rap session

Shelby Rabara

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 10:59:00 -0500

SHELBY RABARA - Nike commercial, Grounded for Life, Bold and Beautiful

TGL: How do you memorize choreography?

Shelby: I memorize choreography by doing it over and over again. I think muscle memory is really important when memorizing choreography in order to completely remember and retain the choreography.

TGL: What was your first job in dance?

Shelby: My first job in dance as a professional was an industrial for Couture Diamonds. It was a Moulin Rouge theme industrial, where we 5 of us girls were dressed accordingly to the theme, and we got to wear thousands and thousands of dollars in diamonds. It was kind of weird walking around with our own body guards. It was a really fun first job, because I got to travel and rehearse with a lot of new dancers.

TGL: Audition advice/tips

Shelby: The best advice I ever got about auditioning is to "just be yourself". I really started to book a lot of jobs when I really took this advice to heart. Most casting directors, or choreographers want to see people in their true colors and personality. I would also say that it is important to know who and what you are auditioning for. For example, if you are auditioning for Disney, you should know to dress more younger, and reserved etc.

TGL: What was your childhood ambition?

Shelby: My childhood ambition was to be a dancing doctor. I always wanted to be doctor that taught dance in my off time... Oh to be a kid again!

TGL: What is your fondest memory?

Shelby: My fondest memory is when I got lost in the Orange County Performing Arts Center when I was about 10 years old. I was performing in Debbie Allen's "Pepito's Story" and I got to the dressing room really early. I was looking for the lobby to get a copy of the program to take as a souvenir, but I ended up taking a wrong turn and ended up on stage. I was the only one in the theatre and just looking up at all those empty seats on a big huge stage really was amazing. From that moment on, I knew I always wanted to perform in the arts.

TGL: What is your favorite soundtrack?

Shelby: My favorite soundtrack is from the movie Garden State. I think music is so important in movies because it is what really captivates and adds so much emotion to a movie. Music really moves me and inspires me to create, and this particular sound track really inspired me to create.

TGL: What has been your biggest challenge in dance?

Shelby: My biggest challenge in dance has been keeping my the artistic aspect alive in a commercialized industry. I am glad I went to college at UCLA, and really exercised my artistic and creative side while getting a higher education while I was working as a dancer in LA. When you are working jobs, it is hard to remember to keep the artistic aspect alive in your own personal artistic life. It is important to take the time to create your own form of art and expression when working so many dance jobs when you are selling a product, or dancing behind a music artist.

TGL: What is your inspiration?

Shelby: My inspiration comes from many things. Mainly, I am inspired by other cultures, and how art in those cultures is a way of life and survival. I particularly am inspired by people's life stories, experiences, and adventures which they share through visual, or performance art.

TGL: What has been the best advice that you have received?

Shelby: The best advice I have received is that going to college and pursuing a professional dance career is absolutely possible. This advice allowed me to pursue both of my dreams, and I am so happy that I took that advice and ran with it. I would not be doing what I am doing now if I had not taken this advice.

TGL: Earliest dance influences?

Shelby: My earliest dance influence is Gene Kelly. My first dance teacher let me borrow here VHS tape of Singing in the Rain. And from that day on Gene Kelly has been my biggest dance influence.

TGL: Tell us about your experiences in LA or NY

Shelby: I have really enjoyed my experience in LA. I have worked so many amazing jobs, and have traveled the world. I was on scholarship at EDGE PAC my first year in LA, and that program really prepared me for the auditioning scene. I also was a Los Angeles Laker Girl for 3 seasons while in college, and when I had free time I worked various jobs that I booked. That was an amazing experience, and since I am such a basketball fan, it was an awesome experience because I got to watch every game court side. I also work for a non-profit organization called the Theatre of Hearts Youth First, where I teach underprivileged inner city youth dance to keep them our of gangs and trouble. Overall, my experience in LA has been really great, and I feel really blessed with everything that I have experienced this far. I have yet to experience the dance scene NY, but I would absolutely love to train with the Alvin Ailey dance theatre group.

TGL: Any up-coming projects that you are working on?

Shelby: Recently I just did the newest Nike Rockstar Workout fitness video with Jaime King. That should be in circulation by the beginning of Winter 07, and I also just did a print campaign for Apple i-phone that should be coming out in the Fall.

TGL: What can you tell new-comers in the business?

Shelby: I would say the most important thing is to stay true to yourself, and surround yourself with positive people. It is easy to get wrapped up in the industry, and the people, but most importantly it is really important to be yourself, and keep your values and morals. Auditioning wise, it is important to present yourself in the way you want to represented, and that reputation is really important.

TGL: Tell us about your dance style?

Shelby: My style of dance is a very raw technical form of modern/contemporary jazz. I like to create my movement based on feeling and what the music says to me, and I am all about experimenting with movement based on ballet technique. I think technique is very important, but at the same time, there has to be a balance between technique and creativity.

TGL: What classes do you recommend individuals to take?

Shelby: I recommend individuals to take classes from EVERYONE. The dancers that I look up to the most, are the dancers that can take any class from anyone. For auditioning purposes, it is good practice to go in and take from someone you have never taken from before, because that is what auditions are like. Hip-hop dancers are realizing that it is important to take a jazz class here and there because more and more auditions are becoming more technical. And that is the same for technical dancers taking hip hop classes. But there are some teachers I would recommend for Jazz: - Scott Hislop, Adam Parson, Terry Best. Hip Hop- Jayson Wright, Tovaris Wilson, Harry Shum Jr., Chuck Maldanado

TGL: Why did you want to become a dancer/choreographer?

Shelby: I wanted to become a dancer/choreographer because it is what I love to do. I couldn't see myself doing anything else because dancing is what makes me really happy, and creating choreography makes me even happier. It not only makes me happy, but it is really full-filling creatively as an artist.

TGL: Where are you currently teaching class?

Shelby: Currently I teach master classes in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and southern California. I teach a regular class at a studio in Burbank, where I teach Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-hop.

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Rudeye Agency - Charlotte Stevens & Stuart Bishop

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 10:56:32 -0500

International Choreographers Stuart Bishop and Charlotte Stevens are the directors of the prestigious ‘Rudeye Agency’. Founded in 2001 it has fast become the UK’s No 1 professional dance agency representing & supplying the best dancers and choreographers in the UK for all aspects of the dance industry including Pop Videos, PAs, TV, Trade/Fashion Shows, Concerts, Commercials, Corporate Events, Film and Print. Rudeye has supplied dancers for some of the worlds top artists and brands recent credits have included Prince, PlayStation 3 and O2.
Whether it’s a Pop video, a commercial or a live event Stuart and Charlotte’s unique choreography always leaves the audience wanting more, they are the creators of the ‘Fusion Funk’ style, a mixture of Hip Hop, Jazz, Locking, Popping and Robotics and have choreographed and starred in 7 instructional DVDs and teach at the prestigious ‘Pineapple Studios’ in Covent Garden, London as well as teaching master classes around the world which recently have included Madrid, Dublin and Copenhagen .
2007 has seen Stuart and Charlotte make their US debut at ‘Planet Funk’ Houston Texas, judge the Hip Hop Championships in Spain and recently choreograph the ‘2007 international Gala Leaders Awards’ in Cannes, France. In October Charlotte will be embarking on a UK tour to promote her upcoming debut single release and looks forward to introducing her music to the US in the near future.
TGL: Tell me more about Rudeye Dance Agency. What does your agency look for at auditions when you are choosing your dancers?
Charlotte: Rudeye supplies dancers and choreographers for all aspects of the commercial industry including music videos, tours, TV, trade and fashion shows. Our dancers have worked for artists such as Gwen Stefani, Madonna and most recently Prince, brands and clients include Coca Cola, Playstation and T-Mobile.
Stuart: We look for professionally trained dancers who can dance fantastic, are groomed to perfection and in great physical shape. Dancers must have discipline and dedication to the art.
TGL: Charlotte, you are going to be releasing your first debut single. Tell us your experience? What were some of the biggest challenges?
Charlotte: October 15th my debut single is released in the UK which I’m really excited about; As I speak I am at the start of a 30 date UK tour which takes place throughout September and October. I released my first EP earlier in the year which was a soundtrack to Rudeye’s second instructional DVD. This was a good learning curve to prepare me for my debut single release. My performances are very dance based; I do not like to lip sync so learning to sing and dance to a high standard was a real challenge. My music is pure pop I like to create a show when I dance and leave people feeling entertained and happy. I look forward to bringing my music to the states real soon!
TGL: How do you memorize choreography?
Stuart: Choreography is easy to memorize if it goes to the music well as you can remember set moves on certain accents and beats. For large piece’s I will often record sections onto a video camera or phone. For dancers just starting out taking classes you should just try to get from start to finish of the routine and work on getting the moves cleaner afterwards. It takes constant and regular practice to be able to go from memorising the choreography to actually relaxing and dancing it.
TGL: What was your first job in dance?
Stuart: My first job was a pantomime which ran for 7 weeks over a Christmas period, this was an ideal job to start with as I learned so much from it, I remember the choreographer being very strict with us!
Charlotte: I was lucky that when I left college I got straight into music video work, my first one was a ‘Daphne and Celeste’ video (A now defunct UK pop group).
Stuart: Most dancers’ first jobs are not what they ideally want to be doing, it’s important to remember its takes time to get to the best jobs.
TGL: Audition advice/tips
Stuart: Within the first couple of minutes of an audition we can normally tell who is going to get the job or get on the agency. You have to appear confident but not cocky, intelligent but willing to learn, you should dress in bright vibrant colours as this is a sign of confidence and gives a great commercial look. As agents and choreographers we are looking for dancers who will be an asset to the agency and someone most importantly our clients will like and want to hire
TGL: What was your childhood ambition?
Charlotte: I always wanted to dance on ‘Top of the pops’ which was a music show on UK TV, in my first few weeks of leaving dance college I achieved it when I danced for Australian Group ‘Madison Avenue’ who had made it to number 1 in the charts.
Stuart: First of all I wanted to be a soccer player then I wanted to be an actor in which I eventually studied at college before getting into dance.
TGL: What is your favourite soundtrack?
Charlotte: I love the ‘you got served’ soundtrack.    TGL: What has been your biggest challenge in dance?
Charlotte: Our training at college was very intense, everyday for 3yrs in our ballet tights at 8:30am is tough, especially when all you want to do was get to your jazz and funk classes! Graduating from college felt so great and getting through that first year out in the professional world was also a huge challenge as that’s when most dancers will give up if they don’t get work straight away.    TGL: What is your inspiration?
Stuart: We take inspiration from lots of different sources; there are a lot of dancers who have inspired us through out our careers, especially dancers who pioneered styles like locking and popping eg the Electric Boogaloos and The Lockers as well as modern day dance greats like Wade Robson and Jimmy Williams (UK Locker). Music is a massive Inspiration for us as it enables us to do and create what we do, Life and general people are inspiring; the constant journey finding out what happens next is exciting.
TGL: What has been the best advice that you have received?
Charlotte: At college it was drummed into us by our Jazz and ballet teachers to be disciplined at all times whilst dancing. This advice has really helped us as discipline and professionalism will often be the missing link which enables dancers to fulfill successful dance careers.
TGL: Earliest dance influences?
Stuart: Without doubt watching Michael Jackson’s videos,
Charlotte: Watching Paula Abdul, Janet and Michael Jackson.
TGL: Tell us about some of your dance experiences?
Charlotte: We have had so many wonderful experiences as dancers and choreographers over the years, dancing for top artists at a concert or in a video is always good and gives you great job satisfaction as well as great stories to tell your family and friends! Running an agency is cool as it means you have so much more control over the jobs you do and get to experience and meet all sorts of people and places. As choreographers we get invited to take master-classes all around the world which is awesome especially seeing other dancers take on the challenge of our Fusion Funk style.
TGL: Any up-coming projects that you are working on?
Charlotte: Well my upcoming 30 date UK tour is going to keep us very busy!
Stuart: The great thing about running an agency is that their are always different projects happening, one minute we will be choreographing a fashion show next were judging the Hip hop Championships and then touring with Charlotte week to week the jobs are always different! We will be launching a new dance wear range before the end of the year, next years projects include making our volume 3 of Rudeye’s instructional DVD series.   TGL: What can you tell new-comers in the business?
Stuart: You have to live and breathe 100% dance, you need total commitment, dedication, and be completely professional at all times. Training at a college is vital to learn about discipline, technique and performance. Remember its a business just like any other, you have to maximise your potential in a very short space of your life so you have to be prepared to work hard. Teach class and attend them when you don’t have a professional job, you wont learn anything about your trade behind a bar or in a shop. The most important thing for a dancer is to love and respect the dance and to remember that its takes years of hard work to become a success so do not worry if you don’t find work straight away, keep getting better, find out everything to know about your business and eventually things will fall into place.   TGL: Tell us about your dance style?
Charlotte: Our style we teach is called 'Fusion Funk' which we created and have been teaching for 6 years. It is a mixture of Hip Hop, Jazz, Locking, Popping and Robotics. In order to dance 'Fusion Funk' well you have to be a good standard at all the different styles as the choreography can switch for example from 3 pirouettes’ to a boogaloo roll depending on the interpretation with the music. Although its a very funk based style the Jazz technique is very important as that is what opens up the body of a dancer enabling them to perform to an audience of all levels. 'Fusion Funk' is a very disciplined style and tailor made for a professional dancer.
TGL: What classes do you recommend individuals to take?
Stuart: A professional dancer in the commercial industry (pop promo's/ Fashion shows/ Tours etc) needs to take as many different classes as possible on a regular basis, for dancers just out of college money can often be a issue in which case at the very least you should try to get a Ballet and Jazz class plus a few hip hop classes a week. You have to be clever with the classes you take, its very easy to be comfortable and the best in a class that doesn’t push you, you should always be aiming to learn new styles and keep up with new trends. You should also consider if the class can do more for you than just teach you moves, can you get work from the teacher?, is there other dancers in the class i can network with? etc.    TGL: Why did you want to become a dancer/choreographer?
Stuart: Watching Michael Jackson videos like Smooth Criminal and Thriller gave me the dancing bug and it was the same videos that then got me into choreography as I saw stories being made from the dance moves combined with the accents of the music which I thought was amazing and inspired me to create this into my choreography. There is a huge difference between a choreographer choreographing to the music and a teacher/dancer making up routines that can be put to any piece of music. It is one of the best feelings seeing dancers enjoy and dancing to choreography that you have created, it’s the same feeling whether its professionals dancing on stage or watching dancers in a workshop.    TGL: Where are you currently teaching class?
Charlotte: Rudeye hosts 5 classes a week at the world famous 'Pineapple Studios' in Covent Garden, London. Stuart and I both teach two classes each and have another teacher take the beginners class. The Friday class is our most advanced and is an open agency class that gives our dancers on our books the opportunity to let us see them getting better each week and keeps them in our mind for jobs that we have coming up. It is also a chance for non-agency dancers to show us their talent.

Sol Y Luna Dance Company - “Kairu”

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:08:22 -0500

the story of "Kairu"

Sol y Luna and the creation process of KAIRU

The art work being created is a collective of talented dancers with extremely diverse areas of training (i.e. modern, break-dance, martial arts, ice skating) who create a powerful fusion of creative movement, modern dance, ballet, martial arts, Hip-Hop, and daring acrobatics. We are pushing the boundaries of physicality and raising the bar in the difficulty level for dancers while striving to maintain the highest level of artistic vision.

We have and amazing story to tell and dynamic choreography to show. We are dedicating long hours of rehearsals on movement concepts, developing our theatrical skills, and training profusely on our acrobatic talents.

Our costumes and music are planned to portrait a distant universe and our movement is set to captivate all ages. Our goal is to take people away to an entire new world and inspire audiences of all ages, by mixing different styles of dance creating one entire art form of movement.

KAIRU, the History behind the legend- who is Kairu, and where did the story come from?

legend one

Ancient folklore has it that when a person does not face or meet their worst fears, those fears are
past on from one generation to the next, and so on and on, until someone along the line stand up to face and overcomes it. If not faced that malice will continue until the blood line is destroyed by it.

legend two

Warriors in the past once believed that the more lives they claimed and souls they collected would make them more powerful and invincible, hoping to become greater than the gods.

KAIRU was born from this two legends. Making his story and instant hit and total attraction. With
amazement in Asian folklore and research, I have created my own story of a warrior named KAIRU who’s dark past lust for power and blood create an evil versus evil story. Here a dark conscious takes physical form and comes to claim the life of it’s creator and it is up to KAIRU to decide how the story will end.

Battles are done, characters are shaped, vows are made and broken in order to save the life’s of others and love creating an unforgettable tale and an instant legend.

The Message Behind KAIRU

Through spoken word and choreography positive messages are delivered to the audience. The production and it’s Asian influences delivers messages as the audiences sees the out come of unnecessary violence, the strong sense of belonging, and the hard decision one must make for a higher understanding of life.

All the choreography will be a mix of ancient martial arts, modern dance, and acrobatics including a script narration during the performance to captivate the audience. With a unique and self created folklore, inspiring music, and amazing costuming this show promises to enchant audiences of all ages and present something completely new.

KAIRU has been written and created by Houston’s own Reyie Delgado. Working as Choreographer and artistic director Reyie has gathered some of Houston’s best dancers and up and coming talent to volunteer for the project. With assistant director Ashley Horn and Sol y Luna’s dance managers Shanon Adams and Mark Medina, KAIRU has stayed together and slowly becoming real. With a small budget, dedicated dancers, guidance and support from experienced directors like Rebeka
French, Stacey Wales, and Jane Weiner, Sol y Luna promises KAIRU will leave everyone with their mouths open and inspire people of all ages. So get ready to cheer for the bad guy!!!

Nolan Padilla

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:06:14 -0500

Known as one of the hottest up and coming dancer/choreographers in the industry, Nolan began his professional dance career at the young age of 18. Although dancing had been at the forefront of his whole life, it would be difficult for him to train in hip-hop until he moved from the small town of Cheyenne, WY. to Denver, CO.
While living and dancing in Los Angeles, Nolan has learned the ins and outs of the industry, and still continues to grow as an artist. Working with the likes of J.C. Chasez to Jennifer Lopez and even staring in a reality show on M.T.V.’s “Dancelife”, make his performance experience top notch.
His ability to teach and his knowledge of Hip-hop Dance makes class time a very educational and pleasant experience. Nolan hopes to continue his career as a Dancer and hopes to branch off into other aspects of the entertainment industry.
Growing up in such small town as Cheyenne, WY, Nolan found a love for Hip-Hop music and dance at very young age. Not having anyone to teach him, he took it upon himself to learn how to dance. He enjoyed watching all the videos from Janet, Boys 2 Men, T.L.C., and Usher. He learned how to mimic the artist he saw on the television.
Once in High School the family packed up and moved to Denver CO., where Nolan began his training in an actual studio, at the great Cleo Parker and Robinson studio in downtown Denver. In Colorado Nolan got the technical training in Hip-Hop from Larry Southall and Kenny Jimenez. Through the guidance of these instructors this makes Nolan a stand out in old school forms of Hip-Hop. Caught with the bug of performing and wondering what could possibly happen Nolan took a risk and moved to Hollywood CA., to pursue a career in the dance industry.
Once in Los Angeles, Nolan wasted no time in chasing his dream. Booking his first major tour the following summer on the American Idol’s live tour Nolan knew he had made the right decision. Soon after working with choreographers from the likes of Brian Friedman, Hi-Hat, Rich &Tone, Kristin Denehey, Marty Kudelka, Shane Sparks, Rosero & Jamal his knowledge of performing is constantly being put to the test with astounding results.
Nolan is represented by Clear Talent Group, one of the top dance agencies in Los Angeles. Nolan continues to live and love Hip-Hop, whether teaching classrooms of eager learners, a demonstration performance, performing in an arena or getting funky in front of the bathroom mirror, dancing is Nolan’s first love.
Teaching to Nolan has recently become a very great outlet for Nolan’s dance. “Passing on the knowledge that I have is a very exhilarating and exciting experience”. Trying to get somebody in class to hear and feel the music while moving to the rhythm can be a great challenge. Nolan is one of the most patient and understanding instructors, with the knowledge of more than one style of hip-hop and his terminology he’s able to break it down to the most novice student to a very advanced student. Being trained in Poppin‘, House, Jazz Funk, Hip-Hop, Folklorico, his style is quite versatile. His goal is to make each class experience a unique experience every time you step into his class.
I hope to inspire a new generation of dancers, while growing and learning myself. The capacity to learn is never-ending. I hope to share my knowledge and love for something that means a great deal to me, while also taking something from the students.

TGL: How was it working with Jennifer Lopez on MTV's Dancelife? Describe your
experience for our readers. How was it working with the other dancers
on the show?

NOLAN: Working with Jennifer Lopez was a dream come true. She is at a point in her career that every performer hopes to one day get, so she has so much advice to give. Also she's such a chill person compared to what the media makes her out to be. I have to say the first time I met her, I thought my heart was gonna burst out my chest!!! HAHAH!!! But seriously it was incredible to work with her.

Working on DanceLife, was a major learning experience.   You had to learn how to not perform when the cameras were on and be yourself and for a dancer not to perform or pose is the most difficult thing.   Also through the span of filming the show, I had to become extremely comfortable and okay with the person that I am, because it's about to be broadcast to the world.   All in all, I wouldn't give it up for the world.

Working with the other dancers on the show was a lot of fun. I actually knew Blake, Jersey and Kenny prior to the show.   So to be put in a situation with your peers was great. We all still see each other all the time, whether in class auditions or just out. Every person on the show is so talented and they are all really great people when it comes down to it.

TGL: You are going to be releasing your first instructional DVD soon. Tell us your experience with shooting the DVD? What were some of the biggest challenges?

NOLAN: My first instructoinal dance dvd. "Urban Bouce", has actually just been released!!! This was an idea that came up in the family, my Aunt, Desiree' McBride, came up with the idea, and my Uncle, Darin Padilla, and myself put it into reality.   Everybody in my family helped out with the project. Which makes it extremely special to me. It was really fun to watch it come to be. The actual shoot day was so long, we only had one day of shooting schedualed so it was so much to do in a short amount of time. The Instructional DVD is great, I have a beginning, intermediate and advanced combo, where you can learn at your own pace. Also, there is a segment with behind the scenes footage and a one on one interview and look into my life growing up as a dancer. It's a lot of fun, you should check it out. You can order the DVD at www.creatspace.com.

TGL: How do you memorize choreography?

NOLAN: Memorizing choreoghraphy. For me it just something that comes from taking class all the time. If your not constantly trying to work your brain your memory slows down.

TGL: What was your first job in dance?

NOLAN: My first dance job was on tour with the American Idols of 2003. I was 19 and it was the coolest job. We did sold out arenas for two months. I've figured out that performing on stage for me is so much more fun than camera work.

TGL: Audition advice/tips

NOLAN: Audition advice, just be yourself. If your not comfortable at the audition then people are gonna know. You gotta be confident, but not cocky, let your personality come out and have fun.

TGL: What is your fondest memory?

NOLAN: One of my favorite memories being out here was when I got the call for DanceLife. It was such a long auditioning process, that when they finally called me it was amazing. I was still in bed, around 10 a.m. and my agent called and said they booked you!!! I ran down the stairs screaming and jumping up and down waking up my roommate. Such a great day!!!!

TGL: What is your favorite soundtrack?

NOLAN: Favorite soundtrack??? HMMM. I remember the very first Nutty Professor Soundtrack. It's amazing!!! Very 90's hip hop and r&b which is my favorite style.

TGL: What has been your biggest challenge in dance?

NOLAN: My biggest challenge out her as a hip-hop dancer, is not being trained.

TGL: What is your inspiration?

NOLAN: I've been striving to be a professional dancer since the age of 9. I always knew this is what I would be doing, it's all I've ever known. I was inspired by a Janet Jackson video, of course. Even though it's not the highest paying job, the reward of perfoming, dancing and the experience is enough to keep me hooked.

TGL: What has been the best advice that you have received?

NOLAN: The best advice I've gotten was from Jennifer Lopez. She told that we you go to an audition, don't think that the other dancers are your competition. Either the job is for you or not. That way egos don't come up and shadiness isn't there.

TGL: Any up-coming projects that you are working on?

NOLAN: Upcoming projects. I'm currently doing alot of traveling.  Teaching different workshops around the nation, as well as getting ready to film the new "Indian Jones" movie. Yep, I got a small role in the new Indiana Jones movie! Watch out!

TGL: What can you tell new-comers in the business?

NOLAN: To new comers to the industry. Make sure this is what you wanna do. Dance has to be your passion or else you'll grow to not like it. And learn some business skills, that's the hardest one for me.

TGL: Tell us about your dance style?

NOLAN: My dance style is very broad. I started off as a folklorico dancer, (traditional mexican dance). I've been trained in locking, house, poppin and salsa. I guess you would call it freestyle, I can't pin point one exact style.

TGL: What classes do you recommend individuals to take?

NOLAN: Get your technique in, Go to your technique classes. And if the class is too easy for you move on.

TGL: Where are you currently teaching class?

NOLAN: I currently teach hip-hop at The Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, CA. Tue.@ 1 and Wed. @ 8:30 p.m. Please come out and check it out. I also keep my "My Space" updated with lots of things going on!

Nick Seligson-Ross

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 10:24:05 -0500

Nick (artistic director/dancer) was raised throughout the USA but mostly in Colorado. He holds a BFA from the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY-Purchase. Nick has been a member of Peter Pucci Plus Dancers since 2002. He has worked with such companies as H.T. Chen and Dancers, Amy Marshall Dance Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works and Michael Mao Dance Company to name a few.

In 2003, Nick formed Nicholas Andre Dance Theater, as the artistic director and choreographer. few of his choreography credits include “In the Garden of Souls”, “Dwelling”, and “If it Ain’t Baroque.... and “Between the Lines”.

TGL: Tell us more about your dance company. How did you start it? What
were some of your biggest challenges?

NICK: Nicholas Andre Dance Theater was formed in the fall of 2003, after I had worked as an independant choreographer for a few years. Ihad been dancing for several different modern dance companies in New York City and wanted to get my own work out there. ,I started the company with a few friends and by raising about $5,000. Biggest first challenge was becoming our own Not-For-Profit dance company.

TGL: Would you tell our readers what it takes to start their own company?

NICK: A lot of guts and determination. Along with countless hours of managerial work.

TGL: How do you memorize choreography?

NICK: I don't memorize choreography as a choreographer I have a rehearsal assistant do it for me. As a dancer I always remember what was given to me but as the boss I have so much in my head I need help.

TGL: What was your first job in dance?

NICK: David Taylor Dance Theater (Denver, CO) his version of Rainforest.

TGL: Audition advice/tips

NICK: Pick up the style of what the choreographer is going for more than the actual steps. Quality is worth more than quantity. Also I like to see someone who will bring something NEW to the table.

TGL: What was your childhood ambition?

NICK: Professional baseball player

TGL: What is your fondest memory?

NICK: My company performing in the middle of Times Square, NYC with over 50,000 people watching.

TGL: What is your favorite soundtrack?

NICK: Peter Gabriel- Passion (The Last Temptation of Christ)

TGL: What has been your biggest challenge in dance?

NICK: To raise enough money to pay my dancers what they deserve. Unfortunately modern dance does not bring in the money that MTV, Pop tours, Broadway and even Ballet bring in.

TGL: What is your inspiration?

NICK: Sports and whatever idea/music gets into my head next.

TGL: What has been the best advice that you have received?

NICK: Keep doing what I'm doing, I'm on the right track.

TGL: Earliest dance influences?

NICK: Paul Taylor, Jennifer Muller

TGL: Tell us about your experiences in LA or NY

NICK: NY is great, don't do LA. Lots of amazing dancers here, getting to know them, seeing my company grow.

TGL: Any up-coming projects that you are working on?

NICK: 2007 New York City Season, August 17 & 18 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater (tickets from www.nicholasandredance.com) then coming to Houston, TX Jan 22-28 for a week residency in the schools and 2 performances at the JCC of Houston Jan 26 & Jan 27.

TGL: What can you tell new-comers in the business?

NICK: Starting a company takes a whole lot of work if you want to be successful. If you just want to choreograph and dance with your friends do that. Starting a company takes determination and not always keeping friends. Most of the time you have to get people who do your work the best. Business is business!!!

TGL: Tell us about your dance style?

NICK: Modern dance infused with athletic qualities. I am my own style now. I have influences such as Paul Taylor, Jennifer Muller, Pilobolus, and more, but in the end this is now MY style.

TGL: What classes do you recommend individuals to take?

NICK: Ballet for technique, but also modern dance. Unfortunately modern dance is not always offered until you go to college, try to get out there and take as many different styles of modern dance. Modern dance has technique. COME take my class!!!

TGL: Why did you want to become a dancer/choreographer?

NICK: It was just in me I guess. One of my professors at SUNY-Purchase, Kazuko Hirabayashi (the legendary former Graham dancer and world renowned choreographer) told me this is what I was meant to do. I had her for 3 years as my composition and technique teacher. I owe a lot of my compositional skills to her. I owe my phrasing and musicality to my parents, both were musicians. I owe my pattern work to Paul Taylor.

TGL: Where are you currently teaching class?

NICK: I am an adjunct professor at Adelphi University, teaching 3 days a week. Also I teach guest master classes around the country and usually 3 times a year do a NYC workshop. Check the website for updates, www.nicholasandredance.com