In many professional industries, but particularly in dance, versatility can be a vital asset to an individual’s career. Having the ability to be light on your feet, expert across numerous genres, and adaptable to rapid changes can help elevate a dancer both on and off the stage. That is why versatility is an important part of Allegro Performing Arts Academy’s goal. By providing dancers with robust dance training in a variety of styles and offering programs to an assortment of ages and levels, Owner Tonya Goodwillie and the rest of Allegro’s staff strive to bring something to the table for everyone.
Read MorePartnering in dance is a beautiful thing. The agility, strength, and trust shown between two dancers is a breathtaking connection to watch. The grace of the dancer being lifted blended with the power of the dancer doing the lifting can make a piece mesmerizing. I love watching it, I love choreographing it, and I especially love exploring new ways to create unique, organic movement between two people.
Read MoreDespite the COVID-related challenges the dance industry has faced in 2020, dancers and choreographers have found unique ways to pivot to continue creating and sharing art. One of the predominant ways the industry has adapted is translating live shows to dance films for virtual audiences to view. By merging the arts of film, photography, and dance, Devin Muñoz’s Muñoz Motions captures the vibrancy and dynamism of live dance performances in an accessible and enduring manner. Being a dancer herself, Devin’s practice adds new layers of creativity, allows artists to hone in on their messages, and potentially reach larger audiences than imaginable.
Read MoreIf you would have told Ethan Rome before college that he would have a career in dance, he likely would have been a bit confused. What started as dabbling in his college’s breakdancing club has become an integral part of the dancer, choreographer, and DWC Director of Marketing’s life. From performing around the world to co-founding his own dance companies to overseeing Dancewear Center’s image, Ethan has acquired rich experience in the dance industry and plays a crucial role on the DWC team. Read on to learn more about how he got here.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic isn’t the only phenomenon that’s caused the dance community to be a bit disjointed. A culture of competition and perfectionism has permeated the dance world, causing many dancers to see others as rivals rather than peers. To help alleviate the challenges that this type of environment can bring about, 17-year-old Samantha Parr has created the organization Dancer for Dancer to unite the dance community through open discussions, mental health support, and mentorship. Through Dancer for Dancer’s Pal Program and with the help of Pal Program coordinators like DWC staff member Emma Neilson, the organization is providing connection and support to dancers worldwide.
Read MoreIt’s no secret that dance is a costly and demanding practice, often completely inaccessible to families and communities lacking sufficient funds and resources. For many aspirational youngsters, obtaining proficient dance instruction is merely a far-fetched dream. But thanks to the nonprofit organization Syncopation Dance Project, this dream of dance training and performing has become a reality for many. Under the dynamic and skillful leadership of Artistic Director Elbert Lubas, Syncopation Dance Project strives to bring dance education and performance opportunities to everyone, particularly to underserved members of the greater Seattle community.
Read MoreThe past year and a half has been undoubtedly replete with hurdles, as much of the local dance community was left jobless due to COVID-19. Yet, through the hardships that unfolded throughout the pandemic, many were able to find unique ways to fill the gaps they were witnessing in the dance world. Dwelling in isolation served as a time for reflection and deep contemplation about how to emerge back into the dance realm. From private coaching to cross-training, from rebranding to expanding, and bridging the divide between dance and theatre, these organizations and individuals have created new beginnings for themselves amid adversity, leaving the local dance community better than they found it. Read on to learn more about these local artists and their latest endeavors.
Read MoreThe past year and a half has been undoubtedly replete with hurdles, as much of the local dance community was left jobless due to COVID-19. Yet, through the hardships that unfolded throughout the pandemic, many were able to find unique ways to fill the gaps they were witnessing in the dance world. Dwelling in isolation served as a time for reflection and deep contemplation about how to emerge back into the dance realm. From private coaching to cross-training, from rebranding to expanding, and bridging the divide between dance and theatre, these organizations and individuals have created new beginnings for themselves amid adversity, leaving the local dance community better than they found it. Read on to learn more about these local artists and their latest endeavors.
Read MoreIf you are a friend of mine or have even been following me on social media, you'll know that epilepsy is a topic I care very passionately about. It's something that has affected my family for a little over seven years now. More specifically, my sibling, Hanna was diagnosed with epilepsy when they were seven years old, and I like to think that I’m well educated on the topic. I'm a major advocate for spreading awareness about different types of seizures and seizure first aid and debunking misinformation. I find great importance in educating others on seizures and epilepsy.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever searched “how to get a higher extension,” “how to break in pointe shoes,” or any other ballet-related question on YouTube, chances are you’ve come across a video by the incomparable Claudia Dean. Claudia Dean is undeniably a household name in the realm of online dance content. From private coaching to luxury dancewear to viral video tutorials, there seems to be nothing that the founder of Claudia Dean World can’t tackle. Claudia Dean World strives to “welcome dancers at any stage of their journey” and foster a positive community through global connection. But how exactly did the former Royal Ballet company member get here?
Claudia began dancing at age four because her best friend wanted her to join her class. She decided to stick with it and continue her training, eventually getting accepted into the Australian Ballet School’s Intra/Interstate & International Training Programme (ITP). After getting accepted into such a rigorous program, it occurred to Claudia that she might have a shot at making a career for herself in classical ballet. She continued dancing at her local studio, but around 14-15 years old she started training full-time on the Gold Coast of Australia, about two hours away from her home in Brisbane. “I was actually living away from home, which is a really good experience,” Claudia explains, as she learned how to cook, do laundry, and more all by herself at a young age.
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