The News Review:
- ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ tour a new step in neglected art
- Judges can’t control outcome of ‘Dancing’
- Philanthropy dance-off to benefit fire relief fund
- History in motion
‘So You Think You Can Dance’ tour a new step in neglected art
San Francisco Chronicle – Nov 26, 2007
Never mind the way those same viewers pant over Danny’s exquisite arabesque penchee and beaten cabrioles even if they don’t know those are the steps they’re looking at. And why not replace some of the “contemporary” choreography with real modern dance? Plenty of gifted modern dance choreographers I’d wager would be happy to have their work broadcast to 10 million people. Or why not replace some of those obligatory group numbers with guest appearances by modern dance or ballet companies? The Paul Taylor Dance Company in an excerpt from “Esplanade” before commercial break! It would be like the old days leading up to the dance boom when stars such as Rudolf Nureyev and Eddie Villella used to appear on “The Bell Telephone Hour. In the meantime if you want to know what someone whose job is to write about dance thinks of the Season 3 results after Friday’s live show: I can see why Sabra won. She’s versatile and inoffensive. But for technique welded to irresistible personal expression my vote goes to Lauren. And for MVP Sara a break-dancer who excelled in everything from contemporary to disco.
Judges can’t control outcome of ‘Dancing’
MSNBC – Nov 26, 2007
If they don?t give a fan favorite a perfect score the audience boos them. Even if they declare one celebrity the best hoofer in the competition the voters can still override them. Compared to judges in regular non-celebrity ballroom showdowns these officials are practically powerless especially when it comes to selecting the winners of the disco-ball trophy which happens Tuesday night for this fifth season of the dance competition. Then why is it Len Goodman Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli get the blame whenever controversies arise as has happened many times this season? They?re in the business of criticism but fans celebs and at least one of the pros don?t want to hear it. Maybe the popular opinion has it that judges shouldn?t have unpopular opinions.
Philanthropy dance-off to benefit fire relief fund
UCLA Daily Bruin – The UCLA Daily Bruin – Nov 26, 2007
The dance-off hosted by fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon aims to raise money for the California Wildfire Relief Fund while fostering healthy competition between the participating sororities and will be held Tuesday night at the Avalon Theatre in Hollywood. This year?s Elimidance is expected to be the biggest yet said Ramin Savar co-chair of the event. ?We?re very excited and we?re hoping to break records with the number of people attending and the amount of money donated. That?s our goal for this year? said Savar. Savar described Elimidance as a dance-off ?capitalizing on the inherent competition between the sororities? on campus but for a good cause… The dance-off hosted by fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon aims to raise money for the California Wildfire Relief Fund while fostering healthy competition between the participating sororities and will be held Tuesday night at the Avalon Theatre in Hollywood. This year?s Elimidance is expected to be the biggest yet said Ramin Savar co-chair of the event. ?We?re very excited and we?re hoping to break records with the number of people attending and the amount of money donated. That?s our goal for this year? said Savar. Savar described Elimidance as a dance-off ?capitalizing on the inherent competition between the sororities? on campus but for a good cause. Participants who are not limited to sorority members will dance either an individual or a group routine for a crowd of up to 1200 and be judged by a panel of celebrities. Donations to the California Wildfire Relief Fund will come from participant entry fees and sales of $10 tickets $15 T-shirts and raffle tickets.
History in motion
UCLA Daily Bruin – The UCLA Daily Bruin – Nov 26, 2007
(but) it is not all like that. ?As opposed to the provocative belly-dance stereotype many Americans associate with Middle Eastern dancing Aavaa explores traditional Persian and other regional dances that offer a greater variety of styles many originating from various religious beliefs. Aavaa serves as a way for students to break the misconceptions associated with the Middle East in a post-Sept. 11 world by showing a rich culture. ?Dance is a common language between different Middle Eastern groups. We put the politics aside and just dance? said Lalezari. Beyond cultural value a love of dancing initially drew Elizabeth Franco a third-year world arts and culture student to Grupo Folklorico de UCLA a club that performs the traditional Mexican ?grupo folklorico? dance.