NYC

EVERYTHING IS GROUNDED IN MY SUBJECTVITY: Ali Rosa-Salas

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In this episode of Pod de Deux, Clara and Jessica interviewed performance curator, Ali Rosa-Salas, who serves as the Director of Performance Programs at Abrons Arts Center.  We spoke about the many roles of a performance curator and how Ali approaches her work at Abrons as she strives to create a place for inquiry and community.  In the process, we learned about the history of Henry Street Settlement and its founder, Lillian Wald. Clara joined Ali and Jessica via skype from Minnesota where she was visiting her family for Thanksgiving. (more…)

Bonus episode: Barak Heymann, Producer of Mr. Gaga

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Jessica caught Tomer and Barak Heymann (the Producer and Film Director duo of Heymann Brothers Films) after a Q&A at Film Society of Lincoln Center while promoting the release of Mr. Gaga, their acclaimed documentary film about Ohad Naharin.  Naharin is is the long-standing Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company and subject of the film which follows his life from childhood until the present.  Jessica interviewed Barak and learned more about the filmmaking process, where the idea for the film came about, how Tomer selected archival footage, and how Ohad reacted to seeing the film for the first time.

Do not miss this film! It is screening at Film Forum and Lincoln Center through February 16th.   Learn more about Mr. Gaga at http://www.mrgagathefilm.com/.  And learn more about Tomer and Barak’s films at http://heymannfilms.com/.

DOCF: SHORT FILMS PROGRAM I


Indigo-Grey-Esteban-Robles_3We talked to a few audience members about highlights from a strong roster of creative short films presented in the Shorts Program I at Dance On Camera Festival. We heard a lot about Indigo Grey and enthusiastic commentary about the rest of the roster as well. It was a great way to end our day at Dance on Camera Festival!

The following short films were presented:

A Portrait of Marc Brew, A Tap Dance in a Circle, Abismo, Approaching the Puddle, Honeymoon, Indigo Grey: The Passage, SajakThor, Still Light, Targeted Advertising, Tebe Tasi,

Episode 5: DIANA PETTERSEN

DianaDiana Pettersen is a New York City-based choreographer and the Artistic Director of a company she founded, Sans Limites Dance. Diana also works as a Teaching Artist for the non-profit Dancing Classrooms New York City.

In this episode we discuss Diana’s exploratory choreography, her experience starting a dance company, and her endeavors to build community not only within the dance world but by bringing dance to the city at large. We also imagine what the world would look like if dance were Olympic sport (can we say Nike pointe shoe?) and get roped into Diana’s #100daysofimprov video after the recording (hint: Facebook).

Don’t miss the next Sans Limites Dance show, opening on May 27th, and be sure to stay up to date with Sans Limites on social media! You can learn more at SansLimitesDance.com, the Sans Limites fiscal sponsorship page, and on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. And don’t forget about Dancing Classrooms and #100dayimprovchallenge!

Episode 4: William Cannon
Photo by Bill Hebert, courtesy of BalletX

Photo by Bill Hebert, courtesy of BalletX

In our fourth episode of Pod de Deux podcast, we have a friendly chat with William Cannon, a professional contemporary dancer. He talks about his recent transition to freelance work in NYC, emerging trends in contemporary ballet, recent projects with The Metropolitan Opera and Twyla Tharp, and fond experiences working with contemporary choreographers like Christian Spuck, Cayetano Soto, and Nicolo Fonte. We also shared views on dance reviewers, dance on television, and interesting work being presented in NYC.

This episode was recorded at Btoven Music Studio in Manhattan. http://btovenmusic.com/

Episode 3: Ben Richards
Photo Credit Monica Cohen

Photo Credit Monica Cohen

We speak to Ben Richards in our third episode of Pod de Deux Podcast. Ben is a freelance video artist, dancer and choreographer who lives in New York City and spent three years in Montreal. We initially met Ben at Jacob’s Pillow dance festival, where he has worked on the video team for the last five summers. In addition to freelance video work in NYC–now Ben’s primary focus–he is the videographer and live stream manager for the New York Public Library’s Live from the NYPL initiative.

We sat down with Ben early in the new year to discuss how he got into various dance-related endeavors, life at Jacob’s Pillow, and how the camera can bring life to dance.

Episode 2: Naomi Luppescu

Naomi working

In our second episode of Pod de Deux podcast, we talk to Naomi Luppescu–a dance costume designer and founder of NaLu Designs.  She talks about her career in NYC, her approach to meeting the functional and aesthetic needs of the choreography, where she draws inspiration, and current trends. Her costumes can be seen in Ailey II’s New York Season at the Joyce Theater (from March 17th through the 22nd) in two pieces by choreographers Kate Skarpetowska and Manuel Vignoulle. Read more about Naomi on our Guests page.

Episode 1: Traci Finch

Traci Finch

In our first episode of Pod de Deux podcast, we talk to Traci Finch–a classically trained freelance dancer in New York City.  She talks about her career, whether college prepares young dancers for the realities of dancing professionally, sewing pointe shoes on the subway, and the Nutcracker. Read more about her on our Guests page.  We are beyond excited to present our first podcast episode! More episodes will be posted bi-weekly.