Dance Colleges & Careers with Brittany Noltimier

Karen Stokes is the Head of the Dance Program at the University of Houston.
She danced in New York and abroad with David Gordon, Larry Clark, and Stephan Koplowitz. As a choreographer, Stokes has premiered eight evening length projects, and multiple repertory works that have performed in such venues as Zilkha Hall, Discovery Green,the Kaplan Theater at the JCC, Cleveland Public Theater, Weathervane Theater in Akron, Plays & Players Theater in Philadelphia, the Cunningham Studio in NYC, and at the University of Houston.

In January 2013, Karen Stokes Dance was the first contemporary dance company in Houston to receive a “Masterminds Award” by the Houston Press. She is a nine-time recipient of Houston Arts Alliance grants and was co-recipient for the 2008 Buffy Award in Best Evening Length work category (Hometown) for 2003-2008. Stokes’ documentary short on “Framing Dance,” received “Editor’s Choice” for best video from Dance Teacher Magazine in September 2010, and her dance for camera video “Gallery Construction 1” received “Editor’s Choice” for best video from Dance Magazine in March 2012. Stokes has also won the Distance Education Teaching Award at University of Houston, the ACHE Teaching Award, and the Ross M. Lence Teaching Award.

• Stokes co-founded Travesty Dance Group in 1997, and is now Artistic Director of Karen Stokes Dance. Karen Stokes Dance, a non-profit organization, functions as the producing company for professional projects by Karen Stokes.
• Phone: 713-743-2915
• Email: [email protected]
• Karen Stokes Dance
• facebook

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Academic Advisor
Max Vasapoli, M.Ed. is a graduate and former staff member of the Brind School of Theater Arts at The University of the Arts. He currently serves as an Academic Advisor for High School Programs at The University of Pennsylvania. He is an experienced adjudicator and educator entering his eighth competition season, having adjudicated dancers across the US and Canada for a multitude of companies. Most recently, Vasapoli adjudicated the Season 8 Finale of Lifetime’s Dance Moms and consulted the Wilma Theatre’s production of Pulitzer Prize-finalist, Dance Nation. He is currently on the roster of Impact Dance Adjudicators and regularly contributes to their blog and podcast. Vasapoli was a founding member of North Shore Music Theatre's Youth Performance Academy, danced competitively throughout high school, and was awarded a Promising Artist Award to attend The University of the Arts. Max worked alongside Cirque du Soleil’s international tour and has been a guest speaker at The Arden Theatre Company, The University of the Arts, Temple University, Villanova University, ArtsTechNJ, and Theatre Communications Group. Max is an Emerging Arts Leader by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. He completed his Master's Degree in Education from the Professional Institute for Educators at The University of the Arts.

Instagram: @mx_vsp

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 2 of our podcast series, where we delve into the captivating world of dance and performance. In this episode, titled "Eye Contact with the Judges... Yes or no?" we explore the nuanced art of utilizing eye contact to elevate your performance on stage.
Join us as we uncover the secrets behind gaining confidence through direct eye contact, enhancing your facial expressions, and connecting deeply with your music. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable insights to help you unlock your full potential on the dance floor.
Tune in as we navigate the fine line between telling a story with your movements and hyping up the crowd with dynamic eye contact. Learn how to make eye contact feel natural, comfortable, and empowering, allowing you to truly embody your dance persona and leave a lasting impression.
If you're ready to take your performance to the next level and command the stage with confidence, this episode is a must-listen for dancers and performers of all levels. So grab your headphones, press play, and let's dive into the transformative power of eye contact in dance.

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Summary: In this episode, Brittany discusses the complexities and challenges of dancing in heels. Drawing from her extensive experience as a judge and dancer, she emphasizes the importance of technique and strength over the pressure to perform in heels for competitions. Brittany provides insights into the judging process, debunks myths about scoring higher with heels, and offers practical tips for dancers looking to improve their performance in heels. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out with questions.

Takeaways

• Dancing in heels requires more strength and technique.
• It's a misconception that wearing heels guarantees better scores.
• Foundation in dance is crucial before transitioning to heels.
• Judges appreciate versatility, not just the use of heels.
• Core strength is essential for dancing in heels.
• Weight should be shifted to the balls of the feet when dancing in heels.
• Practice and repetition are key to building muscle for heel dancing.
• Dancing in heels can be fun but should not be a pressure point.
• Technique should always be prioritized over style choices.
• Engagement with the audience is important for scoring.

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Welcome to another exciting episode of "Dance Colleges & Careers", where we dive into the fascinating world of performing arts. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Megan Tatum, a talented performer and choreographer based in Richmond, Virginia, as our special guest.
Megan's journey in the world of dance began at the prestigious Chesterfield School of Ballet and the School of Richmond Ballet, where she trained under the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. However, after graduating from a performing arts magnet high school with a major in modern dance choreography and performance, Megan found herself at a crossroads, wondering if dance would still be a part of her future.
Her path took an unexpected turn when she moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, to pursue studies at the College of William and Mary. Initially considering dance as a hobby left behind, Megan discovered her passion for musical theatre and decided to craft a unique major in the Integration of Dance, Music, and Theatre Performance. Alongside, she pursued a double major in Kinesiology and Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy.
Megan's journey unfolds with unexpected opportunities during her junior year, leading her to become the dance swing at Busch Gardens and kickstarting her professional performing career. Her talents have graced renowned companies such as Olney Theatre Center, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Barter Theatre, Midtown Arts Center, Virginia Musical Theatre, Riverside Dinner Theatre, and Alluvion Stage Company.
Beyond the stage, Megan has also made a mark in the realm of physical therapy, collaborating with major Broadway and ballet companies, including the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Imagine going backstage on iconic shows like Matilda and Wicked – Megan has experienced it all.
Join us as Megan shares her inspiring journey, from contemplating the end of her dance career to becoming a versatile performer, choreographer, and a behind-the-scenes player in the world of physical therapy for Broadway and ballet. Get ready for an episode filled with passion, resilience, and the magic that happens when one follows their heart in the world of performing arts. Tune in now!

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Got a question or story you'd like to share? Message me HERE, and your submission might even be featured in an upcoming episode!