Friday, March 14, 2025
Friday, February 21, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Monday, December 23, 2024
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Monday, November 20, 2023
Sunday, February 21, 2016
"It Must Be The Shoes"
Ballet Pointe Shoes
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| Tap Shoes at Rest After Hours of Rhythmic Dancing |
Black & Silver & Black & White Tap Shoes
Super Toe Tap
Morgan Toe Taps--- My Favorite Sound
Tap-Jazz & Ballet Shoes
On Your Toes Tapper
Guy & Gal Tap Shoes
Classic Black & Whites
Tap Shoe Circle
It's Never To Late
Black & White Tap Shoes
Friday, August 8, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Dancer, JOHN TRAVOLTA
The "Dancer"---"John Travolta"
1983 Stayin' Alive
John Travolta..! Frankly Sensual..! In his 'Own Erotic' way he looks good and moves beautifully. Travolta looks like he has been dancing all his life. Travolta's natural ability and strength make it look like he has studied disco, jazz, and ballet all his life. "I'm even a good Tap Dancer," John says, having studied Tap with Fred Kelly, Gene Kelly's brother when John was 16 or 17.
Saturday Night Fever 1977
John Travolta as-Tony Manero
When asked how Travolta bridged the gap between these different forms of dance he has performed, he answers with his usual, rather shy laugh: "Hard Work.!" Doing a country Line Dance, in Urban Cowboy or his Soul Strut in the Movie "Michael" John Travolta shows a unique style all his own.
John Travolta
He may not kick as high, jump as high or turn as fast, but there is a fire and an a raw dramatic and theatrical urgency with his use of his acting skills that Travolta applies when he dances.
Dancers, unlike actors are given time limits. "Wait a Minute." John said: "To make a contribution to Dance and to be as good as I can be, I better get on it..!"
Another great clip of John Travolta Getting On It from "Grease..!"
John Travolta- Greased Lightning
When an Actor studies dance, it isn't with the intention of becoming a dancer, but to use these skills in a movie or in a stage production requiring dance. John Travolta, while preparing for the role in "STAYIN' ALIVE," chose choreographer Dennon Rawls and his wife Sayhber, because they were the only ones who actually let John be brave with dance. "Whoa, this guy hasn't had to many lessons!" and the dancing in "Stayin' Alive" is as a Dancer----> Dances! - - 5-6-7-8--
John Travolta has always been fascinated by body movement and music. The fascination of the underdog, the struggling artist. "From birth, everyday is a struggle. To reach maturity is a wonder in itself. Something seems to always be "One Step" ahead of us. "I Want to be a good dancer, better than I am now!" he continued. "Not to audiences who don't know the difference but to be a thoroughbred where dancers know the difference. " "As far as I know, there is no other American Dancer lately who has danced in as many Movies as I have."
John Travolta's "STRUT"
"I just DANCE because I love it and people seem to enjoy it!" says John. John's idol, since he was 5 years old has always been James Cagney. The Great Giants of the Male genre
in American Musical Movie Dance like James Cagney, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and others has always been something John has been conscious of and their contribution since his childhood.
John Travolta as--> "Barbarino"
Be it Broadway shows, Television or Movies that John Travolta has appeared in, John has excited young and old to movement and made people think,"Oh, I Can Dance Like that!" Whether it's Disco, Country Western, Swing, Ballet, Jazz or Tap, John Travolta's feelings are, "If I Can Do It, So CanYou!"
"NO ONE CAN STRUT LIKE JOHN TRAVOLTA STRUTS!"
I for one, have always had a good time trying.! Thanks John..!
John Travolta "STRUTS" Again
Dancingly Mr. Shuffles a.k.a. Scott Nicholls 5-6-7-8
John Travolta..! Frankly Sensual..! In his 'Own Erotic' way he looks good and moves beautifully. Travolta looks like he has been dancing all his life. Travolta's natural ability and strength make it look like he has studied disco, jazz, and ballet all his life. "I'm even a good Tap Dancer," John says, having studied Tap with Fred Kelly, Gene Kelly's brother when John was 16 or 17.
John Travolta as-Tony Manero
He may not kick as high, jump as high or turn as fast, but there is a fire and an a raw dramatic and theatrical urgency with his use of his acting skills that Travolta applies when he dances.
Dancers, unlike actors are given time limits. "Wait a Minute." John said: "To make a contribution to Dance and to be as good as I can be, I better get on it..!"
Another great clip of John Travolta Getting On It from "Grease..!"
When an Actor studies dance, it isn't with the intention of becoming a dancer, but to use these skills in a movie or in a stage production requiring dance. John Travolta, while preparing for the role in "STAYIN' ALIVE," chose choreographer Dennon Rawls and his wife Sayhber, because they were the only ones who actually let John be brave with dance. "Whoa, this guy hasn't had to many lessons!" and the dancing in "Stayin' Alive" is as a Dancer----> Dances! - - 5-6-7-8--
John Travolta has always been fascinated by body movement and music. The fascination of the underdog, the struggling artist. "From birth, everyday is a struggle. To reach maturity is a wonder in itself. Something seems to always be "One Step" ahead of us. "I Want to be a good dancer, better than I am now!" he continued. "Not to audiences who don't know the difference but to be a thoroughbred where dancers know the difference. " "As far as I know, there is no other American Dancer lately who has danced in as many Movies as I have."
"I just DANCE because I love it and people seem to enjoy it!" says John. John's idol, since he was 5 years old has always been James Cagney. The Great Giants of the Male genre
in American Musical Movie Dance like James Cagney, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and others has always been something John has been conscious of and their contribution since his childhood.
Be it Broadway shows, Television or Movies that John Travolta has appeared in, John has excited young and old to movement and made people think,"Oh, I Can Dance Like that!" Whether it's Disco, Country Western, Swing, Ballet, Jazz or Tap, John Travolta's feelings are, "If I Can Do It, So CanYou!"
"NO ONE CAN STRUT LIKE JOHN TRAVOLTA STRUTS!"
I for one, have always had a good time trying.! Thanks John..!
Dancingly Mr. Shuffles a.k.a. Scott Nicholls 5-6-7-8
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
"LEGENDARY CHOREOGRAPHERS"
"GEORGE BALANCHINE"
Professional Dancer from Russia's Imperial Russian Ballet Academy, George Balanchine was brought up in St.Petersburg where the style of dancing was strict and precise. He began his professional career in Leningrad as cupid in SLEEPING BEAUTY at age ten. He started dancing, as did I, at the age of nine and purely by accident. While visiting St.Petersburg, George Balanchines mother signed George up for an audition at the Imperial School. He was asked to merely walk across the floor. He was judged by posture and carriage. Knowing nothing about dance our how to execute a step, had George been asked to do so. After a long wait his name was announced. George had been selected.
George hated the school. George ran away feeling that he had NO aptitude for dance. Olga Preobrajenska, a Prima Ballerina at the school felt differently. George came back.
By 10 while performing Sleeping Beauty, George Balanchine realized he loved the stage and dancing, but to be able to perform on stage, one had to be Very,Very, good. The lesson in life we ALL learn as did George is when you see what the work can produce, you want to WORK..! Trained in acting, mime and the importance of stage gesture, George Balanchine learned the importance of stage gesture and how to work within theatrical disciplines to create illusion.
In 1921 George Balanchine entered the Conservatory of Music. Now interested in becoming a fine pianist as well as a dancer, George also found a great interest in moving dancers to music and being able to arrange dances. George did not know how to pursue or explain this great interest in Choreography.
In 1923 George Balanchine presented his first piece called "Evenings of the Young Ballet." By age 21 George had become Ballet Master to Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. Without any reservation George Balanchine feels he owes the Imperial Ballet and Diaghilev for the two hundred year old tradition of discipline and tradition instilled in him for the love of Ballet, its history and artistic principles.
1933 Les Ballet formed. This was George Balanchine's first company. During this time George Balanchine was invited to the USA to found a school in America. Lincoln Kirstein with Edward M.W.Warburg felt it was necessary for classical ballet to flourish in America.
My personal admiration of George Balanchine and his work came from studying his inspirations, work ethics and belief that Talent is God-given. It is NOT given by a nation or a passport.
What country produces the best dancers narrows down to where you have the best schools and the best teachers. That is where you will find the best dancers no matter what their nationality.
When asked how to start a piece of choreography, George's answer as is mine, is simply by and idea. Then you find music to fit, or you find music which inspires an idea.
GEORGE BALANCHINES - The "Nutcracker"
"To be a distinguished choreographer you must first have been a good dancer. You have to go through a period of preparation. People can be advised about technique, they can be told to do this or that differently, but you cannot advise a person to be talented. He is born talented. It is a strange thing: your life is made somewhere, you are pushed in a certain direction, and you move that way." George Balanchine.
Dancingly Mr.Shuffles a.k.a.Scott Nicholls 5-6-7-8
THOSE WHO COME TO THE BALLET TODAY, KNOW IT AND LIKE IT SO MUCH THEY WILL COME ALSO TOMORROW...!
Professional Dancer from Russia's Imperial Russian Ballet Academy, George Balanchine was brought up in St.Petersburg where the style of dancing was strict and precise. He began his professional career in Leningrad as cupid in SLEEPING BEAUTY at age ten. He started dancing, as did I, at the age of nine and purely by accident. While visiting St.Petersburg, George Balanchines mother signed George up for an audition at the Imperial School. He was asked to merely walk across the floor. He was judged by posture and carriage. Knowing nothing about dance our how to execute a step, had George been asked to do so. After a long wait his name was announced. George had been selected.
George hated the school. George ran away feeling that he had NO aptitude for dance. Olga Preobrajenska, a Prima Ballerina at the school felt differently. George came back.
Igor Stravinsky & George Balanchine rehearse Suzanne Farrell
George Balanchine's APOLLO
In 1923 George Balanchine presented his first piece called "Evenings of the Young Ballet." By age 21 George had become Ballet Master to Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. Without any reservation George Balanchine feels he owes the Imperial Ballet and Diaghilev for the two hundred year old tradition of discipline and tradition instilled in him for the love of Ballet, its history and artistic principles.
1933 Les Ballet formed. This was George Balanchine's first company. During this time George Balanchine was invited to the USA to found a school in America. Lincoln Kirstein with Edward M.W.Warburg felt it was necessary for classical ballet to flourish in America.
My personal admiration of George Balanchine and his work came from studying his inspirations, work ethics and belief that Talent is God-given. It is NOT given by a nation or a passport.
What country produces the best dancers narrows down to where you have the best schools and the best teachers. That is where you will find the best dancers no matter what their nationality.
When asked how to start a piece of choreography, George's answer as is mine, is simply by and idea. Then you find music to fit, or you find music which inspires an idea.
"To be a distinguished choreographer you must first have been a good dancer. You have to go through a period of preparation. People can be advised about technique, they can be told to do this or that differently, but you cannot advise a person to be talented. He is born talented. It is a strange thing: your life is made somewhere, you are pushed in a certain direction, and you move that way." George Balanchine.
Dancingly Mr.Shuffles a.k.a.Scott Nicholls 5-6-7-8
THOSE WHO COME TO THE BALLET TODAY, KNOW IT AND LIKE IT SO MUCH THEY WILL COME ALSO TOMORROW...!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
"CHOREOGRAPHERS"
"JEROME ROBBINS"
Choreographer--"JEROME ROBBINS"-- "WEST SIDE STORY"
1918---1998
A career that produced 5 TONY AWARDS on Broadway for High Button Shoes, an EMMY AWARD for his television version of PETER PAN and an ACADEMY AWARD for the movie version of WEST SIDE STORY, JEROME ROBBINS brilliance to create spontaneously for the exact period in time has always been at the height of Dance Culture.
"WEST SIDE STORY"
When choreographers and new choreography was in need, Jerome Robbins choreography of FANCY FREE, INTERPLAY, FACSMILE and SUMMER DAY, catapulted the American Choreographer to sensational success.
"FANCY FREE"
Jerome Robbins, Choreographer for American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet and Ballet U.S.A. created, polished, and perfected his Choreography on the bodies of the dancers who were to perform them. Jerome Robbins had entered dance school and had been promoted from class to class as he improved in ability. He quickly became a Principal (lead) dancer when he started his professional career. His education at his craft and the realization of Choreography being an ART form, Jerome Robbins a professional dancer on Broadway, a director of plays, musicals, television and movies didn't make sacrifices for merely a craft, it was a passion that became a crusade.
Also a favorite of mine from the Musical "Gypsy" below.
A career that produced 5 TONY AWARDS on Broadway for High Button Shoes, an EMMY AWARD for his television version of PETER PAN and an ACADEMY AWARD for the movie version of WEST SIDE STORY, JEROME ROBBINS brilliance to create spontaneously for the exact period in time has always been at the height of Dance Culture.
"WEST SIDE STORY"
When choreographers and new choreography was in need, Jerome Robbins choreography of FANCY FREE, INTERPLAY, FACSMILE and SUMMER DAY, catapulted the American Choreographer to sensational success.
Jerome Robbins, Choreographer for American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet and Ballet U.S.A. created, polished, and perfected his Choreography on the bodies of the dancers who were to perform them. Jerome Robbins had entered dance school and had been promoted from class to class as he improved in ability. He quickly became a Principal (lead) dancer when he started his professional career. His education at his craft and the realization of Choreography being an ART form, Jerome Robbins a professional dancer on Broadway, a director of plays, musicals, television and movies didn't make sacrifices for merely a craft, it was a passion that became a crusade.
Also a favorite of mine from the Musical "Gypsy" below.
Being highly influenced myself by Jerome Robbins Choreography I saw "GYPSY" at the Geary Theater downtown San Francisco and it has always been one of my favorites..!
Mr. Robbins numerous awards include the Kennedy Honors award. He also served on the New York State Council on the Arts & Dance panel. Jerome Robbins choreography has epitomized American dance with intensity and expression.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
"TAP DANCE LEGENDS"
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
BALLET DANCER/Baryshnikov
Baryshnikov
Ballet Dance has become an even greater cultural boom in America with Russian defector Mikhail Baryshnikov. This dance mega-star, soon had the United States training as many if not more ballet dancers than the Soviet Union, due to his popularity and charisma.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
"Dancing Etiquette"
"Ya Know What?" I Love My Dancing School..! Stand Up Straight, Concentrate, Don't Chew Gum and Don't Be Late..!
RESPECT your Art, your Instructor and Your fellow dancers..!
The beginning dancer can be as young as two years old, or as young as 100. "Dancing Etiquette" is taught to all ages from the moment they step into the dance studio. It doesn't begin during warm-ups or steps across the floor or during the combinations. It starts the second you walk through the door. As the caption above the picture reads, understand that you the parent need to do your part by instilling simple "Dancing Etiquette" rules.
"DANCE" FEEDS OUR SOULS!
RESPECT your Art, your Instructor and Your fellow dancers..!
The beginning dancer can be as young as two years old, or as young as 100. "Dancing Etiquette" is taught to all ages from the moment they step into the dance studio. It doesn't begin during warm-ups or steps across the floor or during the combinations. It starts the second you walk through the door. As the caption above the picture reads, understand that you the parent need to do your part by instilling simple "Dancing Etiquette" rules.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Ballet Is Dance
La Sylphide, Giselle, and Swan Lake, have held the stage and the audiences appeal for more than a hundred years. Like No Other Art form "Ballet" IS "Dance!"
"When and Where can I see that Ballet Performed Again?" This question by audiences is the closest the observer can come to the steady training required of the dancer in order to create the performance that will captivate them.
Ballet displays the most beautiful movement that the body is capable of. The skill of the ballet dancer is useless unless proper training and practice turns it into a visual art. Very few dancers are beautiful when they start training, but when they dance well, they become beautiful. "Ballet" Is "Dance" because of the proof it shows on every dancer who studies it. To become a DANCER without studying Ballet, is like trying to go to college without the knowledge of the english language.
In my study of dance, I found out early that after my study of Tap and Jazz, that "Ballet" IS "Dance" and its foundation. In order to advance I realized the necessity of Ballet training. By age 12, I was picked to be part of the cast performing in the Opera House in San Francisco with the above pictured Leningrad Kirov Ballet performing Swan Lake to a symphony orchestra. My first dance job with pay!
Like all arts, "Ballet" IS "Dance" and many different things to many different people. It can be high-brow, or something to make fun of. It can be LIFE in its fullest form to some. Some individuals never give it a second thought. Bucket list a Ballet once in your life.
With more people finding new interest to watch dance performances, knowledge and concern for ballet and All forms of dance has grown. Support for dance companies and not in terms of financial support, (valuable as that is;) I mean in terms of interest and response. The Heart of Dance, and All of Dance has found new audiences of all ages and re-newed life..!
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