Issues and Ideas

Category

Dance Critics Panel Discussion

Notes from the Dance Critics Panel Discussion, November 2007, in which dancers and choreographers argue with local dance critics about the role and appropriateness of each other's work.

Gender in Dance Leadership by Heather Risley

Commissioned by Bourgeon, Heather Risley reports on Dance USA's national survey of Gender in Dance Leadership, exploring local expressions and influences on this national trend.

Not All Fantasy is Created Equal by Rob Bettmann

A reply by Robert Bettmann to Judith Hanna's article for Bourgeon "Exotic Dance", in which she defends the value of stripping.

Exotic Dance by Judith Hanna

Dr. Judith Hanna asserts that being a stripper is no more damaging than being any other type of theatrical dancer.

Flexaware by Steven Shafarman

Steve Shafarman, Founded of FLEXAWARE, writes about the principles of this new exercise form, with examples.

On Teaching by Helen Rea

Helen Rea discusses her process as a teacher, and the ways that she encourages students to accept and enjoy their experiences in motion.

The DC Cowboys by Kevin Platte

The founder and Artistic Director of the D.C. Cowboys writes about his work with the company, their mission, and their plans.

Local Work (or not so local) by Jessica Hirst

"One of my least favorite cultural institutions here is the Auto Hotel. Auto Hotels are designed expressly for covert sexual encounters, and they’re everywhere. When you drive into an auto-hotel an attendant waves you toward a very tight enclosed parking space."

The State of American Dance by Nejla Yatkin

Dancer, Choreographer and Dance Educator Nejla Yatkin discusses tensions between commercial and concert dance, and how funding styles (American v. European) impact the development of work.

Sex and Sexuality in and out of Dance by Robert Bettmann

To the degree that we as artists prepare the audience to see the world in stereotypes, we perpetuate a society that only knows how to know through separation. Whose identity is it anyway – ours or the audiences? Whose character is it anyway?

Must-read

Two Poems by Victor McConnell

21st Century American Birthday You know you’ve made itas a consumer and a modern Americanwhen the bulk of your birthday texts and emailsare automated. Happy birthday...

Taffy by Josh Young

Taffy My heart is salt water taffy. Salty, sweet, sticky. Comes in a colorful box often found in the bargain bin of a gift soft...

Four Poems by Azalea Aguilar

Sunday Best he blows dandelions for his babies in the corner store parking lotin their Sunday best, following this morning's sermontheir wishes scatter across the...