First Position

A friend recently started a job at the Youth America Grand Prix and sent me the  First Position movie trailer, which is an inspirational documentary about six young ballet dancers who enter the Youth America Grand Prix competition.  Just from watching the 3 minute trailer I know that it is a must-see.

I often think about what factors lead an 11 or 12 year old child to decide that they want to devote their lives to dance.  Is it a parent’s support (or urging), an acknowledgement of superior talent from a dance teacher, or an innate feeling that dance is what he or she was meant to do?  Having not pursued ballet professionally, I know that I would not have been able to make a choice that life changing at such a young age.  I even had difficulty committing myself to a college at the age of 17 and then later a job at the age of 20.

Young Patrons of Lincoln Center Gala

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Young Patrons of Lincoln Center Gala. It was held in Avery Fisher Promenade overlooking the main plaza where the opening performance of the Metropolitan Opera, Anna Bolena, was telecast live to a sea of folding chairs. 

Congrats to Gibney Dance!

Last night, Gibney Dance Center opened their doors and invited the dance community into the newly constructed spaces that cover the entire fifth floor of 890 Broadway.  Gina Gibney welcomed guests and with passionate thank you’s to all involved she announced that she hopes for this to be a non-dance style specific space where everyone feels welcome — quite the tall order.  Lane Harwell, Dance/NYC’s director, spoke of Gina’s success as blending all worlds of dance from the concert to commercial stage. 

Walking down the hallway you could see into each studio — filled with people observing the pop-up performances of various artists and mingling; many were envisioning how they will fit into this new space and the unlimited potential for use and collaboration. 

I think that the style of the evening could be replicated at this space, as well as others throughout the City.  Why not open the doors, toast the same evening to those who have been in the field for decades and those just emerging into it this fall?  Why not host spontaneous dance performances in studio spaces that encourage all to attend to view process and celebrate it?  Why not? 

Congratulations to Gibney Dance for being brave and undertaking a huge challenge for the benefit our entire dance community.   Lane announced that this year’s mid-winter symposium (February 2012) will be held at the beautiful new space…. so I challenge you to attend and I say, why not?

Lunch on the run?

After a fabulous ballet class at Gibney Dance today, I was scheduled to meet with a theater colleague for lunch. I had just sweat my tail off with a great class and the last thing I wanted to eat was grease, grizzle, and anything unhealthy.  I found myself at the ENERGY KITCHEN near Madison Square Park, and I wasn’t disappointed.
 It’s incredibly challenging to live on the go in a city filled with thousands of bars and restaurants with any cuisine imaginable.  How am I supposed to make good choices?  Going to a place like ENERGY KITCHEN enables you to know exactly what’s inside what you’re eating.  You can make healthy choices, while eating sustainable meals. At this place, all finds are under 500 calories so you can measure what’s in your lunch. 

So….how to be healthy when living the life of a city dweller?

1. Plan ahead: know what the day has in store and pack sustainable meals and snacks like figs and almonds, a peanut butter sandwich, or a Luna bar (insert your favorite type here). 
2. Find a fruit stand: a couple of quarters can go a long way with a NYC fruit vendor.  Bananas, apples, oranges, OH MY!  Grab one on your walk for a great pick me up and avoid unhealthy sugary sweets like candy bars or soda.
3. Make good choices: there are plenty of healthy places to eat, like ENERGY KITCHEN, all over the city.  Find a place that you like and know where it is in every neighborhood. 

It’s easy to make great habits, like packing a lunch, bringing your own water bottle, and giving to charity So start small and think how you can make a difference in your own life and with your own health. 

Check out an ENERGY KITCHEN near you and think of me when you do!

Video – Bessie Schönberg: How to Look at Dance

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2011 has wrapped meaning summer is sadly officially over. Not to fret for Jacob’s Pillow continues to deliver stunning dance clips and insightful interviews on their YouTube channel.  Here’s a pick for the day and be sure to subscribe to follow Jacob’s Pillow’s future video posts.