Hashtag This Facebook!

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.  

"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

"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! 

"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!

"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.

"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.  

"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 Squirrel LEAPs in Queens"

The Dance Into Light tree shook Mr. Squirrel out tonight to gather winter nuts for our family. He found nuts ripe with age, rich with experience, and cracked open enough to taste the treats while seeing the light right on through.  Our little furry friend's full cheeks are quite pinchable. He weightlessly dashes back home from the evening's great gathering to share with the others. 

And this is what I learned...

I was privileged to have a 1 to 1"Peer Leadership Circle" meeting tonight through the LEAP program*. I actually felt selfish to have this opportunity to speak with my peer leader for our 2 hour monthly meeting. I didn't have to share my time with anyone.  I did miss hearing about my peer's experiences while offering them the best reflective questioning that comes to my mind. Yet, I was grateful for this rare experience to pick a brain.

Advice was given based on questions that have been swimming through my mind. Tonight's moon offered a favorable tide. It allowed me to drift into a safe space where I could inquire about seeds beginning to Dance Into Mr. Squirrel's tree of Light. 

I learned about the requirements for keeping our tree appropriately trimmed within our governmental regulations. I reflected on its continued growth and potential. 

Thank you to my peer leader who let Mr. Squirrel in and generously showed him to the pile of nuts for the taking.  I feel clear and prepared tackle realistic goals. See you at next month's fruitful 'circle.'


*Artist professional development program offered through Queens Council on the Arts and LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.

"Give Me Time, Give Me Space, Give Me Money, Please"

Last night I had the privilege to attend the Queens Council on the Arts Grant Writing Workshop with Melissa Sandor/Melissa Sandor Inc. Well... I left bubbling with so much excitement and a running faucet of ideas. I hope the valve doesn't bust!

 

What a concept to gather artists, a.k.a. "like minded folk," together to be professionally developed. Something very exciting happens when minds meet as it is, but this structured workshop allowed me freedom to fly on my imagination cloud. So, we gathered. The usual formal introductions were had, light applause appropriately followed, and photos were snapped at opportune moments. Ms. Sandor began...

We were given a task to present ourselves, in writing, to a potential funder. Let's figure out a concise way to define Dance Into Light, Inc. and turn heads. Hell, let's find ways to snap those necks until they are seeing the chiropractor for whiplash cures. We shared out and lots of peer feedback flew around the room. 

Then Ms. Sandor begin to break down the ingredients of a grant proposal. My hand cramped several times as I simultaneously tried to scoop up Sandor's wisdom in the air while getting my own ideas down on the next page. Valuable questions were asked and answered. My synapses were on overdrive and I thought the smoke coming out my ears would alarm the other artists or maybe inspire them to explore spontaneous combustion in one's brain. 

Let's take 5, 30 minutes on the clock.  Have a cookie, eat a piece of fruit, grab a free bottle of water. People like tangible things they can take with them. Schmooooooooze.....get those business cards ready and distribute. Catch up - How's the new work? What's your medium again? I know so in so who knows of you from my brother's cousin's mother's sister. No kidding. TIME! Back to seat. 

Genius Part Deux

        Let's continue. Sandor gives us time! Loving the time and space to think, listen, learn, discuss, revise, brew, marinate, etc. Task = Revise your work based on what you learned. Okay, I revisit my paragraph and this time I get the opportunity to read aloud. I pretend to sell Dance Into Light to a panel of the most important critics I ever met, other than my mother and I. I received feedback from the impassioned crowd of my peers. Ooooh I feel so safe and warm. Flash backs of the womb. It's nice, it really is.

Wrap It Up and Send

  I was a simmering pot of salty water ready for the rice to be put it. Couldn't wait to get to work. I am thrilled that there is a follow up session. I am ecstatic that I have meaningful homework to complete before the next session. I look forward to seeing my peers again. Through this LEAP QCA program* I am finding that I have an outer body bloodline that exists. Thank you universe for allowing me to ask and receive. Thank you QCA for giving and supporting. Thank you Melissa Sandor for sharing your experiences, knowledge from your travels, and giving us much needed time and space.    

*The LEAP Dance Project is a professional development program designed to support individual dance artists and foster a community of dance professionals in Queens. Created by QCA in partnership with LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, this nine month program features professional development workshops with experts in the field; peer leadership circles to promote the exchange of information, resources and ideas; admission to local performances; rehearsal space, and a performance opportunity in conjunction with the Queens Art Express that is free and open to the public.

"Inspiration From a Likely Source"

Yes, it would be cliche of me to say "inspiration from an UNlikely souce," but this particular source was staring me right in the face. I was set to task. Choreograph, make the dance, then dance the dance. Easy enough, right? My task proved more difficult as I heard the accompaniment of not my choice.

I moved right into the studio. (no pun intended) I started with something familiar. I piece that we new, but didn't finish. Although, I was grateful for the starting point, I didn't want to taint the concept in progress. With hesitation, I continued to move along. We moved along. Here a formation, there a formation, everywhere a formation sprinkled with some movement manipulation. It then hit me. The spark shocked me into realizing that it is always what I tell my students; "it's about the movement." The inspiration was looking at me and reacting to the electric currents we all through into the air with each breath. Great! We can do this and complete the task at hand successfully with confidence.

Sometimes we have to keep walking into the same thing over and over again. Sometimes we need to keep talking about it until it evolves; unfolds a little bit at a time. Sometimes we just need to stare a little longer to realize that the answers, the inspiration is already at our fingertips. I am so grateful.

Thank you and please keep it coming.

Welcome to The Dance Into Light, Inc. Blog

In 2003, Ms. Denis founded Dina Denis Dance / Dance Into Light, Inc. which is a Queens based Modern Dance Company. The Company produces original dance works of an interdisciplinary & multi-cultural nature. The company uses dance as an avenue for personal healing, a means for self-expression, & as an approach toward building confidence. We carry out our mission through performances, artist-to-youth mentoring services, hands-on creative movement workshops, & live dance performances to nursing homes & senior centers throughout Queens. As part of the Company’s goals for encouraging collaborations, Dina Denis Dance annually hosts “Art and Business Alive in Queens” in order to bring together artists, business owners, and patrons.

 Artistic Vision 

Dina Denis’ work explores themes of spiritual awareness and awakening, relationships, along with interactions that contribute to our continued evolution while cultivating kinship among people. Her choreography supports ideas of human connectivity through dance stories that speak about life, love, and the spiritual quest. Ms. Denis’ creative process includes artistic input from the dancers, musicians, and artists of other mediums. Ms. Denis’s choreography is the result of one strong voice from the collective consciousness established by the group of Dina Denis Dance / Dance Into Light, Inc. artists. Cross-cultural collaborations have even further advanced Ms. Denis’ choreographic goal for human connectivity. Ms. Denis’ goals for the audience are to be engaged in the performance by drawing from their past experiences, as well as encourage new methods of thought. Ms. Denis hopes to awaken audience members in a way that supports both personal reflection and self-discovery. 

www.dinadenisdance.org

www.dinadenisdance.org