Archive: Dance Writing, Reviews, and Podcasts

The Studio Stories series “NEW BREED” continues with Nieya Amezquita for Episode 161. “NEW BREED” hightlights dancers and dance makers who are somewhat fresh to the scene and shaping Minnesota’s dance future.

Originally from Decatur, GA, Nieya trained at the DanceMakers of Atlanta under the guidance of Lynise and Denise Heard. In order to be a versatile dancer, she trained in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, pointe, tap, and musical theater for the majority of her childhood. Currently, Nieya is dancing professionally in Minneapolis where she performs with Threads Dance Project and Rhythmically Speaking Dance. She has also worked with Alexandra Bodnarchuk Dance Projects, Yuki Tokuda, Off Leash Area, and Concerto Dance.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcast.

The Studio Stories series “NEW BREED” continues with Alexandra Bodnarchuk for Episode 160. “NEW BREED” highlights dancers and dance makers who are somewhat fresh to the scene and shaping Minnesota dance.

Alexandra Bodnarchuk is a Carpatho-Rusyn American choreographer and cultural activist based in Minneapolis, MN. As the Artistic Director and choreographer for Doma Dance Theater, Bodnarchuk creates original works for the stage and screen that draw together her ethnic heritage with contemporary movement practices. Centering the body as a tangible site of culture, Bodnarchuk explores questions of self-expression, community, dispossession, and cross-cultural identity through works that range from solo pieces to ensemble works.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcast.

The latest interview in this Real People series is with Ray Terrill. Other interviews include Mary (Moore) Easter, Erin Thompson, Laurie Van Wieren, Byron Richard, and Judith Howard.

This ongoing project explores what accomplishment, failure, struggle, and “making it” might mean as accumulated over time through the day-to-day life of an artist. Each interview is edited from a longer conversation about the beginnings, high and low points of their careers, and where the artists are now. How do these individual lives shape and describe the life we inhabit together? How might their knowledge and experience inform us?

If you’re a local choreographer/dancer over 60, I’d love to listen to your story; please contact me at charles@skewedvisions.org.

Studio Stories series: NEW BREED continues with Cheng Xiong – Episode 159. NEW BREED highlights dancers and dance makers who are somewhat fresh to the scene and shaping Minnesota dance.

Cheng grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota and received his Bachelors of Art in Dance at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Though he began his journey as a street dancer, he currently collaborates with professional dance companies such as Black Label Movement, STRONGmovement and BRKFST Dance Company.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcast.

Kicking off Season 15 is a special Studio Stories series: NEW BREED with Jake Nehrbass – Episode 158. NEW BREED highlights dancers and dance makers who are somewhat fresh to the scene and shaping Minnesota dance.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Jake has been studying and performing dance since the age of three and teaching since age 12. He received his BFA in Dance and Kinesiology from St. Olaf College before bursting onto the scene in many Twin Cities’ companies, including Black Label Movement, Rhythmically Speaking, ARENA DANCES, and many others, as well as the newly formed offerings of Ruby Josephine Dance Theatre. He is a teacher, performer, and choreographer. 

Listen here or wherever you get your podcast.

This episode of DanceSeen will guide you through exploring specific milestones and breaking them down into actionable steps. Host Kaylie Bullock will help you specify a clear focus, empowering you to embody the version of success you’ve envisioned for yourself. This exercise will focus on building the skills, persona, and determination needed to create your vision of success!

Remember to catch the latest episodes of the DanceSeen podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Make sure to subscribe to keep up to date with upcoming episodes and receive valuable insights for thriving in the dance industry.

Want to learn more? Follow along on Instagram @danceseennetwork and find us at danceseen.com.

In this episode of DanceSeen, we will be exploring the power of intention in shaping a successful dance career. Join us as we envision what we want our careers to look like and create milestones to support that vision. Host Kaylie Bullock shares valuable insights and practical tips on infusing intention into every aspect of your dance journey. Tune in to discover how intention can transform your dance career and lead you toward fulfillment and success.

Remember to catch the latest episodes of the DanceSeen podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Make sure to subscribe to keep up to date with upcoming episodes and receive valuable insights for thriving in the dance industry.

Want to learn more? Follow along on Instagram @danceseennetwork and find us at danceseen.com.

In this episode of DanceSeen, we dive into the topic of transitioning into a new season and how to handle the stress and excitement that comes along with it. Host Kaylie Bullock shares practical tips to help dancers prepare for the upcoming season, covering topics such as inventory management, planning ahead for dance essentials, easing the body into their fully active schedule, resetting nutrition, and creating a well-organized calendar. Join us as we explore actionable steps to minimize stress and maximize preparedness for a successful start to the season.

Remember to catch the latest episodes of the DanceSeen podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Make sure to subscribe to keep up to date with upcoming episodes and receive valuable insights for thriving in the dance industry.

Want to learn more? Follow along on Instagram @danceseennetwork and find us at danceseen.com.

This Thursday, July 25 at noon we hear from Julie Kerr-Berry for episode 157!

Julie is a recent retiree after 35 years as the chair of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Dance Department. Julie is an author and educator who has impacted many a dancer and was recognized as  Minnesota Dance Educator of the Year in 2023.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

This Thursday, July 18 at noon we hear from Steve Paul for episode 156!

Steve is mostly known within the dance community from his days as Technical Director and Lighting Designer at Minnesota Dance Alliances’ Studio 6A, or maybe as Paula Mann’s husband!

Steve is currently the co-artistic director of Time Track Productions with Paula and the  lead of a Visualization Team for AE COM, creating visual communication tools, 3D and 2D images, animations, videos, interactive and immersive experiences for a broad range of projects nationally and internationally.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.