Free To Dance

Creating "Tourniquet" - By Rhonda Foote

Having danced all of my life and been a teacher for over twenty years, I feel quite comfortable stating that the people involved in the creation of “Tourniquet” are those that come along “once in a lifetime”.

Katie, Stephanie, Courtney and Em all began dancing under my direction at a very young age.  Originally part of a large brood of students, they remained as others trickled off in other directions—sports, school activities, jobs and (of course) relationships pulled their less dedicated compatriots away.  The Four Core dancers remained to share their last year of study before life would take them in different directions.

Avril Lavigne Backs Down to The Dancer's Alliance!

Magic 107.1 reports that Avril Lavigne was forced to renegotiates her backup dancers' fees after a protest by the Dancer's Alliance.

My question is: Has Avril Lavigne ever danced herself or had backup dancers at her live concerts. I searched YouTube (half-heartedly), and I didn't see anything. She's super talented though...

Psychology Today Says, "Taste the Rainbow"

Literally. According to Katie Gilbert, author of "Eat Your Colors," a featured article in Psychology Today, "The more closely your diet resembles a rainbow, the better." Food for thought!

I've copied the article to the "post continuation" section. Otherwise click here to read the article on Psychology Today's website.

Dance On!

On December 30, 2007, Canyon Ranch did a feature story on the mind/body benefits of dance. It is all good news, folks. I just wish more "non-dancers" weren't afraid to give dance a try. Adults who have never danced are especially afraid of entering a dance studio - they assume they are too old, uncoordinated or just missed their chance to dance in youth. This is so sad to me! After all, rhythmic movement is "one of the most widely enjoyed forms of movement known to man" - you should be dancing!

"Looking for the perfect exercise? You may want to add a pair of dancing shoes to your collection of athletic gear. In his new book, UltraLongevity: the Seven-Step Program for a Younger, Healthier You, Canyon Ranch Medical Director Mark Liponis, M.D., entitles his chapter on exercise and movement simply, “Dance.” Dr. Liponis explains that he’s defining dance broadly as rhythmic movement, in part to get the attention of people who think of physical activity as a grim business involving dumbbells and suffering.

Updates On Former SYTYCD Contestants

- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: MySpace

"The great thing about So You Think You Can Dance is that you get hooked on your favorite in the season.  I knew quickly how much I would like and root for former contestants like Travis, Hok, or Danny.  The bad thing about the show is that once the tour is over, it's hard to track down these former reality stars and find out what they're up to.  Fortunately, there's MySpace where many reality stars head to update their fans on life after the cameras turn off.  Many participants from So You Think You Can Dance go on to teach, choreograph, dance professionally, etc.  Here are updates on some of your favorite dancers and where you can find them!

Season 2 fan favorite Travis Wall recently made the big move to New York and he didn't go there alone.  He's rooming with fellow contestant Ivan Koumaev and the two have a lot on their plates.  According to Wall's MySpace page, he is working with two separate dance companies as well as teaching around the country.  He has a big announcement coming but says he can't tell his fans until all the details are solidified. 

After leaving the show, many contestants go on to teach master classes to aspiring young dancers.  Season 3 contestant Lauren Gottlieb is doing just that and will be making a stop in Boston at the end of this month.  On January 31, she'll teach two master classes at The Radisson Hotel in Rockland, just outside of Boston.  An autograph session will follow and dancers will get the opportunity to work closely with a contestant who not only made the final four in season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance but assisted choreographed Tyce DiOrio in season 2. 

Season 3 contestant Kameron Bink is also teaching and will be in Jacksonville, Florida on February 4 and 5.  Fellow dancer Jaimie Goodwin is traveling the country in early 2008 at various dance conventions held by the New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA).  Her next appearance will take place January 26 and 27 in Portland, OR.

Got updates on the former contestants of So You Think You Dance?  Post them here!