LET’S TALK raw dance company with andrew fee

Hey Guys - Today I am talking with Andrew Fee, the Brisbane based Artistic Director and Creator of Raw Dance Company to see how Raw Metal, the tap group he started in 1998 has changed over the years and where it will go in the future.

Christine: When the original company was created it was known as RAW METAL - how has it changed over the years and what have you added to the RAW EXPERIENCE?

Choreographing contemporary

Help! Where do I start?

Words by Joseph Simons

Pics by Jon Green

Choreographing a contemporary dance can be a pretty scary task.

What’s the idea going to be? And how on Earth am I going to put together movements in such a way that it looks original and cool?

I looked for answers in Perth.

IMPORTANCE OF HYDRATION FOR DANCERS

Diet, Exercise, Sleep & Hydration.

Timothy O’Donnell

Winner of Milwaukee Ballet’s International Choreographic Competition

We have had some amazing tap dancers and wonderful tap productions in Australia over the years, all of which have made an enormous contribution to our very unique tapping landscape. Who could forget David Atkins’ Hot Shoe Shuffle, Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs or Glyn Gray and Nathan Sheens BPM – Beats Per Minute!

Your Body is Your Instrument

Suzi-ann Ryan

take every opportunity that comes your way

Kimberly Wyatt

THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS

“Dream and Believe”

Marko Panzic 24

So You Think You Can Dance TOP20 08

Body image

Hi there,

GUYS IN CHEERLEADING – AND THE GIRLS LOVE ‘EM!

One year out from the hype of SYTYCD, tell us how the show has impacted your life? 

SYTYCD has been such a wonderful promotion for dance in general.  Just to have strangers tell you how much they love the show and how their whole family is glued to the TV every Sunday night, I just find that so awesome for dance in Australia!  As for me, I just love being busy with both of my dance studios and am really excited to continue growing my business.  SYTYCD has definitely helped the profile of my business.

Does muscle type determine dance ability?

Safe Dance Practice: Body Intelligence

Australia, the first stop on Universal Studios Japan’s 2009 Worldwide Audition Tour

Universal Studios Japan returns to Melbourne and the Gold Coast for the 10th consecutive year as part of their worldwide audition tour.

Australia has constantly proven to be a great place to find talent. In 2008 over 700 Australians auditioned, with 114 making it to the finalist short list and a total of 31 candidates being offered contracts.  Those selected then have their chance to shine in front of up to 10 million visitors each year at Universal Studios Japan.

LET’S TALK Bill Simpson & Red Hot Rhythm

Hi Guys,
I am sure many of you were watching Australia’s Got Talent a few weeks ago and were thrilled to see a group of tap dancers in the grand final! So I thought I would have a chat with the Brisbane based creator of Red Hot Rhythm, Bill Simpson and see how he found the experience!

Talia Fowler
09 winner
So you think you can dance Australia

Talia took the leap of faith to enter So You Think you Can Dance series 2 as she had to resign from her position with the Queensland Ballet in order to audition for the show. Wary at first risking so much for an unknown outcome led her to give everything she had throughout the auditions and the show. The result we all know this gorgeous unbelievably talented gal took the 09 title and yes SHE CAN DANCE!

Talia Fowler, FULL TRANSCRIPT

Tabitha and Napoleon
www.napoleonandtabitha.com

I met up with this wicked duo at the Urban Dance Centre Opening in Sydney during April. They were taking some very cool workshops that made this girl want to trade her camera for dancing shoes.

To think that when these guys started with their hip-hop story telling chorey they were shunned by their own community and hip-hop peers just goes to prove yet again, if you stick with your heart, play hard and smart you can achieve your dreams!

Six steps for succeeding in dance
Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it. (Marva Collins).
Making it in dance requires more than talent. This explains why some dancers with great natural ability don’t end up pursuing their dreams while others with less natural talent make it big. State of mind is a key determinate of success that is common to people who make it in a range of professions. To give yourself the best chance of success, engage the most powerful organ in your body and get thinking about how you can bring success to you.

Anything is Valid Dance Theatre
Words by Joseph Simons

Ever wondered what it feels like to walk down the main street and just bust out some moves? Serena Chalker and Quindell Orton do. And they loved it so much, it’s now part of their jobs!

Serena and Quindell are the core partnership behind Anything is Valid Dance Theatre. AIVDT is a new contemporary dance company in Perth, but the idea began as a simple experiment.

WAAPA
Have you got what it takes?
Written by Joseph Simons

It’s that time of the year, and some of you older students might be thinking about leaving school and studying dance at university.

WAAPA (Western Australian of Performing Arts) produces some of the highest quality trained dancers in the country. With an equal balance of ballet and contemporary, and a huge range of extra goodies including Yoga, Music, Choreography, Spanish dance and Aerial (silks and trapeze), it will set you up for any kind of dance related job you’re after.

Mafia, Betrayal, Love, Revenge
JERSEY BOYS - Laurence Olivier Awards 2009 - Best New Musical

JERSEY BOYS is a true life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The show follows the journey of a group of working class kids who started life on the wrong side of the tracks. They turned it all around by inventing their own sound along with writing their own songs and selling over 100 million records! The show features many of the bands world wide hits! And is truly one of the most loved shows in the West End today!!

Upper body strengthening using the theraband
By Melissa Patterson from MGpilates

Tamara Hanton
Queensland Ballet

This vivacious twenty year old is in her first year with the Queensland Ballet after completing 2 years in Professional Year (PY). PY also happened to be her first experience of full-time dance after training part-time firstly with Dianne McLellan Dance Academy followed by Anne Fraser on the Sunshine Coast. Tamara’s parents insisted she finished year 12 before pursuing her dream to dance.

Musicality

Have you ever thought about what gives one dancer the competitive edge over another? What makes us watch one particular member of an ensemble? Or really be captivated by a performance? Is it just technique that makes us admire a dancer’s work or is it something more?

I have always defined a dancer as an actor who uses movement to tell a story, just as a singer is an actor who uses music/lyrics to tell their story. But what does that actually mean?

Sher Roberts

Sher Roberts originally moved from Wollongong, where she ran a successful dance school, to the UK because of the high density of shows on offer in the West End which suited her dream of becoming a choreographer on the world stage. After a year in London, an opportunity in Ireland presented itself and she began choreographing the Opera House's Panto, Sleeping Beauty. Recently she began work on the Cork City Ballet's latest work where she choreographed on the soloists from the Ballet Russe in Russia.

Michaeljon Slinger

Avid Dtrainers will recognise MJ from the MAY/JUN 2004 issue after he took the 2004 Senior Dancer of the Year Showcase Championship title and again in our NOV/DEC 05 issue when he was about to embark on his four-year undergraduate program at the illustrious Juilliard’s in New York.

Michael Schwandt
… check your ego at the door
…it’s not about you, it’s about the overall project.

Avril Lavigne, Lady GaGa, JLO, Craig David, Britney Spears, Aerosmith and Miss Universe all have something in common - LA Superstar Michael Schwandt. He has worked with these celebrities as well as many others in choreographing their music film clips and shows.

LET’S TALK DEIN PERRY and the TAP DOGS

Hey Guys,
If you weren’t around when Dein Perry first took Australia by storm with Tap Dogs, keep on reading to discover this world wide tap dancing phenomenon that started right here in our own back yard! It is inspirational to say the least!

What was you vision for Tap Dogs when you launched your first show 15 years ago?
DEIN: The vision was to put tap dancing with rock n’ roll. With an electric base and an electric guitar – anything that had a rock n’ roll feel to it.

Key steps for dancers in coping with illness and injury

JAYNE SMEULDERS
She’s danced for ten years with West Australian Ballet,
and shows no signs of stopping!

By Joseph Simons

In the green room at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth, Jayne Smeulders sits on a big squishy couch and eats her lunch. It’s hard to imagine that this woman has had such an impressive career in the dance industry. But then again, if you saw her in the studio a few minutes earlier, you’d understand why.

Getting the mental edge in competition

Everyone knows that the best dancer does not always get selected in competition. Some of the most brilliant dancers struggle to perform at their peak in competitive environments costing them roles and causing frustration. So once you have developed the physical side of your performance, the key to success could lie in your mental preparedness and approach to competition. The majority of dancers who regularly under-perform in stressful situations struggle to control their anxiety and focus.

Chicago
Choreographer
Gary Chryst

Gary Chryst has staged the CHICAGO choreography on every continent except Antarctica. Other choreographic credits include a new American production of SOUTH PACIFIC, NIJINSKY in Japan and numerous MTV videos. Mr. Chryst's Broadway performing credits include GUYS AND DOLLS, BOB FOSSE'S DANCIN' and A CHORUS LINE.

Winner of 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards®, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations, Chicago is one of the longest-running musicals on both Broadway and the West End.

Desmond Richardson
Live . Grow . Challenge what you know, is the Complexions Motto!
Complexions Contemporary Ballet

This March Pivot(al), Adelaide Festival Centre’s year long dance program proudly present one of the most innovative and extraordinary American dance company’s, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, performing in the Festival Theatre from 10 – 12 March.

Deborah Brown
“I love the journey of not being able to do a step one day to nailing it days later.”

BJ ROURKE
So You Think You Can Dance Australia
“I’ve always just wanted to dance, that’s my main aim, inspire people, and to get on the stage and do what I love doing.” 

Talent Development High School (TDHS) graduate BJ Rourke took hold of our hearts in series one of So You Think You Can Dance Australia, and prior to auditioning for series 2 he was playing the character of Tumblebrutus in CATS the musical in Korea and starting his own production Company A-Live Entertainment here in Australia. 

FLASHDANCE is coming to the end of a most successful UK tour with new rumours it will be opening on the West End! Very exciting! Aaron Renfree is part of the wonderful cast and very well known for his former work with S CLUB 8 a spin off of the very popular UK band S CLUB 7. Being known for his dance he has made a natural progression into choreography having the chance to work with some of the UK’s top Performer/Choreographers! He is one to watch out for!

BALLET SHOES

SUE PEACOCK
This cool choreographer from WA loves the idea of dance for everyone!

Written by Joseph Simons

 
In WA, there’s a buzz in the air (and its not just the summer heat!). Every year, during February and March, the Perth International Arts Festival bursts onto the streets, and the city explodes with weird and wonderful performances, exhibitions and concerts. This year is no exception.

Wayne Scott Kermond
“…you’re one mean cat. You can dance. We need young cats like you to take over from old cats like me. You just keep going, mate, keep going, you got it.”
Sammy Davis Jn talking to Wayne backstage after a performance of Guys and Dolls

Musical Theatre Performer of the Year 03
Peter Allen Performer of the Year 06
Dance Performer of the Year 07

Tenealle Farragher
Takes on New York
“I think it’s good to always re-evaluate your daily life because you’re always changing.” 

This year marks the 50th anniversary celebration of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance; today the legacy continues with Judith Jamison’s remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company’s dancers. Beauty, spirit, hope and passion know no bounds. That is the power of Ailey.

LET’S TALK: TAPATAK OZ

What is Tapatak Oz?
The Tapatak Oz System is a new Tap system available on DVD created by Christine Denny. “I wanted to create a set of DVDs that not only gave the viewer heaps of different steps, combinations and choreography but also offered them a range of teaching techniques that would help them get the best results from themselves and their students,” said Christine.

Pilates power
Plié
This exercise will help those muscles required for turn out and at the same time strengthen them which is important for healthy hip function. Using a theraband provides resistance and gives you more strength for plié’s. All too often dancers jam the rotator muscles in effort to turn out. Using this technique will give you fluidity and create harmony and balance in your hips.

Finding a neutral spine is important before you begin this exercise to ensure you are using the correct muscles. Let us start with some visualisation.

Jarrad Cramp

Jarrad started dancing when he was 10 motivated as many male dancers are by his sister. It all started with that first tap class and after travelling to many different teachers over many miles and experiencing jazz and ballet, it was ballet that took hold. Influenced by teachers, Monique Feain (Cecchetti), Prudence Bowen (Royal Academy of Dance), Barabara Eversen of ADPI, The Australian Ballet School and The English National Ballet he finds himself back home and extremely eager to continue his studies but not necessarily in just classical ballet.

Applying for a work visa or green card

If you are not a citizen of the United States of America, the only way to work in the U.S. is to have legal permission from the U.S. government in the form of a work visa or green card. To some, the task of obtaining these documents may seem highly unlikely. Don’t worry! With the help of an immigration lawyer, numerous foreign dancers have been granted permission to temporarily stay and work in the United States.

AUSSIE MISSES OUT AS KOREAN B-BOY SPREADS HIS WINGS

On Wednesday, 5 November in the heart of Paris, Korean B-Boy Wing prevailed over 15 of the most talented dancers in the world, including Australian competitor B-Boy Nasa, to win the most important event on the B-Boying calendar, the 2008 Red Bull BC One break dance championships.

The West End is getting ready for the ride of its life with PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT rolling into town early next year! Set to Open at The Palace Theatre in March starring none other than our own JASON DONAVON as TICK!

The beautiful and undoubtedly talented AMY EDWARDS is making her WEST END debut in PRISCILLA and as she is one of our own and a regular featured performer in DANCEtrain I thought, it was only best to have a chat with her and get the gossip!

Congratulations and Chookas Amy!

Eating disorders: An occupational hazard for dancers?

Alignment Principles

If you’re studying Dance as a school subject you need to demonstrate correct alignment and body placement as essential skills of dance technique in your practical performances.  But, you must also have a good theoretical grasp of its concepts so that you can show your understanding in other forms of class work and assessment (log book, viva voce, written exams etc).  I hope to clarify some of the key vocab related to alignment for you. 

Young dancers tend to be dedicated, willing to try new & exciting choreo. and reluctant to miss any comp or performance. To this end they may over-exert themselves or try so hard and put in such long hours that they unknowingly become fatigued and tired, loosing focus and concentration in class. Both of these situations can result in injury which usually means time away from dance which no-one wants.

Choreography for Music Theatre
by Jane Miskovic

We can’t always include everything we want to in the mag, but luckily online we have plenty of space! Here are some more questions from our Jan/Feb 09 article about appropriate costumes and choreography.

6 working professional dancers from the commercial, musical theatre and corporate fields give fantastic advice to make the most out of your next audition.

Richard Cilli chats with David about his training, life in the WA Ballet and his Martin Bequest Travelling Scholarship win.

David Jonathon

David Jonathon is one of the most exciting artists at the West Australian Ballet. Having recently won the Martin Bequest travelling scholarship, he’s off to visit the dancing world in Europe. I had a short conversation with him about where he’s come from, what he’s up to, and where he’s going.
Richard Cilli

Make the most out of your next comp with these very cool tips.

“It is great to think that a piece we get to see could be choreographed by the next Kelley Abbey. I was lucky enough to have my Prix De Lausanne solo choreographed by Natalie Weir,” said Megs.

Meghan Cooper trained with Robyn Croft, Carmel Nolan, Elsie Seguss and Val
Hansen in classical ballet and in contemporary she studied with Natalie Weir before graduating from The Royal Ballet School. Megs also studied Jazz with one of Aussies finest teachers, Robbert Sturrock.

An in-depth interview with a dancer working at Universal Studios in Japan including survival tips.

James Stafford @
Universal Studios Japan

“Sometimes you're just not 'good enough. That's okay: you can always work towards being better.”

James Stafford is currently performing at one of the world’s greatest theme parks, Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Japan are auditioning around Australia very soon so this interview is a must read for all who are interested.

A fab interview with multi talented contemporary dancer covering his muscial and commercial dance history.

Paul trained in Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Folk, Voice, Drama and Acrobatics. He has worked across many genres of dance including - commercial in Jupiters Casino show Inneurve, Ballet in Queensland Ballet’s Professional Year, Musical Theatre in Pirates of Penzance and finally Contemporary in ADT, DV8 Physical Theatre and Tanja Liedtke Company.

Amanda challenges the myths that weight training will make our muscles bigger.

STRENGTH TRAINING FOR DANCERS by Amanda See
There are many myths surrounding strength or resistance training for dancers. When performed correctly and as part of a balanced fitness program, it can prove extremely beneficial. Let’s take a look at some of the main concerns dancers have about strength training.

Debra Crookshanks tells us what we need to know when visiting a physician about an injury.

Read about this extraordinary performer whose career spans across ballet, musical theatre, contemporary and ballroom.

“I think the moment you feel like you know everything is the moment you stop learning and stop developing.”

It would seem that Adelaide born Mark Hodge was born into show business and destined to remain there with both his parents being avid Ballroom dancers and his dad also being an acrobat in his own troupe that toured the world.

The glissade belongs to the family of linking steps and is one of the most important, but also one of the most difficult to execute correctly. by Robyn White Artistic Associate Queensland Ballet

Here is a glissade derrière as used in allegro, taken in slow motion.

APMA Pilates Instructor Melissa Gardelli talks us through a Pilates exercise that will help stabilise the pelvis.

BI=Breathe In
BO=Breathe Out

Robyn White Artistic Associate Queensland Ballet gives some fantastic advice about the importance of taking in air and expelling it out!

How to prevent falling prone to the TOP10 injury list by Dance Physiotherapist Specialist Debra Crookshanks

Hi gorgeous dancers. Over 2006 we have received great questions from enlightened dancers wanting to look after their bodies and ensure a long healthy enjoyment of dance. So to keep fit over the summer holidays and prevent any injuries when returning to classes in 2007 have a look at the Top10 Injury Prevention & Treatment TIPS with advice on how to prevent the injury or how to correctly manage the injury if you are unlucky enough to have one. Enjoy & learn.

A closer look at this amazing womans career and the thought processes behind her work. Richard Cilli

The first thing I want to know is where did you train?
I trained at the Victorian College of the Arts, so yeah, I’m not a Perth person.

Alison has worked with Madonna, Britney Spears, Pink, Eve, Anastasia to name a few.

Be the best you can with helpful, practical advice from Prue Pearse.

Reaching your dancing goals can be as easy as 5, 6, 7, 8. But life is hectic and its often hard to keep your focus day in and day out. Sometimes the dance studio’s the last place you want to be.

It’s at times like these you need to step back and take stock. The following motivational techniques will help you to recognise your strengths and weaknesses and help you refocus on your goals.

And by the way, anyone can benefit from these exercises, not just dancers.

Find the passion within

Read exclusive interview about behind-the-scenes making of this incredible film.

25 years after first bringing Broadway audiences to their feet, the Tony Award-winning musical sensation, ‘Dreamgirls’ comes to the big screen. Based loosely on the rise of Diana Ross & the Supremes, the film delves behind the scenes of the glamorous Motown era. Joel Peisley gets the scoop directly from the cast & crew of the hype-worthy hit film.

Ricard Cilli chats with newly appointed AD of WA Ballet.

The whole of WA is jumping out of its tights awaiting the arrival of the new Artistic Director of the WA Ballet: Ivan Cavallari. Born in Bolzano, Italy he trained at Teatro La Scala, and the Bolshoi. Having danced as principal dancer of the Stuttgart Ballet with choreographers such as John Cranko, George Balanchine, and Jiri Kylian, it is now his turn to take the helm of The West Australian Ballet Company on the other side of the world! Richard Cilli chats to him about his life of dance.

Think like a Champion, Dance like a Star author Grant Davies tells us why New Years Resolutions DON'T WORK!

It is proven that within a few short weeks most people who make a New Years Resolution have given up on it or not followed through!

THAT IS BECAUSE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS DON'T WORK!

Let me tell you why...
When people make new years resolutions, the next time they check in to see how they are going with it is NEXT NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NEW YORK JAZZ…. THE GINGER COX WAY!
A MUST READ FOR THE ASPIRING DANCER, CHOREOGRAPHER OR TEACHER
By Raquel Le Brocque

Albert Einstein was quoted as saying “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” A truly inspirational, talented and motivating force, who continually exemplifies this powerful thought is Artistic Director of New York based LiNK Contemporary Jazz Dance Co, Ginger Cox.

“Use your feet!” – How many times have you heard this when you get to the Allegro section of class and start jumping?
By Robyn White Artistic Associate Queensland Ballet

Using your feet when you jump sometimes just doesn’t happen, no matter how hard you try.  There are reasons for this and if you are aware of them then it will help you.

Q&A with Queensland Ballet Soloist
Renée von Stein

“…when I am on stage in front of an audience, I forget about everything and I really enjoy what I am doing.”

Renée Von Stein started dancing when she was 3 ½ and the majority of her early ballet training was with Mary Heath and Janine McGrath. She is a Queensland Dance School of Excellence graduate and it was at 12 years of age she decided that a career in ballet was what she wanted and could achieve.

Why should be having regular massages?

Just as a car needs petrol to drive you to dance class, your body needs fuel in order to perform at its best. It is always advised to consult with a dietician or nutritionist to find out what is best for your body.

How do they occur, are they genetic, what is the treatment? Answers to these questions and more from Dance Specialist Physio Debra Crookshanks, DANCEtrain's in-house physio.

HOW DOES COLLAPSING ARCHES OCCUR?
There are four arches in each foot but we are most familiar with the inside or medial arch which runs from under the big toe back to the heel. Our arches are formed by the bones in our foot (there are 24 bones in each foot) and held firm yet flexible by many ligaments and muscles.

Frances Rings' choreography is so amazingly fluid, if all her dancers were not in sync with each other you would presume the steps came forth from the heart in a bountiful supply of freelance movement.

Bangarra Company is made up of an extraordinary group of performers who are not only technically brilliant they dance with soul and move their audiences including myself to tears.

I had the honour to chat with Frances before the Brisbane premiere of X300 a piece performed alongside another fabulous story teller, choreographer Elma Kris EMERET LU (Very Old Things).

In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. The field’s been narrowed down to just 17 dancers. For these men and women, this audition is the chance of a lifetime...

In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. The field’s been narrowed down to just 17 dancers. For these men and women, this audition is the chance of a lifetime...

Lets take a trip down memory lane…

1974
January 18 - First Tape Session with 22 dancers
August- September - First Workshop

1975
January-February - Second Workshop
April 16 - First off-Broadway Preview (The Public Theater - Estelle R. Newman Theater)
May 21 – Original Broadway Opening Night
June 3 - Columbia records Original Cast Album
July 13 - Final off-Broadway Performance (101 performances)
July 25 - First Broadway Performance, Shubert Theatre
October 19 - Press Opening

Joshua Horner has been gone a long time.  Since he resigned form The Australian Ballet, Joshua has performed in Dirty Dancing (understudied the lead), Guys and Dolls in the UK and in Twyla Tharp and Billy Joel’s Movin’ Out. 

A step by step guide to help you master this step by Artistic Associate of The Qld Ballet Robyn White.

Saut de basque is a difficult step to execute correctly.
There is a preparatory exercise which I find very helpful.
 Here it is, with the counts underneath:

‘and’  Demi-plié in 5th éffacé (ouvert), weight well
centred on two legs. 

‘a’ Extend the leg devant, weight still firmly on
the back leg.  Make sure that your shoulders stay back over the toes of the back leg, don’t let them come forward and drag your weight off the back leg.

The number 1 tip, if you feel good you will look good!

The number 1 tip, if you feel good you will look good!

Gals & dudes
If auditioning for a musical, do your research and find out what style the musical was set in then duplicate it by visiting Op Shops and second hand stores. You will be amazed what you can find and how little it will cost you. I remember a girl who was laughed at by all her peers because she attended a Grease Musical Call wearing a full circle tulle skirt, blouse and hair and makeup in that era. She got the job, everyone stopped laughing!

Meet some of America’s top Ballerinas AMY BRANDT, ANNE-SOPHIE RODRIGUEZ, MELISSA MORRISSEY & TRICIA A. SUNDBECK

At 16 years of age and even younger many of our young student dancers are heading overseas to further their training. Dani Brown chats exclusively with 5 students from the English National Ballet School to help parents and students preparing for such a trip.

All Star Competition is the stage for cheerleaders and dancers to showcase their talents and abilities and the challenge of performing in front of people builds confidence and self-esteem.

When big hair meets big dreams anything can happen. Tracy Turnblad was born to dance & her plus-sized figure is not going to get in the way. ‘Hairspray’ is a high-energy musical comedy that proves you don’t have to fit in to win.

More recently Riely has performed with the Melbourne Ballet Company, where she danced soloist roles in Phases by Justine Miles & Premiere Amore by Sharon Fernandez.

Riely Alecia Saville began her early training at The Dance Class School of Ballet in Sydney. She then attended the Ransley Ballet & Dance Centre, on the Gold Coast, where she trained with Dawn & Joy Ransley, Ann Fraser and former Royal Ballet stars Rowena Jackson & Phillip Chatfield.

Look out WA! STEPS Youth Dance Company has a brand new Artistic Director. Sam Fox has dive-rolled into the STEPS picture wielding ideas and determination enough to make something new and different happen to the young people of Western Australia.

A step by step exercise plan for coming down off the pointe shoes by the Artistic Associate from the Queensland Ballet.

Dancers tend to think of pointe work in terms of “getting up’ onto their toes. Far more difficult though, is the actual coming down. When it’s well-executed, the descent from pointe, just like the descent from jumps, is what gives the impression of control, articulation and co-ordination between one step and another.

This year Sarah Bakker returns to where her major dance training took place to perform in one of the most prestigious musicals, Phantom of the Opera. Having graduated from The Queensland Dance School of Excellence in 2006 this girl has leaped at every opportunity.

Admired by many, internationally recognised, intuitive, creatively connected to her knowledge and integrity driven, this amazing artist chats exclusively with Dtrain’s Editor Dani Brown about her life, triumphs, aspirations and passions.

Chatting with Kelley and watching her take a pro-class at Brent Street studios was enough to stimulate and motivate me for the whole year! Her obvious love for the art of dance is in her every word accompanied by a respect and genuine appreciation for the art of the dance and most importantly the dancer.

Natalie K Marsland is one of those frightening bolts that hit the choreographic scene not too often.  A style of her own, Marsland is far from approaching her peak and yet sailing on a cloud that is not far behind. 

Every year hundreds of dancers are asked to comply with a physio examination as a part of their application form. For some this can be an extremely sensitive time, Debra Crookshanks from The Dancers Clinic talks us through the examination to help alleviate confusion.

This is a great exercise for strengthening the upper body, arms and shoulder girdle. The wrists, elbows and shoulders when strong and flexible allow the hands to move with great ease and skill which provides the hands with the ability to move in the most dynamic way.

Using the wrists, elbows and shoulders to move the arms in a coordinated and seamless manner helps centre the entire body, which is paramount to improving dance technique.

TODAY – LET’S TALK PERSONALITY

Hey Everyone. Welcome back to the second column of Let’s Talk Tap. Today I thought we would talk about the importance of personality when we are tap dancing.

“Do everything on instinct, be very confident, don’t ever underestimate yourself.”

On August 10 at the Metro Theatre in Sydney The Next Step is performing their first live show in Sydney.

Universal Studios Japan
“Don’t limit yourself to one discipline”

Every year Universal Studios Japan audition in Australia for dancers and singers to perform in their shows and this year is no exception.

I think most us now know that we should be dancing on a sprung floor, but what is a sprung floor? How does it affect our body when we dance and why should we ensure that we minimise time spent working on hard surfaces? Deb Crookshanks offers us some clarification.

Exclusive full transcript with winner of So You Think You Can Dance 2008 by Dani Brown

Full transcript of interview by Dani Brown of So You Think You Can Dance 08 Runner Up.

The world of Dancesport – that is, competitive Ballroom and Latin dancing – is evolving. Once considered by many as flamboyant to almost a daggy extreme, Dancesport appears to be on the cusp of an exciting vitalization that includes an image facelift and

Born in 1978, Brisbane, a descendant of Wakaid Clan, Badu Island. Her grandmother is a descendant of the Mer people, Murray Island, Baizam Clan. Deborah is also of Scottish descent.

By Peter Stock
Stamping Ground

1. How do you deal with wearing that tizzy costume!
Chuck it! And the excess make-up, too!  A few years back I adjudicated the Brisbane Eisteddfod and in a section summary commented to the audience and participants that it was time to stop costuming boys in garish outfits and girlie make-ups.  Maybe fathers should be involved in the process I suggested, and the auditorium cheered, especially the dads and boys.  After the eisteddfod some fathers made a point of thanking me for the observations.

Full transcript with Joshua when he was working with NIDA.

As they say, “Everything is beautiful at The Ballet”; The lights, the sets, the glamour and glitz, the music, the dancing and the men in tutus, wait a second lets back track there a little, Men in Tutus?

Featured dancer on SYTYCD Sony ad campaign 08. Featured dancer on Bonds (clap) commercial Aug 08.

Melanie started dancing when she was 2 ½  at a youth club in Canterbury, she was a mad cartwheeler and her mum recalls that her arms were so short her head only just cleared the ground! As her love of dance grew she attended Glenda Yee’s studio then Newtown Performing Arts finishing with Brent Street Studios.

Full transcript recorded whilst Ross was rehearsing Footloose 2007.

SOURCEDANCE, known to bring some of the hottest choreographers in the world to Australia for workshops, is providing yet another incredible experience for dancers in Australia.  The 2007 Hollywood Tour:  July 20-July 29 or July 20-August 5.  www.sourcedance.com

Hot Baby Hot!!! That's the only way to describe the So You Think You Can Dance Top Ten Tour.

I just love discovering and helping a dancer become the best artist they can because their Life (career) is short and you've just got to give them a chance and if you do that they reward you so much.

Aussies abroad with The Sacramento Ballet, California USA

Estampas Porteas was founded in Buenos Aires in 1996 by the distinguished Argentine ballerina and choreographer, Carolina Soler. Beginning her career in classical ballet, Carolina Soler was well known and widely celebrated for her dazzling portrayals of

GETTING READY FOR THE COMPETITON SEASON AHEAD

Australian Dancer, Mr. Darren C. McIntyre has accepted a contract with the prestigious Milwaukee Ballet in Wisconsin, USA. A graduate of The Australian Ballet School (1999), he has performed with The Australian Ballet Dancers' Company (1999), as a Soloist.

TODAY - LET'S TALK VARIETY

Just have a go, give it 100%, nothing else matters

To celebrate the final of the inaugural show we just had to have a chat with the TOP4, Demi Sorono, Kate Wormald , Rhys Bobridge and Jack Chambers, and wish all involved a massive congrats on creating a show celebrating dance and its dancers. Can't wait.

I know! No one wants to think about an injury occurring, however should you sustain one it will need speedy, sensible management to ensure you minimise loss of dancing hours and time away from what you love. So here are my suggestions for what every dance

Dream big, the sky's the limit

Earlier this year Celine Dion toured Australia and working alongside this veteran artist was an ensemble of very talented dancers. Dani Brown caught up with Canadian born Amanda Balen on the Sydney leg of the tour for a

SHOES ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT ALL STAR CHEERLEADERS USE SO PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD AND MAKE YOUR CHEER RUNNERS TOP PRIORITY.

Senior Artist with The Australian Ballet
be ready for every opportunity.
At just 25 years of age, this beautiful dancer captures the delicate nuances of the most gentile characters. Her body effortlessly moves across the stage and is faultless in tec

TODAY LET'S TALK PERSONALITY

Do everything on instinct, be very confident, don't ever underestimate yourself.

On August 10 at the Metro Theatre in Sydney The Next Step is performing their first live show in Sydney. 5 years in the making and after an International performance al

Universal Studios Japan
Don't limit yourself to one discipline

Every year Universal Studios Japan audition in Australia for dancers and singers to perform in their shows and this year is no exception. The park is an amazing opportunity to explore a

I think most us now know that we should be dancing on a sprung floor, but what is a sprung floor? How does it affect our body when we dance and why should we ensure that we minimise time spent working on hard surfaces? Deb Crookshanks offers us some clarity.

Exclusive full transcript with winner of So You Think You Can Dance 2008 by Dani Brown

Full transcript of interview by Dani Brown of So You Think You Can Dance 08 Runner Up.

The world of Dancesport that is, competitive Ballroom and Latin dancing is evolving. Once considered by many as flamboyant to almost a daggy extreme, Dancesport appears to be on the cusp of an exciting vitalization that includes an image facelift and

Born in 1978, Brisbane, a descendant of Wakaid Clan, Badu Island. Her grandmother is a descendant of the Mer people, Murray Island, Baizam Clan. Deborah is also of Scottish descent.

By Peter Stock
Stamping Ground

Full transcript with joshua when he was working with NIDA.

Full transcript with joshua when he was working with NIDA.

As they say, Everything is beautiful at The Ballet; The lights, the sets, the glamour and glitz, the music, the dancing and the men in tutus, wait a second lets back track there a little, Men in Tutus? Yes that's right we welcome to Australia for their

Featured dancer on SYTYCD Sony ad campaugne 08. Featured dancer on Bonds (clap) commercial Aug 08.

SOURCEDANCE, known to bring some of the hottest choreographers in the world to Australia for workshops, is providing yet another incredible experience for dancers in Australia. The 2007 Hollywood Tour: July 20-July 29 or July 20-August 5. www.sourcedan

Full transcript of interview taken during Wheldon's season with The Australian Ballet 2007