Danielle Pierce-Master

The BrainDance is not a dance style, but a “flexible framework” that was developed by Anne Green Gilbert and heavily informed by Bartenieff Fundamentals. It is a somatic exercise that can be performed in a myriad of ways. 

Jazz Dance as we know it today has always been closely linked to the music of time and tightly intertwined with the social and cultural context. There have been a myriad of modifiers added, “Latin Jazz,” “Authentic Jazz,” “Vernacular Jazz,” “Theatrical Jazz,” “Lyrical Jazz,” and a singular definition of Jazz remains elusive. 

he Nutcracker, a beloved holiday tradition, is often a child’s gateway to ballet. With its magical storyline and timeless score, it is a great first ballet for children, both as audience members and as performers. Many children who were not previously enrolled in ballet or dance classes find themselves inspired to study dance after seeing performances of The Nutcracker.

Ballet’s history is full of movers (literally) and shakers (maybe not AS literally). And althought there are many more… there are a few rulers, dancers, choreographers and directors who all dancers want to make sure that they know about!

Dance can be an activity that your child enjoys once per week for fun and exercise, or it can quickly become all-consuming. I began as a dancer in a ballet, tap, and jazz class one day per week each. By the time I was a high schooler, I was often dropped at the dance studio for a 4 pm start and didn’t go home until 8 or 9. While this was exactly what I wanted and my family was able to make it work, it is not the right choice for every family. 

Ballet has a fascinating history of storytelling and spectacle. With early roots in France and Italy, the artform evolved as it spread to England, Russia and the United States. Each of these countries put their own stamp on the artform as different cultural and musical influences converged on choreography and style.  

By Danielle Pierce-Master, MA Dance / Edited by Samantha Bellerose, B.Ed, Dip.Dance(Performing Arts) Thinking about Christmas in the dance world means that the season of The Nutcracker Ballet is upon us. The Nutcracker Ballet …

The ability to self-reflect and acknowledge strengths and weaknesses is an important skill for dancers. Self-reflection is a highly transferable skill that people with dance backgrounds can apply in their …

Dance classes are opportunities for fun, friends, and exercise, but the benefits of studying dance go much further. Dance, as an art form, comes with the benefits of studying art …

The Nutcracker is a ballet that has become a holiday tradition, with a variety of stage productions and screen adaptations. This is your map of the plot, characters, music, costumes, and history of The Nutcracker.