Dance Informa magazine is giving away cash to a lucky dancer and his or her studio. Imagine what you could do with $1000 cash. Imagine blessing your dance studio with $3000. Make dance dreams come true and enter today!
Just click on the image below.

Dance Studio Owners: Tell your teachers and students about this contest. The more entries for your studio, the greater your chances to win. How would you like $3000 towards renovations, new flooring, costumes, camps, audio equipment or whatever you need?

The Dance and Entertainment Event of the Year!

Capezio celebrates 125 years in 2012 with a one night only special show on Monday, April 23 at New York City Center. Conceived and directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo, the Anniversary Gala will be a glorious production highlighting some of the magical history of Capezio with numerous dance legends and stars of stage and screen saluting the milestone. The best of the best in American dance and entertainment will be presented, reflecting on Capezio’s integral role in the history of dance and entertainment in America and abroad.  The program of dance and song will present numerous genres, styles and mediums of performance.  

Win A Double Pass!

Just email Dance Informa at info@danceinforma.com and tell us Why you love Capezio!
Include your Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone Number and State. 

The most creative or interesting answer will win, as judged by Dance Informa’s Editorial Team.

This ‘game of skill’ giveaway will be drawn on April 1. There is 1 Double Pass to giveaway. The lucky winner will be notified by phone. If the winner is un-contactable by phone and email, a second chance winner will be drawn on April 5. To review our Privacy Statement click here

Win tickets to Burn The Floor!
The Ballroom Sensation.
Dance Informa has a DOUBLE PASS to giveaway!
Enjoy opening night of Burn The Floor at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre,  March 22nd.

Critics and fans around the world have raved about Burn The Floor: The Independent (London) said “Extraordinary! So hot it contributes to global warming. Burn The Floor will take your breath away!”

HOW TO ENTER:
Suggest Dance Informa to 3 dance friends and you could WIN!
Just Email Dance Informa at info@danceinforma.com with:
 - Your full name, date of birth and address PLUS
- The email addresses of 3 dance friends.
- Include subject: BURN THE FLOOR

Competition Opens Jan 27 2011 and closes March 10 2011. The winner will be emailed and the tickets will be held at the Atlanta Fox Theatre Will Call for collection on the night. If the winner does not repsond within 5 days, a second chance winner will be drawn.  The Winner will be published at www.danceinforma.com after announced. Your friends will be given a free subscription to Dance Informa. If your friends would not like a free subscription they can unsubscribe at anytime by emailing info@danceinforma.com with subject: UNSUBSCRIBE

Photo: Joan Marcus

By Deborah Searle.

Jason Gilkison’s ballroom sensation Burn The Floor is touring the country, after a record-breaking run on Broadway. Burn The Floor, the electrifying Latin and ballroom dance spectacular, has thrilled audiences in over 30 countries, bringing the fire and passion of ballroom dance to the theatre.  Burn The Floor is ballroom – reinvented.  This tour, featuring all-new choreography, and a team of talented dancers is wowing audiences and setting hearts ablaze.

Dance Informa spoke behind the scenes with three of company’s finest dancers.

How do you keep the passion and performance alive after so many shows?

Damien Samuel
Every show is a new audience – a fresh crop of people that we strive to amaze, inspire and leave in wondrous awe from the moment the first music note hits till the curtain touches the floor. We feed off our percussionists’ heart pounding rhythms and we make each and every performance as powerful and electrifying as we possibly can.

Faye Huddleston
Sometimes it just takes a few seconds on my own thinking about my life to realise how lucky we are to be doing what we love and have such passion for, because we forget sometimes.

Robbie Kmetoni
I see each show as new and important, adding my own little touches that change every show, so that I’m enjoying myself every show. The passion needs to be there from the beginning, as it is hard work. Dedication is needed 110%.

What is your favorite thing about Burn The Floor?

Damien Samuel
Seeing Burn The Floor and Jason Gilkison is the reason I started dancing 11 years ago. I was once an audience member screaming my head off at how brilliant the show was and now being at the forefront of the world’s first and most elite ballroom dance production every day is a dream come true.

Robbie Kmetoni
My favourite thing about Burn The Floor is the cast I am with. They are such an amazingly talented, let alone friendly, bunch of people to work and tour with every day. It’s a blessing to be a part of such an incredible journey and show!

Faye Huddleston
Iwould have to say that my favourite thing has to be that we are not just a dance company but a family. I think that is the most important thing.

What unique challenges have you faced when learning and performing the routines?

Faye Huddleston
The challenge for me would definitely have to be stamina.  We do fast energetic routines that can last up to 4 to 5 minutes.

Damien Samuel
It is an intense physical regime that takes a real toll on your body. We have to make sure we are in crisp physical condition to be able to do this eight times a week. Injuries happen no matter how hard we try to prevent them, so we give 110% to every single performance because it very well could be our last.

Robbie Kmetoni
Being a contemporary dancer it was really difficult at first to learn the basics of how to dance Latin and ballroom, as I have never done a class of either. It was a huge struggle to fit in technically. It almost felt like I was a beginner again in the dance industry.

Why should audiences come to see Burn The Floor?

Faye Huddleston
This show is one of a kind and it appeals to all ages. It is ballroom reinvented. I don’t think people really know what to expect when they see this show, but we always see the audience dancing up the aisles on their way out.

Robbie Kmetoni
EVERYONE must come see this show. It is a jam-packed, energetic, sexy, sophisticated, entertaining and inspiring two hour dance show suitable for any age, male and female. You will not walk out unimpressed!

Damien Samuel
It really is a must see experience. Our live world class singers Peter and Vonzell and percussionists Henry and Joe are worth the admission alone, and then you have 20 world class dancers. It really is a feast for the senses and you can’t find anything like us anywhere else.

If the audience could walk away with one thing, what would you want it to be?

Robbie Kmetoni
I would just love the audience to walk away knowing how much love we put on stage to give them a great show. We pour out our hearts every single night so that the world can see how hard, yet how inspiring dancers and dancing can be. When we get a standing ovation from the crowd, there’s no other feeling like it.. ever!

Faye Huddleston
I’d like the audience to walk away wanting to learn to dance, if they don’t already.

Damien Samuel
Oh they never walk, they sing, they dance and they come back to see us whenever they can!

Want to join in the fun and see Burn The Floor?
Dance Informa has a DOUBLE PASS to giveaway!
Enjoy opening night of Burn The Floor at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre,  March 22nd.

Critics and fans around the world have raved about Burn The Floor: The Independent (London) said “Extraordinary! So hot it contributes to global warming. Burn The Floor will take your breath away!”

HOW TO ENTER:
Suggest Dance Informa to 3 dance friends and you could WIN!
Just Email Dance Informa at info@danceinforma.com with:
 - Your full name, date of birth and address PLUS
- The email addresses of 3 dance friends.
- Include subject: BURN THE FLOOR

Competition Opens Jan 27 2011 and closes March 10 2011. The winner will be emailed and the tickets will be held at the Atlanta Fox Theatre Will Call for collection on the night. If the winner does not repsond within 5 days, a second chance winner will be drawn.  The Winner will be published at www.danceinforma.com after announced. Your friends will be given a free subscription to Dance Informa. If your friends would not like a free subscription they can unsubscribe at anytime by emailing info@danceinforma.com with subject: UNSUBSCRIBE

For more information, including tour dates and ticketing visit www.burnthefloor.com.

Photos: Joan Marcus

By Deborah Searle.

After ten very successful years at the Australian Ballet, principal dancer Danielle Rowe has packed her bags and taken up the barre at Houston Ballet. A much loved performer, Danielle will be greatly missed in Australia, along with her partner Luke Ingham who has also joined the company. Both popular members of the Australian Ballet company for many years, Danielle and Luke are excited to take their talent to Texas.

Upon arriving in Houston, Dance Informa’s Deborah Searle chatted with Danielle about the transition and her plans for the future.

“It’s been a bit of whirlwind, but it’s going well and I’m settling in”, Danielle shared. “I’ve joined the company as Soloist, which is the equivalent of a Senior Artist in Australia. I’ve already had a day of rehearsal and it feels like I’ve been here forever because everyone’s so friendly and welcoming. I’ve had a good start”, she said excitedly.

Danielle takes class at Houston Ballet. Photo Jim Caldwell

Audiences in Houston can look forward to some stunning performances by Danielle who won a prestigious Helpmann Award last year for Best Female Dancer. With such an accomplished career in Australia, Danielle was up for a new challenge. “I was at a stage in my career where I just felt like I needed a bit of a change. There wasn’t a dramatic reason for leaving, I just felt like I needed to work in a fresh environment and get out of my comfort zone”, she explained.

And out of her comfort zone she is, in the American southwest. After traveling to the States to guest perform Danielle responded to an urge to relocate. “Both Luke and I were drawn to America. We both were able to guest with Morphoses, so I spent a bit of time in the US. I began to really appreciate and enjoy the American style of dancing and the way that everyone works”. So Danielle and Luke contacted Artistic Director of Houston Ballet, Stanton Welch (an Australian born dancer with strong ties to the Australian Ballet), and the rest is history. But with opportunities all over the States, why did Danielle and Luke choose Houston Ballet? “We had heard really wonderful things about Houston Ballet. They have a great reputation as being a hard working and really versatile group of dancers”, Danielle shared.

The dancing pair is blessed to be able to join a company together. The fact that Houston Ballet offered positions for both dancers was another factor in their decision to join the company. “We wanted to move to a company that we could both work in. We know how hard it can be for couples to both get a job in a company they like. It’s really wonderful for both of us to have been given this opportunity and it’s great to have that support. Moving to a different country is a bit daunting, but we’ve got each other and that makes it easier”, Danielle revealed.

With rehearsals already in full swing for Houston Ballet’s Marie season in February and Sleeping Beauty in March, the pair are already busy, which is keeping Danielle happy. “I am looking forward to dancing as much as I possibly can”, she said. “There will hopefully be more opportunities for me to dance and perform on a more regular basis here. Houston Ballet rehearse all day (even the senior dancers), and they do a variety of different roles, as opposed to just doing principal roles. That was part of my reason for coming to Houston Ballet – the opportunity to work really, really hard and dance consistently”, she explained.

Danielle in class at Houston Ballet. Photo: Jim Caldwell

But what roles would Danielle still like to perform, as she has danced so many ballets over her career. “I’d love to do Onegin and to dance Giselle. I’d also like to do Odette/Odile in the traditional Swan Lake”, she said. But Danielle isn’t just interested in the classics. “I’d love to work with many different new and exciting choreographers. I really like the workshopping process and being challenged and inspired by new choreographers.”

Now that Danielle is in the States she is keen to explore the vast country and the many opportunities that it presents. “I’d like the opportunity to guest with some different companies around America, if I’m able to and if I have time to with the Houston Ballet schedule”, she disclosed.

But will she miss her home country and the Australian Ballet company? “I’ve never known any other company. I’ve grown up with the same group of dancers and danced with the same dancers, teachers, coaches and directors for ten years. I’m going to miss the comfort and security that I’ve developed with the Australian Ballet over the ten years, and also the three years that I had at the Australian Ballet School. I will miss the intimacy that I have with the Australian Ballet family”, she expressed with a sigh.

A little home sick but excited, Danielle and Luke have a wonderful future ahead in Houston and have some advice for other dancers thinking of making a move abroad. “It’s not as scary as you think”, Danielle laughed. “I think the scariest part about moving overseas is making the initial decision and committing to that decision. I certainly thought it was a huge event to uproot and move overseas, but it’s exciting more than scary.”

Good Luck Danielle and Luke. No doubt Houston audiences will adore you!

Danielle Rowe and Robert Curran perform Wheeldon's After the Rain. Photo David Kelly

Fun Facts

Favorite Role
The role that I hold closest to my heart is ‘Baroness von Rothbart’ from Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake. It’s a character that I’ve had the opportunity to perform over a long period of time so I’ve been able to develop it. Each time I perform it it’s different and special and the ballet is wonderful. It’s a very fulfilling character to play.

Favorite Ballet
I really loved performing Christopher Wheeldon’s After the Rain. The final pas de deux it’s so beautiful in its simplicity and the music is heaven. It’s really special. I think that’s been one of my most special times on stage.

Pointe Shoe Padding
I am a bit weird -  I don’t actually wear anything! I don’t recommend it because you end up with horrible looking feet. As I was growing up I was advised to not wear anything in my pointe shoes, and being an impressionable student I did that and worked through the pain. Now I have really calloused and ugly feet. For the long term I’d recommend a bit of padding for younger dancers so they are able to wear sandals and not have people stare at their feet! 

Touring Must Haves
Massage Ball – I have a massage ball that is my life saver. It gets out any niggly little pains.
Thera-Band - I think you can do so many exercise with just this one piece of equipment. It’s easy, you can role it up and it doesn’t weigh very much. It always helps to get me ready for class. 

Studio Snack
I usually have a banana in between rehearsals to give me energy. I don’t really like them, but I eat them because I know how good they are for me!

Favorite Tutu
My favourite tutu would be the Ballet Imperial tutu. It’s a really hard ballet but the tutu has elegance. The tutu’s so regal that it makes the ballet feel a little easier. I got promoted to Principal when I was doing that role. It was just a really wonderful time and I have fun memories of that costume. 

Hobbies
I love trawling through vintage stores, antiques stores and book shops and seeing what treasures I can find. I love going to the movies and reading. I love chilling out and having a cup of tea whilst listening to records. 

See Danielle Rowe perform with Houston Ballet in Marie this February.

Melody Herrera in Marie. Photo by Pam Francis

Houston Ballet – Marie
February 24- March 6
Brown Theater, Wortham Theater Center, Houston
www.houstonballet.org

Win a Double Pass to Houston Ballet’s Marie!
Inspired by the life of Marie Antoinette

HOW TO ENTER:
Suggest Dance Informa to 3 dance friends and you could WIN!
Just Email Dance Informa at info@danceinforma.com with:
 - Your full name, date of birth and address PLUS
- The email addresses of 3 dance friends.
- Include subject: ‘MARIE’

Competition Opens Jan 31 2011 and closes Feb 14 2011. The winner will be emailed and the a voucher for the tickets will be mailed to them. If the winner does not repsond within 3 days, a second chance winner will be drawn.  The Winner will be published at www.danceinforma.com after announced. Your friends will be given a free subscription to Dance Informa. If your friends would not like a free subscription they can unsubscribe at anytime by emailing info@danceinforma.com with subject: UNSUBSCRIBE

Top photo: James Braund

Win a $200 Shopping Spree at Energetiks.com.au!

Energetiks is a company for, and about Dancers. 
Every dancer is unique so Energetiks’ design team create an extensive variety of stylish products to offer individuality. Dancer’s are perfectionists so Energetiks creates innovative dancewear that supports the dancer striving to be the best.

Energetiks understands the grueling physical demands on a dancer and chooses the ultimate in technologically advanced Australian performance fabrics.  Energetiks fabrics feature treatments specifically designed for the dancer with moisture managements and antibacterial properties to conserve energy, enhance performance, endurance and recovery. Whilst you dance the fabric is working with you and for you.

Choose from the latest designs in dancewear, active wear, foot wear, dance fashion, bags, accessories and more…

TO WIN:
Just email info@danceinforma.com and tell us why you LOVE ENERGETIKS!
Make sure to include your full name, date of birth and address.

Visit www.energetiks.com.au to check out the latest dancewear and foot wear for men, women and children.

Energetiks YOUR dancewear company……

*Prize in Australian Dollars

Throughout the month of August, Tezoro is giving away up to 5 Contemporary DVDs and 5 Online Classes to Dance Informa subscribers!    

Email Dance Informa at info@danceinforma.com with your name, full mailing address and age to win a Contemporary DVD and Online Class from Tezoro!

Founded by Michèle Assaf, Internationally-recognized Producer/Director – Choreographer, Tezoro Productions delivers the dance industry’s top choreographers and most progressive dance instruction to dancers of all levels
across the world through various mediums.  With the most comprehensive portfolio of educational dance content in the business, Tezoro’s 44 titles are available in DVDs, downloadable videos, online on-demand classes, school classrooms and mobile applications for audiences worldwide.

What you will win:

Contemporary Warm-Up DVD with Bruno Collinet

• Direct from France, Bruno Collinet is part of the new generation of teachers going beyond the boundaries of pure technique to bring to his style an open-minded evolution of choreography.  
• New techniques for Intermediate/Advanced dancers
• Using simple elements such as body weight, contact with the floor, kinestetics and release of the joints, these contemporary exercises create a strong and efficient basic placement
• Value = $49.95 US

Learn more here!  
http://www.liveatbroadwaydancecenter.com/

On-Demand Classes

All Tezoro DVD titles are now available on-demand with two options for your preferred access.  Either download or gain online access to complete DVD files and/or specific segments from the comfort of your computer.  Tezoro’s on-demand classes provide easy viewing and on-the-go use for today’s busy dancer or teacher!

Learn more here!  http://www.liveatbroadwaydancecenter.com/?head=Page&idp=25

So make sure you enter! Tezoro provides fantastic dance tutoring that you can use at home, in the studio or with friends to build your strength and technique. Learn the latest moves and choreographic styles from your television or computer!

Competition open to all Australian and US residents.  Competitions opens August 1st 2010.
NSW Permit Number: LTPM/09/00769 CLASS: Type B
Winners will be drawn at random on September 1^st 2010, 9:00am EST Australia. Tezoro will be notified of the winners and DVD’s and online class instructions will be sent direftly from Tezoro. Tezoro will be given the details of all entrants. Winners names will be published at www.danceinforma.com

Readers, go to www.danceinforma.com/dance_magazine.htm to enter!

Just update your subscription details and then suggest
Dance Informa to 3 friends for up to 3 entries in the draw.
Good Luck readers!

Official sweepstake rules can be found at http://www.danceinforma.com/win_$4000.htm 

WIN a Double Pass to see Rasta Thomas’ Rock The Ballet in Brisbane and Perth!

Rock The Ballet is a thrilling dance show performed by the Bad Boys of Dance, set to the art work of video projection master William Cusick. Featuring the sensational talents of 6 Bad Boys and 1 Pretty Girl, this show will surely get you on your feet and smiling.  Set to a soundtrack nothing short of stellar, this show is exciting, fun, powerful, and brilliantly entertaining.

Click here to enter. 

Brisbane
Date: June 22nd – 24th
Venue: Brisbane Concert Hall – QPAC
Contact: QPAC 136 246 www.qpac.com.au

Perth
Date: June 29th – July 17th
Venue: Regal Theatre
Contact: Ticketek 132 849 www.ticketek.com.au

For more information visit www.badboysofdance.com

To read a recent review of the show click here

Until May 28 existing or new Facebook fans of The Dance Off, World Dance Movement and Dance Informa can enter to WIN a free set of six virtual classes from 2010 World Dance Movement Online!

The six, one and a half-hour virtual classes will include classes from Desmond Richardson, Stacey Tookey, Michèle Assaf, Joshua Pelatsky and Bruno Collinet.

The winner of the set of classes will be able to redeem classes online at www.worlddancemovement.com and access the classes there for up to 12 months, up to seven times.

Other prizes offered will include merchandise signed by World Dance Movement faculty, including Michèle Assaf, Desmond Richardson, Stacey Tookey, Rhapsody, Bruno Collinet and Joshua Pelatsky.

So get to Facebook and become a fan!
Dance Informa Facebook fanpage:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Dance-Informa/25811556061?ref=ts  
The Dance Off Facebook fanpage:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/The-Dance-Off/126270966271?ref=ts
World Dance Movement Facebook fanpage:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Castellana-Grotte-Italy/World-Dance-Movement/62715085350?ref=ts

All winners will be announced June 1, 2010 and available for redemption through July 30, 2010.