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 performances’
Dance About Diego
Thursday, June 10th, 2010 by malashockdanceHappy 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!
See Academics in Motion this weekend!
Friday, November 13th, 2009 by malashockdanceWhen I started working at Malashock Dance, I only had a vague idea of what “Education Outreach” meant. What really happens when the teacher walks into the classroom? Talking with Molly Puryear (our Education Director and an AMAZING teacher!), I began to get a sense for what goes on in the classroom. After visiting a couple Education Outreach classes, I got a much better picture of the scope—and the variety—of our outreach activities. So I started thinking, "How can I explain these outstanding programs to everyone else who supports Malashock?"
I am now working with Molly to get our brand new Flip cameras (woohoo!) into the classrooms, so that we can literally show you what is going on in our incredible dance education programs: The Malashock Dance School, Emotion in Motion at Balboa Park, Academics in Motion at Freese Elementary, Dance at La Jolla Country Day School, and the Liberty School here at NTC Promenade. But I want to share a few opportunities for you to take a peek right now:
• Turn on your TV Saturday morning to KUSI! Some of our students from Freese Elementary will be sharing what they have learned about dance and the solar system Saturday at 8:50 a.m. on KUSI/Channel 9!
• Visit the SDUSD Arts Magnet Fair Saturday afternoon: Our Freese Elementary students will be performing at 1 p.m. at the Recital Hall in Balboa Park.
• But before you go, watch this video to get an idea of what Academics in Motion is all about!
I am looking forward to sharing even more great photos and video of our Education Outreach in the coming days!
Rachel McRoberts
Communications Manager
Malashock Dance
From the Dancers: Rehearsals for WAYWARD GLANCES
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 by malashockdanceToday’s blog post comes from Blythe Barton, Malashock Company Apprentice. See Blythe perform WAYWARD GLANCES in the Malashock Dance production SURFACE TENSION, October 10-11 at the Lyceum Theatre in Downtown San Diego.
Pure excitement was what I first experienced upon being asked to dance for Michael Mizerany’s in his new work, Wayward Glances, however as the first rehearsal approached the nerves kicked in. Of course once we were in the studio, my apprehension was quickly assuaged.
Working with Michael is challenging, in that he pushes you (and your body) in ways that your didn’t think were possible, always experimenting and adjusting to achieve just the right sequence of movement, flattering angle, or lift. The duet he is creating for Matt Carney and me revolves strongly around character development as well. I am working to bring out my inner dominant woman. Thankfully, dancing with Matt makes this process enjoyable and comfortable. As a taller girl, I have often been the “base” in partnering situations, so this is a new challenge to tackle. So far, I spend most of the dance standing on, balancing above and hovering over Matt.
As we moved into the second week of rehearsal, I was again unsure of what to expect. I had grown comfortable in working with Matt and Michael and was curious to a new group dynamic. I was once again pleasantly surprised… Rehearsals were fun and productive. Michael worked to create partnering sequences and to teach us movement phrases. It was most interesting to watch our choreographer look at a two bodies and shape an intricate phrase of momentum and shapes.
My first set of rehearsals with Michael for Wayward Glances has gone very well, and I am extremely excited to head full force into September. Blythe Barton Malashock Dance Apprentice
From the Dancers: Rehearsals for AFTER DUST
Friday, August 21st, 2009 by malashockdanceToday’s blog post comes from Theresa Anton, Malashock Company Dancer. See Theresa perform AFTER DUST and APOLOGIES FROM THE LOWER DECK in the Malashock Dance production SURFACE TENSION, October 10-11 at the Lyceum Theatre in Downtown San Diego.
Coming from Denver to rehearse a piece I knew nothing about and to work as half of a duet with a dancer I have never met was a bit risky, I know. But, I had met John, Michael, Nick and Matt while rehearsing “The Pearl Fishers” in Denver last spring and the opportunity to work with them again was not something I wanted to pass up. The duet is from “After Dust”, choreography by John Malashock, and the other half of the cast for this section, the beloved Christine Marshall.
Theresa Anton and Christine Marshall rehearsing AFTER DUST, choreography by John Malashock
I felt instantly at home with Christine and was struck by the physical similarities between us. Our first day of rehearsals went well as I got my bearings and started becoming familiar with a new style of work. One of the challenges of this duet is that as small as Christine and I both are (just barely 5’0”) we are accustomed to being the dancer thrown in the air and balanced precariously on others’ backs, arms, feet and so forth. This duet is different, we are not only the lifted, but the lifters; we not only had to learn to dance together as a pair, but work together to find the balance so important to partnering. My arms were sore for the first four days of rehearsal and I know that between now and when I return to San Diego to continue my rehearsals with The Company, I need to keep up the newly found upper-body strength.
Theresa Anton rehearsing AFTER DUST, choreography by John Malashock
It was a mild whirlwind of a week, flying in from Denver on Monday night, rehearsing all week and flying back home after rehearsal on Saturday, but I am so happy that I took that risk. I can’t wait for my return trip to Dance Place San Diego to learn “Apologies from the Lower Deck” and finish cleaning the sections from “After Dust”. It has already been such a treat to work with such a wonderful group of artists and friends…I can’t wait for the honor to take the stage with them.
Theresa Anton
Malashock Dance Company Dancer
From the Dancers: Rehearsals for Surface Tension
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 by malashockdanceToday’s blog post comes from Matt Carney, Malashock Company Dancer. See Matt perform WAYWARD GLANCES in the Malashock Dance production SURFACE TENSION , October 10-11 at the Lyceum Theatre in Downtown San Diego.
My feelings heading into rehearsal with Malashock Dance Associate Artistic Director Michael Mizerany are usually filled with anticipation, interest, and maybe a little fear. You know the work will be guttural and athletic with a dash of passion and angst, but know that it will come at a cost.
Matt Carney and Blythe Barton rehearsing for Michael Mizerany's new work WAYWARD GLANCES
Honestly, a half hour into our first five-hour rehearsal for WAYWARD GLANCES I was already bleeding, sweating, and bruised and wondered how I would even finish. Before I knew it, I was caught up in my character and the safety of my partner that I started living in the piece. The movement began to develop meaning and a true partnership began. Working with a new partner takes, aside from time, trial and error to find a solid connection. Some lifts and partnered balances take many attempts, many falls to see what will work. Working with Blythe has made that process easy, with her focused work ethic and of course her long, beautiful body. I feel that I am finally doing movement that I was trained to do and am just enjoying the process. I look forward to seeing how the piece will develop.
As for the aches and pains…just part of the lifestyle of a dancer. When I walk, I am not just walking, I feel the sensation of my tight quads with every step. I’m forced to meditate as I fall asleep trying to find a part of my back that is not sore. Every time I stand up or sit down in a chair I feel every inch of my body. Such a crazy life to choose, I’m glad it chose me.
Matt Carney
Malashock Company Dancer
Looking ahead to this summer and next season at Malashock
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 by malashockdance
Molly Puryear's Contemporary Choreography Class in "Lost." Photo by Yvonne Portra.
THE MALASHOCK DANCE SCHOOL SPRING SHOWCASE was held at Sushi: A Center for the Urban Arts this past weekend and was a great success. On Sunday, the show was completely sold out – we squeezed in more than 90 people – and the dancers “danced” amazingly. The showcase included performances by the students of The Malashock Dance School as well as the participants of the New Works Workshops. John Malashock premiered his new work, Unsettled , Michael Mizerany debut his work for eight women, Total Eclipse , and Katie Griffin and Matt Carney performed a new dance they choreographed jointly, Dreams .
Jaami Waali's Hip Hop Class in Swaggerific. Photo by Yvonne Portra.
Joe Alter
As a reminder, the MALASHOCK DANCE SUMMER WORKSHOP INTENSIVE is fast approaching. Plus a new development: Due to larger than expected enrollment, Joe Alter, associate professor and coordinator of the dance division at San Diego State University, has been added to the Summer Workshop Faculty. He is the Artistic Director of the Joe Alter Dance Group and also currently performs with Leslie Seiter’s Little Known Dance Theater.
On the touring front, MALASHOCK DANCE will be spending a week in the Midwest at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in March/April of 2010. In addition to a company performance, we will offer three master classes including advanced modern technique, intermediate modern technique and a class in partnering.
And of special note: John Malashock has been elected to the Board of Trustees for DANCE/USA , the national service organization for professional dance. This is a tremendous honor for John, and he looks forward to being an enthusiastic representative. John will start his three year term on July 1, 2009.
John Malashock and Executive Director of DANCE/USA, Andrea Snyder.
Lastly, save the date for San Diego’s most fun fundraiser: MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE , Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 8 pm at Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall.
Michael Mizerany
Associate Artistic Director, MALASHOCK DANCE
Gearing Up for San Diego Summer of Dance
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 by malashockdanceThis past week was very exciting! We ended our season with an encore performance of John Malashock’s critically acclaimed dance work SHADOW OF MERCY at the JEWISH ARTS FESTIVAL in downtown San Diego. The house was full, the dancing was wonderful, and the audience was enthusiastic.
Now we are gearing up for The Malashock Dance School Spring Showcase (featuring new work by John Malashock and Michael Mizerany) on:
MALASHOCK DANCE SCHOOL SPRING SHOWCASE
Saturday, June 6, 2009 @ 2 pm
Sunday, June 7, 2009 @ 5 pm
Sushi: A Center for Urban Arts
390 11th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Tickets: $10
Call: 619-260-1622 or at
www.MalashockDance.org
Students from Michael Mizerany's New Works Workshop rehearse TOTAL ECLIPSE.
Also, the MALASHOCK DANCE SUMMER INTENSIVE begins on Monday, July 6th. It is looking to be a great workshop. 30 students and professionals from around the country will be converging on Dance Place San Diego to attend class, learn Malashock Dance repertory and participate in the Workshop Performance at the Saville Theatre on Saturday, July 18, 2009.
MALASHOCK SUMMER WORKSHOP PERFORMANCE
July 18, 2009
Saville Theater, Campus of City College
On the corner of C Street and 14th
San Diego, CA
Tickets: $15
Reservations: 619-260-1622 or
www.MalashockDance.org
If you would like to participate, there are still a few slots left. Go to www.MalashockDance.org for more information or to sign-up for classes.
Michael Mizerany
Associate Artistic Director, MALASHOCK DANCE
When The Party Is Over…?
Thursday, April 30th, 2009 by malashockdance
Michael Mizerany and Christine Marshall in Everybody Knows. Photo by Manny Rotenberg
The premiere of SHADOW OF MERCY went wonderfully well. The audience was enthusiastic and the reviews were glowing. (Read Pat Launer’s review at SDNN and CJ McKee’s review at Examiner.com !) Now, you would think MALASHOCK DANCE would have some time off, right? Noooooooooooooooooooooo!
Nicholas Strasburg and Bradley Lundberg in The Future. Photo by Yvonne Portra
The very next week we began rehearsing for an encore presentation of THE LEGEND OF THE PERSIAN CARPET at the San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) for The Young Artist Reception. This production would be a little different because we had to replace Jeff Bulkley (who had prior commitments) with Bradley R. Lundberg, and we would be performing in the grand foyer of the museum. The grand foyer is considerably smaller than a stage, but very workable. Or, so I thought.
When I went to look at the space, I realized that, yes, it was in the grand foyer, but we would be performing on two staircases separated by two landings. It is the type of staircase that Joan Crawford would slowly slink down in many of her old MGM movies or that Linda Evans would tumble down every season on “Dynasty”.
I was especially worried about the Dance of the Thieves. It has many high-flying and gasp-inducing lifts and, to be frank, I didn’t want to alter them. Thanks to the tenacity and bravery of Nick and Brad, most of the lifts remained intact. Katie, Matt and Christine also proved to be quite adept at navigating narrow spaces, protruding banisters and plate glass windows.
All in all, the performance looked great. The dancers pulled out all the stops to make this an enjoyable and memorable evening for all the families and museum VIPS who attended. A special thank you goes out to SDMA’s Amy Briere who managed to get us a little more danceable space.
John and I are now in preparations for our NEW WORKS WORKSHOP which runs for two weekends (May 23rd & 24th and May 30th & May 31). These new works will premiere at THE MALASHOCK DANCE SCHOOL SPRING SHOWCASE on June 6th & 7th at Sushi: A Center for the Urban Arts .
Also, if you missed SHADOW OF MERCY the first time or want to experience it again, there will be an encore performance at the Lyceum Theater on May 31st at 7 pm. For tickets, go to sdrep.org or call 619-544-1000.
Michael Mizerany
Associate Artistic Director, MALASHOCK DANCE
Shadow of Mercy: Reviews
Friday, April 17th, 2009 by malashockdanceYou saw the show—now give us your review!
Would you recommend Shadow of Mercy to a friend?
What was your favorite dance?
Who was your favorite dancer?
From the entire show, what stood out to you the most?
Leave us a comment with your review. We would love to hear what you think!
