Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre - NBDT Blog

NBDT will be guest artists at the Golden West College Spring Dance Concert

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:20:21 -0800

On Saturday, May 19, 2012 NBDT will be performing as guest artists at the Golden West College Spring Dance Concert,The Steps and Stories of American Dance.

We will be performing two works at this year's concert, Polymorphic, choreographed by Erica Jimenez Villalpando and Steam Heat, a work inspired by Bob Fosse and re-staged by Jeff Hendrix. We are excited for the opportunity to perform and be guest artists at this year's concert.

The concert will take place at Golden West College at the Mainstage Theater at 8 pm.

Tickets are $12 for General Admission, $10 ASB/GWC Students, Seniors and Children under 12.

They are available at www.GWCTHEATER.com or by calling the Box Office at 714.432.5880

NBDT has been kicking 2012 off with a bang!

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:11:46 -0800

NBDT has had a very busy start to 2012 and we are so excited to share everything that has been going on.

NBDT's collaboration with the Long Beach Opera - Maria de Buenos Aires

Photo by Lawrence K. Ho

We were thrilled when we were offered the chance to collaborate with the Long Beach Opera, once again, this time on their opera Maria de Buenos Aires. The performance took place at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro, January 29 and February 4, 2012.

As described on the Long Beach Opera website, Maria de Buenos Aires is an “...opera of “stunning originality,” [that] pluses to the passion and beat of Piazzolla’s revolutionary nuevo tango and Horacio Ferrer’s mesmerizing, imaginative poetry. Maria embodies everything that is the Argentinian people. Totally consumed by passion yet fiercely maintaining her independence, Maria fights for survival and freedom, never surrendering. “I dream a dream that nobody ever dreamed. Maria noche, Maria passion fatal! Maria del amor!” Piazzolla’s tango music for this story is irresistible, incisive, electrifying, provocative and moving.

Photo by Keith Ian Polakoff

LBO’s new production captures the conflict of Argentine society at a crucial moment in its history. Piazolla’s opera is set during Argentina’s “Dirty War,” the period between 1976 and 1983, when the country was governed by military juntas which controlled the populace through state-sponsored terrorism.”

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us in this production of Maria de Buenos Aires. We would also like to thank the Long Beach Opera for this opportunity to collaborate and create this world for Maria, a world which we were able to bring to life, because of the visions and many talents of everyone who came together and believed in it.

Also check out our great reviews from the Opera on our Press Page!

NBDT performs Vigor at the Encore Dance Festival

On February 6, 2012, we had the opportunity to perform as Guest Artists at the Encore Dance Festival which took place at The Rose Center in Westminster, California.

We performed Vigor, one of our newer works choreographed by NBDT member, Stephanie Maxim.

It was an evening full of various of dance styles including modern, jazz, ballet and lyrical. The festival was a wonderful chance for all those performing to showcase their skills.

We would like to thank the Encore Dance Company for this opportunity to perform in their festival.

For more information on the Encore Dance Company check out their website: www.encoredancecompany.org

NBDT performs at Assistance League of Long Beach Fashion Show

Rehearsing for the show/ Photo by Scott Mitchell

Last weekend on March 3, we performed at a Fashion Show at the Long Beach Convention Center for the Assistance League Charity.

According to their website, “Since 1940, the noteworthy philanthropic programs of the Assistance League of Long Beach are the inspiration of the dedicated volunteers who continue to fulfill their mission “to create a community of volunteers to identify and deliver philanthropic services.

[The] Assistance League of Long Beach is the largest chapter of National Assistance League and is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) corporation comprised of more than 900 hands-on members. They provide more than 85,000 volunteer hours annually that enrich the lives of over 15,000 Long Beach residents every year.”

This year’s fashion show was to “help raise funds to support our [Assistance League of Long Beach] mentoring of academically-talented students in our Long Beach high schools and community colleges.”

We were grateful to have the chance, to be a part of this great opportunity to help raise funds for the community of Long Beach who has supported us for the last twenty five years.

For more information on the Assistance League of Long Beach check out their website: http://www.allb.org/

As always thank you to all of you for the constant support and interest in our company. We have many new projects coming up this year, including educational outreach performances, the So Cal Dance Invitational, our 25th Anniversary Concert and so much more.

For the latest news and updates with the company follow us on Facebook, Twitter or our website. We hope to see all of you soon!

Happy Holidays and New Year from NBDT

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:24:35 -0800

2011 was extraordinary. It was a year of vibrant dance performances, the creation of new works, tours within California, amazing collaborations, the premiere of the new So-Cal Dance Invitational, and inspiring outreach to youth in our community!

Thank you to all of our supporters and fans! We have many new and upcoming projects and performances for 2012, so stay tuned and keep checking for updates!

Only two weeks away....

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:19:36 -0800

The So Cal Dance Invitational is not far away and we feel so privileged and excited to be performing with so many talented and incredible companies from around the area.

There will be ten companies performing from around the Southern California area and they are: BODYTRAFFIC, Domino Affect Dance Company, Fuse Modern Dance, Jazzworks - Long Beach, Kenneth Walker Dance Project, motion/TRIBE, Movement Theatre CoLab, Nickerson-Rossi Dance and Regina Klenjoski Dance.

For more information on the companies, their Artistic Directors, ticket information or the Invitational in general, please visit the website: www.socaldanceinvitational.org

We hope that you will join us on September 30 and October 1 at 8 pm for a two nights of dance that should not be missed!

Gearing up for the So Cal Dance Invitational

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:12:46 -0800

Photo by Steve Shea

The So-Cal Dance Invitational is a concert directed by Nannette Brodie and produced by the Golden West College Dance Department.

The Dance Invitational Concert has been well received the past six years, hosting companies such as Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre, Jazzworks—Long Beach, Luminario Ballet, Donna Sternberg & Dancers and Bare Dance from California. Out of state companies include Nevada Repertory Dance Theatre, Kelly Roth and Dancers from Nevada, Scorpius, Dulce and Conder Dance from Arizona.

This season we are excited to invite professionals exclusively from Southern California in an effort to produce an eclectic concert filled with local companies and to create a non-competitive concert where dancers of all genres/styles can collaborate, meet and network.

There will be two outstanding evenings of choreography from leading dance companies in Southern California. which include performances by the GWC dance faculty, Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre, Marie De La Palme’s Motion/Tribe, BODYTRAFFIC, Nickerson-Rossi Dance, Regina Klenjoski Dance Company, Domino Affect Dance Company, Fuse Modern Dance and other invited guests.

This collaborative project will help benefit the Golden West College Dance Department and their future efforts to produce quality dance performances, fund educational outreach projects and student scholarships.

Tickets are on sale now at www.occtickets.com, we will be posting more information very soon, so keep checking back!

Hope to see you all soon!

NBDT is getting ready to head to Las Vegas

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:54:35 -0800

In less than two weeks, we are heading to Las Vegas for the annual Dance in the Desert Festival. Not only are we very excited to perform in this year's festival, we cannot wait to see all of the incredible works that everyone will be bringing.

This year we will be taking four pieces to the festival. On Friday evening we will be performing a brand new work, “Vigor",choreographed by company member Stephanie Maxim. The light-hearted “Holiday” will be performed for the Saturday matinee, and on Saturday evening “Émigré” and “Al A Fosse” will be performed.

Joining NBDT on stage this year will be companies and dancers from Arizona, California, Nevada, New York City and Utah.

The Dance in the Desert Festival will occur on July 29 at 7 pm and on July 30 at 2 pm and 7 pm at the College of Southern Nevada, Charleston Campus in the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre.

Tickets are only $10 for General Admission and $8 for Students and Seniors. For more information please check out the festival website: http://sites.csn.edu/finearts/dancefestival/index.html

Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre Summer Workshop

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 11:22:31 -0800

NBDT is going to Ojai

Mon, 09 May 2011 11:37:45 -0800

“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines…” begins the story of Madeline, the precocious, vivacious character beloved in the many stories published by Ludwig Bemalmens starting in 1936. “The Misadventures of Madeline” will be presented by the Nordhoff High School Dance Program along with twenty other dance works at the upcoming Spring Dance Concerts on Saturday , May 14 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 p.m. at Matilija Auditorium.

The theme of the concerts is “Once Upon A Time: Stories, Voices and Dances of the Past.” The concert will include a 1920’s set of tap work to the Charleston and octher 1920’s music and an African dance about the values of honor and love choreographed by teacher Kim Hoj as well as ten student choreographed works about stories ranging from child abuse to bullying to friendship and the power of overcoming adversity. The Nordhoff Dance Program includes 59 dancers ranging from beginners to advanced experience as performers.

NBDT performing Almost A Waltz - Photo by Steve Shea

“Madeline, “Sygnex 2” and “Almost a Waltz” are three works that were created by master dance artist Nannette Brodie during her three-week residency at Nordhjtoff this January. Nannette’s visit to Ojai and the inclusion of her dance company to perform in the upcoming Nordhoff concert was sponsored by Ojai Rotary and The Oaks at Ojai as well as DANCER, the parent group for the dance program. NBDT will join the Nordhoff Dancers to perform the can-can during “Madeline,” a section of “Almost A Waltz, an exciting Fosse style jazz work and a modern work about the challenges of immigration.

Tickets for the concerts are available and can be purchased online at www.nhsdance.com or at the box office one hour before the event. For questions, contact Robyn Halverson at 640-4343 x 1861.

-Article written by Kim Hoj

Backstage with NBDT

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:05:23 -0800

Featured Profile: Teresa Mitchell

Photo by Scott Mitchell

Teresa’s love and excitement for dance has followed her throughout her entire life, shaping and molding her into an extremely powerful and passionate dancer. Today she continues to share her gifts not only on stage but within our educational outreach programs as well! Teresa has been performing and teaching with the Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre since 2008. She also graduated from California State University, Fullerton with B.A. degrees in both Dance and American Studies in 2007. Let’s find out more about this very versatile dancer.

Photo by Javier Armijo

How and why did you get into dance? Did you always want to be a modern dancer?

I started dancing at age 3; I couldn't help but dance! My sister would get embarrassed just going to the grocery store with me, because I would chaîné down the cereal aisle or leap down the frozen food section. I loved to dance, but as a kid I never had a strong desire to perform, it wasn’t until high school that the performance bug got to me. I danced throughout high school performing at assemblies, rallies, concerts, football games, etc., but I never thought I would really dance after high school. A friend encouraged me to peruse dance as a major in college so I decided to attend CSUF. My placement assessment was terrifying… it consisted of ballet and modern…NO JAZZ! I started crying, I was just about to leave and change my major when Debra Noble, a teacher at CSUF, convinced me to stay and tough it out. Four and ½ years later I graduated but didn’t realize until after I had graduated that I really always wanted to be a modern dancer.

Body of Water 2 / Photo by Javier Armijo

How long have you danced with NBDT and how did you come to dance with us?

I started dancing with the company in October of 2008. I started dancing with them by responding to a Craig’s List ad looking for after school dance teachers. Nannette asked me to come audition for the job by taking class with the company. Of course I was again…terrified. I hadn’t taken class in almost a year and let alone with a professional dance company. I must have okay, because Erica, our rehearsal director, told me I could come back to take class any time I’d like. I jumped on the chance to dance again! I was back the next Monday and Thursday, after about a week and ½ they needed a dancer to dance in a kids show and I officially had my first performance with NBDT.

Who has been your biggest inspiration or greatest influence in choosing to have a dance career?

Debra Noble and Robin Kish. Both of these women have been amazing inspirations to me when it comes to dancing and both were some of the first modern dance teachers I had at CSUF. Debra is beautiful and graceful and never let me give up on myself even when I have had to face hard truths. Robin is amazingly strong and gave me a chance when others would not. Being able to continue to dance however is only possible because of my husband Scott. He is an amazing photographer and is supportive of everything we do!

Teresa performing in Body of Water 1 / Photo by Javier Armijo

What do you find is the biggest challenge and/or biggest reward in having a dance career be part of your life?

Challenge: Time! There is never enough time to dance, cross train with Yoga/Pilates, perform, promote events, etc. I would love to have more time to devote to dancing. Reward: Performing! I love being on stage and the thrill of showing the audience all you got! There’s nothing like the butterflies you get in your stomach right before the curtain opens.

What is your favorite NBDT piece to perform and why?

Body of Water I – This is the first piece I got to have an original role. Nannette began crafting this piece four months after I joined and this was the first time, in a professional company, I got to be there for the creation for a piece. It was extremely exciting!

Teresa dancing with NBDT at Megan's Wedding

What is your favorite NBDT memory?

It’s hard to think of just one! I love all the traveling I have done with NBDT, but I think my favorite memories may just be the simple friendships that I have made while dancing with these amazing dancers. Going to baby showers, wedding showers, eating birthday cake, and performing at three weddings in the last two years. Yeah, those are some of my favorite memories.

What do you look forward to in the coming season?

Ojai! Everyone in Ojai always makes us feel so welcome and appreciated. There is nothing like performing for an audience that is as excited to see you as you are to perform for them.

March was a whirlwind month...

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:24:04 -0800

NBDT's Performance with the Long Beach Opera

"...The choreographic aspects, often reminiscent of the sorts of figurations seen on Egyptian monuments, were superbly executed by Nannette Brodie and the Nannette Brodie Dance Theater..." - David Gregson, Opera West

NBDT Performing in Long Beach Opera's 'Akhnaten'

On March 19th and 27th, we performed in Philip Glass' "Akhnaten" with the Long Beach Opera! It was such an incredible experience, not only did we get the experience of performing with an opera company; we also got to perform with a live orchestra! We also received great reviews in multiple papers and blogs; it was such an exciting experience.

The Terrace Theater was beautiful and we felt very fortunate to perform at such an amazing and huge venue! We definitely enjoyed our experience with the Long Beach Opera and hope to have another opportunity to work with them again!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and the Long Beach staff for being supportive and helpful during this experience!

NBDT's Teaching Tour to Ojai

Ojai, CA

Nannette and NBDT members Teresa, Alicia, and Erica had the privilege of teaching for NBDT's annual residency in Ojai, CA the week of Wednesday, March 30th thru Friday, April 1st. Dance Director, Kim Hoj, of Nordhoff High School, is the organizer and master planner. Every year we are brought out to Ojai with fundraising money that is raised by Kim, her committee of parents, the Rotary Club of Ojai, and other Ojai businesses. The community makes in-kind donations; the Oaks Spa in town donates rooms and meals in return for teaching dance/performing for their guests as well.

Nannette helping a student stretch.

This year Nannette was a bit busier in Ojai as she was commissioned by Nordhoff High School to set three dance pieces on the ensemble students. These pieces, "Misadventures of Madeline," 'Sygnex 2" and a third section of "Almost a Waltz" were all set on the Nordhoff dance students and will be performed in their spring dance concert. NBDT and Nordhoff students will share the stage in "Misadventures of Madeline" and "Almost a Waltz.” Nannette has been up to Ojai on three separate trips in the last few months carefully choreographing and setting these pieces keeping in mind that NBDT will be placed in these works for the May 14 & 15 concert at Matilija Auditorium located in the center of Ojai.

Alicia teaching class.

Nannette was the first to arrive to the Nordhoff residency on Wednesday to clean and review all of the dance pieces. Teresa and Alicia joined her late Wednesday night and began teaching on Thursday.

On Thursday morning, Teresa taught creative movement to the first/second grade elementary students at Topa Topa and Alicia taught the first/kindergarten students. That afternoon included a Modern Level 1 Master Class for the high school students as well as the community of Ojai at Nordhoff High School. After the Level 1 class, Erica taught a Modern Level 2 that was open to all.

Nordhoff High School's dance program has been doing a great job including the community and creating a yearly dance concert. They are truly developing into well rounded dancers. Thanks to Kim Hoj and other incredible people, the dance students of Nordhoff have the opportunity to study with many professionals and participate in many out of town dance festivals.

Nannette getting ready to teach

After a full day of teaching, NBDT returned to the Oaks Spa to present an informal lecture demonstration on how choreography is developed. Erica, Teresa and Alicia's improv skills were put to the test and Nannette kept the audience’s attention with simple and fun explanations on the choreographic process. NBDT also demonstrated sections from "Tango Pointe" and "Body 2". The audience was entertained and educated and they had the opportunity to participate in their chairs in a small improve as well. The guests greatly appreciated all of the insight and asked many questions regarding our work.

Erica strolling through town

The next day, Nannette and Erica taught a "dancers stretch" class for the guests of the Oaks Spa and were also asked to stay and help team teach a second 'Mind-Body" class along with Nancy, an instructor at the Oaks Spa. The guests were thrilled to point their toes and partake in a dancers’ work-out. Erica and Nannette then had a chance to relax and enjoy the Spa's amenities after a healthy lunch. It was a beautiful and sunny day, Nannette hit the pool and joined in on a water aerobics class and Erica took a small nap in her room. They later had a chance to stroll thru town, eat frozen yogurt, purchase agave and other yummy products at the health food market and brainstorm ideas for the upcoming performance in May.

Beautiful studio at Thacher

The last class of our trip took place at Thacher Private School in the hills of Ojai. Galia, who is the director of dance at Thacher, had heard we were coming up and wanted us to teach her advanced students a Modern Master Class. Nannette and Erica taught together in the school’s beautiful studio overlooking the mountains of Ojai. Thacher dance students rocked! Galia also asked Nannette and Erica to watch her students perform their latest work and to give her feedback. We walked over to their state of the art Performing Arts Center where we could see the lovely formations, spacing and groupings of her work.

After sharing thoughts and ideas, Nannette and Erica were gratefully thanked and presented with the opportunity for all of NBDT to come back in November 2011 to set a work and perform at Thacher! We are very excited!

Nannette and Erica with the Thacher Dance Students

As members of NBDT, we look forward to our Ojai trip, not just for the slow paced beauty of the town, but the artistic aroma everywhere you go. The people of Ojai are so welcoming and supportive of the arts. They bind as a community and produce many art festivals and events and they always treat us like rock stars. We will be performing at Matilija Auditorium in Ojai May 14, 7pm and May 15, 2pm.
We cannot wait for our trip and another wonderful weekend in Ojai!