DanceLife Blog

DanceLife is extremely lucky to have the amazingly talent Jason Winters on board as one of our bloggers. Enjoy Jason's first blog!

The end of my travels here in Australia are fast approaching, and what an incredible experience it has been!! The people I've met, events I've attended, work I've created, and friendships I've forged will all be burned in my mind for so many years to come. Coming all the way from NYC, I had only one image of this great country. A big rock in the middle of a continent, endless beaches, and this funny accent half way between British and American. Come to find out, this magical place is filled with some of the most talented and colorful dancers/artists in the WORLD!

I have had the great pleasure of dancing for some of the biggest and best shows/companies/people on the planet, allowing me to travel to incredible places like Tokyo, Montreal, Athens, NYC, L.A., etc. What I realized early on was that we are all the same, striving for the same experiences, while along the way developing long lasting families and friends. When I first started assisting Mia Michaels in the late nighties, my dancer self experienced the beginning of what would feel like a slow death. As I danced less and created more with her as well as Mark Dendy (an original Martha Grahm and Bob Fosse dancer), I found that I had to develop new skills, new social networks, and sometimes even a new identity. When you are someone's assistant you are an extension of that person and every word out of your mouth is practically a commandment directly from them to the performer. So, I learned that I better know what I was talking about and be confident with how I presented it.  There were times, especially during the creation of "Delirium" with Cirque de Soleil, that I thought to myself "it doesn't get any bigger than this". We had an unlimited budget for the show, rehearsed in a building that was originally built to store massive airplanes, had the best talent from all over the world, and a enormous support system of people to provide us with our most whimsical desires, no matter how frivolous. This sounds like a dream, but even in our most incredible dreams, a nightmare or two can creep in. Four months of snow up to your shoulders, the worst cafeteria food imaginable, 12 languages between a cast of 80 people, and one choreographer and her assistants thrown into the fire at the last minute. Mia and I would receive the music for the following days routine the night before we were set to teach it to the performers. Many nights we slept in the airplane hanger working out steps, blocking, props, costume issues, etc. It was one of the hardest and most amazing times of my assisting career, and what made it truly bearable was that I was doing it with my best friend (Mia). It is so rare to get to do jobs in our line of work with close personal friends, as we all know it is usually a cast of unknowns who discover all the good and bad of each other throughout the course of the entire project. Then, as soon as we have come to feel like a family, it is off to the next gig. This is one of the equally frustrating and exhilarating aspects of this business.

As the years went by and I began to discover the artist in myself and realize I had a unique voice that needed to be heard, I made the choice to move into the next phase of my career as a choreographer. Just as before, when I transitioned from dancer to assistant, this shift was emotionally difficult and even painful at times. In order to be seen as a solo creator in my own right, a kind of death leading  towards rebirth, was necessary. Just as before, I needed to make new contacts, do work for free (as we all do from time to time), develop relationships and a body of work that would be respected, all in the hopes of wearing the new title of choreographer. This is where I am today, and it is exciting as well as terrifying at times, but it is a part of every one of our lives if we choose to stay on this path. The beauty of it, is that without fear, we can get through the difficult times where work seems lacking and inspiration seems fleeting, knowing that we will come out all the richer in experience on the other side.

I have only touched the surface of working here in Australia with these amazingly talented dancers/singers/musicians/friends, and now as I return to my faculty position at STEPS in NYC, and Canada's incredible convention DANCFUZION. I am so inspired to bring the last six months of my work to a new group of young dancers. Watch this space as I document the next year as a master teacher around the world, and as the co-founder of a brand new contemporary company to hit Sydney next year. 

Love & Light,

Jason

To read more about Jason please click on http://www.dancelife.com.au/about_us.php#JasonWinters If you would like to ask Jason a question please email us info@dancelife.com.au

Well, it is that glorious time of year again here in NYC... SUMMER!! A time when people travel from not just all over the Unites States, but the entire globe, to take class and train from some of the most influential and challenging teachers in dance today. Growing up and travelling to New York, I remember the awe and mystique that came along with taking a class at Broadway Dance Center or STEPS. Boy, did I have to build up the courage to even walk in the door, much less stand (and dance) beside the lead in Broadway shows or the principal soloists from Contemporary Companies I had long admired. Needless to say there is a history and prestige that comes from taking these classes, and now that I am on faculty teaching at STEPS with my own classes, I realise the responsibility and honour it is to be among such an incredible lineage.

Over the years of working in so many different genres of dance, I always found comfort in the fact that at any time and in any place, I could find a dance class to take. In that room I went back to being a student and remembered all the incredible reasons why I loved what I do. The freedom, the artistry, the passion, the hunger, the desire to move and inspire those around me. It was a perfect place to get revitalised when I was feeling down or exhausted from daily life. Better yet, I found a new motivation to try something I have never done before! African, Swing, the multitude of Hip Hop, etc. I never even entertained the idea of not taking class, especially in an art form that is ever changing and developing. I express in every class I teach, the reasons why I am so drawn to CONTEMPORARY dance as my ultimate form of expression. No, it isn't because it is trendy, that is just pure circumstance. It is because it's a form of dance with NO RULES, NO BOUNDARIES, NO LIMITATIONS, AND EVEN NO "NO'S". If you know what I mean!! A perfect blend of past, present, and future movement, utilising all kinds of music and sound, or even none at all... SILENCE. How often do we stop and listen, just listen, without comment or judgement? That is the endless world of Contemporary dance to me. The only way to stay in this magical realm is to train, study, communicate, and exchange with other artists in our world. This is class, and it is always there for you. When you are lonely. When you are sad. When you have just recovered from an injury that could have possibly taken your entire career away and you at only 20. When you are the happiest you have ever been because you just got that audition that 1000 other people showed up for. When you are in love. When you are hungry for new inspiration. When you want to relive the 80's. When you haven't gotten a gig in months. When you want to learn the latest steps. When you hear of a teacher that has the gifts to change your life with just a few words. When you can't think of any other way to express yourself from the inside out! The list is endless and so are the amount of opportunities there are to take class. So search out those teachers and facilities that provide this treasure to you, and the next time you are in NYC, grab that eternal student within you and come to CLASS!! I will be waiting ;)

I will be at STEPS on Broadway for the next 6 months but also teaching in many parts of Canada and the U.S. Don't think I have forgotten about you Sydney!! I will hopefully be back in Jan. '09 so keep up to date by checking out my web page for dates and details. http://web.mac.com/wintersjason

Much Love & Light,
- Jason Winters

Do you want FREE class at one of the most prestigious training facilities in NYC for ONE YEAR? Performance experience with top Choreographers working in NY today? The right to stay and live in NYC... LEGALLY?

This is most likely the dream of many a dancer all over the world, and especially in Australia. Well, I am about to tell you a little secret about how you can make all this happen with one simple audition!

As most of you know I teach on faculty at STEPS on Broadway in NYC. One of the top places for professionals and students alike to train with world renown instructors and choreographers. I have enjoyed this position for about 3 years now, with the first year as Mia Michaels assistant and now with my own class. I have always reveled at the abundance of students from all over the globe that flock to this New York institution. The come for inspiration, intense training, networking, etc., and I wondered if there was a way for these foreign dancers to stay and work in America... for longer than three months at a time. Well, there is!!!!

I am thrilled to be part of a relatively new program at STEPS that offers dancers the opportunity to experience an environment very much like being in a professional dance company in New York City, along with unlimited free classes for an entire year! Approximately every three months a new choreographer is brought in to work exclusively with these dancers, creating an original work that is performed at a showcase at STEPS on Broadway. After a years time not only have you worked with numerous choreographers and a core of other young dancers, but at each performance (approximately 4 a year) agents, producers, and other industry V.I.P.'s are invited to attend and speak with the dancers at a private post show gathering. Needless to say, the opportunities for networking and future employment in the U.S. are limitless! This program, entitled the "STEPS Ensemble", is the brain child of Claire Weston, Director of Student Programs, at STEPS on Broadway. I have been a resident choreographer for the last 2 years for this up and coming project and had the pleasure of helping 4 foreign dancers attain their working artists visa, with personal recommendation letters. As most of you know, it is extremely difficult to live, work, and dance in the U.S. unless you are attending a University or sponsored by an employer, but with this incredible opportunity you can do just those things. Imagine a year in the the dance capital of the world... NEW YORK CITY!!

The auditions happened a few weeks back. It is a program that is just beginning to take off with an unbelievable amount of potential. I figured it had been a secret long enough! And after my time in the land of OZ, having worked and met so many amazing dancers and artists, I thought it was time to bring our two great countries together by getting the word out about this fantastic way for Aussie's to train and work (LEGALLY) in America. If you have ever wanted to know what it was REALLY like to be in a professional dance company, or take 5 different classes a day from world class teachers, or live in the most exciting city in the world, or work like you have never worked before... then this is the experience for you!!

I have just completed a brand new piece entitled "L'histoire de Mon Coeur", for this years final performance of the STEPS Ensemble, and it's premier was a few weeks ago! I was thrilled to work with a wonderful group of 8 dancers for this project, and couldn't be more proud of the growth and integrity these young people brought to the entire 3 week process. Check out my next blog for a link to the Google Video clip with highlights from the show.

For more information about the STEPS Ensemble email Claire Weston at: claire@stepsnyc.com

TIll next time....
Love & Light,

Jason Winters

The first Industry event for 2009 was hosted by SYTYCD judge Matt Lee in replacement of Leah ‘Rose' Howard and those present included a bevy of So You Think You Can Dance "who's who", both from Season 1 and 2, and some actors from Home & Away. The night was opened by a great contemporary piece choreographed by Jason Winters.

Hiphop dominated the night and saw some great crews performing including runners-up at the Australian Hiphop Championships, J Town, choreographed by talented Top 20 SYTYCD Season 2 dancer Jesse Rasmussen and his brother, Joel. The crew demonstrated why they took out 2nd place with their smooth, precise and ‘oh-so-clean' nu-skool style, and it is obvious that they are destined for great things in the future and will be forerunners in changing the face of the Hiphop industry.

Other well known crews who performed include Psyke; the explosive all girl crew Deja led by SYTYCD Season 2 Top 20 dancer Pania Taku and Top 100 dancer Stacy Peke and upcoming talent Pamela Sitjar; Limited Edition; Urban Dance Project and NuFirm.

A surprise piece was Chaz from New Zealand with his back-up dance crew of three mini-me Beyonce's and his crowd roaring mock-up of the hit single "Single Ladies".

A couple of notable up and coming choreographers include Sally Hare, who choreographed a contemporary piece that included SYTYCD Season 1 Top 6 dancer Graeme Isaako and SYTYCD Season 2 Top 20 dancer Danny; Brooke Tulloch, who choreographed a Hiphop piece and; Christian Patterson who choreographed a contemporary piece that included SYTYCD Season 1 Top 20 dancers Rhiannon Villareal and Hilton Denis and SYTYCD Season 2 Top 20 dancers BJ Rourke, Stephen Tannos and Kat Risteska. These young dancer-choreographers showed that they are part of the next generation of talent that is sweeping the Australian dance industry.

Singers who performed included Nyree Joseph from Australian Idol, RnB artist Israel, and Prince of Thieves, who inspired an impromptu popping performance by SYTYCD Season 2 Top 20 dancer Timomatic.

Written By: Warren Roma

By Jason Winters

This industry, and the connections within it, surprise me more and more each day! In fact, with todays technology and enough time and perseverance, a dancer/actor/singer/choreographer/director/producer/etc. can have "families" all over the world. And with amazing luck and a simple philosophy to not "burn bridges", I have been become living proof of just that!

Years and years ago, I lived in Orlando, FL, where I worked at Walt Disney World as a dancer in many shows. During my time there I came to work with other young performers from many different countries and backgrounds, as well as world class choreographers like Jaime King (Madonna's current director/creator for all her tours), dancers from Julliard (the most prestigious school in the U.S.), and producers who now create all of Walt Disney's shows on Broadway. At that time we were all just kids brought together for different kinds of contracts, but truly connected through our love of this industry.

I was lucky to meet an incredible dancer named Cindy, who was one of Mia Michaels' assistants at that time, and we began to dance and work together with Mia. Over the years we would find ourselves called upon to help create some of the most amazing projects, and in the down time between those projects, we would go our separate ways working for other people and pursuing other avenues. BUT, we always came back as the closest of friends and picked up right where we left off. Just recently Cindy was here performing with KIDD PIVOT, which is a Canadian based company formed by the renowned choreographer Crystal Pite, and we were able to catch up for lunch. We hadn't seen each other for a few years, since working on Cirque de Soleil with Mia, but we had definitely kept in touch via emails and such. Cindy, went on to tell me about the incredible new project her and her husband have started for poor and under privileged children in Africa and India. Their program brings the arts and basic education to these children in desperate need of support and inspiration. I was so moved by her direction and passion that I agreed to help in any way possible, and in the next year I will travel to India for a brief time to donate my skills in any capacity possible. These schools provide a place to nurture and share OUR experiences and cultures with THEIRS, and there is nothing more special and important in the world today!

The real lesson in this little blog is how important every single connection we make along our career path can be. Don't EVER "burn a bridge", or think someone isn't worth your time... because every human being is "WORTH YOUR TIME", and life is not meant to be rushed or ignored. The dancer/singer/actor next to you today could be the choreographer/director/producer/photographer/movie editor/ or ANGEL OF THE GOLBAL COMMUNITY, that will change the world of tomorrow.

Love & Light,
Jason

Hello DanceLife Lovers!!!!

Well, this has been quite a month here in beautiful NYC, and I am thrilled to say Autumn is in full swing. Having the change of seasons is still something new for me, having grown up in ever-sunny south Florida (which is so similar to Surfers Paradise). So, each turn of the weather is still an exciting time to celebrate the diversity and new shift in energy throughout the city. The Big Apple is such a perfect example, what with all the fantastic activities this past month, in dance, fashion, and television, I have been stimulated to mind blowing heights!

I am so proud and surprised, on a daily basis, at the unbelievable talent of my close friends and work colleagues. Especially the dancers I've known for over 10 years that are now working in different, but still artistic, sectors of the entertainment world. This month brought to New York's dance community the yearly celebration entitled "Fall For Dance", and boy did I! For about 3 weeks City Center, in the middle of Manhattan, showcased dancers from all over the world for only $10 a ticket. THAT"S RIGHT! Every night, every ticket is only $10, and with Broadway tickets now approaching $145 per person, this deal is the talk of the season. Each night features four or five different premier companies such as Shen Wei Dance Arts (The choreographer of the 2008 Olympics), The National Ballet of Canada (choreography by Jiri Kylian), Compania Nacional de Danza (choreography by Nacho Duato), The American Ballet Theater, The Paul Taylor Dance Company, and on and on. This event is a New York institution and something not to be missed when visiting here at this time of year.

At the same time, we have a phenomenon that I love to follow, simply called "Fashion Week". As I mentioned earlier about friends who have made a career transition, I actually have two very dear people who are now putting their creative talents to work in this industry. One is a fashion stylist for major rock stars and celebrities such as The Dixie Chicks, The White Strips, Shakira, Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, and for publications like British GQ, Surface, and Interview. The other is a producer on the hit show Project Runway! Well, with these connections, I was certainly going to be sitting in on a few shows, not to mention the big finale show of Project Runway. The thing that is truly fascinating to me, and where I really saw the marriage of dance, art, and music, was when I choreographed for runway shows in Miami. Having worked with Nike, Reebok, and Addidas, staging the vision of the clothing designer through movement and visual imagery, was a true challenge for anyone not working with conventional dancers. In the end we are all human and we all respond to the same emotional and sensory stimulation, and having the opportunity to sit in while an artist like Chado Ralph Rucci or Diane Von Furstenberg expresses their unique point of view, was truly a spectacular experience!

This month also brought a showing at the Museum of Modern Art by my all time favorite artist, Salvador Dali. I can not say enough about this incredible Spanish painter from the 20th century, other than if you ever have the opportunity to see his work at a gallery, RUN (don't walk) to the exhibit! His personal life was as talked about as his professional, and in conversation about his extraordinary practices when working or entertaining friends and clients, people find him to be the quintessential "crazy" artist. What I find most appealing about his work, is that a painting is never what is seems at first glance, for there are many, many layers to digest and discuss. This is simply the best metaphor for life, and something I always try to remember when working with dancers for the very first time.

As I continue to teach my classes here in NY at STEPS, The Joffrey Ballet School, and soon Broadway Dance Center, I am always on the hunt for new inspiration. The most dangerous thing in this business is to be stationary! As a student of movement, art, communication, and life in general, I am always seeking out new occurrences to participate in, and this in turn will continue to feed my artistic soul for years to come.

Even if the city you live in doesn't seem to have all the glitz and glamour of some huge metropolis like NY, Sydney, or Paris... there are still people there, just like you and me, with a UNIQUE and interesting story to tell. And that is all the inspiration we need to create a potential masterpiece!

Till next time... (Teaching in Canada with Mia Michaels this October!!!!)
Much Love & Light,
Jason W.