In a surprise to no one, students are generally pumped to be cast in solos and featured roles. Background parts where they’re more part of the scenery than the spotlight, however, typically inspire less enthusiasm. Yet this is exactly where most young dancers begin their careers. And it’s just as much a part of what makes a performance magical for audience members. “People in the background are like the description of the setting, if we were reading a book,” says Alberto Blanco, a faculty member at The Sarasota Ballet School. What’s more, being part of the background takes a very […]
The NYCDA Difference: “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn”
“You belong.” That’s the motto New York City Dance Alliance faculty member Desmond Richardson, who specializes in contemporary jazz/ballet, says is always emphasized when dancers walk in the door. “What I notice here at NYCDA is that courage, that belief in oneself, that belonging is prime,” he says. “And really, for me, it’s everything.” As a dance convention, NYCDA focuses on education and serves as a connector between the convention world and the professional dance world. It offers resources and professional training opportunities such as intensives, industry-led workshops, scholarship programs, college auditions, and more. Richardson, who is also co-founder and […]
Meet Corey Baker, the Brains Behind “Wednesday” Season 2’s Woe-tally Creepy Choreography
There’s an easy way to remember how to pronounce Corey Baker’s name: “It’s Corey, like ‘choreographer,’ ” he says. “My last name’s Baker, so I had two choices in life—either to become a choreographer or a baker. And I can’t bake!” Jokes aside, Baker knew for years that dance was his path. Born and raised in New Zealand, he started tapping after a fascination with magic shows led him to try musical theater. When his high school English teacher (who owned a dance studio) suggested he try ballet, Baker became hooked and moved to Australia to study it full-time. He danced […]