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Lesson - Let It Go

August 28, 2017

Video by Ashley Rockwood

Dancers of Power & Grace School of Performing Arts

"Let It Go."

It is no secret that dance is hard. Physically, mentally and emotionally. And sometimes life gifts us these harsh reminders to be kind. To be respectful. To treat one another like you want to be treated. A reminder we are all human and doing our best. No one is perfect. Mistakes will be made. But it is how you handle them that makes or breaks it. We have the control to change our perspective and see the positive effect of all that impacts us, good and bad. As dancers in a company, ensemble, team or whatever you may call it, we have the beauty of going through things together. Going through life together. A solid group of dancers there to catch you when you fall. And at times quite literally. So be there. And when things get tough, look one another in the eye as to remember that you are fortunate to have each other. Grow from it, let it go, and let it be water under the bridge.

*This moment with the dancers of P&G marks a total of 111 dancers participating in an experience with DAP. This number seems significant and fitting.

Location. The Red River in Bossier City, Louisiana

My dear friend Brooke Paulsen Zelus introduced me to Christy posey Holden, director of power & Grace School of Performing arts. and It was pretty much love at first sight. There is something truly unique about these kids. Far beyond the southern hospitality, charm, and yes ma'am. I believe it was their love for tap that won my heart. once a tapper, always a tapper. they are so open and eager, and it has been a joy to see them grow individually, as a company, and as a studio. this year they celebrate their silver 25th anniversary. congratulations p&G. it means so much that you have embraced dancers awareness project and our mission.

DAP Involvement

DAP Connected Studio

[Insert Dance Here] - MPA in a hayfield

July 21, 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ROCKWOOD

DANCERS OF MIDWEST PERFORMING ARTS

"Field Of Dreams."

As one gets older it seems you learn to appreciate the little things. You enjoy the ride, trust the process, breathe deeper. You look out the window. And I was, thankfully. Driving through the endless fields of Wisconsin I was overtaken with the beauty of this site. It was so bright and quiet and still. I had never seen anything like it. It felt like I was dreaming. Naturally I had to come back with a pack of dancers. And just like that we have the first [Insert Dance Here]. This series of captured stills and live performances places dance in unexpected spaces. The very first one features Midwest Performing Arts in a hayfield.

Location.  A hayfield in Waunakee, WI — Location. A hayfield in Waunakee, WI

Studio owner Meghan McDermott is a Giordano Dance Chicago legend. a classic vision, blonde bombshell of a dancer best Known for her fierce 6 pack abs. she was and still is such an inspiration to me. Midwest Performing Arts just celebrated its 5 year anniversary. and it comes to no surprise that the studio is just as Chic as she is. it feels like home and i am so Happy to be a part of the MPA family. it was an honor to shoot with them and i am stoked to have them on board as the first dancers participating in our new program - DAP connected. Get connected to them and many others as we champion cyber unity through dance.

DAP Involvement

DAP Connected studio

Cameo - Katie Carey, dancer

June 1, 2017

Photography By Ashley Rockwood

Public Art By Indria Freitas Johnson

"Growing Peace"

It is hard to believe that there would be push back from people on sculptures created with the intention of reminding people to find peace? But there was. And is. The irony being the juxtaposition between the endless, crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan and a constant stream of traffic on Lake Shore Drive. 'Ten Thousand Ripples' was installed to remind us that peace is growing, just like all of us. There is immense growth as we find peace. Peace with allowing others to freely express themselves. Accepting that it is their art to share how they see it best.

Katie and I spent a little time reflecting on the beautiful challenge of social media. (And btw, not a lot of time as all Cameo shoots are kept to a short 15 minutes.) We both see it as a tool to express oneself, but agree there is a line. The magic in creating art is when it leaves your hands, your body, your possession and becomes someone else's to interpret and own. You have to share. We were aligned in our belief that we all must be conscious of what we are giving and putting out into the universe. Everyone is watching. And that leaves us with an enormous platform of responsibility. And she has found her platform.

Katie co-founded Purus Motus, meaning pure movement alongside Daniel Williams in 2015. Purus Motus produces short films completely unique to the selected moving subject. She and Daniel are sometimes featured in the stories but they also bring in artists from different backgrounds. His hip hop, battle dancer background paired with her traditional, classical, organic, wonderful to watch, modern, jazz, fluid motion makes for something way easy to consume. Each episode is improvised with freestyle movement on location, allowing for true in the moment expression. And it is all done in house, as they both direct, shoot, and edit the episodes themselves, to then be published through Facebook. They are currently filming season one and just recently released their 9th episode - "Show Your Work". Katie has found solstice and peace in allowing all forms of dance to be displayed at a high level of maturity and depth. Musicality, improv, energy and emotion connect the viewers to real life experiences.

"I love our art. I genuinely love sharing this art with anyone that it makes it's way to. Whether its ten or a million people that see each episode, we will continue to make art." -Katie Carey

Ten Thousand Ripples - Indira Freitas Johnson

Location.  Diversey Harbor — Location. Diversey Harbor

Katie and I met when she was on scholarship at giordano dance school, years and years ago. whether in class at Visceral Dance Center or in rehearsal with Nomi Dance Company, Katie's length, literally and figuratively catches your eye. She truly dances from her soul. It has been a joy watching her grow and mature into such a wonderful creature. I look forward to seeing more of her evolution with the pure movement that is Purus Motus.

DAP INVOLVEMENT

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

Cameo - Kamilla Mirzalieva, dancer

May 12, 2017

Photography By Ashley Rockwood

Mural By Rich Watkin & Shawn Teseo Ballarin

"Open Eyes Welcome"

Kamilla is originally from Kazakhstan, but moved here to Chicago in April from Ukraine (where she lived for 16 years).

DAP: How did you begin dancing?

Kamilla: I started to dance in Kazakhstan at a ballet studio when I was 4. My father danced when he was young. It was also an unfulfilled dream of my mother. I danced classical ballet, Kazakhstan and Ukrainian folk dances, hip hop, jazz funk, contemporary, hip hop heels and social ballroom. Since then the universe has given me lots of different opportunities and experiences.

D: What is dance like in Ukraine?

K: It is developing there as the world flows. All ages are dancing.

D: Can you explain what the folk dances of Kazakhstan and Ukraine are like?

K: You just have to look it up on YouTube. It's pretty ornate.

D: Well, welcome to Chicago! How did you find your way to classes and dancing when you arrived?

K: When I moved here, I only knew of Arthur Murray. And it is challenging to get there. I'm in Logan Square. So not to lose my shape I went to the gym and found Zumba classes. Which are pretty fun. But for a professional it is very hard to make yourself dance hardly correct. Don't get me wrong. It is a very good class for sweating and cardio, as everything you can find at the gym. I came up with the idea of trying something I've never done before or at least in a really long time. Searching the internet I found the Joffrey. The beginner ballet class is not that easy, like at all. Good thing my muscle memory remembers everything. I didn't stop there no matter how hard it was. I took a jazz class and fell in love!!! I never knew. But it's like a combination of all the dances I have ever done, which makes it so much fun!

D: What do you feel is different so far about dance here?

K: I guess the opportunities for people who have never danced before is much more than in Kiev. All ages, races, shapes. It doesn't matter as long as you have desire. Youth from the post Soviet Union countries are dreaming about coming here. We grew up on American movies, songs and tv shows. Every girl wants to go to Disneyland. Such as every boy wants to go to N.Y. or drive the L.A. roads. It's a dream land for us.

D: What are you most excited about from the big move?

K: I am happy to be here. Discovering other cultures, people, places. Of course it's pretty difficult, but where is not? I believe there are lots of opportunities. You have to keep your eyes wide open.

Location:  Clark St. & Byron Ave. — Location: Clark St. & Byron Ave.

Kamilla is Green to the city of Chicago. All the way from Ukraine. Fresh perspective. Fresh observation. Fresh eyes. Such a beautiful and defining moment. Her dancing is uber fresh too. Or shall we say lyft fresh. Her eager spirit and unique movement quality was a dead giveaway. She has gracefully and very quietly entered the dance community. And without hazing. She deserves a proper introduction. Chicago, meet Kamilla.

DAP Involvement

DAP LIVE ARTIST & Assistant

Cameo - Mary Tarpley, dancer

February 23, 2017

Photography + Words By Ashley Rockwood

Note - expletives came with the location

"Guard Your Life"

Now seems like a good time to stand guard. Protect what we all work so hard for. Blood, sweat, tears. For our art. There will always be a way because it is for the people. And we won't let each other down. Show them why they need us. Earth without art is just eh. You may not feel inclined to protest, march, demonstrate, rally. But do something. Anything. Donate. Attend. Support. Encourage. Educate. Share. This is an entire community of importance, free thinking, creativity and inclusion. If you want it, you better guard it with all of your might.