Something Always Brings Me Back To You

This is one of the most moving dances I have ever seen. It was first danced a couple years ago on So You Think You Can Dance and I still go back to watch it. The dance was choreographed to depict an addiction through dance. The male dancer plays an addiction that has a hold on the female dancer. I think it's so powerful because of the commitment both dancers have for the piece. There is a power that Kupono has over Kayla and despite her attempts to be strong, she is still weak to him.
In an interview done before the performance Kupono is brought to tears when he explains how hard it is to be that character for even one second because he has experienced addiction in his family. I think that anyone can relate to the overwhelming feeling of needing something so bad despite your knowledge that it is not good for you. It's scary to have something affect you so powerfully.
Dance allows us to express emotions and tell stories with a greater impact than any other art, in my opinion. There is something about movement that everyone can relate to and recognize the second one sees it. I feel as though, even though this song is extremely moving, even on mute, the message of this piece is obvious. Choreography is such a skill that not everyone possess. Even as a dancer, I can only express myself so much. But with a great choreographer, anything is possible.

See What There Is To See At The Chicago Botanic Gardens

                              The Chicago Bontanic Gardens Present Jack Johnson

Johnson expressed his interested in the gardens earlier this year and is now booked for a one night only show on May 16, 2011. He will be preforming a day time acoustic set at 2pm in the Waldorf Garden. Then, at 7pm he will be playing on stage in the Nighttime Garden for another full set.

Garden members will be admitted to the concert for free, while students that park before noon that day will only be charged the parking fee for the gardens and admitted to the concert for free, as well.
Otherwise, the parking fee will be regular as well as a $20 ticket fee for the day.

We will be updating the blog with new updates as the concert date approaches so make sure to check back and learn more about the activities and extra opportunities only offered here!

Dancing For A Cure

This past weekend the EIU Dancers had the opportunity to dance at the Relay For Life Event on Eastern's campus. It was extremely moving to take part in such a meaningful ceremony. It was great to keep the participants entertained even though the performance was not our best. The crowd still ate it up and cheered their hearts out.
The whole situation is so good natured and positive. To see college students, families, and survivors all come together in honor of those we've lost to cancer is so inspiring. It was a great experience and just shows me how far dancing can take you.
So many doors are opened up to a person when they dedicate themselves to their art. People love to see others do what they love and can appreciate others' talents. Relay was just another great experience I received because of dancing and I am sure that it won't be my last. Thank you to Campuses Against Cancer and the American Cancer Society for dedicating their time to such a great cause.

Just Dance

So, since EIU dancers has not been meeting on a regular basis I have noticed some changes in myself. The main one being how out of breath I get after climbing 3 sets of stairs to get to class. I find this extremely disgusting and am a little concerned by how out of shape I can get in just a couple weeks lacking dance.
I realize how great of a work out running a dance a million times or combinations across the floor is, so I guess it is no shock why there are dance workout videos and classes just about everywhere you go. I have attended Zumba classes and, as embarrassing as it is, I'll admit that I have done hip hop abs. As a dancer I always strut into these classes and videos like I'll own them. Then I never do.
Therefore, I have decided these workouts are very different than dancing. While they incorporate some rhythm and dance moves you have to have crazy endurance and know how to work these moves right. I think they are great work outs but are totally different than actually dancing. If you're a dancer, don't think you'll own this work out, and just because you can shake in Zumba, don't think you can prance around a stage.

The Heart Speaks

Just recently EIU Dancers had their performance. It was a new experience for everyone now that EIU Dancers have become a more professional team. Practices, choreography, and ambition were all kicked up a notch to produce a high quality show.
The audience was so impressed that the dancers have received many invitations to dance around campus and the town. You can see them dancing for the finale of Airband and at Eastern Illinois University's Relay for Life. More commitments are being arranged.

If you're interested in learning
more about the dancer you can 
visit their page on Facebook or 
on the EIU website.

What A Glorious Feeling

I was introduced to musicals at a very young age. My grandma was a fan of any movie that had beautiful dancers and over the top costumes. As a result of that, I was too. My favorite was always Singing in the Rain. At a young age I may not have understood much, but I knew I loved the dancing and the glamor that came along with the story. Still to this day, that movie can brighten my darkest days.
That's what is so great about dancing. It can take you to another place completely. Whether it's a fast paced humorous dance or a slow serious piece, you can feel anything you want to.
Now, I'm a sucker for the original because Gene Kelley is my weakness, but a friend showed me a new version of the classic song. I'll let you decide if it's up to par. Either way, enjoy!


Usher Vs. Gene

I think dance is timeless and a good scene can stay in a cultures identity for a long time. This once scene is still relevant and used again in another pop culture phenomenon, Glee.

Glee


I often wonder what makes up a great dance. I don't know exactly but maybe throughout this blog, while looking at amazing dances and choreography, I'll find some common ground between the dances. But I know that dance is a very complex art that can't often be explained.

Capezio

The Capezio company has created more than just a brand, they have become a term used in many  dancers’  vocabulary. To anyone outside of the dance world, Capezio is just a funny name that is not connected to anything. However, to anyone who has danced with dedication, they will know it is one of the most popular dance apparel companies.
But that is not the only claim to fame this company possesses. While most dance terms have been a historical staple in the art, there is a move that goes by many names. Some call it a Calypso, but most have come to know the jump as a Capezio. This is because the dance move is the same that is depicted on the packages of the products of this company and has become the logo of Capezio.
To become such a commonly used expression in an industry is an accomplishment for any company, especially in an industry so focused on tradition. But dance is a unique art in the sense that it is based on tradition but always changing and growing into a larger discipline. That keeps Capezio on its toes, as well. This company must always be creating new designs for leotards, clothing, and costumes, as well as the hundreds of different styles of dance shoes needed to keep people dancing.
This company embodies the idea of dance for many dancers. As a young dancer, Capezio was the first brand name I ever learned. But this is not just the case for me, a 5 year old ballerina from Mundelein, but for girls and boys all over our country. Every new dancer that craves their first leotard and tu t u to the experienced dancer that is buying a new pair of ballet shoes because her old ones have been ripped apart while working through classes, look to Capezio to meet their needs.
The purpose of this blog is to bring all dance related news to one spot. The issues and new additions to the field will be discussed and analyzed. From classic forms to the new dance television show craze, this blog will utilize information to bring the trends and highlights to readers.