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NJDTE's Canadian Connection: A  Life-Changing Experience

3/19/2015

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Recently, 34 dancers from the Cawthra Park Secondary School's Regional Arts Program in Ontario, Canada visited NJDTE for an inspiring day of classes and sharing movement. 

NJDTE Level 3B & 4 dancers and the dancers from Cawthra Park joined together for a modern master class with Kate Skarpetowska. Then, the dancers performed excerpts of their repertory works for each other in a shared studio showing, including NJDTE's "I Await," choreographed by faculty member Belinda McGuire, an Ontario native who has also been a guest teacher at Cawthra Park. Other NJDTE repertory included excerpts of two 2015 world premieres: "Love is for the Poets" by Kate Skarpetowska and "Phenom" by Elizabeth Roxas. Afterwards, the Cawthra Park dancers attended a performance by Complexions Contemporary Ballet, featuring NJDTE alumna Shanna Irwin. 

The day at NJDTE made a strong and lasting impression on the Canadian students. Four dancers will be attending the 2015 Pre-MIP program in NYC in July, with housing provided by the beautiful Grand Summit Hotel in Summit, NJ. 

One of these dancers, Bianca Foo, shared her thoughts about what she calls her "life-changing experience" at NJDTE, and how it inspired her to continue to pursue her true passion:
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(l to r) NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano, Cawthra Park Faculty Member Fanny Ghorayeb and NJDTE Faculty/Choreographer Belinda McGuire
"This February, our repertoire dance ensemble had the privilege to travel to New York to further our dance training with a variety of outstanding choreographers and teachers, including a visit to the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble under the direction of Nancy Turano. Our entire trip was absolutely breathtaking, including a life-changing experience dancing at NJDTE. After taking one modern dance class with Kate Skarpetowska I was moved. Not only was the dance space at the NJDTE spectacular, but there I was exposed to exceptional teachers and had the opportunity to watch the works of phenomenal artists. I am a student who has a deep interest in kinesiology and an unconditional love for dance. I have been accepted into five Canadian universities for kinesiology; however, dance is my passion. It was the connection I made with these beautiful artists at NJDTE and the incredible Nancy Turano that inspired me to carry on dancing. I am so grateful for the astonishing experience I was given. I will be continuing the start of my journey as a dancer as I apply for dance universities in Canada and return to New York City to attend Pre-MIP at DANY Studios with the beautiful dancers of the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble." 

Bianca Foo, grade 12 student at Cawthra Park Secondary School's Regional Arts Program, Ontario, Canada


Level 4 dancers and Cawthra Park dancers in class with Kate Skarpetowska, creating strong, clear lines through space:
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Alumni Update: Caroline Dietz

3/12/2015

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Caroline Dietz Makes Her Mark with Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company

PicturePhoto courtesy of Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company
Upon graduating from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Caroline Dietz (NJDTE Alumna 2009) joined New Jersey-based Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company as an apprentice in 2012. Now in her third season as a full company member with CDDC, Caroline has had the opportunity to tour both nationally and internationally, including a recent trip to Bosnia. She has also taught for the company throughout New Jersey and regularly at NJPAC's Young Artist Institute. Caroline is also a member of Carol Mendes & Artists and Callie Hatchett Dance. 

Most recently, Caroline returned to her roots at NJDTE to assist with the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company master classes that NJDTE hosted in partnership with NJPAC. She also provided valuable insight, inspiration and advice to NJDTE's upper level dancers during a special Q&A session. Read more about the day's events here. 

Caroline credits NJDTE with instilling in her the discipline, dedication and collaborative spirit that are so vital to a successful performing career:

My experience at NJDTE was not only one of the happiest times of my life, it was the best preparation for professional company life that I have received. I was fortunate enough to learn from brilliant educators, dancers and choreographers. At a very young age, I learned the discipline and dedication that it takes to be a professional dancer as well as how to work as an ensemble. The ability to support one another and grow stronger together is an invaluable skill in dance as well as in life.
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Caroline in "Folk Tales" (2007) at NJDTE. Choreography by Kate Skarpetowska. Photo by Todd Carroll.
Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Caroline! 
We are so proud of you, and look forward to your continued success!
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NJDTE Hosts NJPAC Master Classes with Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company

3/12/2015

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On Sunday, March 8, NJDTE was honored to present free master classes with Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company as part of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Jersey Moves! Festival, in partnership with NJPAC's Celebrate Dance Advisory Committee and Community Engagement Department. 

NJDTE dancers, along with other dancers from the community, had the invaluable opportunity to work with Carolyn Dorfman in the studio, and participate in a special Q&A session featuring CDDC member and NJDTE alumna Caroline Dietz. Read more about Caroline's exciting career and experiences with CDDC here.

The in-depth discussion focused on key strategies for success and offered invaluable advice for NJDTE's aspiring professional dancers as they prepare for the next steps in their careers:

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(l to r) CDDC member Brandon J. Jones, Carolyn Dorfman, Nancy Turano, CDDC member & NJDTE alumna Caroline Dietz
PictureNJDTE Level 4 dancers in class with Carolyn Dorfman and alumna Caroline Dietz.
  • A strong work ethic and discipline, in addition to a positive attitude and memorable presence, is as important as technical expertise to many choreographers and artistic directors.
  • Attend as many performances as possible to discover the companies and choreographers that inspire you and that would be a good fit for your personal style and goals.
  • Research a company before attending an audition so you are able to demonstrate your knowledge of and investment in the company’s repertory and aesthetic.
  • Examine the many different types of higher education options: BFA programs, conservatories, combined degree/certification programs in education or the sciences, and minor programs. Every program is different, and there are more options than ever before. 
  • Choose a program that aligns with your personal goals and values discipline and dedication, so you can continue to cultivate the professionalism you practice every day at NJDTE.

NJDTE Level 4 dancers in class with Carolyn Dorfman, exploring momentum into and out of the floor:
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Carolyn Dorfman, Nancy Turano, Brandon J. Jones & Caroline Dietz with NJDTE Level 3B dancers
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Alumni Update: Steffi Cheong

3/11/2015

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NJDTE Alumna Steffi Cheong Soars with ODC in San Francisco

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Steffi Cheong, NJDTE Alumna (2007), just heard the exciting news that NJDTE will move into its new home in Summit this summer. She couldn't be happier for the company that supported and guided her on her journey towards an inspiring and successful performing career.

"This is wonderful news for so many reasons. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to watching NJDTE grow even more," she said. "NJDTE was the perfect nest for me to discover my potential and jumpstart my passion."

During Steffi's senior year at SUNY Purchase, she joined DanceWorks Chicago where she toured nationally and internationally for two years. She currently resides in San Francisco working with ODC, and recently returned from a tour to Victoria, British Columbia. Steffi also graces the cover of the ODC/Dance Downtown season brochure! Check it out >> 

PicturePhoto by Andrew Weeks.

Of her experiences on the West Coast, Steffi said, "I'm really enjoying it! 40 weeks of work a year, health insurance, benefits, doing what I love, living in California, is all more than I could ask for. The city is so vibrant, and the weather is always nice. I love going to work every day because the ODC building is full of natural light and people that want to dance. The dancers in the company always generate the movement and the directors sculpt it. I do miss working with choreographers and being fed direct movement, but this is a new challenge that forces me to dive deeper into creativity."

Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Steffi! We are so proud of you and the beautiful artist you've become!

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Photo by Joseph Seif Visuals.
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NJDTE in the News: NJDTE Moving Into New Summit Home This Summer

3/5/2015

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