"The Unattainable Economics of Dancing" by Andy Horwitz

Liz Santoro and Cecilia Eliceche in Heather Kravas "A Quartet"
photo by Jenny May Peterson

I read this piece a few months back and was reminded of it this past weekend. Note to self, if an article or idea leaves an impression on you, you should bookmark it and re-read it again later. It feels like an entirely different me that read the same piece not too long ago.

Anyway, this piece discusses the all to well known reality of how hard it is to make it as a professional dancer in New York City. The staggering cost of life in the city, crippling student loan debt, too few paying projects, dance companies with little funding, an over saturated scene, administrative jobs that are still paying $15/hr (if you're "lucky") and a closed minded/incestuous "downtown" scene are just some of the problems we face.

It had me thinking of not only the problems I face as an artist but what my contributions are doing to the community itself. Every time I take a low to non paying job, am I possibly advancing my career with a new opportunity or continuing this practice of non-paid labor the norm? Do I continue to support the same 5 individuals who are currently being funded, supported, uplifted, and produced by the same community that shuns others not raised by their hands? Do I continue to take their classes and watching their performances knowing that the same can't be said for them for others not in the clique?

Do I continue starve for the sake of dance?

Everyone should read this article as it asks us to think about the roles we play in the community; good and bad.

My heart breaks....

The Unattainable Economics of Dancing"

2014 Summer Leadership institute with Urban Bush Women

2014 Summer Leadership Institute The Free Southern Theater Model - Addressing inequality by claiming our places, our legacy, our stories... July 25 - August 3, 2014 Tulane University | New Orleans, LA   Calling all artists, educators, activists and cultural workers! We invite you to apply for the opportunity to learn and share with us at the 2014 Summer Leadership Institute (SLI). Join us as we research the models of The Free Southern Theater (FST)/Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Based on our research we will spend 10 intensive days learning from elders involved with FST, sharing our own best practices for community organizing and place-based art making and collaborating on a culminating performance that highlights our learning. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this unique experience! Discover why many participants apply to SLI year after year As a non-profit leader who is growing and evolving in my understanding of my own organization's impact on the individuals and communities where we work and why I felt the urge to create it in the first place, my participation in the SLI was crucial in giving me access to others who might be confronting similar questions but also offering me the space to explore movement and song in my own way as a "language" for connecting to my often turbulent emotions and thoughts. - SLI Alum   Need financial assistance? We offer a limited number of scholarships and intern positions. Participants may also apply through an organization or third-party funder.   All applications are due April 4, 2014   Participants must be 18+ years old and are required to participate for the full 10 days.     If you have any questions please email Keisha Turner, SLI Coordinator at sli@urbanbushwomen.org or call our SLI line at 718-398-4783.

Dance Crush: Kendra Portier

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Kendra Portier has trained and performed with BalletMet and later received her BFA in Dance form Ohio State University. She has performed with Vanessa Justice Dance, Alexandra Beller Dances, mvworks, and David Dorfman Dance to name a few. Chances are if you take contemporary or modern dance classes in NYC, you have already heard of Kendra Portier.

Kendra teaches improvisational techniques and contemporary dance that mixes NYC downtown style with her own special twist. Her classes are always fun because everyone there feels safe enough to explore and step out of their comfort zone. She has this amazing way with imagery that allows you to explore every muscle, nerve, and cell in your body and that's just her warm up. Kendra is one those special beings who is able to inspire others by teaching dancers how to discover their unique style. Her class allows us to investigate our own practices and how we can use that information to inform how we dance and approach movement. It's more than just plies and tendus, which are a part of class; it's information that is unique to each participant. I highly recommend her class for the investigation and for the joy of dance that she gives each and every one of us during those delicious two hours.

She has her own company BAND|portier, a NY based dance arts company who's goal is to create momentous dance works that siphon the imagination, challenge physicalities, and embed performers via an enthralling and prolific body of work. 
She currently dances for David Dorfman Dance and they are having their season right now at BAM in Brooklyn.
Check out her website, for class times and locations!
See you in class!
R

8 More FEMALE producers you didn't know are running things.

Eboni Smith
Photo credit: Genesis Be 

Speaking with DJ's I always ask why I never see more female DJ's at the big parties and events. Simply put "there aren't that many around and most do not get the exposure that male DJ's do." While I agree with the second part of that answer I have to call BS on the first part. No, they are around and their presence and influence is beginning to grow.
I ran across this article today which ties into the Gender Amplified Conference happening tomorrow. The founder, Ebonie Smith, created original music for a production I danced in, Sydnie L. Mosley Dances' "The Window Sex Project". It's wonderful to see people passionate about their work and art form making things happen! She built this conference from scratch in order to acknowledge all the creative work from female musicians and producers that aren't being celebrated.
Enjoy!
And Happy Friday!
8 More Female Producers You Didn’t Know Are Running Things | MTV IGGY