Dreaming in Rhythm
John Kloss shared his amazing tapping talent with the audience as a guest performer this past Saturday during Bright Lights Big Dreams, Bay Area Youth Talent Search. John was thrilled to be involved with the event as he works with his own non-proft organization Stepology working to “enhance the understanding and appreciation of tap”.
John is also working on another big project that you can help with. Dreaming in Rhythm is a an “all or nothing” campaign fundraiser through USA Projects. The goal is to raise $12,199 by March 3 to “cover bare-bones expenses for artist/creator/performers, sets/supplies, lighting/audio equipment, and costumes.” Dreaming in Rhythm premieres August 17, 2013 in San Francisco at the Marines’ Memorial Theatre in conjunction with the annual Bay Area Tap Festival. Visit the site to donate now.
Here is a video with John explaining the event himself. 
Reality shows aren’t all bad! (Warning – Scary Images)
I have been excited for a show called Halloween Wars on Food Network, where a cake designer, sculptor, and sugar artist team up to compete for a $50,000 prize. I will admit that my interest is heightened by the fact that an old high school friend of mine and amazing sculpture artist, Andy Bergholtz, is in the competition and is getting to show his very awesome talent on a national stage!
In my opinion, I think these reality shows are amazing advocacy tools. The artists featured in them are often struggling to receive recognition for their amazing talents, and showing them competing together is true entertainment! With the proliferation of singing competitions, dancing competitions, and even the megahit sitcom like Glee, the Arts are finally in a position of mass appeal equal to or possibly surpassing dating and physical competition shows, a real triumph!
If you haven’t already checked out the shows below, make an effort to set your DVR or even try to grab episodes from the internet. More than likely you’ve heard of a few of them, but perhaps some will be a new and welcomed discovery.
Music
American Idol on Fox
The Voice on NBC
Sing Off on NBC
Theatre
Hot Set on SyFy
Face Off on SyFy
Visual Arts
Project Runway on Lifetime
Halloween Wars on Food Network
Fashion Star on NBC
Dance
Dancing with the Stars on ABC
So You Think You Can Dance on Fox
Preparing Kids for Live Arts Events
When I was in 6th grade, my school took a field trip to the Center for Performing Arts in downtown San Jose to see a performance. I remember feeling like this was the first time I had truly been given the responsibility of being a respectful audience member; I was expected to know better than to talk or eat or put my feet up on the chair in front of me during a performance. And something as simple as knowing when to clap went a long way. I was in a row full of middle school kids, so if you clapped when nobody else in the audience was clapping, it brought on a chorus of laughter at your expense. Luckily, my parents had been taking me to theater productions, concerts, The Nutcracker, and other live events for years. I knew what to expect and what was expected of me and that made me feel proud.
Live arts events can be a really positive experience for kids. When a child knows how to behave and what to expect it takes away the child’s anxiety about trying something new and let’s them soak up the culture in a carefree and exciting way; it makes the experience more enjoyable for the child, the parent, and the stranger sitting next to them who paid $100 for his seat and doesn’t want to be distracted by a texting 12 year old.
If you’re nervous about taking your child to their first live arts event, The Kennedy Center has put together some great tips on what to do before, during, and after the event that will make it a well-rounded, enriching experience.
Advice for First-Time Theater Goers
A Parents’ Field Guide to Museums
A Parents’ Field Guide to the Ballet
A Parents’ Field Guide to the Symphony
Dance for Musical Theatre
Who would ever think that dancing on a sheet of newspaper could actually prove to be difficult? That’s what the students in the Dance for Musical Theatre class found out. They were working on techniques and styles from famous Broadway hits like Newsies (hence the newspaper).
Most of these students were taking this class this past week to prepare for the start of Musical Theatre Summer Camp – Footloose starting on June 18. There is still time to register!! Click here to be taken to the information page where you will also find a link to enrollment.
Enjoy a few more pictures below of the dancers at work.
Grad Gift Ideas for Arts Majors
With many 2012 grads throwing up their caps in celebration of the end of highschool, many family and friends want to celebrate and honor their grad with gift giving. Incoming arts majors are often required to purchase many unusual supplies for their classes that can be given as very creative and useful gifts by their loved ones. Here is a list of possible gifts to give to graduating loved ones. Click on the links to explore product ideas.
MUSIC:
- Keyboard/digital piano
- Recording device
- iTunes gift card to purchase apps or music
- Gift certificate to online sheet music website
- Personalized tote bag for sheet music books and instrument supplies
- Engraved drumsticks, a new guitar pick, rosin, or new reeds depending on instrument needs
THEATRE:
- Stage makeup kit: (Professors usually suggest a certain brand.)
- Audition outfit:
- Girls: Wrap dress (long sleeve, knee length) or other timeless style to portray any kind of character.
- Guys: button up shirt and pants in classic colors.
- Headshot photo package- Hint: Renee Rocket photography has some great packages.
- Monologues for Young Actors and/or Shakespeare’s First Folio to use for auditions
- Netflix Instant Watch: To view The Seagull by Anton Chekhov or other classic plays
VISUAL ART:
- Art supply tackle box: Like an Art Bin
- Portfolio with a carrying strap and pockets.
- Media: pencil and/or charcoal set
- Art papers: sketch books, watercolor pads, tracing paper, Bristol board pad
- Tote or bag to carry art supplies
DANCE:
Articles 