Behind The Curtain is a unique opportunity to get exclusive insight into the inner workings of Malashock Dance performances, programs, and events through first-person accounts from those that make them happen. From performers and choreographers to directors, producers, and beyond, our varied cast of contributors will provide an entertaining insiders look at what happens "behind the scenes" at Malashock Dance.

Series #1 - MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE
As we approach our 4th Annual MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE! Fundraiser on October 9, we’ll be hearing from all levels of participants, past and present, to learn what it takes to raise the much-needed funds that support Malashock Dance’s Education Outreach and Scholarship programs.

Vol. 7 - Monique Marvez  (Comedian, Event Host & Past Celebrity Judge)

I am a little nervous about this year because HOSTING is way more exposure than judging and a greater opportunity to slant the audience with my bias’…

I pray I don’t abuse the power!

Although none of the contestants are my BFF’s, I would be lying by omission if I didn’t disclose some of them are near and dear to me.

And as for the others, I can be swayed by cookies, chocolate or rhinestones…

This is going to be a blast! This year we will have more audience participation, bigger cheers and more hard laughs to go with all the hard work! I guarantee it!

Please pull out all the stops to pack the joint- it is not only all for a good cause, it will be the BEST time you can have watching attractive people nervously PANTING and sweating (not just me!).

See you there on Oct. 9th!

- Monique

http://www.malashockdance.org/thinksyoucandance

Behind The Curtain is a unique opportunity to get exclusive insight into the inner workings of Malashock Dance performances, programs, and events through first-person accounts from those that make them happen. From performers and choreographers to directors, producers, and beyond, our varied cast of contributors will provide an entertaining insiders look at what happens "behind the scenes" at Malashock Dance.

Series #1 - MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE
As we approach our 4th Annual MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE! Fundraiser on October 9, we’ll be hearing from all levels of participants, past and present, to learn what it takes to raise the much-needed funds that support Malashock Dance’s Education Outreach and Scholarship programs.

Vol. 6 - Danitza Villanueva (GB Magazine Creative Director & current contestant)

Lady Marmalade

Voulez-vous DANSER avec moi, ce soir?

From the sultry streets of Paris to the sunny sidewalks of San Diego; the music, the mystique and the magic of dance is universal.

Some dances are traditional; others fun and fanciful. Dan Gibbons and I have made our dance exotic.

I thought that dancing the cha-cha-cha would be an exciting and original way to blend a traditional Latin dance with modern choreography, music and moves. We have taken a classic song, classic steps and with hours and hours of practice, bruises and sweat, we have created something that we think will leave the audience and judges awestruck.

Did I mention the costume? No, I didn’t. That is for October 9th at the Birch North Park Theater.

Au revoir.

- Danitza

http://www.malashockdance.org/thinksyoucandance

Behind The Curtain is a unique opportunity to get exclusive insight into the inner workings of Malashock Dance performances, programs, and events through first-person accounts from those that make them happen. From performers and choreographers to directors, producers, and beyond, our varied cast of contributors will provide an entertaining insiders look at what happens "behind the scenes" at Malashock Dance.

Series #1 - MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE
As we approach our 4th Annual MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE! Fundraiser on October 9, we’ll be hearing from all levels of participants, past and present, to learn what it takes to raise the much-needed funds that support Malashock Dance’s Education Outreach and Scholarship programs.

Vol. 5 - Carlo Cecchetto (KFMB Ch.8 Anchor & current contestant)

Here’s the thing….. I. Can’t. Dance.

Anyone who knows me well understands the truth of those three words, yet here I am.

No rhythm.. it’s bad.

You may wonder why I would risk ridicule, embarrassment and injury in such a venture, but I simply think it’s a cause people should know about and an event that can’t be matched.

I get to work with an amazing dancer (Irina Chalkevitch), learn some moves.. and help out underserved children with an interest in dance.

It’s a win-win situation.

MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE is less than a month away now, and I almost feel like I won’t be a disaster! And I’m having a lot of fun learning to… well.. I’m not going to give up what we’re dancing at this point.

Come out on October 9th, and you can see for yourself!

All I’m going to say is that we’re working very hard to get our routine down so that we can provide some solid entertainment for the audience and competition for the other dancers!

See you soon!

- Carlo

http://www.malashockdance.org/thinksyoucandance

Behind The Curtain is a unique opportunity to get exclusive insight into the inner workings of Malashock Dance performances, programs, and events through first-person accounts from those that make them happen. From performers and choreographers to directors, producers, and beyond, our varied cast of contributors will provide an entertaining insiders look at what happens "behind the scenes" at Malashock Dance.

Series #1 - MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE
As we approach our 4th Annual MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE! Fundraiser on October 9, we’ll be hearing from all levels of participants, past and present, to learn what it takes to raise the much-needed funds that support Malashock Dance’s Education Outreach and Scholarship programs.

Vol. 3 - Dona Donato (Event Producer)

This is a show with HEART!

I have had the privilege of being the producer and director of the Malashock Thinks You Can Dance program since its beginning. Creating an event from scratch is definitely not for the faint hearted… and an event with this many moving pieces can make any organization feel like they are on a perpetual ride on the teacups at Disneyland. I don’t know about you - but that crazy thing makes me so dizzy I can barely watch! Thus, it could have been that way for this event except…

Malashock Dance is not your average organization.

John Malashock’s natural caring and creative vibe is evident in everyone he surrounds himself with and his small and mighty staff is amazing. The philosophy behind their programs is to put "Emotion in Motion" and they deliver this to the community in myriad ways. In my opinion, one of the most important things they do is to take dance to the under served community, to children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it. And surprise, surprise… it’s not JUST about dance. The children who participate are often transformed…building their self-esteem, discipline and social skills which bubble over into school work and the relationships in their lives. Helping children reach their true potential. Very cool to say the least. Life changing for some. To raise money for these programs is WHY this event exists. And that is what keeps me here through many late nights of script writing, technical hiccups, and video editing.

I also must admit that I love the art form of dance, I love to watch people who can actually do all those crazy things with their bodies, and (speaking of bodies) just watching some of those scantily clad dancers, ummm, let’s just say its "inspiring." I still think Michael Mizerany should be bronzed… but I digress…

Over the last three years with this event, I have watched the contestants transform themselves too. Some may have more money, some may have more notoriety, but NONE of them have been professional dancers and performed in crazy costumes in front of hundreds of people. Oh yeah, and then be "judged" in front of the audience, and then be voted on by those same hundreds of people. Takes some serious guts to say the least.

So here’s a couple of behind-the-scenes observations from some of the things I truly enjoy. Each year, I show up at one of every contestant’s rehearsals to film them dancing and interview them for their pre-dance video. Some of them are well rehearsed at that point. Some of them are desperately trying to catch up because they have been on vacation or otherwise attending to their lives. Some are excited, some are nervous, some (deep down) really want to throw up. Yet there they are - swirling, counting, falling, sweating (lots and lots of sweating) and through it all they are having fun. Other than having to "bleep out" a few of their comments - it’s good clean fun. Someday I am going to make a video of the outtakes… that would be a best-seller.

Now on to show day. You can’t imagine the scene back stage - first you’ve got ten professional dancers who are not only competing in this event, but quite honestly, against each other too. Combine that with ten excited, fear-crazed, adrenaline hopped, elaborately costumed contestants, sprinkle on top funny and occasionally snarky judges - and you’ve got a recipe for a wild, fun-loving, like-no-other experience. Part reality TV show, part soap opera and part sorority / frat house.

All I can say is these people are brave. The memory of two very distinguished women - Dr. Joyce Gattas and Pam Cesak - comparing neon colored outfits that could fit easily into a sandwich bag… well, the expressions on their faces won’t be easily forgotten.

Speaking of expressions, I must confess that one of the things I find most entertaining during this entire experience takes place during rehearsal a few hours before the show. Here’s what happens. The contestants all arrive and are told to get into their costumes for rehearsal. No need for hair and make-up yet, but I do need to see the color of the costumes and how they work with the lights and cameras. So they arrive in various states including stunning ball gowns, tuxedos and hair-rollers, then one by one they check in with the stage manager and wait for me to come and get them. What I see when I open the stage door from the stage is what amuses me the most. It’s not the various states of dress, but rather the looks on their faces when the door opens it all suddenly becomes very, very real. A bit hard to describe, but most have a slightly wax-museum like smile, some mixed with an "oh-man-what-have-I-gotten-into" face, some just shear dread. I do my best Polly Perky greeting to loosen them up - but, at that exact moment, I appear to be the focal point of all their feelings, so I am generally regarded with a look that says something akin to "you are all that is evil in this world". I don’t take it personally.

My favorite part you ask? In addition to raising money to change kids’ lives? It’s the heart. Every contestant, every dancer, every judge, the Malashock staff, even the tech crew (and trust me, they’re a tough crowd), all come to this show with a great deal of heart. And it bleeds into the audience. It’s one big heart-felt and heart-full event. I truly believe that "heart" is what makes something genuinely special…and that is why this event truly incredible.

I heart it.

http://www.malashockdance.org/thinksyoucandance

Now it is time for me to write my farewell blog as I return home to the UK next week. I look back and I can’t believe 3 months passed so quickly. I have, as expected, thoroughly enjoyed my time in San Diego and working with the Malashock Dance team. It’s been a busy time! Spring Showcase, Chagall Premiere, Floating World Studio Series, and the Summer Intensive just to name a few of the events Malashock has organized in such a short space of time with just a few passionate people involved.

In this 3 month internship I have been given a large amount of responsibility and freedom to work within the team. I have been able to build knowledge and skills base for working in the field of arts management. I have been able to observe the challenges and problem solving that goes into an arts organization particularly at a time where arts funding are being cut. The largest change I have noticed in myself is my growth in self-confidence and self worth. As a recent graduate it is difficult to believe in yourself that you can provide something even without the years of experience others can provide. But Malashock Dance Company & School gave me the opportunity for me to prove to myself that I have ideas of value and skills to offer to the arts industry. With this new sense of value I can confidently go into the Arts World with the ability to present myself, and quantifiably prove the value I have to offer.

From my time at Malashock Dance I have been most proud of the Shockwaves Newsletter I redesigned and the Dance about Diego Blog I have set up with Voice of San Diego. I am glad that I will be able to continue writing this blog even after I have returned to the UK. Please show your support for the arts in San Diego and Malashock Dance by reading and getting involved in conversations on this blog .

Thank you, Malashock Dance, for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to working with Malashock Dance in the future and returning to San Diego soon. I have made some great life-long friends and I hope I will see them all soon. In the words of a famous ‘Californian’, “I’ll be back”.

The Malashock Dance studio is buzzing with the energy of the next generation of up-and-coming dancers!  The Malashock Dance Summer Intensive is filling the studio with the sound of dancer’s feet brushing, sliding and pounding the studio floor accompanied by the evocative musical selections of their choreographers.  These young dancers are eager to learn and ready to move.  Their attention is focused and their bodies are instruments of expression, waiting to “upload” the latest choreographic explorations of the faculty.  Their willingness to become as vulnerable as clay before a sculptor is quite inspiring, and by the end of the first day of classes, the group of 20 dancers transformed from complete strangers to intimate partners who were lifting, catching, and taking risks with one another.  When challenged to reach beyond what they think they can achieve, and given the tools and support to take healthy risks, dancers will transform.  They transform their body, their idea of what is possible, the choreography, and even the staff and faculty who facilitate their experience.

I am looking forward to seeing these young talents take the stage on July 17 at the Saville Theater at San Diego City College to perform the repertory and new works developed during these two very intense weeks with Malashock Dance!

Malashock Dance School Students can purchase 2-4-1 Tickets to the Summer Showcase.

Adults: $15

Children/Seniors: $10

Purchase tickets here

The performance is July 17 at the Saville Theater, City College at 8pm. We hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26th, as our biggest fundraiser of the year, Malashock Thinks You Can Dance, is back for its third annual installment at Qualcomm Hall!

As we here at Malashock prepare to enter our 22nd season of dance, our yearly fundraiser is just as important as ever. While we continue to educate dancers of all ages and all talent levels, and produce consistently outstanding-quality performances, this event serves the essential purpose of raising funds for Malashock’s education and outreach programs initiated by the Malashock School and the Malashock Company.
We’re pleased to have Dea Hurston on board as the event Chair (with Honorary Chairs), and on top of that to have actor Phil Johnson serving as emcee for the evening.

Part-Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance, and Part-ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, this evening of friendly competition partners local celebrities and professional dancers in an all-out dance-off showcasing two months of dedicated preparation.
Our 2009 line-up of celebrity contests are [listed with partners]:
Edgar Bonner, Eye Exclusive with Cristina Santana
Gail Bryan, Museum of Photographic Arts with Dan Gibbons
Mitchell Dubick, Higgs, Fletcher & Mack with Stephanie Olsen
Kristy Gregg, San Diego National Bank with Pepe Alvarez
Thomas Karlo, KPBS TV/FM with Irina Chalkevitch
Dr. Michael Levy, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery, UCSD with Vanessa Williams
Anita Norton, Sycuan Casino with Tyler Ryan-Allen
Chairman Tucker, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation with Miki Jennings
Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, MOXIE Theatre with John Selby
Lydia McNeil, Las Patronas with Steve Showers

Additionally, adding fun to the night are our 2009 celebrity judges:
Dea Hurston, Commissioner, City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture
Jeffrey Dunigan, Financial Advisor, Smith Barney
Monique Marvez, Radio Personality, Jack-FM

Excerpts from last year’s show are online through Malashock Dance’s YouTube channel.

Tickets are available through Malashock Dance’s website, or by calling (619)260-1622, with prices ranging from $35-$150. Or, make a donation.