What's Next for Monkeyhouse?

Dear Friends:

Where is your home? What makes it meaningful to you? How does it improve your quality of life? How does it orient you in the world? What would you do if you lost it? These questions have swarmed about my brain during the last twelve months. Jason and I were in the midst of moving when we got the news about the accident that killed the three family members who were my first definition of home. Shortly thereafter, Monkeyhouse learned that our artistic home, Springstep, was being sold. Never in my life have I felt so dizzy and disoriented or so acutely aware of the real value of having a home.

As of September 1st, Monkeyhouse is no longer in residence at Springstep. While we were packing up boxes, I reflected on how much our organization was able to grow during our time there. Our greatly subsidized rental rates, regular Musings, and rehearsal times allowed us to expand the number of dancers in the company, foster relationships with outside artists, and dramatically increase our repertoire. For the first time, we could rehearse, teach, perform, and run the organization from the same location. We were finally able to realize our dream to launch a festival about choreography and presented over a hundred of our favorite artists. Our connections to Medford's arts community introduced us to CACHE, the Mystic River Celebration, Dance in the Fells, the Medford Arts Council, and Mystic Coffee Roasters. My sadness at leaving this magnificent, monument of modern architecture created specifically for dance and music is tempered by my gratitude for all the amazing opportunities it provided.

Many people have enquired about where we are going next and the truth is we aren't sure yet. Rest assured that we are investigating several options and are open to any ideas that people may have. We have planned the 2013 - 2014 season around the ideas of being Misplaced & Displaced and will be involved in several site specific projects. Our current mailing address is PO Box 221 Somerville, MA 02143.

You have never been more vital to Monkeyhouse's survival. In the absence of a physical location, you are our home. I truly appreciate how patient you have been with me as I have navigated through the last incredibly arduous year. It has always been an honor to be a part of such an extraordinary community of people but I have been stunned by strength and compassion many of you have demonstrated. Your example emboldens me as Monkeyhouse embarks on this awkward transition. Where do you think we will be 525,600 minutes from now?


Love - 
Karen and All Your Friends at Monkeyhouse

Colorado Bound!

 by Sarah Feinberg 

Many of you have gotten to know Sarah Feinberg over the past few years as she has become a bigger and bigger part of Monkeyhouse.  You may not know that she will be (temporarily) leaving us next week to attend grad school in Colorado.  I have known Sarah since she was a little girl and I have loved having the chance to get to know her in so many capacities throughout her life.  This summer I have spent a lot of time with Sarah and I know I'm not the only one around here who will miss her terribly while she's out starting this new adventure.  Here's Sarah to share a few thoughts on this big transition! - Nicole

I am off to Colorado for the next 2 years to attend graduate school at Colorado State University where I will be studying Occupational Therapy. The move is most definitely a bittersweet one. Since I graduated with my bachelors from Ithaca College in 2011, I have been working as a teacher for children with autism at The New England Center for Children. It has been a very rewarding and educational experience and I will miss my students very much. I can honestly say that Saturday afternoons spent at Springstep with Monkeyhouse is the thing I will miss the most. Though I was working full time and taking prerequisite courses for grad school, Saturday rehearsals were the most important part of my week. No matter what happened during the week or whatever mood I might have been in, when I walked out of that studio at 4pm, life was good!

I am excited for the new adventure I have ahead of me. I look forward to being back in school, especially in pursuit of my chosen career path and I look forward to a change of scenery (Mountains!). Though I have been told I will have little free time, I plan to check out the Colorado dance scene, continue practicing yoga and my newest extracurricular activity, rock climbing. I can't wait to do some hiking and explore the beautiful sites as well.

I can't say enough how truly grateful I am for having had the opportunity to work with such an incredible company. I have learned so much from each and every person. I look forward to continuing to support Monkeyhouse and possibly work on some projects from afar.

Thanks 2 YOU (part 1)

by karen Krolak

As cornucopia begin popping up on doorways all over town and Christmas music starts sneaking in on the radio, I find myself reflecting back on all the Monkeyhouse events of the past year. Thanks to our loyal crew of donors, we have accomplished several major goals this year. To celebrate, I thought it would be nice to share some personal photos of highlights and fun memories. This goofy gem was captured during a warm up for First Night but it reminds me of all the Saturday afternoon musings at Springstep that keep Monkeyhouse's creativity flowing.

The process of developing pieces is often longer than expected and filled with dead ends. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with such patient, inventive dancers who fill our rehearsals with laughter. Even though you can only see their lower limbs, this photo shows the clear personalities of each of my four favorite dancers. Nicole Harris ever ready to launch someone else into the air. Courtney Wagner boldly bounding on to her back. Caitlin Meehan, the only dancer I have ever met who slides less in a pair of socks, gracefully leaning away from a counterbalance with our acrobatic powerhouse, Nikki Sao Pedro. I truly cherish these simple exchanges in the studio together. Thanks to everyone who contributes to Monkeyhouse and keeps this creative ritual thriving.

Musing Photo of the Day

Even while blindfolded we still find a way to turn ourselves upside down!  Luckily Caitlin was on hand (with eyes uncovered) to keep everyone safe!  

Springstep was all decked out for a wedding that night so we had an especially sassy rehearsal space with the paper lanterns on the ceiling!

Summerfest @ Springstep

As you know Monkeyhouse loves being an organization in residence at Springstep. If you haven't had a chance to check out this amazing center for dance and music, hustle over here on Sunday for an inexpensive day of sampling classes. 

Sunday, August 21, 2011
1:00 - 5:00pm
Suggested donation: $5 (for entire event!)

Kids Free

Rain or shine!

Get moving at Summerfest on August 21st! Sample from over 15 different dance and fitness classes for adults and youth, watch art demonstrations, take advantage of deals on fall classes and memberships, let your kids loose in the Craft Corner, see the debut of Springstep's flashmob, and more! Click here to view the full schedule of events!

1:00-1:50pm 
Flamenco
Royal Scottish Country Dancing (Live Music!)

Sing-A-Lingo Spanish Through Music (Ages 18 mos - 5 years) 

1:55-2:45pm 
Modern, Jazz, Blues (Lecture/Demonstration)
Creative Dance for Kids
Country Western Line Dancing

Argentine Tango

2:50-3:40pm 
Hoop Dancing
Dance Floor Fundamentals
Music Together Sing-along (Ages 0-5 and caregiver) 
Country Western Line Dancing

3:45-4:35pm 
Swing
Zumba
Music Together Sing-along (Ages 0-5 and caregiver)

4:40-5:30pm 
Salsa
Bollywood

And don't forget, Fall classes begin on Tuesday, September 6!

See full schedule of fall classes.

Springstep

98 George P Hassett Drive

Medford, MA

Jacob's Pillow Seeking Samba Dancers

by karen Krolak


Moving Monkeyhouse into Springstep switched up the rhythms of my administrative duties tremendously. Board meetings, for example, are often accompanied by the buoyant energy of Bollywood classes. My typing provides a nice counterpoint to flamenco rehearsals some days. Just hanging around the halls as students gather for Tango, Tap, and Salsa has whet my appetite for a wider range of dance styles. 

When I heard that Jacob's Pillow was planning a Samba program this summer, I was eager to discover how they developed their Cultural Traditions offerings. I contacted one of my favorite people at the Pillow, J.R. Glover, Director of Education, to pick her brain about the Samba session.

karen Krolak: Can you tell me a little bit about the philosophy of the Cultural Traditions program? How does it relate to the mission of Jacob’s Pillow?

J.R.Glover: The School at Jacob’s Pillow annually offers programs in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance and Cultural Traditions, which features a different cultural dance form each year. The Cultural Traditions Program is very much in keeping with the history and philosophy of Jacob’s Pillow. Our founder, Ted  Shawn, researched and was influenced by cultural dance forms from all over the world, and from the very beginning, he presented a wide variety of dance forms in performance, just as we continue to do on stage today.

The mission of the Pillow is, “To support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance.” It’s notable that the mission doesn’t focus on a specific genre of dance, but on dance as a whole. It’s important that this inclusive definition of dance be reflected in all aspects of Jacob’s Pillow, including The School. Everyone benefits from the cross-pollination that occurs when dancers and dance supporters from different backgrounds meet and learn about one another’s art form.

kK: So, is this the first time that you have organized a Samba program at Jacob's Pillow?

J.R.: Yes!  We are so excited to have these dancers arrive and share the folk and social styles of this high-energy art form with our audiences and visitors. 

kK: Can you give me some examples of other dance styles that have been included in the Cultural Traditions workshops?

JR: Other dance forms that have been highlighted in our Cultural Traditions Programs in years past include last year’s Tap Program, and prior to that, Hip-Hop, Pacific Islands Dances, Flamenco, and more. This summer it’s Samba’s turn to shine!  Dancers and dance supporters should check our website in December to see which form will be featured in 2012. 

kK: Did something in particular attract Jacob's Pillow to this style now?

J.R.: Artistic and Executive Director, Ella Baff, and I made the decision to feature Samba this summer because of the Pillow’s association with Mimulus Dance Company from Belo Horizonte, Brazil and their amazingly talented Artistic Director Jomar Mesquita, who is also the Program Director for the Samba Program. Mimulus has completed two well-received engagements at Jacob’s Pillow in the past few years, and we feel very fortunate that Jomar is able to be here this summer to share his vast knowledge of dance and his innovative choreographic approaches.

kK: Do other summer dance festivals offer Samba classes?

J.R.: As far as other programs go, there are certainly entire festivals dedicated to Brazilian art forms that take place all over the world; yet the Pillow is unique in that we are offering this intensive in Brazilian Samba in such an eclectic environment. For example, during the Samba Program, two of the companies performing at the Pillow are Norway’s national contemporary dance company, Carte Blanche and Crystal Pite’s Frankfurt and Vancouver company, Kidd Pivot Frankfurt RM.  Also performing in the theatres will be Tangueros del Sur, which includes some of Argentina’s leading Tango musicians and dancers under the artistic direction of Natalia Hills. Just imagine the vibes on campus the week we have the tangueros and sambistas! The exchanges that will be possible between these South American dancers, as well as dancers from all over the world, is one of the things that makes the Pillow so special, and why studying here tends to be a career-enhancing and life-changing experience.

kK: Having studied at the Pillow before, I agree that the atmosphere created by the other artists on campus infuses everything. However, I feel that what makes your workshops so exceptional is your teachers and their passion for nurturing younger artists. How do you select your faculty members?

 J.R.: I always select faculty in consultation with the program directors. For the Samba Program, I relied heavily on Jomar’s expertise. Juliana Macedo is Jomar’s dance partner and has been affiliated with Mimulus for over twenty years, including serving as a principal dancer. Since our program will have a strong focus on Samba’s partnering styles, having the two of them on faculty will be especially helpful for the participants.  Our Samba Scholar, Gustavo Côrtes, directs the Brazilian folk dance group Sarandeiros and is an expert on Brazilian folklore and traditional arts. He has priceless knowledge and video footage to share with our participants. Finally, all Samba classes are going to be accompanied by a trio of accomplished musicians who are traveling to the Pillow from Brazil specifically to play for the Samba Program: Music Director Rodrigo Torino on guitar, Leonardo Brasilino on bass trombone, and Gustavo Grieco on percussion. The studio is going to be full of rhythm!

kK: Sounds wonderful. As you and Jomar crafted the Samba program, were you hoping for dancers who are already proficient at Samba or people who want to add it to their current training?

 J.R.: Well, all of our programs are limited to 24 participants: 12 men and 12 women.  We are always looking for a combination of advanced pre-professionals who are on the verge of beginning their careers and working artists who are interested in professional development. That said, the dancer’s specific background is less important than his or her talent and passion. We are recruiting from both the Samba no Pé and Latin Ballroom fields. Participants must have strong performance skills since they perform for the public each week as part of our free outdoor series, Inside/Out. We have been recruiting as many established dance partners as possible for the program. Yet, we are also eager to help individual dancers attend and working to make it possible for new partnerships to form while at the Pillow. Most importantly, dancers should be open to learning new styles, delving into Samba’s history and evolution, and expanding their technical, artistic, and performance skills.

kK: I have been sharing many of the videos on Dance Interactive with Monkeyhouse's supporters and with my students and they love the site. Do you know if there are any Samba performances on the Dance Interactive for people who are curious to learn more about the art of Samba?

J.R.: We don’t currently have clips of Samba artists on Dance Interactive. However, since new content is continuously added to the site, check back frequently!  Footage of Jomar’s company Mimulus performing at the Pillow can be viewed in the Archives here on campus, and samples of their work can also be found online. Here’s a great YouTube clip that features highlights from the company’s most recent show Por Um Fio.

To find out more about the Samba program, contact J.R. Glover at  413.243.9919 x160

SPIRIT - Another Springstep Festival

Monkeyhouse was intrigued and excited when we heard about Spirit: Native Music and Dance from Hawai'i and the Mainland. There are so many parallels to our moving smorgasbord, Against the Odds: Stories of Adaptation, Translation, and Survival. We would love to get a group together to go to the performance and/or the round table so please contact us if you would join us. And don't forget that you can win tickets if you enter the Against the Odds Drawing.

SPIRIT
Native Music and Dance from Hawai'i and the Mainland
A weekend of events featuring Hawaiian Hula ensemble Halau 'o Keikiali'i, Pascua Yaqui Tribe member Edwardo Madril, and Thawn Harris from Rhode Island's Narragansett tribe. 

Friday, April 1 - Round Table Discussion
Saturday, April 2 - Performance
Saturday, April 2 - Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception
Sunday, April 3 - Workshops



Performance
Saturday, April 2, 2011
7:00pm
$20 in advance ($25 at the door)
Purchase Tickets

The First People of Hawai'i and the Mainland come together in this stunning performance of Native dance, music, and storytelling.

Back for their third residency at Springstep, Hawaiian Kumu Kawika Alfiche and Hula ensemble Halau ‘o Keikiali’i honors the deep relationship between New England and Hawai'i in this enchanting presentation of traditional and modern hula dance and music.

Joining the Halau will be Pascua Yaqui tribe member Edwardo Madril of Four Winds Dance, presenting the amazing Hoop Dance and other dances of the Plains Indian culture, and traditional storyteller from Rhode Island's Narragansett tribe, Thawn Harris. 

Food inspired by the cultures being presented will be for sale, along with beer and wine beginning at 6:15pm. Come at 5:30pm to enjoy a gallery opening reception featuring Native New England artists (more information below).

Workshops
Sunday, April 3, 2011
9:30am - 3:00pm
Full schedule and prices

Choose from 9 different workshops:
- Beginning and Interemdiate Hula Kahiko (Ancient Dance)
- Advanced Hula Kahiko (Ancient Dance)
- Keiki Hula (Children's Class)
- Beginning and Interemdiate Hula Auana
- Advanced Hula Auana
- Lei Making
- Lauhala Weaving
- American Indian Dance with Edwardo Madril (Children's Class Ages 8+)
- American Indian Dance with Edwardo Madril (Adults)

Native Gallery Exhibit
Opening Reception
Saturday, April 2, 2011
5:30pm (Free)

Browse a stunning selection of traditional and contemporary artworks created by Native New England artists.


Round Table Discussion
"Creating Art and Maintaining Traditional Boundaries"Native Artist Exchange - discussion co-hosted by NEFA
Friday, April 1, 2011
5:00-6:30pm

Halau 'o Keikiali'i, Edwardo Madril, Thawn Harris, and other native New England artists and performers gather to discuss the challenges of maintaining traditional boundaries in a contemporary world. This event is open to the public.


This project is made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Art's Fast Track Grant and the Expeditions program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the NEA, with additional support from the six New England state arts agencies.

Everybody Loves Lynn Schwab! -- Part II

by Nicole Harris

I am very excited that the one and only Lynn Schwab will be in Boston this weekend!  And even better, she's teaching class and YOU can come take it!

Photo: Lois Greenfield

This past Friday I premiered The Shed (choreographed by Lynn Schwab) and I will be performing it again this upcoming Friday (Buy your tickets now!)  On Saturday (March 26th) Lynn will be teaching two classes at Springstep:

Body Percussion

2:00-3:30

Beg/Int Tap

3:30-5:00

Classes are $18 each ($12 for students/seniors/BDA & Springstep members/Medford residents) 

Purchase your classes now!

Against the Odds: 

Stories of Adaptation, Translation & Survival

March 18th-April 15th

Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit our website!

 

Against the Odds is supported in part by the Medford Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Thank you to Springstep for its support of this event.

Against the Odds Drawing

Throughout Against the Odds we will be selling tickets to the Against the Odds Drawing.  Each weekend two lucky winners will win a pair of tickets to a local arts event.  All tickets will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing for a chance to win tickets to The Fashion Show, an amazing evening of hope and fashion where everyone is a survivor, to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Tickets are $2 each or SIX for $10 (That's buy five get one FREE!) and can be purchased at any Against the Odds event.  Help support Monkeyhouse and all these amazing local artists!!

What else can you win?  Good question!

Against the Odds Drawing #2

Winners Announced Saturday, March 26^th

THERE ARE TWO CHANCES TO WIN!

Enter to win a pair of tickets to: 

LOIS' TAP LANE 

All-Star Tap and Jazz Salute

        

Friday, May 13 @ 8:00pm

Regent Theatre

7 Medford St, Arlington, MA

OR

SPIRIT:

Native Music and Dance from Hawai'i and the Mainland

Saturday, April 7^th @ 7:00pm

Springstep

98 George P. Hassett Dr, Medford, MA

Donated by Josh Hilberman & Springstep

***

Against the Odds Drawing #3

Winners Announced Saturday, April 9^th

THERE ARE TWO CHANCES TO WIN!

Enter to win a pair of tickets to: 

Hotel Cassiopeia 

By Charles Mee

        

Thursday, May 5-Saturday, May 21

10 Channel Center Street, Fort Point, Boston

OR

Memories and Fantasies

Contrapose Dance and

Kelley Donovan & Dancers

June 10^th – 12^th

Calderwood Pavilion

527 Tremont St, Boston, MA

Donated by Fort Point Channel

***

Against the Odds Drawing #4

Winners Announced Saturday, April 16^th

THERE ARE TWO CHANCES TO WIN!

Enter to win a pair of tickets to: 

Emerging Artists Program 

By Green Street Studios

        

July 8^th-9^th

Green Street Studios

185 Green Street, Cambridge, MA

OR

D is for Dance

Dance Complex Faculty Concert

May 14^th-15th

Dance Complex

536 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA

Donated by Green Street Studios & Dance Complex

The Against the Odds Rockstar of the Day -- Amelia O'Dowd

by Nicole Harris

We are THRILLED that Amelia is part of Against the Odds, even from a few states away.  Ramfeezled, Amelia's choreography pictured above, will be performed by Nikki Sao Pedro this Friday!  (Buy your tickets now!)  Also, Amelia has sent some really amazing hand made items that will be on display throughout Against the Odds.

I'm sad Amelia wont be able to join us in person but I am glad that she will still be part of this exciting adventure.  Thank you Amelia!!

Against the Odds: 

Stories of Adaptation, Translation & Survival

March 18th-April 15th

Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit our website!

 

Against the Odds is supported in part by the Medford Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Thank you to Springstep for its support of this event.

The Against the Odds Rockstar of the Day -- Hannah Verlin

by Nicole Harris

While I have yet to have the opportunity to meet Hannah I have seen the beautiful installation she designed for Against the Odds.  For the first two weeks it is hanging under the stairs in the Springstep atrium so it can be seen from the medium studio during performances.  (It's going to be part of Adumbrate at Friday Night Out #2 this weekend!  Buy your tickets now!)  For the final two weeks it will be in the performing space in Hawkins Hall.  You don't want to miss this gorgeous piece of art!  For more information on Hannah's work, click here!

Against the Odds: 

Stories of Adaptation, Translation & Survival

March 18th-April 15th

Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit our website!

 

Against the Odds is supported in part by the Medford Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Thank you to Springstep for its support of this event.

The Against the Odds Rockstar of the Day -- Amanda Tricomi

I am sure many of you have enjoyed the sassy postcards we've been handing out this year.  Those delightful designs came from the amazing Amanda Tricomi who has gone all out in designing the Against the Odds poster.  Isn't it fabulous?!  You can find more Amanda Tricomi HERE.

Against the Odds: 

Stories of Adaptation, Translation & Survival

March 18th-April 15th

Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit our website!

 

Against the Odds is supported in part by the Medford Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Thank you to Springstep for its support of this event.

Against the Odds Rockstar of the Day - Medford Arts Council

by karen Krolak


Uff, once again lawmakers are debating slashing the NEA budget. Listening to people argue that the arts are a luxury, I am so thankful for all the people who volunteer for their local cultural councils. These cultural councils understand how the arts improve the lives of their constituents.

Since Monkeyhouse has moved to Springstep, I have been especially impressed with the  Medford Arts Council.  They were one of the main funders behind the Two Road's Dance in the Fells, which just received one of six Gold Star Awards from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (6 awards out of  5000 possible programs...how about those odds?). Even though Two Roads was a brand spanking new organization, the Medford Arts Council recognized that their proposal would encourage people to explore a gorgeous set of trails in the Fells, introduce new audiences to 6 different choreographers, and attract hundreds of people to downtown Medford for the day. As one of the artists involved in Dance in the Fells, I was delighted that several of the Arts Council members attended the festival and took the time to chat with Monkeyhouse. Their dedication to the project was palpable.

During our conversation, Monkeyhouse's Production Manager, Jason Ries, mentioned that we  were planning Against the Odds: Stories of Adaptation, Translation, and Survival at Springstep and a council member immediately suggested that we apply for funding through them. We were so honored when the Medford Arts Council awarded Monkeyhouse a substantial grant for our moving smorgasbord, Against the Odds: Stories of Adaptation, Translation, and Survival. Through this funding, we are able to offer discounted tickets to Medford residents ($10 for the first two weekends, $15 for the second two weekend, $12 for any of the master classes). Thanks to everyone who keeps the Medford Arts Council thriving and relevant to this community. 

Against the Odds: Stories of Adaptation, Translation, and Survival is supported in part by the Medford Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Against the Odds Rockstar of the Day -- Allie Fiske and Springstep

by Nicole Harris

Against the Odds wouldn't be possible without the help and support of Allie and all the folks at Springstep.  Between providing us with our home and being amazingly open and flexible to all our big ideas for Against the Odds we would be at a loss without them.

Also, as I mentioned yesterday we are going to be having a Friday Night Out Drawing and we have recently been given another fabulous drawing prize, a pair of tickets to SPIRIT: Native Music and Dance from Hawai'i and the Mainland at Springstep!  The drawing will be held the second weekend (March 25th & 26th) so you'll have to come to one of the first two weekends to enter!

Thank you Allie and everyone at Springstep!  We all love you!

(Allie will be moderating our post-show discussion on Friday, April 8th!  Don't miss it!)

For more information on Against the Odds and to buy tickets click here!

Against the Odds is supported in part by the Medford Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council.

Thank you to Springstep for its support of this event.

The Inside Scoop -- Subluxation -- Part 4

A LITTLE BIT OF NEW MUSIC
by Nicole Harris

For the record, I am a lucky woman.  I have a number of friends who are fabulous musicians (which is pretty fabulous) but even better than that, I have a number of friends who are fabulous musicians and supporters of dance.

When I first choreographed Subluxation in 2006 there were two pieces of music, Devil's Airship by Pinataland and my first ever "commission", Summertime by Bill Swan.  When I started to re-invent Subluxation for the Green Street Studios Emerging Artists Program this winter it needed a little bit of a musical overhaul as well.  The original solo (which you will be able to see at Monkeyhouse's Against the Odds at Springstep this Spring!) will still use those two pieces of music but this new version includes two new pieces in addition to Pinataland's Devil's Airship.

In 2008 I started building a duet called Fidelius (read a bit about that here!) and commissioned my friend David Wechsler of Tyranny of Dave (also from Pinataland!) to record Cole Porter's Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love).  After many recreations that track fell to the wayside (but it was replaced by another David Wechsler song!) where it sat lonely and neglected until, you guessed it, I started using it in rehearsals this fall.

The final piece of music was just added today, thanks to my ever generous friend Nicholas Zampiello.  I am very excited to announce that we will be using the Campaign for Real-Time's Shout as our final track!  (I have tried to make a few other pieces using this track so I'm so excited that it has finally found a home!)

psst...  There just might be another track by Mr. Zampiello in a new piece I am working on too!  2011 is going to be a great year for new choreography!

 ** This post was re-posted from http://GSSEmergingArtists.blogspot.com **

Creative Movement with Karen Krolak @ Springstep

by karen Krolak

My, my, my, we are just bursting with exciting new projects as we transition into 2011. For example, I will be teaching a Creative Dance class at Springstep on Saturday mornings from 10 - 10:45AM. It is open to kids between the ages of 4 -7 and will start on January 22nd. We are going to have a blast building movements from stories, playing games, and bouncing around to a fabulous assortment of music for kids.

Psst...and for all you adult dancers who are debating trying a class at Springstep, jump to it. Bloomspot  is offering a huge discount for first time Springstep participants - $50 for a 6 or 8 week class! (That's up to a $110 value.) You must snap up this offer by Wednesday, December 22nd.

Ok, my break at Impulse Dance Center is almost over and I need to grab some dinner before my Advanced Jazz class.

Princess Pamplemousse's Dance Party for Pumpkins!

Princess Pamplemousse performing at BoomTown

by karen Krolak

As the hallways outside our office echo with the squeals of mini-goblins and monsters, I remembered that I had a treat to share with you. Springstep is hosting a free Halloween extravaganza on October 31st and everyone aged 4- 88 is invited. Starting at 2PM, Monkeyhouse's Princess Pamplemousse will get the event hopping with a Dance Party for Pumpkins open to kids 4- 8 years old. So jump into your costume and unleash your creative spirit as we brew up a batch of energetic moves. At 3:30 local jazz dance legend, Adrienne Hawkins, will guide anyone from 8 - 88 through the zombie moves of Michael Jackson's Thriller.

Don't worry if you have kids who are too young to participate, feel free to bring them anyway. They can watch or create Halloween crafts while YOU dance. Oh, and there will be sweet treats provided by Off the Vine Catering.

Springstep
98 George P Hassett Dr
Medford, MA 02145

Shannon Sullivan Discusses Her Inside/Out Experience

by karen Krolak

During the school year, I usually sneak in a few minutes to chat with Shannon Sullivan each Monday at Impulse Dance Center. Shannon is the Artistic Director of TAProject, an outstanding teen tap ensemble at Impulse, and she teaches the majority of tap classes at the studio. I love listening to her shuffle warm ups upstairs as I begin my modern classes. When Monkeyhouse moved our office into Springstep, I was delighted to discover that we would occasionally bump into each other before her Thursday night classes there. Her infectious attitude gave me the courage to try tap in 2008. In fact, if it didn't conflict with Your Just Desserts, I would sampling her adult class at Springstep this week.

When Connect 2 Choreography began the Save the Stage series, I remembered that Shannon had performed at Jacob's Pillow's Inside/Out stage in 2009. Knowing that the Pillow had their first tap intensive this year, I thought it would be relevant to get a tapper's perspective on the significance of this stage.

karen Krolak: When you danced at Inside/Out you were working with a relatively new company called the Commonwealth Tap Collective. What prompted you to form Commonwealth Tap Collective and how has the group evolved?
Shannon Sullivan: The Commonwealth Tap Collective is comprised of Suzanne Bouffard, Jill Braverman, Stefanie Weber and myself. We initially came together in the summer of 2008 as a group of artists who each had their own voice and vision for choreography. The group provided a medium for each of us to put work on each other and then have that work performed. Although we are currently not meeting on a regular basis, the members of the Commonwealth Tap Collective continue to create and perform outside of the group.

kK: Last summer there was so much rain and I know that it poured on the day of your performance. Did they cancel or postpone your appearance?
SS: Nope, we danced in a tent on the Great Lawn.

kK: Were there many people who were willing to watch an outdoor show on such a soggy day?
SS: Yes, and they responded favorably to our performance. From a performer’s standpoint, they were supportive, interested and engaged.

kK: That's great. So, do you think it is important to preserve Inside/Out? If so, why?
SS: I do think it’s important to preserve this stage because it’s wonderful and quite special to have a “less formal” space where both new or emerging artists as well as well-established artists can perform. The stage also provides a cost efficient place for people and families who may otherwise not be able to afford live music and dance to be able to experience these wonderful art forms.Finally, the Inside/Out Stage provides audiences with a beautiful venue that fosters education and audience involvement through their question and answer sessions following each performance.

kK: Thanks Shannon! I am excited to see you at the TAProject auditions at Impulse Dance Center on September 11th. Best of luck with Sampler Week at Springstep.

Springstep Sampler Week

by karen Krolak

Swirling about in my office chair in Monkeyhouse's corner of Springstep, I am constantly reminded of how much more I want to learn about the dance world. In the studios around me, they teach everything from Argentine Tango to Zumba and just browsing through their course catalogue makes me drool.

If you are as curious as I am, you won't want to miss Sampler Week from August 28 - September 2. For just $10 you can try a wide variety of classes including Royal Scottish Country Dancing, Tap, Flamenco, and Belly dance. Salsa on Tuesday night from 7 - 7:55 is only $5.

Oh, and if you haven't popped in to see Monkeyhouse's new space, send me an email and I will show you around...unless of course, I am busy trying out a new style myself.

Revolutions...more military movements

by Karen Krolak

Errg. I will not be back in the Boston area tonight which means that I will not be able to attend Revolutions at Springstep in Medford.  I was so looking forward to it after the rehearsal process from Coriolanus (which closes this weekend.) 

Isabel Fine, former Artistic Director of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, gathered experts from three different martial art forms, Capoiera, Chinese Wushu, and Kalari Ppayattu to create Revolutions. The idea for this evening of martial dance presented in the round evolved after a performance she curated for the opening of the Rose Kennedy Greenway last summer and she hopes that it may eventually tour New England.

If you have a chance to go, please let me know what you think. Last week I had a great conversation with one of the performers, Aparna Sindhoor, who was recently featured on the cover of Dance Magazine, and I should post some segments from that within a few days.