DanceLife Blog
Posts tagged as clintsalter
Welcome to DanceLife
Hi Everyone!
Welcome to DanceLife! We are proud to present the complete online Directory and Social Network, catering to the aspirations of all performers as well as anyone that is interested in dance and the entertainment world.
DanceLife has been created to meet the demands of this growing industry by providing all Australians the opportunity to become a part of the phenomenon that is DANCE.
The only Australian directory of its kind designed to service local dance and industry related businesses, putting them in touch with current and upcoming dance and entertainment enthusiasts.
Aside from the directory DanceLife has a power social network that provides all performers and dancers with a place that keeps them up to date with what is happening in the industry and also has loads of articles, interviews and helpful tips to keep them motivated and on top of their game.
Get social today by checking out the blog, forum, event calendar, auditions, photo gallery, jobs and members items for sale. DanceLife is lucky enough to have industry professionals writing for the Blog including Kelley Abbey, Juliette Verne, Jason Winters, PJ Clarke, Kate Histon, Leah Howard, Kate Wormald, Warren Roma and Kane Bonke. Each of these bloggers will be writing an article each month for the blog that will be full of inside industry news, advice, inspiration stories along with a whole lot more. Make sure you check out the blog regularly as we will be posting new items all the time. Once DanceLife knows anything, you will be the next to know! To read all about our bloggers please go to the About Us Page.
It has taken us eight months to bring DanceLife to LIFE! Enjoy the website and please let us know what you think by commenting on this Blog post.
Clint & Team DanceLife
WHO’s, WHO and What Do They Do – AGENTS
Agents are a hot topic of conversation at the moment as we are seeing a few more agencies take on dancers and performers due to the increase in the demand for amazing triple threat talents. As a teacher you always get asked the question ‘Who is your agent? Are they any good? Would they be good for me?' To give your teachers a break for a week we have put together a little introduction to three major agencies that specialise in dancers and performers known as the triple threat (dancer, singer and actor). Remember there are many agencies out there. You need to find the right one for you. DanceLife will be providing you with some tips on Agents so stay tuned. Now to the Agency Profiles...
GRAYBOY
Grayboy Entertainment was established in 1992 and is a supplier of entertainment services to a wide range of clients within the entertainment industry.
Grayboy The Agency is one of Australia's leading and most reputable dance agencies- representing professional Dancers, Singers, Choreographers and Actors. The Agency is primarily a musical theatre agency, however our artists also work within the commercial and corporate industry within Australia and internationally.
Grayboy Entertainment creates, produces and delivers corporate, theatre and live events. Working closely with a respected team of talented choreographers, directors, scenic and wardrobe designers in addition to their well established team of creatives, Grayboy has provided entertainment over the globe for high profile companies and corporations. From Samsung to the Sydney Entertainment Centre, or The Reef Casino to Sports Illustrated, Grayboy Entertainment has produced many live events from the "ground up" to satisfied clients everywhere.
Grayboy has also enjoyed a long partnership with many of the world's largest cruise lines. Companies such as Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia rely on Grayboy to write, design and produce onboard theatre entertainment for many of their vessels afloat. As well as this, Grayboy Entertainment also audition, cast, and rehearse the various casts for these companies. Our commitment to these companies is to provide the best possible entertainment at sea.
For further information & to apply for representation please log onto www.grayboyentertainment.com
DETOUR
Detour Management Pty Ltd is one of Australia's most innovative and diverse talent agencies, providing the entertainment industry with dancers, actors, singers, models and choreographers locally and internationally.
The agency is managed by a team of professional industry-experienced staff, who have a strong commitment to supplying the appropriate talent and services to Australia's premier corporate organisations as well as leading film, television and theatre producers all over the world.
Under the Mark Byrne Management umbrella and with affiliation to management of the So You Think You Can Dance, Top 20, Detour occupies a unique position in Australian entertainment and an unparalleled variety of diverse industry contacts.
With a undisputed reputation for nurturing raw young talent, Detour's client list reflects a variety of artists ranging from Australian Idol finalists to international musical theatre stars and will continue to expand as the agency and its clients mature.
Detour Management supplies services to all Australian choreographers, local drama, film and variety, Detour is always the first port of call for any international producer or visiting choreographer. Our reputation throughout the industry sees us providing elite talent to support Australian artists with not only performers but choreographers and creative teams. Packaging is something our agency specialises in ensuring artists receive maximum employment possibilities in all areas on small jobs are large alike.
For further information & to apply for representation please log onto www.detourmanagement.com
INSTINCT
Instinct NSW is committed to providing exceptional and diverse entertainment solutions. Instinct NSW is the freshest Talent Provider and Production Company in Australia.
The Agency
Sourcing only the elite, experienced and professional talent of Australia, INSTINCT is dedicated to comprehensive Live Theatre, Casting, Modeling and Cruise Ship Services just to name a few. Instinct ensures that productions involving any of our talent will produce work of the highest quality, in aspects of performance and production.
If you have any of these talents it may be worth a simple conversation with us to get your career of to a great start.
The Event Management
The services that INSTINCT offer have been designed to benefit any individual or company requiring the co-ordination of quality entertainment and/or professional production services. With over 20 years hands-on experience as professional entertainer, Nick Bozanic has performed in, choreographed and coordinated innumerable productions both in Australia and overseas. His work has encompassed all facets of the Entertainment Industry.
INSTINCT offers clients a complete set of production services, which clients may utilize in full, or according to their needs. Acting as entertainment consultants and drawing from experience, creativity and a passion for the Arts, Instinct offers complete guidance and support for your next event.
Imagine the possibilities - a production designed especially for your convention, corporate event, function, party, ball, product launch or promotion... Instinct can facilitate every aspect necessary for success, from conception to first-class completion!
For further information & to apply for representation please log onto www.instinctnsw.com.au
If you run an Agency please make sure you add it to the DanceLife Directory today. This will be a great tool for you to be able to let talented dancers and performers know who you are, what you do and what you look for.
Carly Conquers Hair Expo
It's incredible how talented Australian's are. Not only have we produced amazing dancers that can be seen dancing all over the world we have amazing choreographers ranging in ages that are bringing unique pieces of work to the world stage. Clint caught up with Carly O'Connor who had just completed choreographing the Toni & Guy Show for Hair Expo 2008. Carly explains how she got the gig and the preparation that went into such a big show.
Q. You have just choreographed for the 2008 Hair Expo Awards Nights. Tell us how you got the gig?
Yes! I have been doing shows now for Toni & Guy for 2 years. I started by doing a small show for the Bondi Beach salon, the MD for Toni & Guy Australia saw my work and I've been directing and choreographing their shows since. This was our biggest show to date!
Q. How did you select the dancers that danced for you? What do you look for when casting dancers in a show?
I have worked with these dancers in the past, and was really happy with them and their professionalism. I knew this cast were perfect for this job. I look for a variety of looks amongst the cast, dance ability of course, and professionalism - being on time for all rehearsals etc.
Q. Explain to us the preparation process for choreographing such a big event.
The preparation starts 3 to 4 months prior to the event. Beginning with what direction the client wants the show to go in, with hair, what the envision the feel should be. I then put a collection of ideas and themes together to pitch to them at our next meeting. Once they have chosen which one they like, I set about choosing music and having it all edited with my sound technician, getting quotes for talent and in turn booking. Everything rolls from there, there is a lot of pre production work and meetings - it's a long process!
Q. There are many young dancers who want to be choreographers. What qualities does a choreographer have to have to be successful and continually working in the industry?
I think it's important to stay up to date with what's going on all over the world, in the entertainment world, and fashion and music. To know what edgy ideas you can have to make your show exciting and as new age as possible. To have a strong sense of your own choreography style is important. To be easy to work with for clients and talent. To be confident and calm is a major plus!
Q. What do you think it is about your choreography that captivates the audience? What are your attributes as a chorographer?
I think my choreography is quite stylised. It's important that your style can be recognised as your own. I try to keep my choreography moving with what's out there at the moment. I always keep my eyes open for new ways to move. Then play around with how to incorporate that into my style and make it my own.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Who knows! I'm really enjoying this transition to the directing/choreographing side of the industry from being a dancer. So hopefully I'll be at the level of the people that I work for and admire now.
For more information on Carly please contact her representation Grayboy on 02 8399 3366 or agency@grayboyentertainment.com.
DanceLife is always looking out for great interview and article ideas. If you are doing something fantastic please email us info@dancelife.com.au. We would love to hear from you!
An Audience with the Cast of WICKED!
DanceLife was lucky enough to be in the audience for the WICKED Special that will be screening on the W Channel on Saturday @ 7.30pm on Foxtel.
What can I say... Melbourne is sure in for a surprise. If you are a fan of the musical already you have nothing to worry about. The aussies will certainly deliver in this show. Some of you may know of Amanda Harrison (Elphaba) and Lucy Durack (Galinda/Glinda). For those who don't, you soon will. These girls were made for playing the lead roles in Wicked. I don't want to give too much away... just watch the special! You will then understand where I'm coming from.
Rob Guest and Maggie Kilpatrick are the veterans of the cast. Two strong individuals that engage and entertain from the moment they hit the stage. Rob Guest still has an amazing voice. I look forward to seeing Maggie in the production. She will bring a new dimension to the character of Madame Morrible.
Now to the boys of the group... Rob Mills and Anthony Callea who first came into our homes through our television screens on Australian Idol. One, born for the theatre the other born to sing at the pub. Even though Rob Mills needs to be the centre of attention 99% of the time he has definitely grown since Idol. Last night he proved that he has working hard on his voice and has learnt some discipline over the years. I'm intersted to see what he will bring to the character of Fiyero. Anthony Callea is a true professional. His voice is amazing, his presence is strong and his overall attitude is genuine and grateful. If only his role as Boq was a larger one with more songs. I wouldn't be surprised if Anthony becomes the Boq of all time.
If you are not in Melbourne then plan a long weekend and head to Melbourne to see the show. Wicked will have it's opening night on Saturday 12 July. Go to www.ticketek.com.au to get your tickets!
BE WATCHING THE W CHANNEL ON SATURDAY AT 7.30PM FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A WICKED EXPERIENCE.
Stephen Says Hello Again to the USA
I find myself spending hours in front of the computer screen watching videos on YouTube of dance classes and performances and am totally spellbound by some of the amazing choreography that is out. One of these choreographers is Melbourne's Stephen Agisilaou.
A natural performer, Stephen is extensively trained in jazz, musical theater and classical ballet. A life-long admirer of the arts, Stephen is a self-taught dancer and started dancing at 17. Stephen's inborn ability to engage an audience, saw him emerged to become one of Melbourne's most sought after Hip-Hop teachers. He started teaching regular classes at a range of dance studios in Melbourne including United Styles, The Space and Melbourne Music Academy.
In 2004, Stephen became one of the first members of DANCE2XS Australia. Acclaimed for his unique, detailed and technical approach to choreography, Stephen has developed his individual style of hip-hop becoming widely popular amongst a strong patronage of professional dancers in Australia. As an assistant choreographer for Dance2XS, he takes great pride in his work. In 2005 he relocated to LA to dance and train.
In 2005 Stephen moved to Canada, where he danced as a member of MOVE: the company for 3 years. MOVE: the company is one of Canada's edgiest contemporary company's, were Stephen was a principle male dancer in many of the productions. In his second year with the company he became Co Director of the MOVE Dance Project and will be returning to the company for this upcoming summer.
Since he has returned to Australia he has become one of Melbourne most sort after Lyrical jazz/Contemporary teachers. He also danced and stared in the internationally winning short film "Perceptions" 2007 and more recent the New Ricki Lee Video "Can't Sing a Different Song".
Stephen is returning to the USA and Canada next week to teach and perform for the next six months. Stephen, make sure you keep us up to date with what is happening over there! Good luck!
Check out Stephen's choreography for 'Perfect Lover' below. http://au.youtube.com/user/stephenebi01
Andrew Koblar from Altar Boyz
Two hours after the show and I still couldn't get the main song out of my head "We are the AltarBoyz" lalalalala... Every boy band that I have ever heard of sprung back into my mind throughout this show. With the energetic and cheesy choreography to the extremely camp and fun pop tunes, the five AltarBoyz, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham provide a one and a half hour show where their aim is to cleanse the audience from their sins with their holy songs. Clint caught up with Andrew Koblar who plays Abraham in the show to find out what it's like to be and AltarBoy. Playing one of the five characters in AltarBoyz means you need to be able to sing, dance and act. Can you take us through the audition process that you went through to get the role of Abraham? The audition process was a lengthy one. The creative's on the show scoped out Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane looking for the five "boyz". The auditionees were servin' up "pimpin" licks and "fresh" dance moves while the panel mixed and matched different combinations that would best serve the piece. A dreamy one, a sensitive one, a latin one, a wild one and a Jewish one, which is the role I will be playing. Some of those things are in your control - like the dancing, singing and acting ability. Other things are not - your age, height, and look. I just focused on having a fun time "givin' it", I vaguely recall wearing an emo-style wig just for kicks! I noticed when watching the show that most of the songs are sung while performing energetic dance routines. Tell us about how you prepared physically for this role? Is it true you ran on a treadmill and sung at the same time? Altarboyz is probably the most challenging theatrical project I have been involved with, requiring all of us to sing and dance (and act) simultaneously. Sounds easy, but wait to you see the choreography! Not even Justin Timberlake sings an entire concert live whilst popping and locking! Of course all musical require the performers to be triple threats, but somehow we've managed to push the limits. In comparison to the other productions of Altarboyz around the world, our dance moves seem to be the most intricate. But we're working through the sweat and dry throats to make it look easy. Each morning, we run through the hardest numbers in the show as a warm up. They are usually the ones that we are belting out high notes while sliding on our knees and jumping off the set! Did you know much about AltarBoyz before you auditioned for the role? What drew you towards the role of Abraham? I heard about Altarboyz four years ago when it first opened off Broadway ("off Broadway" meaning - that there are less than 499 seats in the theatre) A friend of mine came back from the states and said "there is a fantastic role in there for you!" So, I guess I have been keeping my finger on the pulse for quite some time. During that time I played another Jewish role in Topol's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" which was a great stepping stone to this role, researching Jewish traditions and beliefs to portray a more honest performance. You teach musical theatre throughout many schools in Sydney. Why do you think it's important that dancers are across all three performance mediums? I teach dance and Musical Theatre at six different Schools across Sydney, and my main objective being to introduce my students to have an intention for doing things. A reason to dance, a reason to sing. Even if it IS just to have fun. This method produces intelligent performers. I personally enjoy watching a performer who has thought about why they are doing what they are doing, or what the piece means, or what the choreographer or director is trying to say. I believe that nobody has to be "just a dancer" or "just a singer". Believe me, it makes you a lot more employable if you can go to every audition the pops up! So, in a fun, comfortable environment, we play with all the different aspects of the performing arts to improve the student as a versatile, entertaining and intelligent performer. You write your own material to teach your classes. What key elements make up a great musical theatre song? In my vocal focused classes, we focus on a lot of visualisation exercises, getting the student in touch with their breath and making sounds. When performances are required, I'll usually write I piece suited for the class. This makes the performance special for the audience as well as the students. A new piece that the students have dissected and understood to give an honest, true performance that the audience enjoys and believes. Everybody can already sing, dance and act (Some people are just more experienced and confident than others), I like to provide that appropriate piece that the students can create under my guidance. As a writer, I tend to write from an audience member's perspective. "What would I like to see happen next?". Also as a choreographer, I write my music with choreography in mind, adding accents or beats that can be used visually in the staging process. But I think the key to a good musical theatre piece is having something to say and having something catchy that the audience will be humming as they walk out of the theatre. Has any one person inspired you to become the performer you are today? I grew up watching the tap show, Hot Shoe Shuffle on video, so to be a part of another award-winning male ensemble musical is a dream come true! If you could perform in any musical which one would it be, which character would you play and why? My latest obsession is the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, based on the play by Frühlings Erwachen. This new musical production infuses a brilliant play with grungy, rock music to tell the story. The entire cast being under the age of 24, I hope it hits our shores soon! I've been very lucky to perform in a few of my favourite shows already. One of those being Urinetown - A musical with Lisa McCune and Rhonda Burchmore for Melbourne and Sydney Theatre Companies. That was another highly entertaining satirical comedy with tight harmonies. In terms of a dream show - I'll probably write that one. I have a few ideas swimming around my head. What do you want to be doing in 10 years time? I have just completed a yoga teacher training course earlier this year which I have begun including in my classes. The yoga postures, when done correctly, incorporate a breath pattern which is beneficial for flexibility and strength. The yoga component in a performing arts class is also a fantastic tool to focus the minds of the students, sometimes even on an intention. We sometimes set personal goals for the class or the term which we talk about and share so the class is constantly improving and progressing. I'll continue teaching, performing and writing. Living creatively from a place of love - I'll see where that takes me. AltarBoyz is playing at the Seymour Centre in Sydney until 2 August before opening in Melbourne on 13 August. For more information on the show go to www.altarboyz.com.au or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au to book your tickets. 
DEMELZA Is Australia's Next Top Model... Bring on Make Me A Supermodel!
After 11 weeks of watching a group of young wannabe models live in a house together and complete a range of modelling challenges, Australia's Next Top Model was finally announced tonight by last year's winner Alice - "The Winner of Australia's Next Top Model is Demelza". I was surprised to see Charlotte Dawson hosting the show... I thought Jodhi Meares was the host... Apparently Jodhi had last minute jitters after last years performance at the live finale. Charlotte did a great job and looked fantastic. We cannot forget about Alex who came a close second place after the judges votes were tied and it was left up to the audience. We wish both the girls good luck for the future.
Speaking of models I'm looking forward to seeing 'Make Me A Supermodel' which Seven are currently auditioning for. Go here for more information. http://au.tv.yahoo.com/b/make-me-a-supermodel/category/au-tv-special. Let's hope Seven finds amazing (older), high fashion models that will show the world how beautiful Aussies really are. The super sexy JHawk (Jennifer Hawkins) will be the show's host with Martin Walsh (Chadwicks) and Jackie Frank (Marie Claire) putting the models through their paces, in front of the best photographers' cameras and on the catwalk in the best designs.
Let us know if you have auditioned for the show. We would love to hear about your experience!
DANCELIFE GOES GREEN
What better way to enjoy the amazing weather we had in Sydney yesterday than to go to the park and plant a tree for Planet Ark's National Tree Day! That's right Clint from DanceLife and Christine Denny from TapatakOz and On the Couch With Christine ventured to Sydney Park to get GREEN. National Tree Day, is Australia's largest community tree-planting event. In its 14-year history more than 2 million volunteers have planted over 13 million native trees and shrubs!
DANCING HIS WAY INTO THE TOP 30 UNDER 30
We received some great news yesterday that we wanted to share with you all about DanceLife's Founder, Clint Salter.
Clint Salter, Aged 24, founder of DanceLife, an online community for Australian dancers and performers, has been recognised in Anthill's 2009 Top 30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs.
Anthill is an Australian website for small business owners which each year celebrates outstanding entrepreneurial endeavours through its '30 under 30' awards. Clint scored his place due to his creation in July 2008, of DanceLife, the only specialist online directory & social network targeted to all Australian dancers and performers. The site has quickly established itself as a destination for dancers of all levels.
Clint's relationship with the world of entrepreneurship began at an early age when he opened his own dance studio while studying his School Certificate. In 2007 Clint completed a Diploma of Marketing majoring in Entertainment and Artist Management at APM College where he duxed his class. This lead to a coveted role with celebrity agent Harry M Miller - where he manages successful clients including Peter Morrissey, Zoe Bingley-Pullin, Michael Falzon and Jenny Kee.
With many of his peers utilising all their spare time for social activities, Clint agrees that he has no regrets in taking on such responsibility and enjoys every minute he spends working and growing DanceLife. He has large plans - as well as further developing the Dancelife online community.
"If a young westie boy who grew up in housing commission, raised by a single mother can have created two successful businesses by the age of 24 I believe anyone can. I want to be the motivation and inspiration to other young people who have the idea and passion but are scared to take that risk", says Clint.