CriticalDance Forum

Nervous? No, not really... the only reason I can think of to be nervous is that people would laugh... and that is, in my opinion, another type of embarrassment, even if it is only an anticipation of such. Either way, I don't really care what people think of me, both in general and in regard to ballet, unless I think they're particularly intelligent, or that I'm gonna need/want their friendship at some point.

so exposing yourself didnt bother you alittle.

Nope. I was more worried about screwing up the dancing.

well good for you.

Male dancers: defying old stereotypes
By Jean Battey Lewis for THE WASHINGTON TIMES

In the dance world, it is mostly men who run things — they're the directors, presenters and choreographers. But on dance stages, the audience sees a preponderance of women. Fine male performers are a rare breed.

The imbalance starts early. Mothers are happy if their daughters display a talent in dance, while fathers squirm if their sons do. So girls trip off to dance studios, and boys usually don't.

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Corrival posted this interesting article in the Modern Dance forum:

The Men's Project

<small>[ 19 March 2004, 11:25 AM: Message edited by: Azlan ]</small>

good story.and true that alot of people think if you do ballet as a male you must be gay.butt its not true.

<img src="http://www.laban.org/images/splash.jpg?id=1083256897" alt="" />

Laban news release

1 June 2004

<big>Laban receives £99,690 boost to promote boys in dance</big>



Dance for boys and young men in South East London has received a boost by a £99,690 grant from The Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The grant has been awarded to Laban, a world-leading conservatoire for contemporary dance artist training based in Deptford, South East London. The grant will enable Laban to run more activities designed specifically to promote inclusion in dance for boys and young men aged between 8 – 22 years old. Anyone who would like to know more about the project should contact Niki Lavithis at Laban on 020 8691 8600, email: n.lavithis@laban.org or register on-line at www.laban.org

The three year project will give participants the opportunity to engage in contemporary dance as well as with other activities such as: film, video, digital technology and physical theatre. It will include on-going events such as weekly dance classes, long and short-term project work with a range of professional dance artists, and performance opportunities.

Veronica Jobbins, Head of Education and Community at Laban says: “Gender inequality exists within every aspect of the dance sector in the UK. Fewer boys and men participate in dance within schools, the community and at a professional level, than girls and women. This project aims to address this imbalance through a host of exciting and relevant dance activities. In the long-term we hope that the project will help to integrate boys and young men into the ongoing programme of Laban’s youth activities, such as our youth dance company, as well as enrich the dance community throughout the UK.”

<small>[ 01 June 2004, 08:02 AM: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>

I just read that article about Daniel Ulbricht, the 17-year-old New York City Ballet member. But, I noticed the article is from 2001. Does anyone know how he is now? What has he been up to? It would be interesting to find out...

Laban gets £100,000 to encourage boys to dance
From The Stage

Laban has been awarded a £99,690 grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to enable it to run more activities designed specifically to attract boys and young men to contemporary dance.

The three-year project, designed for boys and young men aged between eight and 22, will give participants the opportunity to engage in contemporary dance events as well as other activities including film, video, digital technology and physical theatre. It will also include weekly dance classes, long and short-term project work with a range of professional dance artists and performance opportunities.

click for more

Hi!
Daniel Ulbricht is still dancing with the NYCB, and getting a lot of solo roles. A few of his roles include the Gigue in "Mozartiana", one of the sailors in "Fancy Free", the faun in "The Four Seasons", jester in "Swan Lake", Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the male dancer in "Tarantella". He was also in Christopher Wheeldon's new ballet, "Shambards".

I would not be surprised if Ulbricht was promoted this year or next, as he is getting good roles and his short stature makes it difficult for him to do some corps roles (i.e. hard to find a partner that does not overwhelm him).

You can find his NYCB bio Here

Kate

And there's even a photo of Ulbricht posted in this weeks' Front Row Center section of the NYCB website.

Click Here to see Ulbricht in Mozartiana.

Kate

Dancer Sleep slams ballet bullies
From the BBC website


Dance star Wayne Sleep has said a new generation of "Billy Elliots" are being hampered by bullying in UK schools.
Sleep said he knew of aspiring male students who had been assaulted for "daring to take up dancing" and emulate the star of the hit British film.

He criticised schools for what he said was a lack of interest in dance despite concerns over exercise and health.

click for more

From Yahoo News,

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Here is a story from the Scotmans about a teacher helping boys and young men,

Click for more

<small>[ 31 July 2004, 08:02 PM: Message edited by: Diana ]</small>