In honor of Memorial Day weekend- This dance reminds us that this weekend is more than about an extra day off or a great sale at the local mall. Even though the story is set in England, it is a universal story about love, family, war and loss. How in the world do these dancers create those shadows??? You have to see it for yourself.
‘Cry’ by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Everyone is pondering motherhood today. After all, today is Mother’s Day. So here I am a mother of twins. I should know what motherhood is all about. But, do I? Do you? Most media shows the canned images of a woman cooking, wiping a baby’s mouth, or weeping as her children come home for the holidays. Is that motherhood? Sure, but that’s not all motherhood is about.
When I signed up for ballet classes at the age of eight, I had been inspired by seeing the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform. I thought dance was (as an eight year old would say) pretty. I soon found out what a formidable force ballet and all dance forms could be. In order to get to that pretty ‘Grand Battement’ (high kick) you first had various, grueling practice sessions of pliés and tendus to do. I even had to learn French. What? All my little, child-sized brain saw was the pretty ballerina. Dance mothered me into knowing that everything requires hard work. It was a difficult lesson, but it was a lesson that still lives within me today.
As I parent my beautiful children and face the challenging behaviors that autism can bring, I remember the valuable lesson that the art of dance has given me. You do not get to the “pretty” until you put in the hard work it requires. Dance is a wonderful teacher and role model for motherhood. Now ladies…let’s keep dancing through the good, the bad and the ugly that parenting can bring. The “pretty” is always right around the corner. Happy Mother’s Day!
We had a great time at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Intercultural Festival! We would like to thank everyone who came out to support us. It was a bit chilly outside, but the sun was shining brightly. We also heard the shouts of support in the crowd and that really warmed our hearts. Mary Mary’s song “Sitting with Me” conveyed a perfect anti-bullying message. Next weekend we end the session with our final presentation. We hope to see even more of you there if you are in the Richmond area!
Happy Easter Sunday everyone! Just like the dancer in this ‘Revelations’ (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) picture, we hope you have the opportunity to lean back, fan yourself and be assured about who you are in Christ. Peace and Blessings!
We are presenting our anti-bullying dance piece ‘Sitting with Me’ on April 6th (1:50 PM) at Monroe Park. Our students are very excited!
As we near the end of the spring dance session, it is nice to capture a moment in time. This picture was taken just before class began a few weeks ago. Only two more weeks to go…
Due to the risk of snow this Friday night, we are delaying the start of our spring session. So, hold on to your dance shoes until Saturday, February 2, 2013 (11:30 AM).
This delay will change the date of our final presentation. The updated information will be posted soon. We look forward to seeing all of our beautiful dancers next Saturday! Thank you and stay warm out there!
Each time a dancer moves devoutly or a composer faithfully searches the silence for the veiled melodies, eternity is engaged.
- Maya Angelou
Today is Small Business Saturday! Please take the time to think of a business that is near and dear to your heart. At Kainos Dance, a small business, we are constantly seeking to expand our reach deeper into the inner city in the Richmond, Virginia area. All financial contributions will be used toward dance scholarships, programming and costumes. Thank you!
Unfortunately, due to low attendance, our adult praise dance classes have been cancelled for the fall 2012 session. If you are an adult who is interested in our praise dance classes, please feel free to email us (info@kainosdance.com). The youth class was quite a success this past weekend! We cannot wait to see all of our students again next Saturday (11:30 AM)!
Last spring is behind us…Now the fall dance session begins! Here we go…”Leap of Faith 2012″ begins tomorrow!
