NY Times obit for Joe Thompson, 93

Joe Thompson Dies at 93 - Fiddler of String Band Legacy
by Douglas Martin, The New York Times, March 1, 2012

Karen Bernard's "Mix"

luciana achugar (Photo: Michael Mahalchick)

Nami Yamamoto (Photo: Julien Jourdes)

The famed Performance Mix Festival--presented by Karen Bernard's New Dance Alliance in association with Joyce SoHo--opens its 26th annual program, March 13-18.

It's a huge lineup featuring Daniel Linehan, Nami Yamamoto, luciana achugar and Johanna S. Meyer among many other contemporary dancemakers including artists from Canada, Poland and the Netherlands.

Performance Mix Festival promotes interdisciplinary work through performances, informal artist/audience receptions and special events.

For further information, see these helpful links:

Artist Bios

Full schedule and ticket information

Joyce SoHo
155 Mercer Street (between Houston and Prince Streets), Manhattan
(map/directions)

Rebecca Brooks on the Alexander Technique [audio]

Rebecca admiring her niece's poise. Photo by Michael Kopald

Since opening my teaching studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in July, I have been thrilled to be able to devote so much of myself to teaching private lessons in the Alexander Technique. If you've come for a lesson, a class, or to just to visit, you know that the studio is a calm and lovely space, a truly uplifting environment. -- Rebecca Brooks

Click here for my interview 

with dance artist 

and Alexander Technique teacher

Rebecca Brooks (29:11)

Rebecca Brooks is a dance artist and Alexander Technique teacher based in New York City. Fundamental to her performance work is a commitment to developing sustainable practices that enhance conscious awareness for the performers and the public alike. Her teaching and art practices are integrally linked. Rebecca is an AmSAT certified Alexander Technique teacher, having graduated in 2009 from Balance Arts Center. She teaches primarily out of her studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She is on faculty at Movement Research, Balance Arts Center, and St. Margaret's House. She has also taught at CLASSCLASSCLASS and the Fieldston School in NYC, and at the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC. Aside from her work as a teacher, she is an active dancer, performer, and choreographer. She is currently dancing with luciana achugar, and other recent performance work includes projects with Marina Abramović, Maria Hassabi, Heather Kravas, Katy Pyle, Susan Rethorst, robbinschilds and Kathy Westwater. Rebecca’s own work has been presented throughout NYC. Co-founder, AUNTS; co-curator, Movement Research Festival Spring 2007: Reverence (Irreverence); Artistic Director, Rockbridge Artist Exchange.

Learn more about Rebecca's Alexander Technique classes and other projects at www.rebeccakelleybrooks.com.

"Critic" Hennessy Youngman calls it as he sees it

Biting Humor Aimed at Art
by Austin Considine, The New York Times, February 29, 2012

Davy Jones, 66

Davy Jones, a Singer in the Monkees, Dies at 66
by Margalit Fox, The New York Times, February 29, 2012

Read the Dance Workforce Census report

Read the Dance/NYC Junior Committee report that everyone's talking about!

Dance Workforce Census: Earnings Among Individuals, Ages 21-35

The value of this study is its presentation of the first concrete research relating to the untenable economic plight of young dancers, choreographers and administrators working within the dance field in New York City. While no answers are posed, the need to find answers is made evident. If the passion, discipline and creativity of these individuals is not to be wasted, it must be allowed to flourish in a way that confirms that dance is, indeed, a respected profession — a place where achievement is recognized by the ability to earn a living wage, with appropriate health insurance benefits and a modicum of financial stability.

         –Beverly D’Anne

To download a pdf of the highlights or the full report, click here.

Gibney Dance Center develops residency program

Center Line: Choreographic Residences II

at Gibney Dance Center

Wednesday, March 14, 6:30pm 

Free admission

Based on previous feedback from our first Center Line: Choreographic Residencies town hall and extended research, Gibney Dance has created a plan for Dance in Process (DIP). As we lay the groundwork for this new residency program, we want feedback from the dance field on the elements that contribute to a great creative experience. Those present at Center Line will have an opportunity to learn about the program plans and offer suggestions. New and returning attendees are welcome to share their perspectives. This edition of Center Line will be moderated by Dana Whitco.

Gibney Dance Center (Studio 3)
890 Broadway, 5th Floor (between 19th and 20th Streets), Manhattan
(map/directions)

RSVP at rsvp@gibneydance.org or 212-677-8560.