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Divine Rhythm News >
Divine Rhythm News
Divine Rhythm News
Sep 14, 2008
IN THIS ISSUE:
*DRP ARTISTS*
-PRESS RELEASE: "The Wonder Kids" at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival featuring: Dick Van Dyke, Savion Glover, Jason Samuels Smith, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Dianne Walker, & Derick Grant!
- Jazz Tap Live at the Joyce with Jason Samuels Smith & Chloe Arnold!
- HARLEM TAP CLASSES BACK IN SESSION and OPEN FLOOR OPEN MIC NIGHT AT CAMARADAS
*EAST COAST*
-The Prof. Ardie Bryant Tap Experience - New York City, November 7-9, 2008
-A Message from Brian “Footwork” Green: OCTOBER 2- HOUSE DANCE CONFERENCE!
*MIDWEST*
-See World-Wide Events
*WEST COAST*
-See World-Wide Events
*WORLD-WIDE*
-Book signing for 'Hip Hop had a Dream: The Artful Movement - Vol. 1
-OPPORTUNITY: Auditions for “America's Best Dance Crew”
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*DRP ARTISTS *
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS
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PRESS RELEASE:
"Legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke makes a rare appearance in New York City to promote his latest documentary, "The Wonder Kids" screening as part of The New York International Independent Film & Video Festival "
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"Remarkable" - Army Archerd (Variety)
New York NY [September 9, 2008 ]-- The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival is very pleased to announce that legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke will make a special appearance at the "The Wonder Kids" East Coast Premiere, which will be held on Friday September 19th at 8pm at Village East cinema (181 2nd Ave. and 12th Street). Mr. Van Dyke narrated the documentary which scooped the prestigious Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the NYIIFVF in LA. The legendary performer is expected to be joined in a pre-show dance with Savion Glover, and an All-Star cast of dancers featured in the film.
Written, produced and directed by Jim Petersen and Pamela J. Richardson, "The Wonder Kids" is the inspiring story of a tiny dance studio that set out to save the art-form of tap-dancing, and not only produced many of the world's greatest dancers, but saved the lives of thousands of inner-city kids in the process.
Dick Van Dyke, who will be making a rare New York appearance to promote the new film, will also appear that same day as a guest on the hit TV talk show "The View," where he will be discussing the story of "The Wonder Kids," his experience making it, as well as various clips from the film.
NYIIFVF Founder/Executive Stuart Alson commented, "We are absolutely thrilled and honored that Dick Van Dyke will be attending our festival. Mr. Van Dyke did an amazing job in terms of hosting "The Wonder Kids" and in lending his support to promote the film on both coasts. Alson went on to say "I am also very impressed with filmmakers Jim Petersen and Pamela Richardson. Their creativity, passion and ability to craft a very compelling story has resulted in a brilliant docmentary."
Not only were the filmmakers fortunate enough to have a true American icon tell their story, they got great help from the charismatic presence of Savion Glover - the man universally hailed as the greatest tap dancer in the world today. "When you're making a movie about tap-dancing, it definitely helps to have the world's greatest tap dancer in it," laughs Petersen. Savion, who grew up very close to the founders of the school, who were among his teachers, displays a powerful and memorable depth. He is joined in this regard by a who's-who group of the world's greatest dancers, including Dianne Walker, Jason Samuels Smith, Dormeshia Sumbry Edwards, and Derick Grant. But there would be another presence in the film, which would end up taking on perhaps a greater significance than even these.
Because they were the original inspiration for the founders of the school, a portion of "The Wonder Kids" pays homage to the Nicholas Brothers - the legendary tap duo who most dance insiders consider the greatest tap dancers of all-time. In essence, it was the Nicholas Brothers who were the first "Wonder Kids," and Paul and Arlene Kennedy (the school's main teachers) taught their style and later in life, befriended their idols. As a consequence, Petersen and Richardson were in awe as they sat down next to Fayard Nicholas to interview him about dancing and about this special little school.
"For Pamela and I, it truly felt like we were sitting down next to Babe Ruth to talk about baseball," says Petersen "it was an amazing honor to be there." Although he was 91 at the time, they still saw all the fire and passion in Fayard's eyes that had propelled him up walls and into spectacular (and painful to watch) splits. The old master used his interview to plug the dance he loved so devoutly. But it would be his last. Shortly after they met with him he died, deeply saddening "The Wonder Kids" film crew. But Fayards words, his final message -- they were now captured for future audiences to see.
The film only came about when Petersen and his wife were looking for a new dance school for their nine-year old daughter, who was advancing too fast for the one she was in. They saw an incredible performance of the "Wonder Kids" at the John Ford Theater in Hollywood, but because the school has no budget for advertising, it took quite a while before they could actually find the place. When they did, Petersen (who was a screenwriter), was immediately struck by the cinematic potential of these incredible young dancers. He soon became fascinated by the rich history and legacy of the tiny, run-down looking school. "But the thing that convinced me and then my partner Pamela that there was a film here, was the behavior of the kids themselves. We could have called it 'The Wonderful Kids.' Here were foster kids, kids from bombed out, gang-infested areas - teenagers who could have been real thugs--but instead they were the politest, most respectful, nicest
bunch of kids you could ever meet. We thought - wow - what's the story here? How's this happening? And then we learned that this school was turning gang-bangers into professional performers and straight A students. They were providing these children with the love, the discipline, and a pride in themselves that no one else was."
"And then we got Dick Van Dyke - a universally loved icon to tell the story - and that was a dream come true. Who doesn't love Dick Van Dyke?" Petersen asks rhetorically. Judging from the reaction people like Army Archerd have had to this true underdog of a film -- evidently not many. Does such a universally positive reception surprise the filmmakers?
"It does and it doesn't," replies Petersen. "It's quite an unpretentious film - and a very UN-contemporary Hollywood film. No violence, no sex--it's as G rated as 'Bambi.' But you've got Kids, Dancing, Dick Van Dyke, a powerful story about REAL love... There's a lot to love in this film."
Tickets are $12 in advance (www.nyfilmvideo.com) and $15 at the door. For all press requests and an invitation to the screening, please contact Briege McGarrity at 917 783-4042, or email her at BMcGarrityPR@aol.com. For further information about "The Wonder Kids," contact Brass Ring Productions at 323 559-1882 or 323 667-2922.
About the filmmakers: Although "The Wonder Kids" is his first venture into directing and his first completed film, Co-Producer and Co-Director Jim Petersen is a screenwriter who has sold and worked on several independent and studio films. He is about to begin work on adapting the best selling book "A Private Family Matter" by Victor Rivas Rivers, into a screenplay, and is just finishing up his first novel - a political satire called "The Lesser Evil." Co-Producer and Co-Director Pamela J. Richardson is an award winning screenwriter who has since Produced and Directed a new feature documentary called "Gold Diggers: The Motherlode," which she recently took to the Cannes Film Festival. Ms. Richardson has also worked as a producer and/or production manager for many music videos involving a wide range of artists, including Montel Jordan, Freddie Jackson, Dr. Drea, and Eminem. She also wrote the PBS docu-drama "Aids: A Family in Crisis," and received an
American Film Institute screenwriting award for her screenplay "Thicker Than Water."
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Jazz Tap Live at the Joyce with Jason Samuels Smith & Chloe Arnold!
Exclusive Engagement September 16-21, 2008
Jazz Tap Ensemble TAP ROOTS
Lynn Dally - Artistic Director
A full evening concert honoring tap heroes Bill Bojangles Robinson, John Bubbles, Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, the Nicholas Brothers, Ann Miller, and Gene Kelly and featuring contemporary works by Gregory Hines, Jimmy Slyde, and the word premiere of Lynn Dally's Bahia Dreams, commissioned by the Joyce for its 25th Anniversary season.
dancers: Sam Weber, Jason Samuels Smith, Chloe Arnold, Phillip Attmore, Maya Guice, Ananda Bena-Weber.
musicians: Doug Walter, piano David Dunaway, bass
Jerry Kalaf, drums Todd Anderson, saxophone
Leslie Lewis, vocals
www.jazztapensemble.org
September 16-21, 2008
TUE-WED 7:30 PM
THU-FRI 8PM
SAT 2PM & 8 PM
SUN 2PM & 7:30 PM
The Joyce Theater
1175 8th Avenue at 19th Street
Joyce Charge 212-242-0800
www.joyce.org
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HARLEM TAP CLASSES BACK IN SESSION and OPEN FLOOR OPEN MIC NIGHT AT CAMARADAS:
September 29th 2008
Weekly class schedule:
Mondays 5:30-7pm Intermediate-Advanced Level with Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards
NEW: Request a class...is there a day and a time that works for you? Let us know and if there is enough interest, we will add a class!
Send requests to: dormeshiase@gmail.com
ONLY $15 per class!!!
Harlem Tap Studio
401 W. 149th bet Convent and St. Nicholas Avenue
212-780-2139
www.harlemtap.com
(A train to 145th)
Also, come and have some fun and eat yummy food up at CAMARADAS for
OPEN FLOOR OPEN MIC NIGHT
with Live Jazz Musicians
DANCERS, POETS, MUSICIANS, COMEDIANS...share the floor and the good times...
Hosted By Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards
Only $7 cover!!!
CAMARADAS
Between 115th -116th street and 1st avenue
www.camaradaselbarrio.com
Doors open at 8pm
Session from 8:30pm-11pm
Kitchen open late!!!
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*EAST COAST *
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS
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The upcoming workshop in the 'Tradition In Tap - Series' will be dedicated to the work of Legendary Be-Bop Tap Master, 'The Ambassador of Tap', Prof. Ardie Bryant.
The workshop is scheduled to take place in New York City on the weekend of November 7-9, 2008.
This workshop will feature original choreography taught by the master himself, and Honorary Master Classes by leading tap artists.
The workshop will take place at Nola Studios in midtown Manhattan.
The Participants Showcase will take place on Saturday November 8, at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center. See the website for guidelines and application form.
The workshop includes:
- Three days of intensive tap experience.
- Original Choreography taught by the 'Master' himself.
- Honorary Master Classes by leading tap artists.
- Participants Showcase.
- Tradition In Tap - Award Presentation.
- Tap History Talks.
- Video Presentation.
- Tap Technique.
- Related Events
- 'Dance Teacher Recognizes' certificate (For Teachers Only).
The workshop consists of 4 different programs:
- Two separate adult programs for intermediate, advanced and professional levels (Adults, Teens 16+).
- Teens program for tappers ages 12-16, with at least 5 years of extensive tap training.
- Youth program for tappers age 10-12, exposing them to the genius of the masters.
Tradition In Tap is proud to announce an expanded scholarship program, so that more aspiring tap dancers may attend The Prof. Ardie Bryant Tap Experience.
Scholarships are made possible by funds granted by private donors through the 'Sponsor A Tap Dancer' program & The Tradition In Tap - Advisory Committee. Please refer to the web site for more information and an application form.
If you are interested in becoming a personal sponsor to a tap dancer in need, join our 'Sponsor A Tap Dancer' program and provide additional dancers with the partial or full tuition for the workshop.
Extensive information is now available on the web site: www.TraditionInTap.org
The workshop's poster will be sent out in few days - please be sure to update us with your current mailing address.
Space is limited - register early!
Special group rates available – call for details.
-----------------------------------------------------------------Prof. Ardie Bryant - Bio:
Prof. Bryant, known worldwide as the "Innovator of Modern Jazz Tap" and the "Ambassador of Tap" is a master jazz tap percussionist, tap preservationist, historian, director, composer, arranger, actor, choreographer and musician with seven decades of professional experience.
He has toured the world as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Department of Defense, and the sounds of his percussive feet and his dance memories are preserved as part of the Jazz Oral History Program in the Archives Center of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.
In his teens, he was influenced by the music of modern jazz giants Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gilliespie, and is credited with developing a new style of tap he named Modern Jazz Tap.
Ardie is also a university professor who not only teaches tap, but also educates students about the importance and history of tap and jazz tap as an American art form.
In July 2006 Ardie received the prestigious "Los Angeles Cultural Treasure Award" from the City of Los Angeles.
Prof. Bryant co-starred and performed with: Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Cab Calloway, Joe Louis, Kate Smith, Fred Allen, Ruth Brown, The Los Angeles Master Chorale, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, Erroll Garner, Charles Mingus, Art Tatum, Lester Young, Billy May and Illinois Jacquet. He appeared at: The Palace Theater, The Paramount Theater, The Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, The Calgary Stampede and The Walt Disney Concert Hall.
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Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or comments you might have.
My e-mail address for this workshop is: ProfArdieBryant@TraditionInTap.org
or call me directly at: 646-383-4949
Thanks and Shalom,
Ofer Ben - Executive Director
Tradition In Tap, Inc.
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Tradition In Tap, Inc.
www.TraditionInTap.org
Postal Address: P.O.Box 1050
New York City, NY 10276, USA
Phone: (646) 383-4949
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GOD BLESS ALL!!
In thought of so many OGs getting up in age and physically not doing well. We have a great LEGENDARY HOUSE DJ CAMACHO, who has been dealing with diabetes for many years. He has now suffered a 3rd stroke, and needs help. We are taking donations at the door of the HDC for the next three months to help him and his family in this trying time.
Info below:
EVENT: HOUSE DANCE CHRISTIANS ( conference)
DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2008
DJs: Pfunk & Qu; House and House Classics
DOC for the BREAKS ( mostly played b4 the contest), Hip-hop, Classics $ more..
CONTEST: WAACKING/VOGUEING
PRIZE: $500
JUDGES: Archie Burnett ( Breed of Motion), Caesar Lamour ( House of Ninja since 1986), & Tyrone Proctor (Soul train dancer since 1972)
TIME: 12:30am
ADDRESS: 27 Park Place between Broadway and Chambers
DOOR: 10pm-4am
INVESTMENT: 15 with flyer and $20 without
www.myspace.com/housedanceconference (popular event for all dance styles)
www.housedanceconference (home website of the event for basic info!! Site changing soon!)
www.23prime.com/worldsoul for bookings
www.eliteforcecrew.com. for bookings
www.kr3ts.com. for booking
www.23prime.com. ( CPD PLUS) for bookings
www.style2ouf.com ( french dance website for the world of urban dance)
www.juste-debout.com ( french dance website for the world of urban dance)
www.mrwiggleshiphop.net ( U.S. website for history of Funk,Hip-hop, and urban related dance styles)
www.housedancer.com (U.S. website focusing on House culture)
www.freetylesession.com (U.S. website/event focusing on Hip-hop and Funk styles culture)
www.bboysummit ( U.S. website/event focusing on Hip-hop and Funk styles culture)
www.KR3ts (U.S. website/event/children foundation for kids in the Barrio!!)
www.dance-unity.com ( Funkstyles in Germany website).
www.breaklife.com (bboy website of Ken swift and 7 gems, and more.).
www.cypherstyles.com
www.themovementfoundation.com ( House/Hip-hop dance and information website!!)
T-SHIRTS and clothes to help children in NIGER through the MAMATCHI organization will be sold at the HDC!! PLEASE DONT FORGET TO SUPPORT!! ALL MONEY GOES TO THEM!!
HDC!! CONSTANTLY BRINGING YOU THE TRUTH IN ALL DANCE STYLES!! WITH TRUE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE!! NO SPONSORS!! STILL PAYING THE PEOPLE!! WITH JUDGES THAT KNOW THEIR STYLES!! TRYING TO MAKE PEOPLE LEARN THAT YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN HOLLYWOOD!! STOP COMPLAINING and SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRIES/EVENTS THAT GIVE YOU WHAT YOU DONT WANT!! MAKE YOUR OWN THANG and SUPPORT THOSE THAT ARE DOING IT BEFORE YOU DO!! THIS WILL HELP BRING FORTH WHAT YOU WANT and WE CAN ALL BENEFIT THE RIGHT WAY!! SEE ALL THERE!!
GOD BLESS ALL and KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS DAY and NIGHT,
Brian
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*MIDWEST *
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS
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-See WORLD-WIDE EVENTS
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*WEST COAST *
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS
-----------------------------------------------------
-See WORLD-WIDE EVENTS
=================================
*WORLD-WIDE *
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS
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'Hip Hop had a Dream: The Artful Movement - Vol. 1' is the book due for release by the end of September. Lil D will be doing book signings around the UK between 'Black History Month of October, and through to the New Year, to launch the book and other projects that is aimed for the future. This will be confirmed very soon.
The first book signing in October is looking to take place on Friday 17th October @ 3pm at the
Central Library West Bromwich
High Street
West Bromwich, West Midlands
United Kingdom
B70 8DZ
01215694911 / information.service@sandwell.gov.uk
Or email me directly at d_morgan@hotmail.co.uk or call 078943898162
Luckily for any West Midlands people it is very close to home.
More is to be confirmed on other days and times for book signings in your areas.
Damien Morgan AKA Lil D
Dynamexx Enterprise
07943898162
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OPPORTUNITY:
Hi there,
I'm Carrie Foster, a Talent Producer for Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew and thought you or someone you know might be interested in auditioning for our show.
Dance Crew Casting will be on the road again soon in search of the hottest crews in America! We are looking for Dynamic Crews in ALL Styles! Yes, we said ALL Styles!
Auditions are happening in Atlanta, St. Louis, New York, and Los Angeles - starting in October 2008.
Check out the attached flyer and visit our myspace page for more info. Please feel free to pass on or post this flyer to your local area crews.
If there is a unique crew that you think we should check out, send us your recommendations and we will give them a look!
Thanks and talk soon!
Carrie Foster
Talent Producer
America's Best Dance Crew - Season 3
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thecrew@mtvnmix.com
877-833-CREW (Call NOW to book an audition appointment!)
myspace.com/dancecrewcasting
dancecrew.mtv.com
================================= www.divinerhythmproductions.com EMPOWER YOUR SOLE!
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