My fellow dancers and I are in the midst of our final few days of preparation for our Celebration! program, which will premiere scenes from Douglas Martin’s adaptation of the ballet Romeo and Juliet. Although all ballets contain emotional drive and acting, Romeo and Juliet is unique because it is deep and complex in its narrative. It is far from your straightforward romance.

"Networking" - This word is used so frequently.  It seems especially in this tough economic climate it is becoming increasingly advisable to use your connections to get an "in", make a deal, or create a new project.

On Friday, I taught this year’s last DANCE POWER class alongside DP Coordinator Kathleen Smith.  It’s been really great to watch these students make strides – both big and small –  over the past 20 weeks of the DANCE POWER program.

I have this great Oscar Wilde epigram on my crowded bulletin board for years, and think about it a lot as I teach nine and ten year olds.  The more focused and earnest I get them about self-discipline, the more fun they have. 

Wow!  Spring is here—the beautiful big tulip tree in my back yard looks stunning against these gray, misty mornings, and the purple pansies are so great with the daffodils.  It’s a funny spring, and some things that would normally bloom in succession, are all blooming at once.

From comedy to tragedy

What a week!  Even when you work in the arts, one doesn’t always get to spend that much time actually watching or discussing art.  There’s a lot of scheduling, phone calling, etc., in a week.  But last week I got to spend a lot of time watching and talking about art—what fun!

American Repertory Ballet launched On Pointe in September 2010 to help make ballet more accessible to the community.  The Enrichment Series brings guest speakers, lecture demonstrations, intimate company performance previews and panel discussions to seasoned dance enthusiasts and new students alike on a monthly basis.  As we look forward to our 2012-2013 programming, I had the opportunity to reflect on how On Pointe has evolved over the last season and a half.  It was gratifying to look back and see that On Pointe has exceeded many of our expect

February 14, 2012: Tampa, Florida

February 4, 2012: Dallas, Texas

So, in my spare time in Dallas I slipped into the role of movie buff. There’s a really cool repertory movie house near my hotel. I had seen some of the films already (“The Artist,” and “Tinker, Tailer, Soldier, Spy), but had time to catch not only ”The Descendants,” but also “My Week with Marilyn.” What fun! I feel really ready to appreciate the Academy Awards this year.

I love hearing people's reactions to their first time at a dance performance.  When I was in college, I heard these initial thoughts pretty frequently.  I performed ballet, modern, and contemporary dance - performances that some students thought sounded either intimidating, boring, or maybe a little of both.