for the McMaster Dancers - Modern (1.00pm - 2.30pm) and the Urban Dance Company - Hip Hop (2.30pm -4.00pm). We are looking for a few dancers (male /female) with good technique and/or creativity. The companies are open to community members as well as students. You do not need to prepare a solo, as it will be taught at the audition. Call Dave Wilson for more information - (905) 525-9140 x23571.
- MY LIFE IN DANCE, BY HEATHER FINN
“The mind is like the wind and the body is like the sand; if you want to know how the wind is blowing, you can look at the sand.” Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen
As dancers, our bodies constantly experience new movements as we search for unique ways to express. At times, we struggle between doing certain choreography and doing what is anatomically correct for our bodies. The working knowledge of human anatomy and kinetics I have developed (and continue to develop) has greatly influenced the way I dance and teach. A major contributor to this knowledge was the Dance, Movement and Sports Medicine Internship I took this summer with Sunday Homitz (BFA Dance, Licensed Physiotherapist) in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to anatomy, biomechanics and movement analysis, I learned the techniques that are replacing the ‘no pain-no gain’ approach to exercise and rehabilitation, including the work of Irene Dowd (functional anatomy), Joseph Pilates, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, Juliu Horvath (Gyrotonics and Gyrokinetics) and Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (Body-Mind Centering). These approaches re-pattern the body to move efficiently and painlessly, and see the body or movement as an integrated whole rather than isolated systems or muscles. This experience also allowed me to connect with other dancers, instructors, physiotherapists, aquatherapists, physicians, etc. interested in dance medicine and science. I look forward to visiting Cleveland again this month!
Since the internship, I have been hired as Pilates/Stretch trainer for the Burlington Synchronized Swimming Club. Not only is this an opportunity to apply my dance skills in a different way, but it also presents new challenges as I am working at the poolside rather than in the private atmosphere of a dance studio. I also find it interesting to note the differences between dance and synchro technique; swimmers curl their toes when pointed, extend the lumbar spine the most in a back bend, and do not use turnout to the extent dancers do (even in splits!). This is a rewarding experience since I feel I have a lot to contribute to these talented young athletes and they soak it up like sponges!
In addition to Dance Workout and Beginner and Intermediate Modern Technique classes that I teach here at the Centre for Dance, I had the opportunity to teach a series of hip-hop workshops for a Grade 10 dance course at Ancaster High School. This dance form is great for this age group since the movements, the music, and the ideas behind them are so accessible. During these classes I stressed individual style, attitude, confidence, and performance quality and it was amazing to see this come through! By the end of four sessions they were mastering moves they did not think possible and working in partners to create their own endings to our dance.
I congratulate all my students on their accomplishments this term!
Heather Finn
- Alexis Schure
Alexis Schure has been dancing since the tender age of 4 and began competing at age 13. She has studied many different styles of dance in her lifetime, including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, swing and hip hop. She is currently working at the Centre for Dance and at the Pure Rhythm dance studio teaching hip hop and jazz, her two favourite styles. Alexis is also presently a part-time student at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto and is studying theatre and singing, her two other passions besides dance. Her dream is to one day open up her very own performing arts school.
Alexis views dance as a “personal release” and believes that lessons learned in dance can be applied to life in general. She also feels that studying dance and working hard can improve one’s self discipline and that it has kept her out of trouble as a youth. According to this 22 year old, dancing “lets you develop your creative side” and improve your self expression. In her classes, Alexis focuses on fun and hard work and feels that all dance instructors should share their love of dance with their students - evidence of a truly dedicated and inspiring teacher.
- Troy Feldman
When Troy Feldman takes to the dance floor, you know it. His spinning moves and phat grooves are hard to ignore. As Hamilton’s only break dance instructor, this 22 year old is in high demand. Troy has been dancing for the past 7 years, specializing in both break dance and hip hop. Teaching break dance is a full time job for Troy since he has little or no competition in the Hamilton area in the break dance category. Currently he is teaching break at four different institutions, including Centre for Dance, Steps Dance Studio, Studio Dance and Columbia International College. He has also donated his talents to many charities and fundraising events, like the AIDS Walk and the Mother’s Day Telethon. According to Troy, dancing has opened up several doors in his life and has introduced him to many new and diverse people, forms of music and dance styles. He also sees dance as a form of self-expression that has aided him in his ability to better communicate with others. In the future, Troy hopes to continue to “wreck it up” on the local dance floors and studios and share his knowledge and love of break dance with everyone.
- Laicie Laufman
Laicie Laufman is one of the Centre for Dance’s youngest dancers. She is a Dundas high school student who has been dancing for the past 4 years at McMaster and has studied such styles as jazz, tap, ballet, acro, hip hop and swing. This is Laicie’s second year with the Urban Dance Company with which she vigorously trains about 5 hours per week for. She absolutely loves to choreograph and is even arranging a group piece for the Centre for Dance’s upcoming December shows. Laicie has also had the opportunity to study musical theatre and is currently cast as the lead role in Parkside High School’s musical production of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”. There’s no telling what this active teenager will do next.
Laicie dreams of one day becoming a television “superstar” and hopes to develop into a professional performer and dance teacher. This lively and outgoing young woman sees dance as a form of release and “a way to let off steam”. She also believes that dance has definitely enhanced other aspects of her life, including improving her confidence and physical rhythm. Look out world - here comes Laicie Laufman!
- Sarah Snaith
Sarah Snaith, the youngest member of the McMaster Dancers, is a promising young talent boasting a dance career of fourteen years at the age of eighteen. She began dancing with the Niagara Academy for Performing Arts at the age of four and quickly progressed to the Hamilton Ballet School, where she was trained in Spanish, ballet, modern and jazz. Sarah took part in several dance competitions and even joined the McMaster Junior Dancers for a year before enrolling in the Quinte Ballet School at fifteen. Most recently, Sarah has joined the McMaster Dancers and says that, “focusing on modern dance helps increase my understanding of dance.”
Although Sarah is busy finishing her OAC year at E.L. Crossley High School and waitressing at the Maple Leaf Pancake house, she still finds time to travel to Cuba twice a year to participate in dance competitions with the Centro ProDanza Ballet Company. “Dance is my passion in life,” says Sarah, “my earliest memories are of dancing…I can’t imagine me without it.” Whether she decides to come to McMaster next year or moves to New York to audition for ballet companies, it’s clear that she will “keep with dance no matter what.” We wish you the best in whatever you do Sarah!
Out and About - Burlington Senior Centre
The Out and About Program was developed for adults with special needs in and around the Burlington area. Each week the group participates in several interactive and fun events that enable them to get out and have a good time. Meghann Clark and Michelle Odle had the recent privilege of teaching dance to this special group. They got to strut their stuff when Michelle taught hip hop and their creative limits were tested when Meghann taught some modern dance. It proved to truly be a fantastic night that ended with lots of smiles and hugs.
- Professor Dave Wilson
- Jill Paradis, Regina Kamau, & Bahar Khosroshahi
- Heather Finn
- Jena McGill
- Michelle Odle & Meghann Clark
- Terri Galan
- Syma Merchant