Monday, March 30, 2009

Monkey Do Workshops

MONKEY DO!

SOMETIMES YOU CAN RUN AWAY WITH THE CIRCUS!

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

REGISTER

APRIL 10-12

Friday, April 10th:
7pm-10pm Danny Dart

Richmond’s Danny Dart Stylizing. Dart is an ancient Chinese Kung Fu weapon turned dance form.

Saturday, April 11th:
10am-11:30pm Warm up Improv Class 1.5 hr: Register: MabjustMab.com
12pm-1pm 20 minutes in Vaudville 1 hr: Register: MabustMab.com
1:pm-3pm DJ Poi - Virginia Beach’s Daniel Greenberg’s Poi Stylings!
3pm-4:30pm- Juggling Beginner to Advanced 1.5 hr Register: MabustMab.com
5:pm-6pm Mental Magic with Dr. Eon 1hr Register: MabustMab.com
7pm Burner Bazaar - Buy, Sell, Trade & Explore You World

Sunday, April 12th:
12pm-3pm DJ double staff - Virginia Beach’s Daniel Greenberg’s Double Staff Stylings!

3:30pm-6:30pm HOOP: Composition, Performance & Partnering Workshop ith Surprise!

7pm-10pm Last Pajama Jam - A chill end of the weekend gathering of dancer-folk… don’t miss the last one of the season!

REGISTER: http://monkeydo.eventbrite.com/


Sunday, March 29, 2009

risks & handstands


I see a fear of trying things and taking positive risks in the children & teens I work with... perhaps it stems from the pressure to "be right" or "the best" or "good" at everything. Whatever it is, it is sad to see and it breaks my heart. I spend a lot of my teaching time coaxing students into making the first attempt. I celebrate the joy of discovery and of trying new movements I see in students. I am saddened by how much time it takes to get to the comfort zone of the attempt. The refining process in the movement suffers as a result. Anyone else seeing this?


My initial thought is that students in this generation begin thinking about their collegiate success/careers much earlier than mine. And seemingly EVERYTHING counts for, or against them in that process. In a world with diminished risk, there is equally diminished reward. And little ownership of acheivement, large or small. Or, worse, bloated vanity about mediocre acheivements due to a lack of experience in risk vs. reward and energy input = result.


And risk need not be a word with negative connotation. What happened to positive risks? A dance student may not like the movement, may not particularly enjoy the result, but they can enjoy the process of learning something new & different with no negative risk; meaning they are not going to suffer for the effort in the attempt.


Here's my challenge - passed down from Ed Tyler: When was the last time you did a handstand? If it's more than a day... go upside down and check out the world from that perspective. It might even be fun.


Cheers!

Monday, March 23, 2009

What you need to know...

Image by Enoch Chan

AUDITION: 3/25 & 3/28: M A S S I V E A T T A C K

SOCIALIZE: 3/28, 7-10pm, $10: The Human Factor Fractured

BE A HERO!: I'm a hero :)

Friday, March 20, 2009

3/28: CLOSING EVENT: Terence Nicholson

The Human Factor Fractured
Terence Nicholson

3/28: 7-10pm
• $10 suggested donation
Light Food & Beverages served
Tickets: http://terencenicholson.eventbrite.com/

Come celebrate the final night of The Human Factor Fractured with Artist Terence Nicholson and special guests from Contradiction Dance, Dance Afire, Shakra, and more!



I am interested in materials first and foremost. For a long time, I have entertained the notion that I need not always load my work down with content. It was a trap that one of my teachers freed me from before both feet got caught into it. Many people ask me, “What does it mean?” I like to give them relief by telling them something like, “It's just some shapes.” Sometimes, I am compelled to express my feelings about a thing through the use of materials. Even in this case, I try to divorce myself form the the content and delve more into the actual process. At the level of production, I try to achieve an almost passive attitude towards the process, in some cases. I like to see myself as a middle man between materials, shapes and techniques. I am in a constant state of build and destroy; accumulation and shedding. I seem to be attracted to the beauty inherent in the most mundane of objects. Rust, tools, soil, etc. I respect the principles of composition, so I trust my ability to bend them. An old artist told me that if I know the rules, I can bend them. If I don't know the rules, I will break them. As I have been training in kung fu for over 15 years and composing music, I allow these disciplines to influence my way of doing things. The paintings and the sculpture come out of a need for expression not satiated by any other means. I hope that as I finish writing this, I will have evolved beyond what was written.

Nicholson fuses unlikely materials into works that sing life’s complexities

info: 240.450.2420 • contradictiondance@gmail.com • 5ringsarts.com • contradictiondance
Pictured: Jasmine Artis, by Nina K Photography

Dates of Note:

3/25: M A S S I V E A T T A C K - auditions 6-7:30pm: info
3/27: The Kitchen Quartet - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
3/28: M A S S I V E A T T A C K - auditions 6-7:30pm: info
3/28: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Closing Event
4/?: Contradiction Dance & KennDavid Designs at Georgetown Home Tour
4/19: Ernie Hawkins - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
4/25: Hanneke Cassel w/ Natalie Haas & Keith Murphy - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
5/8&5/9: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at 12x6: Source Mash-Up's Showing
5/17: DANCE ANIMUS FESTIVAL in Takoma Park
6/8: Contradiction Dance for Cast of Thousands: Dance Through the Decades Concert
6/12&6/13: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at Source Festival
7/23: CONTRADICTION DANCE: IN THE FLESH at the Phillips Museum. A live performance component to the "Paint Made Flesh" Exhibit

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Why Dance is the BEST Exercise....

"Dance has a great deal to offer to people young and old, irrespective of ability and background. Dance can take many forms and embody elements of fun, creativity and performance that make it an attractive route to a fitter and healthier lifestyle. This research highlights how well people's health can benefit from dance." - Caroline Flint

“We now have the scientific proof that creative dance makes you fitter." - Laban’s Director, Anthony Bowne

Full Release


More data on the benefits of dance: http://www.laban.org/php/news.php?id=325


We have GREAT classes by the BEST teachers!

www.contradictiondance.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

M A S S I V E A T T A C K - audition

M A S S I V E A T T A C K
Dance for the NOW generation

Contradiction Dance is holding auditions for a new contemporary dance company for the NOW generation. We are seeking thirsty young adults willing to take creative risks exploring the fusion of dance styles.

Talent trumps experience. Bring both.

Wed 3/25
6-7:30pm

ALTERNATIVE DATE:
Sat 3/28
1:30-3

RSVP one of three ways:
Facebook event
eventbrite: http://massiveattack.eventbrite.com/
email: contradictiondance@mac.com


FAQ's

What type of dancer/styles are you looking for?

I'm looking to take the model I created with Contradiction and replicate it with this group. I am looking for a very diverse group of movers who are interested in expanding their core technical skills, build a common movement vocabulary, and augment each other's specialties. Meaning, in my existing company, I have a mix of hip-hop dancers, contemporary ballet and modern dancers, tap, jazz, a composer and a story-teller.

I am interested in training dancers through both class and performance to explore their versatility and expand their options. As a choreographer I make dances that have meaning for both the performers and the audience - our last concert was called, "Objects of Hope: Washington, DC" based on the experiences of my composer and drummer and growing up here in anacostia & adams morgan.

And lastly, to just have fun. We dance because we need to - I'm anxious to work with another group who shares the passion and joy.

TIME:

I'm planning on having rehearsals two days/week max. As this is a ground-up endeavor, starting half-way through the year, I want to build the group as an ensemble through training together and performing as often as possible - but in a way that works in everyone's lives. I picked the Wed/Sat slots as I'm going to offer class for the group both days - choosing to set choreo on the group that can be there each day - meaning we'll end up with two working groups, with some people in both as they are available.

Feeling Springish...


Today in rehearsal we did lots of jumps... I think it's a springish thing... today was the first really warm and sunny day in a lil while. Felt good. Barrells everywhere :)

We're also generating some new choreo for the Source Fest & the Phillips performance. We wrote 3 adjectives for emotional states then created a shape for each. The result = beautiful bodies in space ready to move from a common vocabulary. YAY!

Typically, I generate and set the majority of our movements, but I want to work on a different path for a while - to broaden my own horizens and create some new flavors in the final product.

But, ya'll know me - I'll be putting my stamp on it... can't help but make those phrases!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Stuff in my head


On the personal side, I haven't posted much lately. I've been trying to sort out some brain, body, spirit, and soul stuff. And run a successful family & bizniz. Feeling a bit overwhelmed and frustrated by the curve balls.

Mostly, had a jolt. Completely lost faith in someone very dear to me and I'm not 100% sure how to proceed... clearly it's a yellow-light situation - extreme caution all the way. Do I invest time in a situation that is full of fear where I'm not and has proven through actions not to be trusted? I'm out of patience and out of trust. (nails tapping on the table) And, I'm mad as hell. Still.

I'm waiting for spring to really kick in... I miss running outside. Dance is not an aerobic activity - I like the feel of a balancing run. The repetitive motion issues that can become problematic through dance get evened out w/ the running, but I am not motivated enough to put myself on the hamster wheel of a treadmill. I need the outdoors. Ah, soon!

Time to put my big-girl pants on and head out to face the day... much work to be done :) Trying to raise some moolah... I suddenly need to make my own salary - as there are zero pay-checks coming from other sources. Ouch. However, I am enjoying laying down some roots & building some very cool community-based events through the studio. Spreading the energy and joy within and hoping to see it reflect back on all of us.

Combating the blues, one dance at a time.

p.s. Found this... my horoscope - random good fit for my mood/day:

Beside the necessity to maintain a high morale, you must try to overcome your physical fatigue by resting a few moments every time an opportunity for it will present itself during daytime. Beware, don't let yourself be intoxicated by your different successes and commit regrettable errors of judgment about people and things. You'll in all likelihood meet some major difficulties in your work; but don't let yourself be discouraged by the obstacles. Take advice from sure friends, this will give you necessary energy to struggle efficiently.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

WESTMORELAND SHOPS: Open House Schedule

WESTMORELAND SHOPS
OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION

SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH 10am-6pm


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


11-2pm: Mini-Shock Open Rehearsal - Contradiction Dance
11-2pm: Seated Chair Massage - The Still Point Mind & Body
12pm: Reggae Yoga - The Still Point Mind & Body
11am & 2pm: Acupuncture Happy Hour ($10) - The Still Point Mind & Body
1pm: A Different Drum Demonstration - Parking Deck
2-2:30pm: Live Music! - Contradiction Dance
2pm & 4pm: Roda Movements Demonstration - Parking Deck
3-3:30: Hoop Dance Demonstration - Contradiction Dance
3:30-5: Hoop Class w/ Surprise! - Contradiction Dance
5-6pm: Mini-Concert w/ Shakra, Suprise!, Contradiction Dance & more!

Ongoing: Demonstrations by members of Dance Afire - Contradiction Dance

Click on the flyer below for SALES and OFFERS from the Westmoreland Shops!






Thursday, March 5, 2009

Contradiction Dance Presents: Master Classes w/ JoJo Diggs!!!


Saturday 3/14

MASTER CLASSES WITH JOJO DIGGS!!!

12-1:30 jazz/funk

1:30-3 hip-hop

3:30-5 House

$25/class, $40 for 2, $55 for all 3

REGISTER & SAVE!!

http://jojodiggs.eventbrite.com/

$20/class, $35 for 2, $50 for all 3

ALL CLASSES HELD AT CONTRADICTION DANCE

7014 Westmoreland Ave, A

Takoma Park, MD 20912

240.450.2424 • contradictiondance@gmail.com

www.contradictiondance.com

Contradiction Dance - Upcoming Events

Pictured: Jasmine Artis, by Nina K Photography

Dates of Note:

3/7: Burner Bazaar - 6pm
3/8: Hoop Workshop: 3:30-5
3/8: Pajama Jam 7pm
3/13: Ben Carroll in Concert - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
3/14: Master Classes w/ JoJo Diggs!! 12-5pm!!
3/14: Contradiction Dance at St. Mary's River Concert Series Annual Gala
3/14: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Artists' Talk-back with Contradiction Dance & Terence Nicholson
3/15: Westmoreland Shops Open House Event: 10-6pm
3/27: The Kitchen Quartet - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
3/28: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Closing Event
4/2: Kelly Mayfield & Lotta Lundgren at House of Sweden
4/?: Contradiction Dance & KennDavid Designs at Georgetown Home Tour
4/19: Ernie Hawkins - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
4/25: Hanneke Cassel w/ Natalie Haas & Keith Murphy - IMT Next to the House Concert Series
5/8&5/9: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at 12x6: Source Mash-Up's Showing
6/8: Contradiction Dance for Cast of Thousands: Dance Through the Decades Concert
6/12&6/13: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at Source Festival
7/23: CONTRADICTION DANCE: IN THE FLESH at the Phillips Museum. A live performance component to the "Paint Made Flesh" Exhibit

Model Call - hair show

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Hoop Master Class! 3/8 - space is LIMITED!



DanceAFire and Contradiction Dance are excited to present a special workshop with local Hoopdance legend Michele Clark next Sunday, March 8. The class will be during the normal open level Hoop Class time, but will be extended to a two-hour block from 3:30 - 5:30 to give more time to absorb the new and fun techniques.

Creative Movement Play and Hoop Dance
Expand your movement vocabulary and learn how to integrate tricks and dance into your hoop flow. We will explore a variety of techniques to help you develop your own signature tricks and free up your body giving you more room for expression and increase your musicality.

About Michele:

Michele has been in love with hooping for 7 years. She mixes dance, acrobatic elements and her love for all things improv into her understanding of hoopdance. Her classes are informed by a love of play, her yoga studies and her experience of discovering body awareness as a self taught hoopdancer.

Check out her incredible hooping skills: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7kcXLmrzs0

When: Sunday, March 8 3:30-5:30pm
Where: Contradiction Dance 7014 Westmoreland Ave, ste A Takoma Park, MD 20912
Cost: $25 Drop-in fee (but no extra charge for those already registered in the ongoing class, you may still register for the class!)

Please RSVP to preregister ASAP. Due to space limitations we are capping registration at 10 hoopers. This class will sell out. Register at www.contradictiondance.com

Performance Dates!


More to come! Save these....
Dates of Note:
3/14: Contradiction Dance at St. Mary's River Concert Series Annual Gala
3/14: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Artists' Talk-back with Contradiction Dance & Terence Nicholson
3/15: Westmoreland Shops Open House Event: 10-6pm
3/28: The Human Factor Fractured: The Works of Terence Nicholson - Closing Event
4/2: Kelly Mayfield & Lotta Lundgren at House of Sweden
4/?: Contradiction Dance & KennDavid Designs at Georgetown Home Tour
5/8&5/9: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at 12x6: Source Mash-Up's Showing
6/8: Contradiction Dance for Cast of Thousands: Dance Through the Decades Concert
6/12&6/13: Kelly Mayfield & Contradiction Dance at Source Festival
7/23: CONTRADICTION DANCE: IN THE FLESH at the Phillips Museum. A live performance component to the "Paint Made Flesh" Exhibit

Monday, March 2, 2009