The Joyce International Dance Center: Opportunities to Bridge Cultural Divides

Today I ventured into the throng of people and press at the World Trade Center site who came to absorb the news of Osama Bin Laden’s death. Flags were flying, flowers were hung, and people wall papered barriers and fences with newspapers blasting jarring headlines of victory. Most people’s reactions were solemn and quietly reflective this afternoon, in stark contrast to the rip roaring partying and outright jubilation seen the night before. Today, the energy felt much more appropriate, reflective and united. I handle my discomfort with those who are partying, dancing and chanting, by telling myself that they are not barbarically “rejoicing in death“, but that they are celebrating the future and potential for unity, understanding and the bridging of cultural gaps.

The World Trade Center site continues its rebirth set to culminate this September in time for the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. In October 2010, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation voted to allocate funds in the amount of $100 million dollars in federal funds for a performing arts venue at the World Trade Center site to be inhabited by the Joyce. The theater will seat 1,000 people, and is slated to be designed by architect Frank Gehry. The Joyce, with already existing locations in New York City, has dubbed this venue The Joyce International Dance Center, and aims to provide a “wide range of diverse and compelling dance experiences!”

A Testament to the Power of a Teaching Artist

I began thinking about Mary more frequently earlier this month when I realized it was National Poetry Month. The arts organization I work for was deciding on an activity for our after school program for “Poem in Your Pocket Day.” The brainstorming of these activities reminded me of an assignment in my modern dance class in high school. The assignment was called “I am From” and the objective was to write a prose, or poem about the things that made us who we are. They could be sensory things, I believe I used a Ninja Turtle lunch box, sand and ocean waves at some point in my lyrics. We also used events, sayings, people or instances in time that defined us. Anything really, that made us who we were. We then used these lyrics to create choreography that took us on a journey of self reflection from our childhood to who we were as 18 year olds and budding adults, to even making predictions about who would become in the world. As we gathered that evening with our parents for a very personal showing, a graduation of our own really, we were all united by the power of “I am From.” 

Of all of the artistic experiences I have had in my journey as a professional dancer, the reflection and creation of this project is one that has stayed close to me through the years.

Young ballet dancers dream of life beyond Kenyan slums

From Isha Sesay, CNN

April 13, 2011 5:43 a.m. EDT

Beautiful dance in tough neighborhood

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Poverty and crime are widespread in Nairobi's Mathare slums
• Around 40 Mathare students are taking after-school ballet classes
• School teachers say skills learned through dancing have improved pupils' concentration
• UK-based charity Anno's Africa is behind the classes

(CNN) -- In Kenya's giant Mathare slums poverty and crime are widespread. But youngsters there are getting a chance to realize their potential -- by learning ballet.
Mathare, in Nairobi, may seem like an unlikely place for ballerinas in training, but around 40 students living in the tough neighborhood take beginner lessons once a week with instructor Mike Wamaya.
"It's new and it's what they like," Wamaya explained. "And it's what they never believe they could have ever done."
The instructor says learning ballet could help change these children's lives. Read More>>

A Teaching Artist Redefines the Typical Dance Residency

Connie Proccopio is one of those rare, unique artists who’s talents are not limited only to that of performing as an artist herself. Connie is also a gifted teaching artist and choreographer who truly understands the full spectrum of the impact the arts can have on literally everyone, and uses that understanding to change lives. I have had the privilege of not only being a co-worker with Connie teaching at a private studio and watching her work with students of all ages, but have also had the opportunity to experience her powerful choreography firsthand in the rehearsal process having her set repertory on me. Connie trains dancers of the highest quality and creates choreography for everyone from professional dancers, to students within the public school system and private studios, and most interestingly within the female prison system.

Japan NYC: A Festival for Hope

While the world grieves with Japan and all of those affected by the events of the recent natural disaster, the festival Japan NYC will go on as scheduled beginning this week at over 22 venues in 65 events around the city. Despite some initial concerns over whether continuing with the festival was appropriate following last weeks earthquake and ensuing events, the festival will proceed with its mission of honoring the rich, historical, cultural heritage of Japan. And in what better way to honor a country so steeped in magnificent artistry and unique cultural traditions, than to share them in both a visual and performing arts context.

The original purpose of the festival was to provide a look at how current artistic trends and aesthetics contribute to the changing cultural makeup of Japan. Highlighting both classic and contemporary works in varied forms ranging from calligraphy, dance, indie rock concerts and everything in between, the festival aims to stay true to the uniqueness of Japan while demonstrating how outside influences shape the future of the arts. With elements of the future uncertain right now for Japan, the event takes on new meaning in the form of a tribute and sign of support. The pieces themselves perhaps take on new meaning and find a new level of profound importance.

While we all want to do our part to aid in the recovery process and make our donations to the organizations involved in the relief effort, this event not only gives back in the form of donated proceeds, but resonates with us by communicating the beauty of a culture. If ever there was a time where art was needed to communicate a message of hope, this is the time and this is the event.

This week’s events are the second part of a two part series that began in December. For a full list of events, visit the Carnegie Hall website at

http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/box_office/series/brochure/japannyc/index.aspx

Everyday Art

A few years ago I found myself becoming burnt out on the lifestyle of a performing artist. Working three jobs in between rehearsals, auditions and performing was becoming overwhelming. Having limited time and little energy to enjoy the few minutes of performing that I was actually doing all of this for, was causing me contemplate if this was all worth it. After a rough phase of particularly grueling Broadway auditions where one waits around for six hours or so only to be typed out immediately, or partaking in auditions where one is asked to bounce around and giggle or act like a goofy Disney creature, I  often found myself muttering under my breath “I went in debt to get a conservatory education to do this?” It was definitely time to take a break and re-evaluate a few things.

Implications for Modern Dance

For anyone who’s ever studied a classical art form, performing or visual, you’ve not only gone through the process of honing a craft in its present form developing a technique as well as a life-long passion or at least appreciation of the art form, but you’ve also more than likely been exposed to the history of the art form and discovered that somewhere along the way, your technique, method or instrument, was an instrument of change. These evolutions in art often mirrored the shift of a culture or generation and worked to leave a lasting impression on a viewer that persuaded them to think, feel and possibly even act. 

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Kimberly Prosa

I am a New York City based actress, dancer and teaching artist performing in both theatre and film in addition to working and volunteering within the non-profit arts sector as a program associate and dance educator. 

I hold an M.S. in human services with a specialization in non-profit management and a B.F.A. in dance from the Purchase Conservatory of Dance and have taught ballet, pointe and contemporary dance at several schools, studios and universities throughout New York and Oregon in addition to serving as a guest teaching artist and artist in residence restaging works, and creating choreography throughout, New York City, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Birmingham and southern Oregon as well as participating in an arts outreach program in Ghana, West Africa.

I additionally blog for the Women’s Education Project. 

Welcome

The Artist Exchange is based upon the belief that the arts are a universal, communicative tool that transcends all cultural and economic barriers and should be used to affect and convey social change. This is the place to connect the arts to the world at large and examine its place in our lives, culture and society. Through understanding how the arts has shaped our culture, and personally defined us, and by supporting the artists and agencies that use their talents to effect change, we can continue to ensure the arts has a place in our society.