By Rebecca Martin.

We’ve all been there – hours spent in a studio with a photographer only to get the proofs back and discover a bunch of shots capturing your bent knee, flexed foot and worst angle, or a video of your performance all shot from the side that shoots your awesome 5 pirouettes from the waist up.  It is with great relief and excitement that dancers everywhere can now turn to BOOM media nationwide for their dance photos and videos.  Created by dancers, for dancers, we can now just focus on dancing our best!

Created by director and choreographer Paul Malek, BOOM media doesn’t only provide expert filming and still photography for dancers, the company can also take care of your graphic design needs.  Brilliant!  Both Malek and BOOM believe in filming dance in a way that respects the artistic vision of the choreographer, director, and dancers.  On top of that, BOOM’s experienced dancers can provide promotional design, branding, photo shoots, DVD production and video editing.

Dance Informa picked the brains of creative genius, Paul Malek and here’s what he had to say about BOOM media…

BOOM media directors Paul Malek and Chris Curran

A media company by dancers for dancers is genius. What inspired you to create Boom media?
We wanted to find an avenue where we could help the dance industry grow by offering dancers an alternative career in the industry they are passionate about. After all, as dancers we spend quite a lot of time in between jobs. We saw a gap in the market for a dance specific media business and leapt on it. To our knowledge nothing like this exists anywhere else.

We wanted to provide a fresh, young and innovative alternative to the media options for dance. We were tired of getting concert DVDs back from videographers that missed choreography, cut to inappropriate close-ups and generally didn’t capture what happened on stage. As dancers and theatre makers we shed so much blood, sweat and tears creating these performances, and we really feel they need to be captured with the same respect and passion.

We have a simple philosophy: film dance in a way that respects the artistic vision of the choreographer, director and dancers. We are passionate about dance, and really believe that dance should look the best it can.

Was it difficult finding dancers who were skilled enough to help run the company?
Surprisingly not. There are a lot of dancers out there with degrees and certificates in design and photography, it was just a matter of finding them. We also provide training and intern opportunities to dancers that have a natural talent. We then nurture that talent and help them build the skills they need to have an alternative career in the industry they’re passionate about.

Tell us about the crew at Boom media.
The Boom directors are Chris Curran and myself – we both have vast performance, production and media experience. Chris heads up the design and marketing team, whilst I head up the digital capture and editing teams.

Our current designers include:
Hayley Andrews – she has been a dancer and performer all her life, and has designed for many of the full time institutions and dance business around Australia.
Samantha Merckel – a qualified graphic designer who is also training full time at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance.
Ollie Reading – trainee designer and social media manager who is also a full-time dance student.
Our photography and videography team is also filled with experienced dancers including: Sean Higgins, Shannon Penver, Freya List, Jack May and Rob McLean.
Tim Frazer and Lauree Malek provide office and production assistance, and the team is still growing.

What are the benefits for dancers in having dancers take care of their media?
They completely understand what dancers’ and dance businesses’ needs are. Dancers get the audience they are marketing to and know how to get their attention. They are passionate about their industry and as performers respect the choreography and strive to capture it the best it can be.

Do you have any special deals on at the moment to share with Dance Informa readers?
We have a special offer for Dance School video promos for Dance Informa readers. These video promos are very popular at the moment and are very useful in promoting your school, course or production. They are usually $500, but we’re offering them for $300 to Dance Informa readers. We take your concert footage and edit together a 1-2 minute dynamic web ready video promo for use online or on your website. Each promo includes an amazing animated logo sting at no extra cost.

To find out more about Boom media visit www.fordancersbydancers.com.au

By Deborah Searle.

Tap Extraordinaire Jared Grimes is a performer with heart. I recently met Jared at a New York dance competition he founded called ‘Run The Night’ where he gave young dance hopefuls a chance to perform in front of their peers and industry judges for feedback, encouragement and a cash prize. His heart for the next generation of dancers is evident as he strives to give artists a chance to shine and develop their talents.

Producing his own shows and performing across the US, Grimes is making his mark in the tap and hip hop dance scene with an infectious charisma on stage and off. He has danced alongside legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Gregory Hines, Ben Vereen and Jerry Lewis, has toured with  Mariah Carey and danced for Common, Salt-n-Pepa, Envogue, Busta Rhymes and the Roots. Jared’s theater credits include Cirque Du Soleil’s, Banana Shpeel, Twist, Scottsboro Boys, Pure Country, Babes in Arms, Sammy, Vaudeville and Broadway Underground, a show he directs himself. Grimes has also appeared in commercials for Coca-Cola, Subway and MTV, along with several television shows and films.

Jared performs at Run the Night by Broadway Underground

So who is Jared Grimes? What are his passions?
I am a performer.  My passion is tap.  I feel my greatest strength is the ability to connect with people.

What are you proud of?
I’m proud to be a person who has lived by all the morals and principals instilled in me by my parents. They gave me the everlasting gift of never giving up on people.

Tell us about your dance background
I moved to NYC in 2001 for college and had no money after tuition.  My feet conjured up food and rent for about four years.  The subway is where I built my performing stamina, drive, and execution in tap.  If I couldn’t connect with a crowd they didn’t stay and watch.  Relating to different cultures, races, genders, and ages is what I had to do to last a day in the subway.
I started dancing when I was 3.  My mother was my first teacher.

What is your favorite dance style? Tap or hip hop?
Tap is my favorite style of dance.  Hip hop is second.

What is your career highlight?
My career highlight is regularly performing with Wynton Marsalis, whom I call my professor. He has a wealth of knowledge and his perspectives on music send me to the stars and back with every performance and every conversation.

Tell us about your show ‘Broadway Underground’.
Broadway Underground is a culture in the making of performers who have the ability to do it all. We are a culture of triple threat performers much like Fred Astair, Sammy Davis Jr., Gene Kelly, the Nicholas Brothers and Gregory Hines. We are like them, but for our time.  Broadway Underground is how we put a twist on old ideals of performing. Broadway Underground will soon be a television show fusing dance and comedy!

How do you keep inspired to perform, teach and create?
I stay motivated! I don’t know why or how I keep pushing forward, but there is something inside me that is never satisfied with the moment.  I’m always seeking perfection outside the box and it is an obsession that I have learned to live with. It never stops. When I was little I can remember challenging my image in the mirror [laughs]. In life I never want people to figure me out.  My brain is always trying to stay ahead of itself and I am just trying to keep up with it by feeding it my heart and soul.  It’s a crazy thing. Teaching is an outlet for what is constantly going on in my head.

What is your advice for young street dancers?
My advice to all dancers is to know your history. There’s nothing worse than a dancer that does not know who paved the way for them.

What are your current projects?
I’m currently doing the musical TWIST at the Pasadena Playhouse directed by my friend Debbie Allen.  We will be doing shows from June- July 25.

What are your dreams?
I want to take over the world in a way that hasn’t been done since Sammy Davis Jr!

Video: Courtesy of youTube.
Dance Informa/Dance News International takes no responsibility for the content of any videos viewed through youTube.

Melbourne audiences are in for a treat! The Arts Centre has scored an exclusive Australian season of contemporary dance featuring the legendary Nederlands Dans Theater I. After a 14 year absence, the doyennes of contemporary dance will showcase their distinctive style at the Arts Centre’s State Theatre with five performances from 13 – 17 July 2011.

Since its inception half a century ago, Nederlands Dans Theater has gone on to define dance and attract admiration the world over, and is now recognised as arguably the most innovative dance company in existence. The company has created a rich repertoire with works from master choreographers Jiří Kilián and Hans van Manen, as well as from resident choreographers Sol León & Paul Lightfoot and associate choreographers Crystal Pite and Johan Inger.

“It’s a real coup for us to be able to attract this great international company and dance lovers from around Australia will be eager to come to Melbourne for this exciting season”, said Judith Isherwood, Chief Executive of the Arts Centre. “The company has inspired many first-time visits to the theatre for a great display of modern dance and I have no doubt this 2011 season will provide a similar opportunity.”

“It’s an honour to be back in Australia. We look forward to sharing with the Melbourne audiences a programme which reflects the essence of who we are: fortunate to have a rich and creative dance history which provides us with brilliant signature works like Double You by choreographer Jiri Kylián, while at the same time presenting recent creations by an emerging generation of contemporary dance makers such as Sol León and Paul Lighfoot, and Crystal Pite”, said Nederlands Dans Theater Artistic Director Jim Vincent.

“These three uniquely dynamic productions, created by four diverse choreographic voices and performed by our ensemble of extraordinary dancers will make this programme a truly unforgettable experience” he added.

The Melbourne performances by Nederlands Dans Theater I will feature three works. Created by Jirí Kylián, Double You is an intimate solo which offers a window into a man’s soul as he grapples with life’s experiences.

In The Second Person, Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite creates a powerful atmosphere which draws the audience into a different world. Featuring 24 dancers on stage, they represent the exchange between the collective and the individual, searching for their own identities.

Inspired by the art of silent movies, Paul Lightfoot and Sol León explore the beauty of expression without words in Silent Screen. The highly acclaimed performance will feature large screens projecting luscious and fluid scenery for dancers to move through and beyond.

About Nederlands Dans Theater
Nederlands Dans Theater originated in 1959 when 22 people broke free from the Nederlands Ballet. These rebels were impassioned by dance and the desire to give it a style all their own. Under the direction of Carel Birnie and Benjamin Harkarvy, they steadily built a different repertoire to dance companies of modern dance. Fifty years later, Nederlands Dans Theater has become one of the leading dance companies in the world.

A rich repertoire has been built up with works from master choreographers Jiří Kilián and Hans van Manen, as well as from resident choreographers Sol León and Paul Lightfoot, associate choreographers Crystal Pite and Johan Inter and many other guest choreographers such as Ohad Naharin, Nacho Duato and William Forsythe.

Through the years, but particularly in its heyday under former artistic director Jiří Kilián, Nederland Dans Theater has created pioneering works in contemporary dance. Ballets originally made for Nederlands Dans Theater are still performed all over the world. Numerous dancers and choreographers that once started with the company have set up their own dance companies world-wide, spreading Nederlands Dans Theater’s influence far and wide. A number of Australian dancers have worked with Nederlands Dans Theater, including Graeme Murphy, Gideon Obarzanek and Kirsty Martin (The Australian Ballet).

Nederlands Dans Theater has two companies, with two generations of dancers – Nederlands Dans Theater I and Nederlands Dans Theater II. Nederlands Dans Theater I is the first company, founded in 1959 and consists of thirty dancers. They vary in age from 23 to 42 and each one of them excels in their solo qualities. Nederlands Dans Theater II was founded in 1978 for young, upcoming talent with astonishing technique and endless energy. NDT II currently consists of sixteen dancers up to the age of 23. The second company is a revolutionary breeding ground for talented dancers and established choreographers who together create new work.

Get your tickets here!

By Jessica Innes

It is said “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” and with tenacity and the right approach, the dream of dancing for a living can become a reality. We all dream of being a Broadway musical star or dancing in a Justin Timberlake video clip, however the sifting process in the performing arts allows only tiny portions of talent to make it through the brutal mill of the industry. So after hours of gruelling training and perfecting of your craft, what options do you have to utilize your hard work? It’s all about making yourself a versatile performer and finding your own niche to flourish in.

TEACHING: This is reliable and fulfilling work that will allow you to develop valuable choreography skills. Approach local dance schools and share your passion with the next generation of dancers. If you have no teaching qualifications look into taking the The Ausdance Skill Set for Teaching Dance as a start. It is a short course that provides experienced dancers and existing dance teachers with the skills and teaching strategies needed to successfully teach dance in community, recreational and social settings (including schools). A University Degree in Dance Education will open even more doors and allow you to teach HSC Dance.

INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTS: Many countries draw from Australia’s talent pool to fill positions on cruise ships, in theme parks, for Bollywood and casinos all over the world. You need to ensure you have a valid passport and are willing to commit to a contract of at least 6 months. Experience other cultures as you dance all over the world!

MUSICAL THEATRE: Triple Threat’s have a huge advantage in this area so develop your singing and acting techniques to increase your versatility. You often need an agent to be put forward for auditions so finding representation is a good first step.

MODELING AND COMMERCIAL: Dancers have the advantage of maintaining a good level of fitness due to regular training and have an increased awareness of their bodies. Many dancers will find they are suitable for modeling and extra work for film or television. Photographers are always looking for amateur models so start putting together a portfolio. Online casting sites such as AT2, Showcast and even StarNow have some great opportunities. Dance Informa also lists opportunities in our AUDITIONS section.

STAGEHAND WORK: Surround yourself with inspiring performances by working backstage or as an usher at a theatre. You’ll save money on buying tickets and you’ll gain valuable contacts that can guide you to the spotlight. TAFE Australia offers many different courses in Lighting, Set Design and Audio Engineering and any additional qualification is an asset to your future.

CREATE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITIES: You are the master of your own destiny, so if you want to dance and don’t have an outlet, do something about it! Form a crew, collaborate with other artists and put on a community show or make a dance film. Every experience is going to add to your credibility and wealth of knowledge as a performer, so be proactive and put your best foot forward.

We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavours and a successful and fulfilling dance career!

23 August – 4 September 2011

2011 will mark the third year of Sydney Opera House’s Spring Dance – Australia’s only international, contemporary dance festival. Curated by Wendy Martin, highlights of the festival will include a world premiere from Lloyd Newson’s UK-based company DV8, the first ever Sydney performance by Alain Platel’s acclaimed les ballets C de la B from Belgium and Spain’s avant-garde flamenco artist Israel Galvan who will perform in Australia for the first time.

This year Spring Dance will be dedicated to the legacy of Pina Bausch, one of the most influential and innovative choreographers of the twentieth century. Martin said, ‘By showcasing the work of choreographers Lloyd Newson and Alain Platel, we will bring together two artists who cite the enormous influence Bausch has had on their work. This seems like the perfect springboard to explore the influence this iconic dance maker has had on the landscape of contemporary Australian dance.’ A series of films and discussions will look at the singular vision of Pina Bausch and her Tanztheater Wuppertal.

Artwork - Ros Warby, Monumental, photo: L. Tomasetti; les ballets C de la B, Out of Context – for Pina, photo: C. Van Der Burght

In 2011 Spring Dance will take over the Western Foyers with performances in the Drama Theatre, Studio and Playhouse and a series of talks, masterclasses and exhibitions in the Western Foyer and precinct.

Sydney Opera House will host the world premiere of DV8’s, Can we talk about this? choreographed and devised by Artistic Director Lloyd Newson. Like his recent productions that have combined dance with verbatim theatre to tackle social and political issues head-on, Can we talk about this? will explore ideas around freedom of speech.

Alain Platel’s company, les ballets C de la B, will present the award-winning production Out of Context: For Pina. For its first Sydney season, it will include a ‘Pina Intervention’ by acclaimed Australian choreographer Meryl Tankard who was a star of Pina Bausch’s company in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Israel Galvan, the daringly innovative Flamenco artist from Seville will come to Sydney Opera House with the Australian premiere of his award-winning production Le Edad de Oro which uses the techniques and artistry of Flamenco while building on tradition to create a new, pared-back aesthetic for the genre.

Chunky Move returns to Spring Dance with I Like This – a witty and irreverent take on the making of a dance piece, created by two of Australia’s finest contemporary dancers and emerging choreographers, Byron Perry and Antony Hamilton.

The work of Melbourne-based dancer and choreographer Ros Warby has been acclaimed by critics around the world. She will return to Sydney to perform the award-winning Monumental at Spring Dance, in which she explores ideas around two iconic symbols of classical ballet: the swan and the soldier.

And for younger audiences, Sydney Opera House will present The Forest by the UK-based performance company Fevered Sleep. The Forest will reflect their interest in creating design-focused productions that develop theatrical environments to envelop their audience and draw them into a world of fantasy, intrigue, movement and storytelling.

This year’s Spring Dance festival will offer the rare opportunity to be taught by some of the world’s great dancers and choreographers with 6 master classes on offer. There will be a series of panel discussions, hosted by Caroline Baum, with prominent dancers and choreographers looking at Pina Bausch and her legacy. They will be accompanied by a program of film screenings.

Top photo:  Ros Warby – Monumental, Photo: Lisa Tommasetti

A New Baby for Broadway

Broadhurst Theatre, New York City
April 2011

By Deborah Searle.

Still in previews, Baby It’s You is a new show for Broadway with a similar script to the stage and screen hit Dreamgirls. The strength of the show is its infectious sound track of popular 50s and 60s music that has the audience dancing in their seats. With a score of famous tracks like “He’s So Fine,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “It’s My Party,” “Shout,” and “Rockin’ Robin”, this show is set to be a huge success!

Inspired by the life of Florence Greenberg, the woman who in the late 1950′s took the male-dominated music industry by storm, Baby It’s You tells the story of a woman trying to change her life and the music industry. Along the way she pushes social boundaries, falls out of and in love and changes the lives of four young African American singing hopefuls. On a trailblazing journey from New Jersey housewife to record mogul, Greenberg launched the careers of some of the biggest recording stars of the 50s including one of the greatest girl groups of all time; ‘The Shirelles’, and Baby It’s You is a tribute to her success.

The show starts with a bang, immediately engaging us with an energetic song and dance number and we know straight away that we’re in for an entertaining night. This energy doesn’t falter and after the interval the show starts off again in fine form with an explosive song that draws us straight back into the story.

Tony Award winner Beth Leavel plays Florence Greenberg and is perfect for the role. She is believable, passionate and a consummate performer.  Leavel is backed by a brilliant cast that brings the story to life with impressive acting and piercing vocals. There isn’t much dancing in the show, but Kyra Da Costa as one of the Shirelles, is the strongest dancer of the cast, outshining the other performers with her obvious training and technique, and is a joy to watch.

Although the second act was a little drawn out, overall Baby It’s You is thoroughly entertaining and empowering. It’s the popular music that will drive the audience in, but it’s the convincing acting, interesting storyline and even the backdrop (complete with ever changing imagery across large screens) that will keep audiences strong.

Baby It’s You had me entertained, educated about the 50s/60s music scene, and literally dancing in my seat. Although I didn’t grow up in the story’s era, I enjoyed the show immensely proving that Baby It’s You is a great show for both young adults and Baby Boomers.