Shaping Sound - Jay Jay Dixonbey

Travis Wall's Shaping Sound is coming to Wharton Center for Performing Arts this week. Company dancer and Detroit native Jay Jay Dixonbey answered a few of my questions for me. I'm so proud of this local dancer!
Q) Did you have a passion for dance at a young age?
A) Yes, I started dancing at 9 years old, but it’s been a lifelong passion, because my sister, who is 7 years older than me, started dancing at 3, so I literally watched her since I was born – she was a big inspiration.
Q) Who were some of your performing arts idols?
A) My sister, Destiny’s Child, Beyonce.
Q) How did you find this dance company?
A) I met Travis, Nick and Teddy at a Break The Floor dance convention when I was 13 years old. I went every year and I built a relationship with them – they have basically seen my entire dance career journey, so they knew me and my abilities and artistry when they were looking for dancers.
Q) What do you think gives this show such a devoted audience?
A) Travis Wall is an incredible choreographer and dancer and the show speaks to so many people in so many ways. There are a lot of real life situations depicted in After The Curtain and people can really relate. And, the entire team of dancers are amazing people and amazing dancers and they each have a huge support base.
Q) What is your take on television dance shows….
A) TV dance shows put dance in front of an audience who might otherwise not have been exposed to the arts or to dance specifically -- this can open up a whole new world to a whole new audience.
Q) What are some of the things that you miss on the road?
A) Being able to rent a studio or go to my home studio and just jam out and improvise and let go creatively.
Q) How do you stay healthy on the road?
A) I drink LOTS and LOTS of water – it is so important to stay hydrated. And, of course, I watch what I eat (unfortunately, Halloween is my favorite holiday). I eat lots of veggies and chicken.
Q) Any pre or post-show rituals?
A) I put on my headphones and get in comfy warm-up clothes and find a space for myself to be in. I pull my thoughts together, and go over everything in the show, and then I stretch and warm up.
Q) Favorite song or dance number…
A) ‘BMB’ -- ‘Be My Baby’. It’s very, very, grimy and hard-hitting and it’s fun to show that kind of aggression on stage.
Q) Can you tell me about the cast chemistry?
A) The cast chemistry in After The Curtain is real. Literally, I’ve never met a group of people that click so well. I’ve known about half the cast for a long time, but I’ve loved working with the new people I’ve met, and it feels like we’ve known each other for years.
Q) What is in the future for you?
A) – I have a goal of teaching jazz around the country in a dance convention. I hope to do some TV work in LA – commercials, videos – whatever.
Q) What advice would you give to kids …
A) Never, ever settle. Never stay in a comfortable place, venture out sometimes, take a risk or you’ll never realize things about yourself. Basically though – work hard all the time and don’t forget about why you’re dancing. Take a step back and ask yourself ‘why am I dancing’ and go from there.
Social handles:
Instagram: JayJay_Dixonbey
Twitter: Jay_0706
Snapchat: JayDixonbey
Facebook: JayJayDixonbey
https://www.whartoncenter.com/…/…/travis-walls-shaping-sound

Jackson School of the Arts

Today I got to tour Jackson School of the Arts.  Executive Director Kim Curtis told me all about the classes offered there.  I really love the décor of the building and the way they blend many forms of art.  Find out more about them on their website: http://jacksonarts.org .

Academy of Russian Classical Ballet Interview with Madame Korotaeva

I interviewed Madame Olga Korotaeva, Ballet Mistress for the Professional Trainee Program at the Academy for Russian Classical Ballet in Wixom.  She is one of a few new faces at the school.  Coming from Russia, she is still learning English, so I'm thankful founder and director Jessica Morschakov helped with translation.  I really like Madame Korotaeva and look forward to learning more from her. 

Eden: How old were you when you started dancing?
Madame Korotaeva: I started for fun at age six and became serious at age ten.

EK: Did any of your family members dance?
MK: No.

EK: Is there a special theatre where you like to perform in Russia?
MK: I always danced at the Perm Theatre where I grew up.

EK: What is your favorite ballet?
MK: I like ballets with dramatic acting roles such as Gizelle.  I also like Harlequinade, by famed choreographer Ben Stevenson.

EK: How is Russian different from other forms of ballet?
MK: The Russian style has a lot of artistry behind it, which includes the arms and upper body.

EK: What is your ballet training?
MK: I graduated from the Perm State Choreographic Institute, under the guidance of  L. Sakharova.  I performed Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsaire, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Golden Age, Swan Lake, Coppelia, and others ballets in the company. Following a my dance career, I received a Masters Degree in ballet pedagogy and character dance from the Moscow State Choreographic Institute. I completed additional training from the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg. I joined the Perm  teaching staff and have worked in Tokyo, Japan.

EK: How many languages do you speak?
MK: I speak Russian and am learning English.  Ballet is in French, so I don't need to learn a lot of other languages, because it is the same everywhere.

EK: What is something you like about the United States?
MK:  I like visiting California.

EK: How long do you plan to stay here?
MK: I will stay as long as they will have me.

Learn more about the Academy of Russia Classical Ballet here: https://russianclassicalballet.com/
Perm Ballet School Website
Perm Ballet School Video:

Keenan - Grand Valley State University Dancer

My big brother Keenan is in the dance program at Grand Valley State University.  He spoke to me about the challenges of being a male dancer and how he became a dancer.  I'm proud of his dance journey.

Aubrey Interview - Looking at College Dance Programs

I sat down with my friend Aubrey to chat about her senior year in high school and applying to college dance programs.  She comes from a very talented family.  I'm excited to hear which college dance program she chooses.

Dance Photography Tips

I interviewed photographer Bryan Theisen from Hungry Pine Photography.  He has great advice for getting the best dance photos and videos 

Eden: What kind of cameras and video cameras do you own?

Bryan: I shoot video with a Sony FS100 and still photos with a Canon 70D

EK: When you photograph or video dance recitals, what equipment do you take with you? Why?

BT: When recording video for a dance recital I like to have two videos cameras. One that captures a wide shot of the entire stage, and a second that is closer to capture the close ups and expressions of each dance. Shooting like this requires two similar cameras with lenses that allow for a great zoom distance. 

EK: Is there a photo gadget you wish you owned?

BT: A telephoto lens for still photography would be really helpful. The lens I use has a maximum focal length (zoom amount) of 105mm. To really capture the close up images this requires me to hide just off the stage. Using a lens with a higher focal range would allow me to take photos from the back of an auditorium. 

EK: What are good settings for action photos?

BT: You really need to be able to shoot a lot of photos per second in a low light. Get a camera that can handle a high burst setting (my camera can do 7 photos per second which is kinda on the lower end). The low light setting is controlled by the ISO. Some cameras can handle shooting at a higher ISO level without becoming too grainy. The 70D can get to about 1200 ISO before it’s really too grainy to use. Some cameras can go much higher then that, allow you to shoot in a lower light setting. 

EK: What kind of software do you use?

BT: To edit photos I use Adobe lightroom, and for video I use Adobe premiere. 

EK:  What's your favorite thing to photograph

BT:  I take a lot of cosplay photos at Comic Conventions. It’s amazing to see how much work people put into building costumes. As a photographer it’s really important that I take each photo seriously. Some people will come with costumes they’ve worked for years building, and others will come with something they’ve put together in the last few weeks. Each person has a totally a different skill level and they deserve to be taken seriously. The same thing is true with dancing; rather it’s taking photos of toddlers as they wandering around on stage looking cute, or someone whose perfected a routine over years of practice. It’s my job to take a great photo of both. 

EK: How can people share large photos online? 

BT: I use dropbox to share a lot of my client based projects.

EK: How can kids learn to capture good pics? 

BT: A good start is trying to replicate other photos you’ve seen. Looking at someone else’s work and thinking through how they set up lights, or what settings they had to use really challenges you get better at learning what it takes to capture a good photos. 

Photo Credit: Bryan Theisen
Special Thanks: Hungry Pine Photography, Step n' Time Dance Studio

Gregory Patterson Michigan Dance Council Interview

Today I sat down with Gregory Patterson. He serves as board chair on the Michigan Dance Council Board of Directors.  He is also the Dance Program Director & Associate Professor of Dance at Oakland University.  I was pleased to find out about all events the Dance Council offers to young dancers.  He and his Oakland students are getting ready for their Spring Show. 

There was a bit of difficulty with connectivity during taping. Please forgive the breaks.   



Maestro Dmitri Berlinsky Performs with Lansing Symphony Orchestra

 

I was able to do a phone interview with Dmitri Berlinsky.  He will be performing the Glazunov Violin Concerto during the Music of Russia Masterworks concert with Lansing Symphony Orchestra.  You can watch the show Saturday, March 4 at 8PM at The Wharton Center.

Eden: How did you become involved with the Lansing Symphony?  

Dimitri: I’ve been the professor of violin at MSU college of music 16 years.  I’ve played with this orchestra a few times in the past.  Several of my colleagues and students are a part of it. 

EK: Your bio mentions that your intention is to bring music's spirit to the audience, reaching levels above mere entertainment.  Can you explain how you do that? 

DB: I think this is intentional for composers.  They try to share something very enlightening in their classical music.  Our responsibility as performers and interpreters of this of this music it to try to find the shining light in a piece which can really enrich lives of anyone who can experience the concert setting.  It’s important to hear music in your home and on the radio, but it’s a different experience in a live concert. 

EK:  At what age did you start playing violin and how old were you when you won the international competition in Italy? 

DB: I started at the age of six.  That was a very common age for performers in the Soviet Union.  I won the competition when I was sixteen and I was the youngest to ever win.

EK:  Do you have other musicians in your family? 

DB: Yes, both of my parents are musicians.  They play piano and violin.  They immigrated to New York City twenty years ago.  I brought them to this country.  I came first, then I was able to bring them as well.  They have been very active in terms of the teaching and performance as well.    

EK: What are some of the major venues where you have performed? 

DB: Carnegie and Avery Fisher Halls in New York, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Tokyo's Suntory Hall, the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, the Munich Herkulessaal, the Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels, the Bonn Beethoven Hall, Le Place des Arts in Montreal, and the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires among others.

EK: How far have you travelled and do you have a favorite city or venue?

DB: I still love to go back to Russia.  That’s where I grew up.  One of the most important halls is the one I grew up in.  Its special because I attended my first classical concert there around the age of seven.  I would go there every time there was a concert.  I grew up in the hall and had a chance to perform there when I as around ten years old.  It was a very special moment.  It holds all the memories and my upcoming comes back.  There are also incredible concert halls in Europe.  There are some very good halls in the United States.  Sometimes you get a surprise, because perhaps you have a wonderful experience even in a small town.  I have to say, I’m quite proud of local audiences over the past sixteen years.  Lansing has become very, very supportive.  They come to our classical concerts at the College of Music in the Fairchild Theatre.  When I perform there with my colleagues we have a full house audience.  It’s an incredible change over the last decade.  I remember there were just a few people when I started working at MSU.  Now it’s a real joy to see people coming back and bringing new people.  I feel very fortunate and proud in the way I am helping to build the audience here.   

EK Are you noticing in the audience there is a broad range of ages? 

DB: Yes, it’s good to see young people.  I see very young musicians who already play instruments, or they are curious and their parents bring them.  Of course, we have many students attend. 

EK: With your teaching schedule, are you on the road often? 

DB: I go quite a lot.  I’m very busy with travelling back and forth.  It’s a challenge.  I spend lots of time here with a huge studio of students, that are very demanding.  I’m here most of the time during the calendar year.  I travel, but never for more than a week if I leave during the semester. 

EK: What are the challenges to being on the road so much?   

DB: There are challenges of nature, the weather.  Plane delays are challenges.  The rest of it I enjoy very much. 

EK: What can we expect from the show this weekend?    

DB: The concerto I am going to perform is not very well known.  At some point it was one of the most popular concertos, not only in Russia, but in Europe.  There a great history to it.  This piece really demands an incredible amount for the entire orchestra.  The wind instruments have wonderful solo parts. There’s a harp.  This is a real collaboration of the orchestra and I think it’s one of the most exciting concertos.  It’s one of my favorites. 

EK: Do you have any preshow rituals?  

DB: It depends on the occasion.  Certainly everyone has a ritual to get focused on what’s going to happen and mentally be ready.  I try not to be exhausted before I go on the stage, because it’s very demanding to play the concerto.  Every live performance is a surprise because it has to happen there on that stage no matter how well we are prepared. 

EK: Do you have any advice for children learning music today that would like to continue as a career?

DB: The only advice I have is they have to be patient.  They have to really love the music and their instrument.  They have to know that sometimes it takes several years before they can achieve the results and sound and the ability to play well.  Be persistent.  There will be frustrations along the way.  It’s a challenging profession, but once they know they love it, or if they feel they can express themselves with the music I think it’s one of the greatest way to spend your life.  It will make you feel very complete.  You will have a gift of making other people aware of this incredible artistry.  Music brings people, different nations, different political affiliations together for the moment in appreciation.  This is a magical, magical process. 

EK: What do you do when you’re not teaching or performing? 

DB: When I’m on the road I have plenty of time so I can read and listen to music.  I even practice in my head.  This is actually the advantage of spending hours and hours on the plane.  That’s a time I can do things.  When I have a chance I love to go fishing, so its great that I live in Michigan. 

EK:  How can people follow you online?

Dmitri Berlinsky Homepage:  http://dmitriberlinsky.com/

Check out the Lansing Symphony Online: http://www.lansingsymphony.org/

Jessica Lang Dance

Tonight, my friends and I went to Wharton Center for Performing Arts to see the Jessica Lang Dance Company.  Before the show, we heard Jessica speak about her dance experiences including her early years when her mom would drive two hours so she could dance in New York City.  She's danced with lots of great people including Twila Tharp.   You can learn all about her on her website: http://www.jessicalangdance.com/
Get tickets for an upcoming Wharton Center Show: Wharton Home

Fit4Mom Stroller Barre - Interview With Molly

This weekend I spent time with my friend Molly.  She teaches various classes at area fitness centers including two YMCA branches.  She recently started teaching Stroller Barre classes in Meridian Township with the Fit4Mom group.  She actually does exercises with her son Maddox in his stroller. It's super cool.  All of the moms and their children really seemed to enjoy the classes. 

Stroller Barre is a class created by a mom who was formerly a professional ballerina.  It incorporates prenatal and postnatal training and yields amazing results in an exciting, fun format. Stroller Barre focuses on strengthening and creating an ideal length/tension relationship in all the postural muscles, creating a taller, leaner-looking mommy!  You can find out more about all classes offered by Fit4mom at: Meridian Township.Fit4Mom

Jessica Lang Comes to Wharton - An Interview with Milan Misko

Photo Credit: Todd Burnsed

On Tuesday, February 28th The Jessica Lang Dance Company will be coming to Wharton Center for Performing Arts.  I was able to chat with Milan Misko before his East Lansing arrival.

Eden Kangas: How old were you when you started dancing?

Milan Misko: I started tap dancing when I was 14 years old, and started taking ballet classes when I was fifteen. 


EK: Who were some of your performing arts idols growing up? 

MM: Ever since I can remember, my mom would watch Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly Musicals with me. I was really inspired watching both of these men dance, but Gene Kelly was always my favorite. I still very much enjoy watching his films. 

EK: Tell me about your college / after high school experiences? 

MM: I attended the Dance Conservatory at Purchase College directly after high school, and graduated in 2008. Not only did I receive good education and training to prepare me for a long professional career as a dancer, but it also helped me establish relationships in the dance community in NYC that I wanted to be a part of. 

EK: What shoes do you wear? 

MM: I wear Capezio ballet shoes. 


EK: What makes the Jessica Lang Dance company different from other companies? 

MM: Jessica's work is dynamic, moving, ever-relevant, and always carries her unique artistic voice. I think there is something for everyone to enjoy in her work. 

EK: I see you have a mission of inspiring global audiences. How far have you travelled and how do you inspire them? 

MM: Jessica Lang Dance has performed in over 50 cities throughout 5 countries. We have more international destinations coming up, including Tel Aviv, Israel. In additional to the performances, we also conduct master dance classes and lectures in the cities we visit with local dancers, and non-dancers alike. 

EK:What are some of the things you miss when you are on the road? 

MM: I do enjoy touring with Jessica Lang Dance, but I always miss spending time with my wife in NYC. Sometimes, she gets to come visit me on tour. 

EK: How did your choreographer create the ideas for this show? 

MM: Jessica seems to be able to find inspiration for dance anywhere. In this show, you will see pieces inspired by music, Shakespeare's sonnets, the bravery of those affected by war, and architectural theory in collaboration with famed architect Steven Holl. It is a rich program, with something for everyone. 

EK: How long did it take for the company to learn the choreography? 

MM: We are performing five pieces in this program. One piece could take up to 6 weeks for Jessica to create on the company. We continue to rehearse the pieces after we have learned the choreography. We have to constantly adjust the pieces to fit on different stages, and keep the choreography fresh in our bodies. 

EK: How do you stay healthy and injury free on the road? 

MM: JLD always provides a company warm up class on days we dance so our bodies are properly warmed up and in shape for our work. 

EK: Any pre or post show rituals?

MM: JLD always joins hands in a circle right before the curtain goes up. 


EK: Do you have a favorite prop, set or wardrobe item? 

MM: There are three shapes called "tesseracts" in Tesseracts of Time that I really like. They are used to dance on, hide within, and they do some very surprising things.

EK: Favorite song or dance number from the show? 

MM: One of my favorite pieces to perform right now is Thousand Yard Stare. It feels so moving and important to dance a piece that is a tribute to war veterans. 

EK: Can you tell me about the cast chemistry?

MM: Everyone JLD gets along well on and off stage. We are like a large family. We play music, enjoy games, and love celebrating each other's birthdays. 


EK: What advice would you give to kids interested in dance/ if careers?

MM: Expose yourself to as much dance and art as you can, and find a place where you can fully dedicate yourself for a while. 


EK: Let’s look ahead. What is in the future for you? Broadway? Television? Where is your tour going?

MM: JLD is on a 29 -city tour. We are on number 16 right now. After this tour is finished, we will perform at the iconic Jacob's Pillow. Jessica is also creating new pieces for the company this year, so it is a very exciting time for us. 


EK: Do you have social media sites / fan pages you’d like me to share? 

Instagram @jessicalangdance

Twitter @jessicalangJLD

Facebook @Jessica Lang Dance

Purchase tickets online at: Wharton - Jessica Lang Dance Tickets

Studio H - Emily Interview

I interviewed my fellow company member Emily.  She and her sister Ann are on the Studio H competition team with me. She has a really funny sense of humor.  I'm so excited to perform with them.  This year we will be performing in Hall of Fame, Nextar, VIP, KAR and Applause competitions.  Below my interview is a copy of our holiday tap dance routine.

Fusion Dance Center - Randi Kay Anthony Interview

Today I met local dance teacher Randi Kay Anthony.  She grew up dancing and took her talents to Chicago.  She has returned to teach the next generation of dancers.  I'm so excited to watch her choreography at local competitions.  Watch our interview here, then learn more about her at: Fusion Dance Home Page

Happendance Interview

I visited Happendance to chat with Butler alum Theresa Couch and Eastern Michigan alum Lauren Mudry. I've been taking modern classes with Lauren for a few years now, so it was great to get advice from her.  Theresa is new to Happendance, but seems like a wonderfully talented addition.

Inlet Dance Comes to Wharton to Perform Among The Darkest Shadows

I attended Inlet Dance Media Day at Wharton Center.  After watching a special dance performance, I chatted with Michelle Snipes who plays Pinta in the show Among the Darkest Shadows. 

INLET DANCE THEATRE is one of the country’s most exciting professional contemporary dance companies. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, this company utilizes the art form of dance to bring about personal development in the lives of individuals through training and mentoring, and to speak creatively about life and the issues we all face.

 Among the Darkest Shadows tells the poignant stories of Lodi, a young victim of labor trafficking, and Pinta, a victim of sex trafficking. Written by California-based playwright José Cruz González, this powerful new story follows Lodi and Pinta’s harrowing journey through contemporary enslavement and their struggle to be free. The story is told largely through innovative dance portraying the magical realism of Mr. González’s writing, featuring his signature style of larger-than-life characters, bold visuals, poetic images, and striking symbolism.   The show is at Wharton Center February 16 - 19, 2017 in the Pasant Theatre. Tickets are available at  whartoncenter.com, or by calling 1-800-WHARTON.

http://www.inletdance.org/