For those of us who love dance…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WoAjE1aioHE

Very exciting… definitely something to look forward to!

From Jon M. Chu, director of G.I. Joe Retaliation, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, Step Up 3D and creator of The LXD…

We proudly present…

DS2DIO (pronounced D-Studio)
The World’s First Dance Lifestyle Channel

Coming Summer 2012
Exclusively on YouTube

Join the movement: http://bit.ly/J4NXer

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/IRGSdK

Twitter: http://bit.ly/L33XPQ

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Behind the Scenes, Press Releases | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ben Cameron: The true power of the performing arts

Arts administrator and live-theater fan Ben Cameron looks at the state of the live arts — asking: How can the magic of live theater, live music, live dance compete with the always-on Internet? At TEDxYYC, he offers a bold look forward.

Ben Cameron is the Program Director, Arts, at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation in New York, where he supervises a $13 million grants program aimed at the theatre, contemporary dance, jazz and presenting fields. Grants happen in three main areas: commissioning and distribution of new works; building strong arts organizations; and supporting national arts organizations.

During 13 seasons, Cameron has been a panelist on the opera quiz during the Live from the Metropolitan radio broadcasts from New York. He has also served as a member of the Tony Awards Nominating Committee.

“Ben Cameron is one of the most articulate proponents and supporters of the performing arts.”

pamsterling, YouTube

To watch Ben’s video follow this link!

http://www.ted.com/talks/ben_cameron_tedxyyc.html

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Behind the Scenes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ice or Heat? How to Take Care Of Your Body!

The age old question for any injured dancer, do I use ice or heat? This fantastic article by Elizabeth Quinn can help you decide!

Do you know when to use ice and when to use heat on a sports injury? Most athletes know to apply ice to an acute injury, like a sprained ankle, but aren’t so sure when to use heat. The following guidelines will help you sort it out.

click here to read on!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Dance & Fitness, Dance Technique | Leave a comment

Performance Time for our Teaching Assistants

It is nearing Performance Time for our Teaching Assistants, and  I wanted to take some time to discuss the required dress and hair for all our Teaching Assistants. If you are assisting jazz, tap, acro or hip hop classes on stage, you should be wearing a thick strapped tank or t-shirt that matches a main colour of the class costume, and WSD approved black jazz pants. All ballet teaching assistants will be required to wear a WSD leotard and skirt that will be provided to you at the theatre. As always, please make sure your hair is neatly secured off your face with either a bun or ponytail, depending on what class you are assisting. Please take the time to confirm all details with the class instructor. Most importantly, don’t forget you are a role model to all our students, so show your smile, energy and lovely technique to help our students shine on stage. See you all at the Performance!

By Sharon Lindsay

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Teaching Assistant Corner | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Amazing Canadian Talent: Young Dancer Shale Wagman’s Big Break

Canada’s Got Talent is in it’s first season this year, and has already uncovered some amazing Canadian talent! Finalist Shale Wagman’s dance performance to “The Scientist” on April 15th even brought some of the shows judges to tears. This 11 year old is a star in the making! To read more about Shale and the other finalists click here. Or better yet, take a look at his dancing here!

 

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Press Releases | Leave a comment

Getting Ready for a Big Show: 5 Steps to a Perfect Performance

Getting Ready for a Big Show: 5 Steps to a Perfect Performance

With rehearsals revving up, we thought we might share with you some tips to help you in your preparation! When getting ready to hit the stage it is important to be prepared and these five easy steps can help you to be at your best before the big day!

  1. Write Things Down! It is a silly misconception that dancers must keep every little thing in their heads in order to be “good” dancers. Most professionals keep notebooks or journals of their rehearsals in order to keep track of teacher’s feedback and changes made to the piece.
  2. Keep Organized! Don’t wait till the day before the show to start organizing the items you need. It is important to keep a kit ready for yourself in case of last minute emergencies. We suggest including band aids, tape, a small sewing kit, extra snacks, a water bottle, along with all of your costumes, hair needs and of course, your new journal!
  3. EAT! It can be so easy to forget to take care of your self in all the hustle and bustle of pre-performance time, but you need all the energy you have to be able to make it through those long rehearsals and waiting times at the theatre. So pack small snacks, nuts, granola bars, fruit, and keep yourself well. Which brings us to…
  4. SLEEP! It is so important to get the proper amount of sleep. There is nothing worse then dragging your tired body through countless dances on stage!

And lastly…

5. Have Fun! This is your time to shine! So smile! Enjoy! You have done all the hard work, now its time for the pay off!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Behind the Scenes, Dance & Fitness | Leave a comment

Mark Your Calanders! April 29th is International Dance Day!

Who could imagine – an entire day dedicated to celebrating our passion, DANCE! International Dance Day is in it’s 30th year and is stronger then ever. Here in Toronto the celebrations will take over the whole week leading up to April 29th with workshops, performances and activities happening all over the city! For more information on International Dance Day click here! How will you be celebrating?


Initiated in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute (http://www.iti-worldwide.org/), International Dance Day falls on April 29 of every year, commemorating the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a distinguished choreographer that brought about significant reforms in ballet production. Every year, an international message authored by a well-known dance personality is circulated around the world as part of International Dance Day celebrations. Additionally, since 2005, the Canadian Dance Assembly has issued a Canadian message in conjunction with the UNESCO message. Read the 2012 message by Yvon Soglo “Crazy Smooth”

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Dance & Fitness, Press Releases | Leave a comment

Jazz Music for Our 2012 Recital!

With our 2012 Woodbridge School of Dance Recital coming up quickly, we thought it would be fun to give you a little taste of what’s to come! On our Youtube channel we’ve put together a playlist of some songs that will be used in our Jazz performances.

visit http://www.youtube.com/woodbridgedancers to take a listen to our new Playlist!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Behind the Scenes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Finding Inspiration and Pushing Away Doubts

Many artists, and dancers especially, can become troubled by the daunting task of embodying a brilliant, creative mind. Best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert gives a wonderful talk on keeping your artistic fears at bay and moving forward in your craft – a great watch for anyone looking to move forward as an artist!

http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Behind the Scenes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Pulse on Tour Update from Ms. Veronica Cappadocia

This past weekend, our Woodbridge Dancers were involved in one of the most anticipated dance conventions known to date!  The Pulse on Tour finally made a pit stop in Toronto, opening the dancers experiences to new styles of movement and choreographers.
Our Pre-Professional Program students were divided among the Intermediate Ballroom (Elementary PPPs) and the Advanced Ballroom (Intermediate & Advanced PPPs).  With up to four dance classes a day, our students learned quite a bit!
The Pulse on Tour Faculty for Toronto included Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, Cris Judd, Dave Scott and Desmond Richardson. Elementary PPP students Alessia Bernardi and Alexa Galloro were so excited to have the opportunity to work with these well known choreographers.
Once in the ballrooms, the dancers spread out and learned the dances from the talented choreographers on stage.  With many other dancers present, the girls were still able to keep up with the routines and have a great time doing so!
“Desmond’s piece was my favourite because he took the time to go through every detail.  Even though there were many technicalities to the dance, he put the emotion first,” says Olivia Di Biase, who is an Advanced PPP student at WSD.
The master of ceremonies for this event, former Pussycat Doll Carmit Bachar, kept mentioning how this tour is not a competition, but a convention.  The Pulse is used as a learning tool and a distributer of inspiring energy.  This was great considering our dancers come from a non-competitive environment and they have experience with working together as one group.  Also, it gave everyone a sense of comfortability knowing that you are not viewed based on your abilities, but your passion.
When asked what the highlight of her weekend was, Advanced PPP student Olivia De Luca mentioned Cris Judd’s creative way of incorporating difficult choreography with fun elements. “He gave us the opportunity to bond with the other dancers by making us freestyle in the centre of the ballroom.”  The remainder of the Advanced Ballroom students agreed that this was a memorable occurrence.
Are they ready to face The Pulse in the near future? Elementary PPP student Nicole Belfiglio states that she cannot wait for this convention to come back to Toronto.
Check out our Twitter account for tweets on everything Pulse from the weekend!
Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • RSS
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment