Yes, yes, yes, I learned that Hashtag is not something for one's pipe nor is it a code used in Facebook language. On Thursday, March 23, I attended "Your Online Presence" as part of the Queens Art Express Boot Camp Series in coordination with the LEAP program. In a nut shell, best practices for social media.
My first sentence in my notes was "funny how a workshop on my online presence is about teaching us to become more human!" I heard the words collaborate, connect, and be personal. I walked in and out an ironic skeptic who blogs, uses facebook, occasionally tweets, and at the same time feels that "social media" outlets creates a super fast human connection without the tactile human part. I had to marinate in this one for a few days and I realized that I actually left this workshop better informed and inspired to bump up my tweets and add more meaningful friends. I started to re-examine my blogging skills and compare them to the archaic art of writing. Both hopefully get better with more practice. I heard there is a blogging etiquette and I was advised against long paragraphs so it's time for me to punch the 'enter' key.
During this workshop, I facebook 'friended' the person sitting next to me (fellow LEAPer), followed one of the panelist on twitter and began to tweet with him as I wrote out my notes in my binder. I was multitasking. Feeling more connected, but less like a fully listening human. I was confused, afraid, and feeling like I was betraying humanity as I was becoming submerged in this online community. I am a part of an online cultural phenomena which is becoming more of our reality. As an NYC Dept. of Education Teacher, I learned that all the right money is in technology. My students are able to FB, BBM, and practice pirouettes all at the same time.
The last bit of information I heard was about building connections online or virtually, but then we were encouraged to go meet people in order to make these connections more meaningful. Feeling like I should proceed this route with caution. I had simultaneous visions of craigslists killers and the 1960's free love hippie communes. The wheels started turning and I couldn't help but think about our human obsession with colonization. The earth, unclaimed land, the moon, outer space, and now the infinite cyberspace. Is this an itch for us to lay claim? Can I resist the urge? Should I resist?
Three digested days later and some extra work that I have done to my facebook and twitter accounts helped me realize that I need to shut up and get on board. I am now able to reach a whole group of people that I never met. I realized that I have already made some valuable connections through my online accounts and I will continue to figure out how to make this experience more personal for me.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
"Dance with Koresh Dance Company"
Tonight, my fellow "LEAPers" and I had a wonderful master class lead by Ronen Koresh. We had the pleasure of taking class side-by-side with the Koresh Dance Company dancers.
This provided a wonderful prelude to tomorrow evening's Koresh Dance Company performance at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Queens, NY. (Mainstage Theatre @ 8pm box office 718-482-5151)
Walking into a dance studio with people strewn about stretching limbs and other parts, was perfect way to end a 9 to 5 week / 7 to 10 week. (You know how it goes.) Through the Queens Council on the Arts and LaGuardia Performing Arts' LEAP program we have been able to dip out intellectual senses in valuable meetings on organization success, gaze into peer pools of reflection, and now our physical and spiritual artistry has been exercised through this wonderful master class. I do wish the remainder of Dance Into Light dancers were able to enjoy this extraordinary experience with me.
It is such a pleasure to be surrounded by movement artists from all parts of the dance pallet. Through the LEAP program we bring our experiences and curiosities. We sharpen skills, learn from and about each other, as well as share enriching dance experiences, a la Koresh Dance Company.
Thank for supporting Queens artists through LEAP's professional development opportunities!
http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac/calendar.asp
http://www.koreshdance.org/index.php
This provided a wonderful prelude to tomorrow evening's Koresh Dance Company performance at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Queens, NY. (Mainstage Theatre @ 8pm box office 718-482-5151)
Walking into a dance studio with people strewn about stretching limbs and other parts, was perfect way to end a 9 to 5 week / 7 to 10 week. (You know how it goes.) Through the Queens Council on the Arts and LaGuardia Performing Arts' LEAP program we have been able to dip out intellectual senses in valuable meetings on organization success, gaze into peer pools of reflection, and now our physical and spiritual artistry has been exercised through this wonderful master class. I do wish the remainder of Dance Into Light dancers were able to enjoy this extraordinary experience with me.
It is such a pleasure to be surrounded by movement artists from all parts of the dance pallet. Through the LEAP program we bring our experiences and curiosities. We sharpen skills, learn from and about each other, as well as share enriching dance experiences, a la Koresh Dance Company.
Thank for supporting Queens artists through LEAP's professional development opportunities!
http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac/calendar.asp
http://www.koreshdance.org/index.php
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"I So Enjoy What I Do"
LifeFull is underway! We have moved deeper through the planning into the playing. Welcome back aboard Ken White. Steve, I and the rest of the Dance Into Light family looks forward to your guest exploration with us.
Last evening, Steve and I toured the first couple of interviews followed by a brainstorming session. Tonight, we revisited the familiar sounds of our subjects voices that have been resonating through our reflective imagination. We were drawn into the melodic tune of one voice in particular. We grabbed this theme and ran around the room throwing ribbons of variation. Isolate the phrase and improvise. Computer magic, repeat, layer, loop, and listen. Instruments, sound, breath, flow and voila! The start of something beautiful is born, "I so enjoy what I do."
Stay tune for more info about how get your LifeFull!
Last evening, Steve and I toured the first couple of interviews followed by a brainstorming session. Tonight, we revisited the familiar sounds of our subjects voices that have been resonating through our reflective imagination. We were drawn into the melodic tune of one voice in particular. We grabbed this theme and ran around the room throwing ribbons of variation. Isolate the phrase and improvise. Computer magic, repeat, layer, loop, and listen. Instruments, sound, breath, flow and voila! The start of something beautiful is born, "I so enjoy what I do."
Stay tune for more info about how get your LifeFull!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
"Your Smiling Face Makes Dance Into Light Smile"
A special thanks to Jacquie Militano, Deep River, Astoria Boulevard, Noah G Pop,and all those who participated in tonight's Your Smiling Face Benefit and Performance!
Tonight, Dance Into Light has the opportunity to work side-by-side with a group of extraordinary people who brought awareness and support to the Regional Craniofacial Center at St. Joseph's Hospital. We met a group of wonderful people that I would be proud to share any space on this earth with. There was an extremely pleasurable feeling that accompanied our dance tonight. Thinking about the children we could help brought more meaning to each of these movements. Our entertainment provided a token of gratitude to the generous supporters and a dedication to each one of the lives who have been helped by St. Joseph's Hospital.
THIS IS the Light I want to Dance Into each and every time we move, create, and collaborate. This is the meaning of LifeFull. This is what makes our lives full.
I am grateful for the opportunity for Dance Into Light's participation in tonight's event. Thank you to all those who support and all those who care to make a difference in the lives of others. YOU help us survive and make the world a better place to be!
Tonight, Dance Into Light has the opportunity to work side-by-side with a group of extraordinary people who brought awareness and support to the Regional Craniofacial Center at St. Joseph's Hospital. We met a group of wonderful people that I would be proud to share any space on this earth with. There was an extremely pleasurable feeling that accompanied our dance tonight. Thinking about the children we could help brought more meaning to each of these movements. Our entertainment provided a token of gratitude to the generous supporters and a dedication to each one of the lives who have been helped by St. Joseph's Hospital.
THIS IS the Light I want to Dance Into each and every time we move, create, and collaborate. This is the meaning of LifeFull. This is what makes our lives full.
I am grateful for the opportunity for Dance Into Light's participation in tonight's event. Thank you to all those who support and all those who care to make a difference in the lives of others. YOU help us survive and make the world a better place to be!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
"Interviews for "LifeFull Make" Me Full"
I had another successful interview today. I am amazed that each interview is so unique and brings me to a different place. I never anticipated that interviewing is actually stepping into someone's life and getting a special glimpse. I am grateful that these wonderful people welcomed me for a while.
I met a wonderful couple with a zest for animal protection and a value for connections. I visited a dedicated woman who helps develop communities of people in organizations while helping them find ways to be successful in their personal lives. I also learned about an impassioned lady who serves and advocates for children with learning disabilities.
Can you imagine the conversations we had?
What a joy and an honor to have these people as a contributors to production of LifeFull!
My inspiration LifeFull work comes from everyday people doing extraordinary things. It is about time that we invest in our future by taking care of one another. Ghandi once said that we should “be the change (we) want to see in the world.” “Tikkun olam kalem” is a Hebrew phrase, which means repairing the world." I believe it is time to repair our world.
Learn more about the LifeFull process by following my blog. http://danceintolight.blogspot.com
1st preview of LifeFull -LaGuardia Performing Arts Center June 2011. More information to come.
I met a wonderful couple with a zest for animal protection and a value for connections. I visited a dedicated woman who helps develop communities of people in organizations while helping them find ways to be successful in their personal lives. I also learned about an impassioned lady who serves and advocates for children with learning disabilities.
Can you imagine the conversations we had?
What a joy and an honor to have these people as a contributors to production of LifeFull!
My inspiration LifeFull work comes from everyday people doing extraordinary things. It is about time that we invest in our future by taking care of one another. Ghandi once said that we should “be the change (we) want to see in the world.” “Tikkun olam kalem” is a Hebrew phrase, which means repairing the world." I believe it is time to repair our world.
Learn more about the LifeFull process by following my blog. http://danceintolight.blogspot.com
1st preview of LifeFull -LaGuardia Performing Arts Center June 2011. More information to come.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
"It's a Family Affair - Queens Council on the Arts Award Ceremony"
Tonight, I attended the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) Award Ceremony at the picturesque Water's Edge Restaurant in Long Island City, Queens. I am very proud to be apart of this group of distinguished Queens Artists. I am connected to these new and familiar faces gratis QCA. Steve, our Associate Director and Resident Composer, accompanied me to this evening's festivities. Upon walking into the restaurant and admiring the view, we perused the list of award recipients in order to see who is paddling this boat with us. Big shout out to the deserving artists such a Legros Cultural Arts, who help make Queens a wonderful place to be.
The cordial speeches by members of QCA, the Queens Borough President's Office, and Department of Cultural Affairs were made to congratulate and give proper recognition to responsible parties. Speeches were lite and so was the fair provided to the guests. Appropriately so. Lynn Lobell approached me for an interview about the wonderful impact QCA has had on Dance Into Light. Excited for opportunity to speak about our experiences, I meet some interesting QCA family members before, during, and after the interview.
I am grateful to be apart of this supportive community. I look forward to getting into the studio, then into the nursing homes and senior centers thanks to this grant that enables us to provide 60-minute free dance and musical performances to our elderly Queens family.
The cordial speeches by members of QCA, the Queens Borough President's Office, and Department of Cultural Affairs were made to congratulate and give proper recognition to responsible parties. Speeches were lite and so was the fair provided to the guests. Appropriately so. Lynn Lobell approached me for an interview about the wonderful impact QCA has had on Dance Into Light. Excited for opportunity to speak about our experiences, I meet some interesting QCA family members before, during, and after the interview.
I am grateful to be apart of this supportive community. I look forward to getting into the studio, then into the nursing homes and senior centers thanks to this grant that enables us to provide 60-minute free dance and musical performances to our elderly Queens family.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
"Deep Fountain Dives and MS Word Into Light"
I am a bit confused as to which title is best. Some days I Dance Into Light and other days I MS Word Into Light. Yet, there are days when I Google or Network Into Light.
A.D. - Artistic Director, Administrative Director, Appropriate Direction, Alas Dance!
Yes, I know it needs to be done, but last time I looked the sun was out and now I prepare dinner under the night sky.
There is a blessing in being an A.D. no matter what the definition. The holy fountain runs deep into the earth's core. I gladly today, but at times reluctantly get that tight wet suit and occasionally stifling, but necessary oxygen mask on and dive. Those waters offer purification, but only when diving deep and I am able to cut through the stone wall of breadth-ful marble. There is some thing cleansing about it when I return to the surface, I mean the studio I am able to move with new insight. Thank you!
I proudly wear A.D. on my vest.
A.D. - Artistic Director, Administrative Director, Appropriate Direction, Alas Dance!
Yes, I know it needs to be done, but last time I looked the sun was out and now I prepare dinner under the night sky.
There is a blessing in being an A.D. no matter what the definition. The holy fountain runs deep into the earth's core. I gladly today, but at times reluctantly get that tight wet suit and occasionally stifling, but necessary oxygen mask on and dive. Those waters offer purification, but only when diving deep and I am able to cut through the stone wall of breadth-ful marble. There is some thing cleansing about it when I return to the surface, I mean the studio I am able to move with new insight. Thank you!
I proudly wear A.D. on my vest.
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