San Diego is rich in the arts but not many people know about what is going on or where to find it. Malashock Dance and Voice of San Diego have teamed up to give the arts, Dance in particular, a stronger voice to be heard. We have created a new blog called ‘Dance About Diego’ which intends to begin to inform both visitors and locals about dance activity and give insight as to what it is like to work in the Dance industry in San Diego. Check out our first blog entry at Voice of San Diego and look out for new entries to come.
Posts Tagged ‘dance’
Dance About Diego
Thursday, June 10th, 2010 by malashockdanceNew Works Workshop: A Whirlwind Challenge
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 by generaladminThe New Works Workshop was so much fun: 10 hours with 15 great dancers, a choreographers’ dream. The first day was especially fun — teaching phrase work, arranging it, drilling it and cleaning it. The dancers were tireless; they definitely met the challenge head on. It was so amazing to see how they ate up the movement — over and over and over again. I was quickly advised by the lovely ladies to stop saying, "One more time," and start just saying, "Again," because it was never just "one more time." Your observations are duly noted.
The second day I noticed many bruises, taped feet and ace bandages, but that couldn’t stop the New Works Workshop ladies. Again, they had incredible energy and excitement. We worked on more phrase work, some partnering and some scary lifts. Despite all this they could not be deterred, and we finished the work midway through the day, spending the rest of the time cleaning and refining. After ten hours of hard work and impressive determination on the dancers behalf, they look incredible.
I am so proud of what they achieved in only two days and am very excited to see the audience’s reaction at the showcase in 2 weeks time. So make sure you don’t miss the premiere of this new work (title TBA) at the Malashock Dance School Showcase on June 5th at 7 pm at the Saville Theater. Buy tickets online at www.MalashockDance.org
Michael Mizerany
Associate Artistic Director
Malashock Dance
A Huge Thanks to SCPA & Francisco Ruvalcaba!
Monday, February 1st, 2010 by malashockdanceYesterday, 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 malashockdanceSave 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)
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.
Pilates Flow at the Malashock Dance School
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 by malashockdanceI met Marianne Olsson over a year ago, when a friend recommended her pilates class at our gym. My strongest memory of that first class with her was of her walking over to me several times, telling me that she knew I could stretch a little more, do a few more reps, do the more difficult variation she had taught. After class, when I went up to thank her, she asked if I was a dancer. My answer: Yes, sort of. (I now sit in the office next to the dance studio more often than I take class in there!)
I was impressed that Marianne could recognize dance training in one of her gym students, and even more impressed when she agreed to teach pilates at the Malashock Dance School . She decided to offer Pilates Flow, a pilates class for dancers and for us sort-of-dancers, want-to-be-dancers, and total-non-dancers. Pilates is a great way for anyone to get fit, and as a certified pilates instructor, Marianne is a great teacher to work with.
Join us on Thursday for the first class of the semester—I plan to be there, too!
PILATES FLOW
with Marianne Olsson
Thursday, 7-8:15 p.m.
Try the class once for $15 or purchase a class card now !
Malashock Dance School
Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Road, Studio 200
San Diego, CA 92106
Malashock Thinks You Can Dance… Ballroom Series!
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 by malashockdanceFor three years in a row, we have put on an incredibly fun fundraiser, Malashock Thinks You Can Dance! This year, we are welcoming one of the professional dancers from our fundraiser to teach the rest of us how to dance!
Irina Chalkevitch , ballroom champion and a great teacher with an electric personality, will be teaching a series of ballroom dance classes at the Malashock Dance School . This 6-class series will include Cha Cha Cha, Salsa, Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing, and Waltz . Couples and singles are welcome to learn these ballroom dances in a fun, relaxed, social environment.
You can watch Irina performing at Malashock Thinks You Can Dance! with her partner, John Selby:
Malashock Thinks You Can Dance … Ballroom Series
Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
January 15 - February 19, 2010
Malashock Dance School
Dance Place San Diego
2650 Truxtun Rd, Studio 200
San Diego, CA 92106
Series rate: $150 for singles / $250 per couple
Sign up with a friend and save!
Jaami Waali, Hip Hop Teacher at the Malashock Dance School
Monday, January 11th, 2010 by malashockdanceToday’s blog comes from Jaami Waali, who teaches Hip Hop at the Malashock Dance School every Monday, 5-6 p.m., for ages 13 & up. Jaami is also founder and co-director of Kruciaal Element, which offers a drop-in, all levels Hip Hop class at the Malashock Dance School every Tuesday, 6-7 p.m.
The more I teach, the more I realize it is less about the subject matter and more about the people involved and how I can inspire them to learn more about themselves. The subject matter becomes more of a way for me to connect with people. I wonder if most people wouldn’t be as open to change or another person’s opinion if it wasn’t aligned with something they were already interested in.
Dance is also something that is so personal because it involves our own bodies, people watching our bodies move through space, and how we connect (in sometimes a very vulnerable way) to music. These elements, and more, are different for every single person and, ultimately, define us. I love teaching dance because I can help people define themselves more and more, and in the process, I do so as well.
Jaami’s students performing in the Malashock Dance School Winter Showcase 2009:
FAQ: Children/Teen Dance Classes
Thursday, January 7th, 2010 by malashockdance1. 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 .
Happy New Year from Malashock Dance!
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 by malashockdanceIn 2010, we resolve to continue to put emotion in motion . As a premier California dance company, we create, educate, and collaborate . For those of you who aren’t familiar with our mission statement, there it is! You can learn more about our mission and programs on our website .
How can you get involved in our mission this year?
1. Take a dance class! Each class at the Malashock Dance School helps you put emotion in motion. Classes for kids and adults, beginners through professionals, help students grow as dancers and as people.
2. Attend our Studio Series in April and May! The “On The Spot” Studio Series in April is an opportunity to witness the actual creative process of new choreography being made by John Malashock, while the “Work in Progress” Studio Series in May unveils the first round of choreographic “sketching” with Company dancers.
3. Join our mailing list! We provide monthly newsletters and occasional announcements to make sure you know what’s going on at Malashock Dance.
4. Volunteer with us! Volunteers help us in the office, at performances, around town, and even by serving on our Board of Directors.
5. Donate! As a nonprofit organization, Malashock Dance relies on your generosity to provide new artistic creations, professional performances, and high-quality dance training and education outreach programs. You can also directly support our Scholarship Program .
Whatever your level of involvement, we look forward to seeing you at Malashock Dance this year!
Get ready for next semester at the Malashock Dance School!
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 by malashockdanceClasses are wrapping up this week, and we are getting ready for next semester’s dance classes! Winter semester begins January 11, 2010.
I am personally excited about all the new adult classes we will have to offer. Along with our Beginning through Advanced Modern classes with great teachers like Erica Buechner, Matt Carney, Julianne O’Brien Pedersen, and Katie Griffin, we will have an open Company Class taught by Michael Mizerany twice a week! It’s a chance to get professional-level training and take a technique class with our Company members. Of course, I’m not quite in shape for that one yet…
Erica will also begin teaching a Workout class, great for dancers and non-dancers alike! Erica is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and her students will get cardio conditioning, strength training, and stretching. I might choose her class over the gym on Saturdays!
Speaking of the gym, my favorite Pilates teacher from my gym will be joining the Malashock Dance School this semester. Marianne Olsson will teach Pilates Flow every Thursday, 7-8 p.m, with a mix of traditional pilates exercises and dance-inspired movements and stretches. I think this semester will be a chance for me to get back in shape, for sure!
Some of you also know that I love to dance Argentine Tango. I have been dancing tango for several years now, but I have never really tried Ballroom Dance. (I have enjoyed watching the ballroom dances in our annual Malashock Thinks You Can Dance! fundraiser, though!) Ballroom champion Irina Chalkevitch will be teaching a Malashock Thinks You Can Dance! Ballroom Dance Series this semester, and I’m very tempted to try it out. It will be a six-week class for singles or couples, covering a different style each week. Sounds like fun!
Stay tuned to the blog for more about next semester’s classes—I will also be highlighting the guest artists in our "4 Sundays in February" Master Class Series .
Don’t forget: New adult students can purchase a 4-class card before December 31 and get another 4-class card for FREE! Class cards can be used for any of our weekly adult classes, and it comes out to only $6 per class! It’s a great deal! Try out some of these classes for FREE on December 26th at the Free Day of Dance.
Rachel McRoberts
Communications Manager
Malashock Dance
