Dancing Last Night...Strangest and Stranger and Not-So-Strange Lead Dancers
Christina and I went salsa dancing last night, I for the first time in this locale, and she drove.
The first half hour to hour was a basic--> (leading into) an intermediate dance lesson. My partner, whose name I have blocked from my memory, was the strangest lead I met that night. He wanted to improvise, and when push came to shove, he refused to follow the directions of the teachers. "Why don't we just do the basic step?" I gently encouraged, when he would start wildly jerking his hips in time not to the music playing over the speakers (there was a great DJ). He then stared, smiling at the floor adjacent to our feet. Truly an ODDfellow. [Strangest of the evening---no, of the month---...awardee.] I was relieved to find him not present to dance with less vocal follows after the lesson.
I met Christina's friends Sean and Todd, and danced with each of them and with Harold and with Dave [who stated that he had run the marathon last Sunday under 4'50".] I also met and complimented the dancing of Kathy by the water vessels, and then later danced with Steven, who skateboards. I sat down for a moment with Christina and Sean, and one of Sean's acquaintances, who fluffed Christina's hair, and invaded our table. After I got him to stop calling my friend by a generic moniker, he invited Sean out to Primanti's with Cathy and himself. ...Kathy then showed up at the table, inviting to Primanti's. [Oh, That Kathy,]
These incidents were somewhat typical of Pittsburgh:
~ The desire to go to Primanti Brothers for sandwiches after a late night out dancing
~ Everybody knows each other
~ Experienced leads are generally friendly and willing to dance with newbie or intermediate dancers
~ One can [and probably will] meet the gamut of dancers.
~~~~~~
Yesterday, I was also glad to work on my first list for travel, as well as to check off those packed items.
~~~~~~
A nice piece for les exercises de ronde de jambes is Chopin's Waltz No. 7 in C# minor.
Labels: dance, dancing
The Jazz Nutcracker
Maureen and I attended the Jazz Nutcracker last night. It was presented by the Point Park University Conservatory Dance Company at the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Duke Ellington in the 1950's composed a jazz rendition of "The Nutcracker Suite," including "The Magical Chinaman," "The Flapper and Dude," "The Arabesque Cookies" (after the Arabian Dancers), and "The Sugar Rum Fairy," all danced by the vaudevillan guests at Clara's theatrical family. Another recognizable Tchaikovsky cum jazz riff included "The Cabaret Awakens" at the beginning of Act II. The "It Don't Mean a Thing Swing" was a pure joyful jazz number right after the "Floreador Finale," followed by Clara's journey home.
The music was spectacular, the numbers beautifully crafted by Doug Bentz, a friend of Maureen's, and the dancers talented and appropriately in character, setting the mood and tone of each scene. The part of Clara last night was danced by Ashley Zimmerman, a ballet major who got the part over other students with less classical, more jazzier training. Bravi!
This rendition of the Nutcracker made me realize that this story is basically about two parents that hold a party, invite all their friends, and invite "Uncle" Drosselmeyer, who is an expert hypnotist, to the party. He hypnotizes the party, save sixteen-year-old Clara, whom he dances with, and to whom he gives a Nutcracker. The Uncle then encourages Clara to partner-dance with the now-life-sized wooden doll, and they go to a nightclub/cabaret to see recreations of the vaudeville acts of the party guests. The depiction of the Uncle was appropriately eerie at times, and only added to the overall effect.
~~~~~
Afterwards, Maureen and I went to Eat N Park for a burger and liver and onions.
Labels: dance, Pittsburgh, Tchaikovsky, theater
Beatrice's Dance Class
After lunch and before picking up Mom's medicine in Shadyside Dad, Mom, and I joined William's family (upon an invitationn from Marissa) at Beatrice's dance class. As per usual, she was absent for the photo (taken usually around Thanksgiving), but she is a good imitator and her teacher, her assistant, and the accompanist are all greatly talented at engaging all of the students. Beatrice's mirror dance partner was Sonora. They have learned the two first ballet positions, chassee moves, and basics of modern dance.
We all went to Vanilla for cupcakes afterwards. Our selections ranged from Fudge Chocolate, Chocolate Buttercream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, to Cinnamon Scone and Pistachio Almond Nougat!! Solomon finally got his wish for a red cupcake like Beatrice's. I swung around to pick up Mom and Dad after our cupcake interlude.
Labels: Beatrice, Calorie, chocolate, dance, dining, family
Swing Dancing, September 2010
Maureen and I met up with Christina, Regina, and John at swing dancing tonight. Kevin joined us all later in the evening. Five Guys Named Moe (I counted four guys...) played tonight. I saw and danced with some of my dance friends who are now considered regulars: Philip, Ralph, and Andrew. I scared some unsuspecting guy away who was asking, "Can I dance with you?" by answering, "With one caveat...I have fake hips." (The next thing I knew, he was running away from me.)
I just enjoyed some cantaloupe, pasta salad, and chicken soup before writing this post. Time to turn into a pumpkin....
Labels: BAD, dance, dancing, dine, Faith, music, sleep
Susan's Flamenco and the Shadyside Arts Festival
Charles, Robin, Charles' parents and their friends Susan and Peter, and I watched Susan's Uptown Festival performance of Flamenco. Carolina and BJ, their students, and the guitarists were nothing short of wonderful. There was a visiting guitarist from Buffalo, NY. Lunch was fun to eat, delicious, and filling.
Afterwards I went home, had lunch, then joined Karina and Maureen for an evening jaunt to the Shadyside Arts Fest. We had great fun.
Labels: art, dance, friends, international culture, music, Wellesley
Othello
I went to see Othello with the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial. Absolutely Powerful, riveting, and produced and performed with a sense of the historical place of the play in theatrical history. Natalie had recommended that I see it, and I noted that she was the dialect coach for this production.
Andrew S. Paul's director's notes make a point: It turns out that there has been a spate of productions of this piece since the election of Pres. Obama. One production even set the play in the present, and "switched" the casting of Othello and Desdemonda's father (the Duke of Venice)---with her father portrayed by an actor who is a look-alike for Mr. Obama.
The play was viewed by about 43 others and myself during a Tuesday morning production for school groups. The group today was from, I believe, Mt. Lebanon.
Javon Johnson portrayed Othello, with Desdemona portrayed by Allison McLemore. The complex character of Emilia was portrayed by Shelley Delaney.
Iago was portrayed exceedingly well by Michael Hanrahan, presenting a valid reason for folks "not to lie, not to tell untruths."
~~~
14.40 Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Folk Dancing, May 2010
I went folk dancing yesterday evening in my neighborhood. We danced a number of Hungarian dances, Israeli, Turkish, Kurdish, Zemer Atik (Israeli), Black Nag (English Country dance), and other dances. It was great fun. We also enjoyed Ellen's blowing out her birthday cake!
I hurried home to watch the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" with Mom. Nicole and Derek won over Evan and Anna. It was fun to watch contestants from the whole season perform, as well.
Labels: biology, Birthday, dance, dancing, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, theater, work
Rainy, Rainy beginning of the week
Monday and Tuesday have been rainy, rainy days. Cool, too (~50-60 Fahrenheit). Monday I ran some errands downtown. I walked from Heinz Hall to near the Kaufmann's Clock to catch a 71A bus home. Tuesday I picked up Mom and Dad from Mom's doctor's appointment. We drove to the hairdressers, where she received a stylish cut. We made an appointment for about six weeks from now. I also went grocery shopping, and ran into Kathy L from the Carnegie. We chatted for a bit.
Then, dinner last night and meet up with Susan at folk dancing to hear the Balkan group play music whilst the folk dancing continued. I danced intermittently from 19.30-22.00.
This morning, I went to the Newman Center to attend study of this Sunday (Pentecost)'s readings. The event is "on vacation" until early June. Karina arrives from the airport, I'll pick her up from the bus stop this afternoon!
~~~
20 May 2010
9.35
So, it was a beautiful afternoon yesterday when I met up with Karina at the bus stop. We loaded her bags into the car, and ensured her safe arrival at home.
Mom and I dined in the Strip District (sans Dad, who had a tummy flu) for dinner, and then I dropped Mom (and our leftovers) off, to pick up Karina for a Young Adult Church event in Shadyside. (We were half an hour late).
We retrieved her car, then walked on Walnut Street in the shopping district, then called Maureen to join us around the time her dance class lets out. She joined us for a stroll, then all three of us ladies went grocery shopping in Shadyside (Late!).
Labels: Bible, Carnegie, dance, dancing, dining, Faith, friends, hair, international culture, library, music, seasons, shopping, transportation, travel, weather
Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada
On Saturday the 8th, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada performed Indayog: Rhythm and Sound at the Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shadyside Academy. In the hallway and foyer there was an art show, and I had a chance to view the original of one of the reproductions at the upper level (from the Abola's private collection).
The program, after opening remarks, consisted of:
I Cordillera, ethnic dances of the Bibak Highlanders
II Maria Clara
III Morolandia, from the Muslim south
~~~Intermission~~~
IV Regional Variation
V Pista sa Nayon, a town fiesta
Finale--Tribute to Michael Jackson
The two suites after the intermission had music provided by the rondalla group. The Pista sa Nayon featured a 12-bamboo-pole dance, the Tinikling. Likewise, the the Morolandia suite featured a TWO-princess, TWO-handmaiden Sinkil dance, along with the sword- and shield-wielding prince.
Considering that the talent was composed largely of amateurs and children, it was a stunning show of Pilipino culture and Pilipino-Canadian talent.
Labels: Canada, celebration, dance, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, singing, talent
Organizing Work Files, Flamenco, and Fiesta Filipina
This morning I awoke late, ran an errand for PAMS, organized my work files, and will have lunch with Mom and Dad, and go to the grocery store. Mid-afternoon Susan will pick me up for some flamenco fun, then this evening I will join Mom and Dad for Fiesta Filipina, a Canadian-based group which presents cultural music, singing, and dance as a benefit concert for the Philippine Nationality Room project.
Labels: cleaning, dance, dancing, dine, international culture, music, organizing, Pilipino culture, PNR, shopping, singing, sleep
And Here Begins My Summer Break 2010
I met with Carole and Meredith at about 12:45 today to take care of administrative tasks for my four laboratory sections. We had a productive meeting. I then spent the next two and a half hours taking care of the paperwork to leave them a copy of our work. I left work after leaving a copy for them.
I walked back home, toting my less-heavy bag with me, and showered and took a nap to about 16.30. I went to Mom and Dad's, visiting, toting stuff from their home, bringing dinner makings from my house (for a lovely Surf N Turf dinner), and emailing my students that I'd posted their grades. Mom and I watched Dancing with the Stars, and I just spoke with Stacey, a colleague who is home grading.
I think I'll turn in early tonight.
Labels: biology, dance, dine, family, meeting, school, sleep, work
Videos from the Library
I borrowed some DVDs from the public library near the end of this week. The first I attempted to watch after dinner, entitled The Children of Theatre Street, is the story of the Kirov Ballet School. I got to the fourth track of the DVD when it froze.
So, I attempted to watch another DVD--Rhythm of the Dance, with the National Dance Company of Ireland (2001, kultur.com). This one skipped only occasionally, but the editing of the piece was choppy. It seems that the choreography should take first billing for the visuals, with the music taking first billing for sound. The sound was fine, but the edits away from the dancers or their feet was not timed/done well.
Labels: Carnegie, cinema, dance, dancing, international culture, library
Snow Ball 2010
After rising early, I spoke for much of the morning with Pratima. We chatted about career issues and compared notes on biology teaching. I had brunch, administratively prepped for classes next week to about mid-afternoon at Mom and Dad's place, and then took a long nap.
I asked an artistic question of the owner of the bead shop on Craig Street, who suggested that to keep my certain look about the carved beads I had purchased at his shop, I coat them with a non-shiny substance such as clear nail polish or [matte] fixative.
I took a shower and readied myself for the Snow Ball. I am the designated driver for Maureen, and we met up with Nancy and Tom C. there. I was pleasantly surprised to see Myrna and Jay there, and I met a number of Nancy's friends, as well, including Mark and his wife Barbara. After I changed into my dancing shoes, we gals had a chance to dance a number of line dances [including the electric slide] and other dances, and
I took a photo of Nancy and Tom C. dancing to Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World."
Throughout the evening we enjoyed the delicious hors d'oeuvres, bar drinks, and white [snow] desserts.
Labels: biology, dance, dancing, dine, jewelry, phone, photos, sleep, teaching
Rockettes December 2009
Mom and I went to the French bakery in Millvale, the bakery in Shadyside, and spoke to a friend about planning family issues. I went to work--the class was on-task and finished early. I'm calling my insurance about what medical appointments I need to make by the end of this calendar year.
~~~
22.30
Mom, Dad, and I just returned from our evening out with ~85 others from Saint Paul Cathedral to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. On the way there, we waited at ~18.00 for the bus with Donna and the two Rosemarys. We were joined by many more people and we retrieved our tickets from Roseann and Pat P. and boarded the second bus. We took a route through downtown past the creche (singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel") and were dropped off by BJ (the choir director for St. Benedict's parish and our bus driver tonight) in front of the Benedum.
The sound was cranked up for the audience, we enjoyed the touring company of the Rockettes, the dances were great, and there were wonderful Christmas story tableaux with live sheep and a camel, and a scrolling Christmas story at the end.
Our bus stopped for ten minutes in front of Macy's windows, and those few of us who braved the newly minted winter weather enjoyed the window dressing.
Mom, Dad, and I walked back home after the bus dropped us off.
I noted that the costumes in the 1970's were more like swimsuits---the Rockettes costumes are more modest now, making it possible for a dancer with hip surgery to dance with them. Also, there are ethnic minority women dancing with them, as well.
Labels: BAD, celebration, Christmas, Church, dance, dolls, friends, Pittsburgh, seasons, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral, theater, transportation
Heaven on Earth: A Second Life
When at a street fair in Philadephia this past month, I overheard someone saying, "And when dancers stop dancing...." referring to the second career of dancers after their oft-times truncated performing life is over. I turned to my friend Sara and said, "There's not a whole lot of us dancers who dance again after stopping. [and, as in explanation:] Now, my new hips let me dance again."
I know that my original acetabular structure should not have allowed me to dance--no, wait, to WALK. But I was able to dance (en pointe), run, hurdle, rockclimb, horseback ride, ski (downhill and nordic), do aikido (including taking high falls), and a multitude of other activities. It's a wonder that I could even walk (and I've been told that by others, too). I was blessed.
Then the structures became arthritic, and I am fortunate that I live in a time and place on this planet that I could get physical therepy, then subsequently obtain operations to "repair" my hips. I'm older now, and can't do most of the activities I mentioned that I could do fifteen or more years ago, due to limitations on my new bionic hips. But I'm doubly blessed, because I've been given a second chance on life. I can still walk. I can still dance. One of my friends calls my situation a "second life." And it is so. You hear people talk about Heaven as a place where there is no pain, and where one can dance and play like when younger, and where you are surrounded by people who love you. My, my, my, then: I am now living a Heaven on Earth! [*Pyuh, pyuh, may I not be jinxed*]
It reminds me of the song sung by Lee Ann Womack, "I Hope You Dance."
Labels: BAD, dance, exercise, love, music, Songs, surgery, walking
No Choir Practice: Ballroom Dancing
Today after work I went to physical therapy. Donna presented me with 4 compilations of music! I practiced the "A" set of land exercises and all of the water exercises.
Tonight, choir practice was canceled. Christina and I went to the ballroom dance class in Squirrel Hill. Whilst waiting for the class to begin, I observed the beginner Aikido classes, too.
We learned West Coast Swing and Latin, too. Brian taught the classes quite well. Christina's friend, Ryan, danced with us, as well as Brian and Ray from the Catholic group. We had a fun time and enjoyed ourselves dancing various ballroom dances.
Auntie Chi, Mom, Dad, and I chatted about our morning plans for tomorrow.
Labels: Choir, dance, dining, exercise, friends, water exercise
The Flu
Two instructors this week at work have been out with the flu. I covered one section last night. I could sense that a small group of students were perturbed by my suggestions on how to work more efficiently, so I stated, "I'd be less irritating if I didn't care as much." All in all, they were a good, hardworking class.
When I returned after work and the computer lab last night in a light (barely) drizzle, Auntie Chi had already arrived. She and I shared stories of what had occurred (who had visited and whom we had visited) since her last visit here in April 2009. I did a little side-stepping dance to show off my new hips.
Mom is off for some blood work this morning: I will treat her and Dad to breakfast afterwards.
~~~~~
Mom, Dad, and I went to Primanti's in the Strip District. Dad and I split a Colossal Fish Sandwich, and Mom and Auntie Chi split a pastrami / corned beef sandwich. Dad and I had the fries and slaw on the side. It was a fun early lunch before I headed in to work.
Labels: BAD, biology, dance, dining, health, student, surgery, visitor, work
Folk Dancing, October 2009
After dinner at Mom and Dad's with William's family, we made drawings, ate raisins, grapes, and bananas, and played with the blocks. I then went for a short session of a very old Armenian "International Dancer's dance," Romanian dance, and a couple of other dances. I left, as my body was tired and I honored that.
Labels: dance, dine, family
Kidd Pivot
I did a load of laundry at 6.30 this morning, had breakfast (pumpkin muffins, bacon, soy chai) with Maureen in Regent Square, and went office supply shopping with Maureen east of her 'hood.
Karina was in a car accident, so we helped her out by standing next to her car while she unloaded it, going to the garage for her to store her car until the official assessment this week, and hanging out in Maureen's place with her.
I went this evening with Charles and Susan to see Kidd Pivot at the Byham Theater. Conscious of the present-ness of dance, the choreographer described the sense of loss and memory of loss to the audience after the show. I felt the fugue-ness of the movement vocabulary of the piece, which was called "Lost Movement." All the dancers joined the choreographer on the stage apron in answering questions at the end of the show. Repetition of movement themes/ movement vocabulary was paramount to the work. I asked after the Q & A period whether there were any themes that were supernatural or religious in the work (as there was a theme of death & rebirth), and I was told, no, the piece was mainly about loss and memory, of loss and remembering the loss. It was therefore successful in this regard.
The choreography and score reminded me of Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, from Belgium, as well as movement snippets being similar to those of Mark Morris.
We enjoyed a snack at a cafe in Bloomfield afterward.
Labels: Canada, Church, dance, friends, international culture, laundry
Post-Operative Dancing, September 2009 II
I went folk dancing this evening. I saw Carol (who is 80+ years), Dave, and my coworker Ellen, who all remember when I used to go dancing there when Kathy M-W used to dance there. We learned a couple of Hungarian dances, an Armenian dance, a cowboy line dance, and more. I downed 5 mugfuls of water, too, being a thirsty girl! I met Alicia, from Italy.
Labels: dance, international culture
Out with the Girls
Friday and Saturday were times out with the girls.
Friday day the teachers heard Joanne from campus instructional design (CIDDE) present a powerpoint presentation on "Teaching in Labs." I shared my "thumbs up, thumbs down" voting and ensuing classroom discussion scheme with my colleagues during the discussion session.
Dad helped me to organize my teacher's seating chart (with info from Tim A. at Panther Central).
Maureen and Karina and I returned to Maureen's favorite store to get security tags removed from purchased clothing. We also made a few purchases, which were end-of-season. We dined at our favorite Thai restaurant in Highland Park.
Saturday I attempted to make transfer/shuttle bus arrangements for family's upcoming trip (I was not too successful). I walked to work and updated my rosters, attendance and grade sheets, and seating charts.
Maureen picked me and Karina up for the Accordian Pool Party at Leslie Pool in Lawrenceville. Susan wes a co-organizer of the party, and I saw Charles, his folks, Susan, Franklin and his wife Abby (who was one of the accordianists), Jo (who helped teach Eastern European folk dance), Adam and Frank (from Saturday dancing), and William, who arrived later. We enjoyed the music and watching people dance in the pool. I also assisted Susan whilst she folded (accordian-style!) the afternoon's brochures.
Maureen, Karina, and I went for pizzas (quattro stagione, salsiccia e cibolle), then went to the Indian community gathering (which William told us about) in Schenley Plaza. There Maureen purchased a beautiful sky blue Indian outfit. We enjoyed a dessert of sweetened cream of wheat. The lights were particularly inspiring, the music rhythmically repetitive that evening.
Labels: dance, dining, family, friends, international culture, music, Pittsburgh, work
