All posts by Ray

Featured Artist is Nancy Grisanti Clark for November.

Nancy Grisanti Clark

I started painting in childhood, first in watercolor and then in oils. I put my paints away while I was busy with completing my college education, marriage, a daughter and a career in dental hygiene. Twenty-five years ago I started drawing and watercolor classes at the American River College in Sacramento, California, and I have been painting ever since.

My husband’s job brought us to Utah in 1995. We chose to make our home in Ogden because of its rich history (my husband is a railroad buff), and supportive arts community.

I retired from dental hygiene in 2002, and with nine other brave local artists opened Gallery 25 artist cooperative. It is still thriving on Historic 25th Street. I left Gallery 25 in 2006 to work at Ogden Blue teaching watercolor painting and managing the art supplies.

In 2008, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and in 2009 I had to leave my job and studio at Ogden Blue. I now paint at my home at a slower pace, but I find it gives me a reason to get up in the morning. I also teach a weekly watercolor class at my home.  Mu students have become treasured friends who inspire me enormously and make me thankful that I still have a gift to share.

Besides watercolor, I work in acrylic, gouache, mixed media and printmaking.  I no longer work in oils for health reasons.  My style is contemporary, and I enjoy a variety of subject matter as well as abstraction.  I am especially drawn to the energy of cities and the spirituality of nature.

I have been a great fan of the Imagine Ballet Theatre since I saw their production of “The Secret Garden,” and I am honored to be invited to be their featured artist for November!

Rocky Mountain Choreography Festival Presents:Monica Campbell and Dancers

Join Monica Campbell and Dancers at Ogden’s historic Egyptain theater for an evening of innovative and thought provoking dance. The program will include the premier of a new work in addition to some older audience favorites.  Highlights include Breathing Room (2009), an upbeat, lighthearted duet that explores the age old question of proximity in relationships.  Also on the program is the award-winning excerpt from the Final Hours (2010), which was most recently presented in the Gala performance of the American College Dance Festival Northwest Region. Watch for some special guest performances by Repertory Dance Theater priniple alumna Angie Banchero-Kelleher in Campbell’s The Visitor (2007), and Ririe-Woodbury veteran Jill Vorhees Edwards and Monica Campbell in Chai Chi Chiang’s So…What’s Next?

The evening will culminate with the premier of The Spring, a highly physical thirty-minute piece inspired by the events of the Arab Spring. An amazing cast of twelve dancers charge through the space as they explore ideads of revolution, community and the individual intensity and commitment necessary to forge cultural change.

This evening of dance will highlight the latest works of choreographer Monica Campbell, whose work often strives to provide commentary on the role of the individuals in shaping their societiesand forging their identities. Don’t miss it.

Monica will be teaching Master Classes throughout the community.

Oct 20th, 10-11:30 am

Ririe Woodbury Dance Companypresents: Saturday Studio Series, advanced modern dance class@ the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center located at 138 West 100 South, SLC, Ut.

Oct 23, 5:30-7:00pm

Sugar Space presents: CO.da Master Class. Co.da is a professional cooperative modern dance company in residence at the Sugar Space. Sugar Space is located at 616 Wilmington Ave,SLC, UT.

Reed Loveland Featured Artist and Art of the Costume August 3, 2012

Reed Loveland

“I am interested in the creative process of making art. The challenge and fun of generating ideas, handling materials, and solving problems is, for me, the best part of my creative existence.”

Born in Fish Haven, Idaho, and grew up in Ogden, Utah. Graduated from Weber State College, with a B.S. in Art, then attended the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California, where he received both his Bachelors and Masters of Fine Arts Degree.  While at Otis, he received a Ford Foundation Grant, and the Friends of Otis Scholarship.  While living in lA, Loveland worked for Sydney M. Cobb Design,( Hollywood), and Chancellor-Randolph Design, (LA) as a textile designer.  He taught Art in Davis County for 32 years.  He was selected as Utah Art Educator of the year in 2009.  Now retired from the classroom, he is enjoying being a full-time husband, father, grandpa, and artist.

The Studio will also, have designs from young dancers for their up-coming show at the Egyptian Theater Summer Dance Sampler, August 10 at 7:00 pm.  So stop by and check out the art that moves you.

 

Imagine Ballet Theatre’s 10th Summer Intensive 2012

 Week 5

Yi Qi Cheng with some crazy dancers!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gary Flannery is here teaching the dancers some Fosse.  This is Gary at the New York Public Library showing of the Great American Revue dancing Mr. Bo Jangles by Bob Fosse.

Also preparing for the show this Friday night at 7:00 pm at Peery’s Egyptain Theater.  For tickets call 801-689-8700.  $7.50 till Thursday tickets go up on August 10 to $10.00.

My muscles quiver and my mind is plagued with doubt. We are ever fighting, fighting gravity; a fight we will never win. And yet we jump and spin and leap…we fly, always to return to the earth. My pulse matches the beat of the music, I take strength from the unity. I am reminded why I fight with all that is in me, for unattainable perfection. Because perfection is not perfect; perfection is a vulnerable heart and an open soul.
Written by Emma Chase

Week 4

The week ends today. . . I had a wonderful time teaching the girls (and a boy here and there too!) at Imagine Ballet!! The work ethic here is phenomenal, and the girls are so open to receiving and APPLYING corrections! A sure sign of a great dancer indeed . . . It’s been such a fun experience for me, coming back to teach at IBT every summer. I have known some of these girls for years, and seeing them grow up in not only age but also ability has been a true joy! Well done ladies! And well done with a beautiful school Ray! xoxo~ Allynne Noelle

 

We begin week 4 of our Summer Intensive with Allynne Noelle; a Principal Dancer with Los Angeles Ballet, and Former Soloist of Miami City Ballet.

Allynne as “Odette” in Swan Lake at Los Angeles Ballet.

 

 

 

 

 Week 3  Is coming to an end we have seen the first drafts of the dancers Choreography.  There are several piece with power and emotion embodied in the work. Some that need work and some in the middle.  Now two weeks to the show and things will shift and become.  I hope that you will join us for an exciting evening of dance on August 10th, at 7:00 pm at Peery’s Egyptian Theater cost is only $7.50 before August 9th to help cover the theater costs. Day of Show the cost will be $10.00.  So get in and get your tickets now.

Christie Freebairn Perry former Ballet West Dancer has been teaching this week along with Yi Qi Cheng a former dancer National Ballet of China and Former Ballet West Company teacher.

 

Christie as Lily in The Secret Garden

 

Dancing

Dancing is like a poem
Where each movement is a word
Put together beautifully,
Dancing can almost be heard
Dancing is like a ribbon,
Fluttering in the breeze
Twirling in the grass,
Waving with ease
Dancing is like singing,
Only dancing to the song
Even if you’re on pointe,
Sometimes you’ll get the dance wrong
Dancing is pushing yourself,
Trying to win
After every single dance,
I end up with a grin.
Sierra Leigh Miles
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Forever Dance

Dance is not a movement

Dance is not a thought

It’s more like an emotion

Something that is taught

 

Years and years of practice

Weeks and weeks of pain

But in the end it’s true

We all forget the strain

 

The stage is where is happens

It’s where we all belong

After so much practice

We are forever strong

 

We all know the truth

Of every little girl

They dream and wish upon a star

To let their hearts unfurl

 

To us it is amazing

That dance we seem to do

It is almost a religion

As we try our first pointe shoe

 

Down the supermart isle

And up the brightened street

Dance is in our bodies

Our hearts, they keep the beat

By Danielle Dreis

Week 2

Laurie Sefton comes this week to work on a piece of Choreography.  She is one of the winners of the Rocky Mountain Choreography Festival and will be working with the dancers in the Summer intensive on a piece about “Bullying”.

Laurie Sefton 2012 People’s Choice Winner for her Choreography

Performance Day

By Abby Hardin

 

Inhale slow,

eyes closed.

Jittery sweat fills the air,

and I’m greeted by the aroma,

the smell of work,

of determination.

 

For years my body has suffered,

achieving perfection;

Enduring blisters,

bruises,

aches,

and pain.

Broken body wrapped in a glittering costume.

Nervous face caked with a deceiving smile.

 

Exhale slow,

eyes open.

One,

two,

three steps out.

Instantly,

I am transformed.

Convincing even myself I am not what I was.

A creature glides across the stage,

floating,

turning,

dancing,

filled with an unspeakable joy only then attained

yet never forgotten.

 

One,

two,

three steps back.

Broken body aches,

sweat steeped air is torn through the lungs,

but deceiving smiles now ring with truth,

for I am human again

but forever changed.

Week 2 comes to an end the dancers have focused, danced, ached and thought about dance on many levels.  Now time to thank Laurie Sefton and have a donut.

Week 1 has begun, as always we all have a few sore muscles, which is pretty normal when you try new things.  Ballet, Pointe, Pilates, Yoga, Modern and Choreography all flying around in our heads.  Here are two poems written by Phoebe Rust:

Different sizes,
Different shoes.
Different races,
Different moves.
Differences don’t matter
Upon the stage.
Our minds connect
Despite our age.
United, we dance.
Same hopes,
Same vision.
Same dreams,
Same decision.
Similarities bind us
Under the blinding lights.
We speak the same language,
We see the same sights.
United, we dance.

Now my heart is bewildered,
My mind a melted mess.
Now my body aches,
I welcome the feeling.
Now my eyes are alive,
Yet my soul is lost.
Now my ears are open,
But I hear nothing.
Now I am truly me.

I have asked the dancers participating in this years summer intensive to determine their top 5 choices for University programs that offer dance programs along with other fields of study that they are interested in.  Here are their Top 5 Picks.

Number 1: University of Utah: For Many of the dancers it is because it is close to home, They offer both Ballet and Modern degrees, Emphasis on performing

Web: http://www.ballet.utah.edu/

Number 2: Julliard: Located in New York City the Heart of the Dance world, Excellent training

http://www.juilliard.edu

Number 3: Duke University: They offer programs that travel with the dance program, They also have a first class Science department.

http://danceprogram.duke.edu/

Number 4: Florida State University: They offer a fall semester in New York City and travel abroad to Spain and France.

dance.fsu.edu/Academic-Programs/BFA

Number 5: Brigham Young University:  They offer a wide variety of dance with  a focus on Ballet, Close to home, and for Religious reasons.

http://cfacweb.byu.edu/departments/dance

 

 

 

Announcing Pilates Introductory Class 9 for $99.00

 

 Created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s, pilates is a unique form of exercise designed to bring balance to the body.  With a focus on lengthening and strengthening muscles balanced development of the body occurs.  But the benefits don’t stop there and the population is taking note, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association, pilates has seen a 602% increase in participants from 2000 to 2006.  What has made pilates so popular?  Everything from improving overall strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, athletic performance, core   stability and muscle tone to improving circulation, alleviating pain and tension, flattening the abdominals, restoring the natural curves of the spine and improving posture.  And the benefits can be felt by everyone.  Regardless of age, fitness level or goals your personal needs can be met with this all-encompassing mind-body form of exercise.

STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach to the mind-body form of exercise created by Joseph Pilates.  It is anatomically based and in accordance with modern biomechanics and spinal rehabilitation.  STOTT PILATES is an athletic based approach that offers modification and the breakdown of exercises to accommodate all fitness levels and abilities.

  • longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
  • improves postural problems
  • increases core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
  • helps prevent injury
  • enhances functional fitness, ease of movement
  • balances strength & flexibility
  • heightens body awareness
  • no-impact, easy on the joints
  • can be customized to suit everyone from rehab patients to elite athletes
  • complements other methods of exercise
  • improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, skating etc.)
  • improves balance, coordination & circulation

Is STOTT PILATES exercise like Yoga?

In some respects Pilates is like Yoga. Both are considered mind-body type methods of movement; both emphasize deep breathing and smooth, long movements that encourage the mind-body connection. The difference is that while Yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based incorporating resistance equipment. The goal with STOTT PILATES exercise is to strengthen the postural muscles while achieving optimal functional fitness.

How can STOTT PILATES be different than weight training or other resistance exercise?

  • Pilates is three-dimensional (i.e. exercises can be performed using all movement planes)
  • spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction
  • emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention
  • STOTT PILATES exercise is customizable for special needs
  • in Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joints
  • Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury
  • Pilates emphasizes balancing strength with flexibility(for injury prevention and more efficient movement)
  • STOTT PILATES exercise leads to an improvement in posture and body awareness
  • Weight training and STOTT PILATES can be combined in your fitness program and are a great compliment to each other.

 

Introductory Special

**9 classes for $99 dollars**

Classes starting June 4th @ IBT studios.

(Classes are Monday, Wednesday, Friday @ noon)

CONTACT THE STUDIO FOR MORE INFORMATION

801-393-5500