Posts Tagged ‘contemporary dance’

A Huge Thanks to SCPA & Francisco Ruvalcaba!

Monday, February 1st, 2010 by malashockdance

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of presenting a lecture demonstration with the San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts.  Students from SCPA and COSA performed an excerpt of Missa Brevis , a piece choreographed by José Limon.  Francisco Ruvalcaba, a San Diego native and principal dancer for the Limon Dance Company, has been working with the students and also presented a lecture for the audience.

Congratulations to everyone involved!  The students have been working incredibly hard, and they looked amazing.  We will be excited to welcome some of them back to our studio for our upcoming Master Class Series and our Summer Intensive!

We can’t share the entire performance, due to copyright issues, but we have been given permission to share the following clip from yesterday’s event.  Enjoy!

Save the Date: Master Class with Jenny Backhaus of Backhausdance

Thursday, January 28th, 2010 by malashockdance

Save the date for the third master class in the 4 Sundays in February Master Class Series ! In this exciting series of master classes, Malashock Dance proudly presents four Master Teachers/Choreographers from Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and San Diego. Each Sunday in February, experience the innovative techniques and powerful repertory of Method Contemporary Dance, Backhausdance, Keith Johnson/Dancers, and Malashock Dance.

Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010
11am - 1pm
Jenny Backhaus of Backhausdance (Orange County)

Jenny Backhaus of Backhausdance

Location: Malashock Dance
Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Road, Studio 200
San Diego, CA 92106

Class Fee: $20; BUY 3 CLASSES, GET THE 4TH ONE FREE!
Sign up now!

Jennifer Backhaus’ master classes are representative of the movement style and vocabulary of her professional contemporary dance company, Backhausdance. Ms. Backhaus’ classes are crafted to give dancers the technical ability to find balance between control and release. The combination of ballet technique and modern dance principals, such as the use of weight and momentum, create exercises that are designed to challenge the dancer’s dynamic expression and increase their range of movement and quality. Ms. Backhaus places strong emphasis on the use of space and moving with fluidity and abandon. Her gymnastic background enables the seamless integration of floor work and weight-shifting between feet and hands, encouraging students to feel comfortable with inversions. Class combinations occasionally include selections from the Backhausdance repertory, partnering work and focus on the facilitation of the expression of the dancer’s unique points of view.

Lecture Demonstration: Jose Limon, The Artist as Outsider

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 by malashockdance

Malashock Dance and the San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) present a Lecture Demonstration:

Missa Brevis José Limón, The Artist as Outsider
Reflections of his Life and Work

Sunday, January 31, 2010 • 6 pm
Dance Place San Diego

2650 Truxtun Road, Studio 200
San Diego, CA 92106

Tickets: $10 ($5 students)

Featuring dance excerpts from Missa Brevis , choreographed by Jose Limon, performed by the dancers of SCPA and COSA. Lecture and Q&A by Francisco Ruvalcaba, principal dancer with Limon Dance Company.

Francisco Ruvalcaba

Francisco Ruvalcaba
Principal Dancer, Limon Dance Company

The dancers of SCPA and COSA

The dancers of SCPA and COSA

Save the Date: Master Class with Bradley Michaud of Method Contemporary Dance

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 by malashockdance

Save the date for the second master class in the 4 Sundays in February Master Class Series ! In this exciting series of master classes, Malashock Dance proudly presents four Master Teachers/Choreographers from Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and San Diego. Each Sunday in February, experience the innovative techniques and powerful repertory of Method Contemporary Dance, Backhausdance, Keith Johnson/Dancers, and Malashock Dance.

Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010
11am - 1pm
Bradley Michaud of Method Contemporary Dance (Los Angeles)

Location: Malashock Dance
Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Road, Studio 200
San Diego, CA 92106

Class Fee: $20; BUY 3 CLASSES, GET THE 4TH ONE FREE!
Sign up now!

METHOD synthesizes athleticism with subtly nuanced sensuality creating a unique language for motion and momentum. The class trains dancers to have liberated, fearless and articulate bodies, so they can engage extreme physicalities. METHOD makes liberal use of the floor as a launch pad for explorations of flight, a landing pad, and a duet partner; playing with gravity, both overcoming it and succumbing to it, as well as using the weight of the upper body and the propulsion of the legs to carve the space and exist in the off-center environment. Please bring kneepads to class as there is floor work.

Don’t Miss It: Master Class with Keith Johnson of Keith Johnson/Dancers

Monday, January 25th, 2010 by malashockdance

Don’t miss the first master class in the 4 Sundays in February Master Class Series!  In this exciting series of master classes, Malashock Dance proudly presents four Master Teachers/Choreographers from Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and San Diego. Each Sunday in February, experience the innovative techniques and powerful repertory of Method Contemporary Dance, Backhausdance, Keith Johnson/Dancers, and Malashock Dance.

Keith Johnson of Keith Johnson/Dancers Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010
11am - 1pm
Keith Johnson of Keith Johnson/Dancers (Long Beach)

Location: Malashock Dance
Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Road, Studio 200
San Diego, CA 92106

Class Fee: $20; BUY 3 CLASSES, GET THE 4TH ONE FREE!
Sign up now!

This advanced level technique class will have an emphasis on the alignment of the skeletal structure and the freedom this allows for expansive and dynamic movement. Emphasis is placed on the movement and articulation of the torso and how material is threaded through the center of the body to the extremities. There is a lot of repetition of material and re-enforcement of conceptual ideas with a focus on breath, dynamics, and athleticism. The skeletal structure is not separated from the muscularity of the movement but both work together to generate the ability to ride momentum and falling as a means of traveling. Both center combinations and across the floor work will involve highly athletic material. Be prepared to move.

FAQ: Children/Teen Dance Classes

Thursday, January 7th, 2010 by malashockdance

1. How do I register?

Register for classes online at www.MalashockDance.org . Fill out and submit the registration form online, or print the form and bring it the first day of class.

● Stop by the Malashock Dance office at Dance Place San Diego (2650 Truxtun Road, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92106) and fill out the registration form in person. Office hours are M-F 10am-6pm.

2. How do I pay?  Who do I pay?

Pay online with your credit card at www.MalashockDance.org (click the "sign up now!" button).

● Stop by our office at Dance Place San Diego (2650 Truxtun Road, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92106) and pay with a check (made out to Malashock Dance), credit card, or cash.

● Semester tuition must be paid in full on or before the first class your child attends. Semester tuition monthly payment plans can be arranged by contacting Molly Puryear, Education Director, at (619) 260-1622 or Molly@MalashockDance.org.

3. Where is your studio located?

Dance Place San Diego in the NTC Promenade
2650 Truxtun Road, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92106
Click here for a map to our studio

4. Where can I park?

There is free street parking and several clearly marked parking lots available.

5. Can my child join at any time, or do I have to sign up at the beginning of the semester?

Children in Creative Dance I, Creative Dance II, and Fun with Modern-Jazz may join at any time. Semester tuition will be pro-rated.

Teens in Contemporary Technique must have instructor approval to join late in the semester, as these students are working on choreography that builds cumulatively.

Please contact Molly Puryear, Education Director for assistance (619) 260-1622 or Molly@MalashockDance.org.

6. What should my child wear to dance class at The Malashock Dance School?

The Malashock Dance School does not enforce a dress code or require a uniform. We ask that children dress in comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement. Children are barefoot in class.

7. Can parents watch class?

Yes! There are glass doors on the studio, allowing you to watch your child interact with the teacher and other students without the distraction of standing in the studio. Children benefit most when they participate independently from their parents and have clear direction from the teacher alone. Social skills, independence, and self confidence are fostered in this environment.

8. What if we miss a class?

The Malashock Dance School does not refund tuition for absences due to illness, minor injuries, or vacation time. If you are planning a prolonged absence, you may contact Molly Puryear, Education Director, at (619) 260-1622 or Molly@MalashockDance.org to discuss pro-rated tuition.

9. Is there a performance?

Yes! The Malashock Dance School holds a Winter Showcase in our beautiful studio each December and a Spring Showcase in a San Diego theater each June. The Showcases feature dancers ages 10 and up. Students age 3-9 enrolled in Creative Dance or Fun with Modern-Jazz are featured in an open class the last week of each semester. Parents, friends and families are encouraged to attend.

10. Are there costume fees or performance fees?

There are no performance fees. Minimal costume fees (under $20) may be collected for the Spring Showcase. Costumes are designed by the dance instructor/choreographer and often utilize pieces from students’ existing wardrobes in lieu of purchasing formal costumes.

11. I have a child with disabilities. Can they participate in dance classes at The Malashock Dance School?

Yes! Malashock Dance believes that dance is the perfect vehicle for self expression, and should be accessible to anyone who is inspired to move. Respectful accommodations and supports are put in place to facilitate meaningful participation in our classes.

12. Do boys take dance?

Yes! Malashock Dance School classes are not gender specific.

13. What classes do you have for teens 15 years and older?

We invite students age 15 and up to join our adult dance classes .  If you have questions about the appropriate class/level for your teen, please contact Molly Puryear, Education Director, at (619) 260-1622 or Molly@MalashockDance.org.

14. How can I stay up-to-date about upcoming classes and events?

We invite all parents to join the Malashock Dance mailing list to hear about upcoming School and Company events.  You can also check our website for upcoming Malashock Dance events and the current children/teen class schedule .

Classes were packed at Free Day of Dance!

Monday, December 28th, 2009 by malashockdance

Free Day of Dance 2009 was a blast!  We had over 150 students in Malashock Dance’s classes, and San Diego Dance Theater and San Diego Ballet had full classes, too.  It gives a whole new meaning to the word "turnout"!  (If you are groaning at that joke, you can thank Molly, our Education Director.  She thought up that gem!)

Michael Mizerany, Associate Artistic Director at Malashock Dance, had 65 students in his class!  Check out these video clips from Saturday:

Michael will be teaching Company Class this semester at the Malashock Dance School.  Company Class is open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m., starting January 12.  It is the perfect class for an advanced or professional dancer looking for a challenge.  I have taken Michael’s classes, and they are definitely a challenge—but they are fun, too!  Michael is a very dynamic and encouraging teacher.

If you missed the Free Day of Dance, mark your calendar now for next year—December 26, 2010!  And check out our classes for Winter Semester at the Malashock Dance School, starting January 11, 2010Download the brochure (pdf) or sign up now!

Student Dance Performance a Success!

Monday, December 14th, 2009 by malashockdance

Congratulations to all of the Malashock Dance School students who performed in the Winter Showcase this weekend! We enjoyed the choreography of Malashock Dance School faculty John Malashock, Molly Puryear, Erica Buechner, Matt Carney, Julianne O’Brien Pedersen, and Jaami Waali. Congrats to all of them, as well as faculty members Katie Griffin and Diana Nicastro, for a great semester of dance classes!

Take a look at a slideshow of photos from the Malashock Dance School Winter Showcase here:

Also, we are gearing up for next semester, beginning January 11, 2010! Check out the class schedule or sign up for classes now !

Student Showcase with a Professional Guest Performance!

Monday, December 7th, 2009 by malashockdance

Don’t miss the Malashock Dance School Winter Showcase this weekend:
Saturday, Dec. 12 @ 7 pm
Sunday, Dec. 13 @ 2 pm

Malashock Dance Studio
Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Road, Studio 200
San Diego, CA 92106

Tickets are $10 at the door.

Malashock Dance School Winter Showcase

Performing at the showcase are teen students from our Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance classes, adult students from our Modern Dance Technique classes and New Works Workshop, and a guest performance from Malashock Dance Company members Nicholas Strasburg and Bradley R. Lundberg.

John Malashock will premiere his new work, "Thinking Out Loud," which was created at the New Works Workshop.  Watch a clip of the new dance and John working with the New Works Workshop students!

Holiday Special! Don’t forget—2-for-1 class cards are available now for new adult students through the end of the year.  Give the gift of dance this holiday season!

A Peek at the New Works Workshop

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 by malashockdance

Many parents and students are familiar with our state-of-the-art dance studio in San Diego, our dance classes for kids and teens, and our dance classes for adults.  But several times a year, adult students join us because of their love of dance or their dance career aspirations for workshops that offer a professional dance experience.

Our New Works Workshops , as well as our Summer in San Diego dance intensive, offers students an opportunity to learn new choreography from Artistic Director John Malashock and Associate Artistic Director Michael Mizerany (as well as guest artists in the summer).

Over Thanksgiving weekend, eight students joined John Malashock in the studio for the New Works Workshop.  Students worked four hours a day for three days, learning choreography and receiving individual coaching.

" Working on new dances with an experienced choreographer is, by far, the most effective and direct way of learning new skills in dance.  Dance is a ‘handed down’ artform, and there is no better way for dance students to broaden their abilities than by being in a situation like this." - John Malashock, Artistic Director

See some video clips of their experience here:

See the New Works Workshop students perform the finished piece, "Thinking Out Loud," next week:

Malashock Dance School Winter Showcase
Dec. 12 @ 7 p.m. & Dec. 13 @ 2 p.m.

Malashock Dance Studio
Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Rd, Studio 200, San Diego, CA 92106