Maybe the fact that Salim Gauwloos appreciated Julian’s ballet technique was one of the reasons Julian enjoyed dancing with him in New York. Julian had just completed the six-week American Ballet Summer Intensive and had improved considerably during that time. Of course, he had a sound foundation in ballet after three years at Ballet San […]
Words of Wisdom from Julian's First Male Teacher and Mentor
When Julian was quite young, his first male teacher provided a superb mentor. Now he offers words of wisdom to all boys who dance. And he encourages those boys starting late to work hard and catch up — just as he did.
How to Get the Most Out of a Summer Ballet Intensive: Rasta Thomas Offers Advice (Part 2)
During my conversation with Rasta Thomas about how boys can prepare for a summer dance ballet intensive, which I wrote about in my last post, he also offered some pretty savvy advice for how our young men should conduct themselves once they actually find themselves on site and ready to begin the intensive itself. Here […]
How to Prepare for a Summer Ballet Intensive: Rasta Thomas Offers Advice (Part 1)
At long, long last, I have some really superb advice for all the boys attending summer ballet intensives. Actually, any boy attending any type of summer dance intensive will benefit from the advice offered by ballet great Rasta Thomas. I first “discovered” Rasta after I’d actually seen him perform as Eddie in the national tour of the […]
Interview with Duncan Cooper (Part 4): The Issues and Difficulties Faced by Male Dancers (How to Make Choreography Your Own)
Last, but definitely not least, here’s part four to my interview with Duncan Cooper. If you don’t remember who Duncan is, please go back to this post to read the brief bio I offered in the part one. Working on Flexibility and Weaknesses Continuing my conversation with Duncan, I wanted to know if he often saw the […]
Dance Advantage Interviews Garret Smith of Houston Ballet II
While you are waiting for my next post, here’s a great one to read by Nichelle Strzepek at Dance Advantage. She interviewed 20-year-old Garrett Smith, a recent graduate of Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy, who already is an accomplished performer and choreographer as well as a member of Houston Ballet II, Houston Ballet’s pre-professional company. He’s also signed a contract […]
Interview with Duncan Cooper (Part 3): Develop the Ability to Move with Emotion and Be Inspired by Dance
Amidst the hustle and bustle of tecnical rehearsals for Los Gatos Ballet’s Copellia and last-week-before-techical-rehearsals for Teen Dance Company’s 10th Anniversary Spring Concert, not to mention my daugther’s regional synchronized swimming meet in Sacramento this weekend (and my work), I’ve finally managed to finish transcribing the tape of my interview with Duncan Cooper. As promised, […]
Interview with Duncan Cooper (Part 2): Need For Technique & Movement that Tells a Story & Portrays Emotion
Sorry for the delay in writing another post. Things have been a bit crazy at my end. I had a trial period for a writing gig I didn’t get (which took up an enormous amount of time for four weeks). I’ve been gearing up my new column at Examiner.com. Plus, we’ve had time spent on […]
Interview with Duncan Cooper (Part 1): Your Son's Dance Education
I first met 38-year-old Duncan Cooper when Julian attended the New York City Dance Alliance convention in Santa Clara, CA, about a month ago. I was impressed with the choreography he gave the boys during his session. And Julian loved the choreography. So, I decided to approach him and ask if he would write a […]