Life as a Modern Dancer

For an Undergraduate Composition Course: A Reading List (UPDATED July 2018)

Jeanine Durning in rehearsal with Ros Warby for Deborah Hay's project with Motion Bank, Frankfurt Lab, 2012. Credit: Amin Weber

For an Undergraduate Composition Course: A Reading List

From Blog Director Jill Randall:

Looking back at the 165 artist profiles and monthly features from the past 6 years, I have selected 25 blog posts to use within a college Composition Course. The wide range of viewpoints and career paths can offer a window into working as a choreographer in the United States right now. Students can take away - and immediately experiment with - questions and suggestions from each choreographer. Use one blog post a week as a discussion starter, enlivening a Composition Course with real world applications and considerations about dancemaking.

You can share the links below, or print out each post to include in a course reader. Each post takes 5 minutes to read.

Feedback and stories are always welcome - randalldanceprojects@gmail.com.

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Fifteen Questions for Choreographers and Performers

The Choreographic Moment: Ideas from Douglas Nielsen

The Choreographic Moment: Ideas from Jo Kreiter

A Writing Exercise from the 2015 Virtual Writers' Workshop for Dancers

Summer Journal: On the Path with Emerging Choreographers

Musings on "Unison"

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My Dance Week: Nina Haft (Artistic Director of Nina Haft & Company in Oakland, CA)

My Dance Week: Daniel Charon (Artistic Director of Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company in Salt Lake City, UT)

My Dance Week: Kayla Farrish (Independent artist based in New York City)

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Artist Profile: Raja Feather Kelly (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Kate Weare (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Jeanine Durning (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Susan Marshall (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Liz Lerman (Baltimore, MD)

Artist Profile: Reggie Wilson (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Banning Bouldin (Nashville, TN)

Artist Profile: Jo Kreiter (San Francisco, CA)

Artist Profile: Rogelio Lopez (Oakland, CA)

Artist Profile: Tami Stronach (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Camille A. Brown (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Donna Uchizono (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Molly Lieber (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Becca Levy (Jacksonville, FL)

Artist Profile: Dayna Hanson (Seattle, WA)

Artist Profile: Charles Slender-White (San Francisco, CA)

*There are 165 artist profiles on the blog. To read more stories, click here.

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Jeanine Durning in rehearsal with Ros Warby for Deborah Hay's project with Motion Bank, Frankfurt Lab, 2012. Credit: Amin Weber

For an Undergraduate Composition Course: A Reading List

From Blog Director Jill Randall:

Looking back at the 165 artist profiles and monthly features from the past 6 years, I have selected 25 blog posts to use within a college Composition Course. The wide range of viewpoints and career paths can offer a window into working as a choreographer in the United States right now. Students can take away - and immediately experiment with - questions and suggestions from each choreographer. Use one blog post a week as a discussion starter, enlivening a Composition Course with real world applications and considerations about dancemaking.

You can share the links below, or print out each post to include in a course reader. Each post takes 5 minutes to read.

Feedback and stories are always welcome - randalldanceprojects@gmail.com.

----------------------

Fifteen Questions for Choreographers and Performers

The Choreographic Moment: Ideas from Douglas Nielsen

The Choreographic Moment: Ideas from Jo Kreiter

A Writing Exercise from the 2015 Virtual Writers' Workshop for Dancers

Summer Journal: On the Path with Emerging Choreographers

Musings on "Unison"

-----

My Dance Week: Nina Haft (Artistic Director of Nina Haft & Company in Oakland, CA)

My Dance Week: Daniel Charon (Artistic Director of Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company in Salt Lake City, UT)

My Dance Week: Kayla Farrish (Independent artist based in New York City)

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Artist Profile: Raja Feather Kelly (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Kate Weare (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Jeanine Durning (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Susan Marshall (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Liz Lerman (Baltimore, MD)

Artist Profile: Reggie Wilson (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Banning Bouldin (Nashville, TN)

Artist Profile: Jo Kreiter (San Francisco, CA)

Artist Profile: Rogelio Lopez (Oakland, CA)

Artist Profile: Tami Stronach (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Camille A. Brown (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Donna Uchizono (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Molly Lieber (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Becca Levy (Jacksonville, FL)

Artist Profile: Dayna Hanson (Seattle, WA)

Artist Profile: Charles Slender-White (San Francisco, CA)

*There are 165 artist profiles on the blog. To read more stories, click here.

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The 2018 Artists' Gratitude Project: Week 30 (Mentoring)

The 2018 Artists’ Gratitude Project: A Weekly Practice

The potential for positivity, hope, change, and appreciation.

Do you feel the dichotomy? Many artists come from an upbringing of extensive support and opportunity - with training, classes, private lessons, workshops, mentors, supplies, and equipment. Many go onto colleges, conservatories, and masters programs. Yet, as artists in the U.S. today, many of us live with modest incomes to support our families and to keep making our work. Many times - we can end up feeling bitter, resentful, and negative.

Would a weekly gratitude practice inspire and promote personal change, hope, and contentment?

Whether you consider each weekly idea while on the subway commuting to work - or you decide to write in a personal journal - please join us on this journey in 2018. The 52 ideas were brainstormed and then placed in a random order. Thank you to colleagues Valerie Gutwirth, Juliana Monin, and Brian Smith for help launching this project.

Each week, one idea/intention/consideration will be shared.

 

Week 30: Mentoring

Today and this week, I offer gratitude for: 

The two-way opportunity of mentoring relationships. To mentor and to be mentored. Conversation, support, questioning, challenging, and caring. Finding a mentor is a golden opportunity as an artist for support, help, kindness, and guidance. Thank you.

When the time and opportunity arises, becoming a mentor is a magical time. To give back and to share. Support. Kindness. Conversation.

Right now is a perfect moment to reflect on the mentors in my life, past and present. Gratitude.

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For a Senior Seminar Course: A Reading List (UPDATED July 2018)

 

Sticky Majesty (2016) by Donna Uchizono. Photo: Scott Shaw.

From Blog Director Jill Randall:

Looking back at the 165 artist profiles and monthly features from the past 6 years, I have selected 36 blog posts to use within a college Senior Seminar Course. These posts offer graduating seniors a window into work happening around the United States and the many paths dancers take towards performing, building a company, choreographing, and teaching. 

You can share the links below, or print out the posts to place in a reader. Each post takes 5 minutes or less to read.

I also highly encourage you to use A Life in Dance as required reading. Author Rebecca Stenn shares more about the book here. (And, I also offer some ideas for reading assignments here.)

Feedback and stories are always welcome - randalldanceprojects@gmail.com.

----------------------

Raja Feather Kelly. Photo: Kate Enman.

A Year of Wellness (post from April 2018)

City Guides - students can read all of them or select three to read (16 cities are featured)

The State by State Project - students can read about several states (all 50 will be featured by the end of 2018)

"Go Home" by Debra Knapp

Eight Examples: "My Dance Week" in New York City

Advice on Moving to NYC: Four Perspectives

What I Look for in a Dancer

The Performer's Perspective: What I Feel, What I am Exploring....

Speaking as a Teaching Artist

A Letter to College Seniors

Becoming a Teaching Artist: 5 Ideas as You Begin to Teach Preschool Age Classes

Becoming an Arts Administrator: Describing Non-Profits and For-Profits in Most Basic Terms

Becoming an Arts Administrator: Julia Davidson (Minneapolis, MN)

Building a Dance Company: Financial Advice from Six Choreographers

Building a Dance Company: The Art of Decision-Making By Sumi Clements

My Dance Week: Andrew Ward

My Dance Week: Pamela Vail

My Dance Week: Brandin Steffensen

Artist Profile: Raja Feather Kelly (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Kate Weare (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Christine Chen (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Patricia West Sotelo (Oakland, CA)

Artist Profile: Molly Heller (Salt Lake City, UT)

Artist Profile: Carley Conder (Tempe, AZ)

Artist Profile: Donna Uchizono (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Paloma McGregor (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Molly Lieber (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Linda Carr (Berkeley, CA)

Artist Profile: Jill Randall (Berkeley, CA)

Artist Profile: Abby Zbikowski (Champaign, IL)

Artist Profile: Banning Bouldin (Nashville, TN)

Artist Profile: Dante Brown (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Kathleen Wessel (Atlanta, GA)

Catching Up with Graham Brown (Provo, UT)

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The Arts Administrator’s Alphabet: 88 Pages, 180 Terms and Concepts

Job Survey/Self-Assessment for Modern Dancers 

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From Blog Director Jill Randall:

Looking back at the 165 artist profiles and monthly features from the past 6 years, I have selected 36 blog posts to use within a college Senior Seminar Course. These posts offer graduating seniors a window into work happening around the United States and the many paths dancers take towards performing, building a company, choreographing, and teaching. 

You can share the links below, or print out the posts to place in a reader. Each post takes 5 minutes or less to read.

I also highly encourage you to use A Life in Dance as required reading. Author Rebecca Stenn shares more about the book here. (And, I also offer some ideas for reading assignments here.)

Feedback and stories are always welcome - randalldanceprojects@gmail.com.

----------------------

Raja Feather Kelly. Photo: Kate Enman.

A Year of Wellness (post from April 2018)

City Guides - students can read all of them or select three to read (16 cities are featured)

The State by State Project - students can read about several states (all 50 will be featured by the end of 2018)

"Go Home" by Debra Knapp

Eight Examples: "My Dance Week" in New York City

Advice on Moving to NYC: Four Perspectives

What I Look for in a Dancer

The Performer's Perspective: What I Feel, What I am Exploring....

Speaking as a Teaching Artist

A Letter to College Seniors

Becoming a Teaching Artist: 5 Ideas as You Begin to Teach Preschool Age Classes

Becoming an Arts Administrator: Describing Non-Profits and For-Profits in Most Basic Terms

Becoming an Arts Administrator: Julia Davidson (Minneapolis, MN)

Building a Dance Company: Financial Advice from Six Choreographers

Building a Dance Company: The Art of Decision-Making By Sumi Clements

My Dance Week: Andrew Ward

My Dance Week: Pamela Vail

My Dance Week: Brandin Steffensen

Artist Profile: Raja Feather Kelly (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Kate Weare (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Christine Chen (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Patricia West Sotelo (Oakland, CA)

Artist Profile: Molly Heller (Salt Lake City, UT)

Artist Profile: Carley Conder (Tempe, AZ)

Artist Profile: Donna Uchizono (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Paloma McGregor (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Molly Lieber (New York, NY)

Artist Profile: Linda Carr (Berkeley, CA)

Artist Profile: Jill Randall (Berkeley, CA)

Artist Profile: Abby Zbikowski (Champaign, IL)

Artist Profile: Banning Bouldin (Nashville, TN)

Artist Profile: Dante Brown (Brooklyn, NY)

Artist Profile: Kathleen Wessel (Atlanta, GA)

Catching Up with Graham Brown (Provo, UT)

---

The Arts Administrator’s Alphabet: 88 Pages, 180 Terms and Concepts

Job Survey/Self-Assessment for Modern Dancers 

--------------------

The 2018 Artists' Gratitude Project: Week 29 (Second Chances)

The 2018 Artists’ Gratitude Project: A Weekly Practice

The potential for positivity, hope, change, and appreciation.

Do you feel the dichotomy? Many artists come from an upbringing of extensive support and opportunity - with training, classes, private lessons, workshops, mentors, supplies, and equipment. Many go onto colleges, conservatories, and masters programs. Yet, as artists in the U.S. today, many of us live with modest incomes to support our families and to keep making our work. Many times - we can end up feeling bitter, resentful, and negative.

Would a weekly gratitude practice inspire and promote personal change, hope, and contentment?

Whether you consider each weekly idea while on the subway commuting to work - or you decide to write in a personal journal - please join us on this journey in 2018. The 52 ideas were brainstormed and then placed in a random order. Thank you to colleagues Valerie Gutwirth, Juliana Monin, and Brian Smith for help launching this project.

Each week, one idea/intention/consideration will be shared.

 

Week 29: Second Chances

Today and this week, I offer gratitude for: 

Those moments when I get another opportunity. Second chances. Second chances on a grant, job position, or collaboration. Another chance to improve upon the first time - producing, touring, timelines, grant writing, or a board retreat. A critic coming back to see a different show. Getting to present my work more than its first run.

I am grateful for the believe beyond that first moment and first attempt. I am grateful for potential and opportunity. 

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The State by State Project: Missouri

Artist Dawn Karlovsky

The State by State Project, through Life as a Modern Dancer:

Throughout 2018, we will highlight one state per week....its arts council, dance education organization, festivals, artist residencies, dance companies, and more. We will link to previous posts of artists based in the state, masters programs, and city guides. 

This ambitious feature hopes to highlight the abundance of arts in the United States as well as to challenge us to look at areas of the country seeking more arts and arts education.

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Artist Profile: Dawn Karlovsky (St. Louis, MO)

Leverage Dance Theater

New Book on Katherine Dunham (by Joanna Dee Das, professor at Washington University)

Missouri Arts Council 

Missouri Dance Organization

Missouri Citizens for the Arts

Missouri Alliance for Arts Education

MFA Program: Washington University

Joanna Dee Das

Please join into the conversation! Leave a comment below with other links to Missouri-based artists and organizations. Thank you!

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The State by State Project: Michigan

"Emi, Amy and Mimi, the Celebrated Love Partners, and Their Bicycle Emi Nomo" - created and performed by Amy Chavasse, Sarah Konner and Austin Selden. Photo: Sam Pavarenti

The State by State Project, through Life as a Modern Dancer:

Throughout 2018, we will highlight one state per week....its arts council, dance education organization, festivals, artist residencies, dance companies, and more. We will link to previous posts of artists based in the state, masters programs, and city guides. 

This ambitious feature hopes to highlight the abundance of arts in the United States as well as to challenge us to look at areas of the country seeking more arts and arts education.

-----------

NewDANCEfest - Festival in July 2018 for new and emerging artists in Rochester

A Modern Dancer's Guide to....Detroit, MI

Michigan Dance Council

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

Artist Profile: Amy Chavasse (Ann Arbor, MI)

Musings on Unison: Four Perspectives (including from Michigan artist Amy Chavasse)

Featured Book: Queer Dance (by University of Michigan Professor Clare Croft)

MFA Program: University of Michigan

Eisenhower Dance Detroit

Please join into the conversation! Leave a comment below with more information about Michigan-based artists, organizations, and festivals.

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The 2018 Artists' Gratitude Project: Week 28 (Volunteers, Interns, and Pro Bono Support)

The 2018 Artists’ Gratitude Project: A Weekly Practice

The potential for positivity, hope, change, and appreciation.

Do you feel the dichotomy? Many artists come from an upbringing of extensive support and opportunity - with training, classes, private lessons, workshops, mentors, supplies, and equipment. Many go onto colleges, conservatories, and masters programs. Yet, as artists in the U.S. today, many of us live with modest incomes to support our families and to keep making our work. Many times - we can end up feeling bitter, resentful, and negative.

Would a weekly gratitude practice inspire and promote personal change, hope, and contentment?

Whether you consider each weekly idea while on the subway commuting to work - or you decide to write in a personal journal - please join us on this journey in 2018. The 52 ideas were brainstormed and then placed in a random order. Thank you to colleagues Valerie Gutwirth, Juliana Monin, and Brian Smith for help launching this project.

Each week, one idea/intention/consideration will be shared.

 

Week 28: Volunteers, Interns, and Pro Bono Support

Today and this week, I offer gratitude for: 

The incredible helping hands within my circle. Volunteers and interns help me maximize opportunities to keep my work going, and to bring my work to the next level. Pro bono support also is true generosity towards the arts. 

Boards of Directors are incredible human beings offering hundreds of hours each year for a community-based organization or an artistic company.

I am grateful for people's time and energy. I hope that in return they feel appreciated and feel like they made a positive contribution towards art making and community making. Thank you for believing in me, and for believing in the work. 

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The 2018 Artists' Gratitude Project: Week 27 (Leadership Opportunities)

The 2018 Artists’ Gratitude Project: A Weekly Practice

The potential for positivity, hope, change, and appreciation.

Do you feel the dichotomy? Many artists come from an upbringing of extensive support and opportunity - with training, classes, private lessons, workshops, mentors, supplies, and equipment. Many go onto colleges, conservatories, and masters programs. Yet, as artists in the U.S. today, many of us live with modest incomes to support our families and to keep making our work. Many times - we can end up feeling bitter, resentful, and negative.

Would a weekly gratitude practice inspire and promote personal change, hope, and contentment?

Whether you consider each weekly idea while on the subway commuting to work - or you decide to write in a personal journal - please join us on this journey in 2018. The 52 ideas were brainstormed and then placed in a random order. Thank you to colleagues Valerie Gutwirth, Juliana Monin, and Brian Smith for help launching this project.

Each week, one idea/intention/consideration will be shared.

 

Week 27: Leadership Opportunities

Today and this week, I offer gratitude for: 

Opportunities for leadership in the arts field, both locally and nationally. Opportunities to facilitate, mobilize, and motivate. I am grateful for these challenges and moments to step it up. I appreciate how these leadership opportunities push me in new ways to make decisions and priorities, plus I appreciate new ways of connecting with other artists and helping the field to move forward. Giving and receiving.

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