Kate's Note

July 6, 2009

It’s hot. You’re in class for the first time with a teacher you’ve read about in Dance Spirit, but never had the chance to study with until now. You’re surrounded by other dancers who are all super-talented—some of them you’ve even heard of before or seen on the competition circuit. You clear your head, come down to earth and begin the first combination. Your muscles engage and your body lengthens. You already feel like you’re improving! It’s July and you’ve made it into your dream intensive. What could be better? At this moment, relaxing by the pool seems so overrated.

 

Although it may be freezing outside now, in mid-January, this is the time you need to start thinking about your summer plans. Whether you want to spend six intense weeks in San Francisco bettering your ballet technique, or you’d rather refine your Fosse in a week-long musical-theater intensive in Albuquerque, NM, you’ll find the program that’s right for you in our annual Summer Study Guide (p. 90). There are more than 210 different programs to sift through!

 

Too overwhelmed by the choices? Can’t figure out exactly what kind of workshop would be best for you this time? Whatever your dilemma, turn to page 74 and read “Picking Your Perfect Program” by Abigail Rasminsky. Once you decide where you’re going, let me know why you selected the intensive you did and I’ll publish some of your responses in an upcoming issue!

 

At DS, we love to spot talent early. We like to celebrate young, up-and-coming dancers by putting them in our pages. Chelsie Hightower is no exception. (Turn to page 56 to read her amazing story, written by Jen Jones. And log on to dancespirit.com/ to watch the behind-the-scenes video we made at our cover shoot.)

 

OK, we didn’t exactly find Chelsie first. (Thank you Nigel, Mary, Mia, Shane, Dan, Tabitha, Napoleon, Tyce and the rest of the “So You Think You Can Dance” crew!) But we did single her out early for her unbelievable stage presence. Each time she came on screen I thought, “This girl’s a star!”

 

We also like to spot dance trends. Although ballroom has been around since the early 18th century, it’s so hot right now, we just had to delve in and take a closer look at the genre. If you’ve never tried it, we’re sure you’ll want to after reading “Ballroom Blitz” by Ariel White (p. 60). Aside from being great fun, ballroom dance teaches poise, elegance and presentation, and there’s no better way to learn to dance with a partner.

 

Plus, we’ve got our amazing photo fashion spread that pairs beautiful dancers with fabulous clothes and (I cannot tell a lie) makes me want to head out of the office to go shopping!

Happy New Year DS readers!!!!

May 2009 bring you happiness, health and a wealth of great dance opportunities!

Love,

Kate