From Studio Dancer To College Major

In the studio you spend hours and hours brushing up your technique, and maybe dreaming of the perfect college dance program. But as much as your studio teachers have prepared you for taking the next step in life, the transition between studio and college dance major can be tricky and very different from dancing at home. Even if you whiz through auditions, and grab a scholarship, you will soon come to find it takes more than great technique to succeed  the challenges of freshman encounters.

Meeting New Expectations 

Becoming a dance major is the equivalent to becoming a professional dancer, it needs to be taken as seriously as a job. Colleges want to prepare you for the demands of the real dance world, but in a safe environment where it is not too late to learn from your mistakes, and we all end up making them at some point.

Though your home studio may have been lax in regards to absences or tardiness, colleges are cut throat, black and white. If you are late for class, you might as well just turn around and go home, because that door will be locked when you try to waltz in after grabbing a ‘quick’ coffee. And a full absence without a make up class will deduct your grade majorly. Dance is such a hands on course, if you miss there is no other way for you to learn. In the college atmosphere you are expected to act like a professional! Be sure to show up early for classes, and be dressed in appropriate dance wear. Also keep all personal drama outside of the classroom, find out what extra training your body needs and do it outside from your class training hours, and always attend every rehearsal.

You need to be super responsible in college, you are living without your parents for the first time and it will be up to you to keep yourself on track and motivated. There are tons of distractions in college (boys, girls, parties, etc), you will need to learn how to stay focused and get yourself up to get to classes.

Finding The Courage To Stumble

The college experience is also about taking those creative risks in your movement. Go audition for the school’s company, try new styles, take outside classes, present your own work in front of an audience. You will learn how to deal with success, disappointment, and everything in between, just like you would if you were in the professional world. Attending college will get you out of your comfort zone, and into a new internal space for you to grow.

Often dancers will come into class with an urge to prove their abilities or value in some way, and it comes across as over confident and straight up arrogant. If you get caught up in that aura, you end up shutting off your receptors to learning new information. Be sure to remain humble in this experience, and make new friends around you. Everyone is feeling first time jitters as you are.

It is important to be willing to re-evaluate your technique from the core outwards. Even if that means going back to the barre and learning a plie’. Sometimes this can feel like you are taking a step back, but you really need to develop that strong foundation. Knowing you are being graded might make you nervous, but it will also make you re-think the basics. As long as you are showing that you are working hard, eager to learn, and giving everything you’ve got, your grades will be just fine.

Finding New Space To Grow

Back in your home studio, you were probably the best dancer. Now you are entering a room with all of the best dancers from their hometowns, how would that make you feel? Knowing you are all on the same level, now what is going to make you different? This change can be a big adjustment for some. But all it takes to make the transition seamless is a little humility and willingness to grow.

Now instead of feeling a need to compete with dancers in your class, now it is about finding the artistry in movement, and finding your individuality. As a dancer you now need to shift your view of dance and open your mind to exploration.

Surviving Day To Day

You are used to dancing many hours a day, but the physical demands of college dancing is often way more intense, and three times as long. Focus on massaging your body once a month with a therapist, take longer showers, and sleep as often as possible to restore your body. It is going to take some time to adjust to the heavy workload you have just entered into for the next four to six years!

Expanding Your Definition Of Dance 

Almost any college faculty member will tell you the two most important qualities for succeeding in a college dance program, is the ability to have an open mind, and eagerness to work and learn. The ability to shift the way you view dance, is a must! You will dive into new styles and genres you have never danced before, and you will study dance academics such as business of dance, psychologies, dance history, anatomy, and many many more. During this time of your life you may find yourself not only becoming a better dancer, but you will develop ideas about dance, and why people dance. Through college you are constantly exposed to new things, act like a sponge and soak in as much of it as you can. When you graduate, you will be at the peak of your training, ready to conquer the industry!

 

Competition Do’s & Don’ts

Competition weekends can be very demanding for dancers, coaches, judges, and parents. Months of grueling rehearsals, arrive at the venue, costumes in hand, and you are ready to hit the stage in full out mode! Then latterly graciously accept whichever award comes your way. And while your onstage performance is very important, what you need to know is you are also being watched by judges off the floor as well. A bad attitude, poor choice of words, and sarcasm towards your fellow opponents  could be just the thing that turned your 1st place to a 3rd. Here are what some competition pro’s love and hate to see from dancers.

DO spend time rehearsing before you compete. At your studio dedicate yourself to learning to master your dance number. That way when you get on stage you will know it front to back, inwards and outwards, giving you the chance to really enjoy it.

DON’T rush around.. Get dressed and ready first thing in full hair and makeup. Then begin your warm up and pre-performance routine.

Do check in on time. Managers and event staff always recognize prompt dancers. When you check in you are telling the organization you are ready to perform! Be sure to always tell someone where you are going.

Do give yourself the benefit of time. Be sure to arrive  at least two hours before to dress, and warm up properly without being rushed. If you end up rushing it can really throw you off your game.

Do remember it’s not the audiences job to love you. You must learn to entertain them! So now go and do your job!

DON’T be late. Tardiness does not only affect your mental capability for your performance, it translates to onlookers as lazy, lack of care, and lack of respect. That’s not the reaction you want from onlookers at the competition.

DO realize you are a part of a larger picture. Everyone wants things over the weekend to run smoothly, be professional and do your part.

DON’T hoot and holler during performances. Although your excitement and enthusiasm is appreciated, it’s distracting and low-class to yell during a performance.

DON’T make someone else pick up after you. Be mindful backstage and in your dressing rooms. In South Africa most are spoiled with domestics or a cleaning service to come in and clean after, but do it out of respect for your art!

DON’T peek out of curtains or wings. If you can see the audience or judges, they can see you!

DO clap for every studio at awards. One of the biggest peeves in the industry is when a school or studio only claps for their pieces. Be supportive of those around you.

DO show how much you love dancing. When you are in the dressing room, be sure to smile and talk to other dancers. Always say thank you when you are spoken to or complimented in any way. I always have my students make one new friend at every competition we go to.

DO be aware that your attitude and behavior is a direct reflection of you studio. Make sure you represent it well.

DON’T let the results of the competition dictate your reaction to the experience or dump pressure on to your teacher. There will always be a time when you walk out of a competition disappointed in the awards. Consider dance competitions like a progress report, take something from it, work on it, go back better than before. A medal doesn’t make you a winner, doing the best you can do!

Lastly… DO make new friends at competitions. One of these days you will end up working together. The dance industry is a very small world.

 

 

Here Comes The Sun- Dancewear!

Dancewear for the 2015 Spring and Summer Seasons! 

Tam Tam Color Block Briefs! 

Show off your perfect leg alignment in these super hipster briefs from Tam Tam! Briefs look cute with camisoles, tank tops, bra tops, and T-shirts!All briefs come in solid black with a featured color block print in front. Depending on fabic availability prints may vary, choose the main color you would like incorporated in the front.  Machine washable.

R250

Deep Racer Back Leo

With a sporty look and fit, this scoop tank leotard features a scoop front and elongated racer cut back, a front lining, and a ballet cut leg line. Full leotard comes in black only with chosen color featured in the back.

R340

Short N Sporty Bikertard

Let your routine shine in this short and sporty bikertard, perfect for practice or performance both at the dance studio and in gymnastics. Pick your favorite or get a different color for every day of the week!

R400

Halter Leotard

Tam Tam’s most popular halter leotard comes in a great range of colors for class and features quality construction at a value price. This leotard has a comfortable scoop front neck, a moderate mid scoop back, and a ballet cut leg line. Perfect for every type of dance class!

R280

Long Sleeve Lace Top

A new twist on a classic, the lace detail on this bra top is unique and eye-catching. Pairs well with most bottoms, or add a stylish short for an instant costume!

R300

Tri Top

Perfect for your dance and costuming needs, this bra top from Tam Tam “Team Basics” Collection features adjustable straps and a front lining. Machine washable.

R220

SHOP NOW: www.shopchacedanceco.com 

Stock up for the rest of your dance year xx.

Tamra Chace Takes Charge

The journey after graduating University of the Arts to founding her own company, studio, and dancewear range in South Africa.

If you truly felt when watching “Secret’s of a Family Portrait,’ or gasped aloud at Evan Van Soest and Joanne Liebenberg’s duet, you are in for a treat when you come to see the new show “Humanity.” All of which was choreographed by Tamra Chace, who is the one responsible for founding Chace Dance Company. Her diverse group of dancers will perform plenty of Chace’s signature style, but there is a whole lot more up Chace’s sleeve for the future of CDC. 

How did you make the decision to start your own company? 

“I have always known since early college years that I wanted to have my own company, knowing it would happen in South Africa is another story. After meeting and moving for my boyfriend, I thought, why now? There are so many hidden talented dancers in this country that don’t have the performance platform like America. Plus when I moved I found it very hard to break into the industry here, even harder than in the states! It’s very very small here and people most commonly hire their friends for work, versus holding open auditions to find talent. So instead of looking for the work and struggling, I thought it would be easier to make the work happen for myself. It has taken three very long years to even get this far, and myself and the company name still have a very far journey to get to where I want it to be.”

Will the choreography for the company’s second show Humanity be similar to what we have seen in Secret’s of  a Family Portrait?

I obviously love contemporary, but my training and background are very diverse. A lot of people don’t know that about me, and I want my company pieces to express more sides of myself and background, as well as adding in some cultural dance forms within the contemporary movement. I want my audience to walk away feeling like they have been through an experience. So therefore yes the foundation of movement will still be contemporary, but the new show is more deep-rooted, grounded, and different elements of choreography.

At your company auditions, what do you look for in dancers? 

I work with energies. It’s all about how dancers present themselves and how open they are to being vulnerable. I also look for positive attitudes and humble people. Loyalty to the brand is also important, if I have seen you in workshops or classes and you come to audition for me you already have brownie points!  I want dancers that have been interested in what I am building from the ground up. As far as genres, I usually look for dancers that are versatile. And also clean technique is a biggie for me, I would rather see a single pirouette with a suspended balance than whipping or ‘spinning’ through three turns while sitting in your supporting leg.

Save the Dates: 

*September: (Exact date TBA) Holding Company Auditions!

*October 10th & 11th: Collaboration Dance Workshop Bryanston!

* March 5th: “Humanity” Debut Performance at Atterbury Theatre

A Working Class Dancer- When should you dance for free?

For a dancer anywhere in the world, there are certain places and opportunities that come along in your career that may sound like a dream come true, only to find out there is little or no compensation. It is dramatically important to ask the choreographer or director contacting you about the compensation before committing to a project. Not balancing your dancers happiness to work with you will lead to resentment, and  them feeling like their time is not respected.

Fair or not, most dancers, like many other artists will inevitable work for free or very little pay in their careers. When you are first starting out, an unpaid apprenticeship or placement in a company with a distinguished choreographer can give you valuable experience and knowledge that could lead you to other jobs; projects with friends that can offer a rehearsal cup of coffee could lead you to creative fulfillment; a voluntary gig at a well-known venue could enhance your resume. All of these are still great gains to your career, the key word to keep in mind is balance, because we all still have bills to pay at the end of the day.

All of the Chace Dance Company dancers have other work outlets where they receive their main income, usually through teaching or managing their own dance studios. This gives all of them a window of a regular salary, and still an oppertunity to be creatively challenged through  company rehearsals. Since this company is still so young and in its planting phase, CDC offers a rotating rehearsal stipend between dancers, a long with endorsements of clothing from TamTam Dancewear, and free classes and workshops. “South Africa is a country with so many more important issues to deal with, there is just no funding available for arts.. Or they invest it in youth dance programs, but where do these dancers go for work there after? Leading company’s to fend for themselves.” It is extremely hard to survive as a dance company in a third world country. Dancers have to work all day every day just to make enough money to survive, and we can’t help but love what we do and only want to do it more. It’s hard to find people with that obsession and passion for their craft, and all dancers have that intanse drive in them.

Having a side job whether it is teaching, waitressing, or secretary work, gives dancers the chance to work on projects and come together as artists. But always make sure when doing so, that the project benefits you as a dancer and a person in some other amazing way as mentioned above. You end up building such great relationships when working together in a creative environment.

If you are interested in becoming a company donor to help keep our talented dance company alive in South Africa. Please see our donations tab on the website on how you can donate. Or simply contact the artist director at TamraLChace@gmail.com

The Dirt w/ Tamra Chace

Simple, up close, and some quirky questions with Chace Dance Company’s artistic director Tamra Chace.

What did you want to be when you were a teen?

C: Firstly was a ballet dancer… and I’ve always wanted to start a contemporary company since I can remember! If I had to choose something outside of dance, would be something in marine biology or archeology.

If you could dance with one performer, past or present, who would it be? 

C: Ohad Naharin. I would love to do some pure gaga straight from the source.

Most played song on your iPod:

C: This changes all the time, but loving Carey Underwood’s “Something in the Water.”

Favorite Movie: Old & New: 

C: I am a complete movie junkie and love most everything from the 40’s to now.

Biggest guilty pleasure: 

C: Reading girly magazines, and lots of chocolate!

Favorite Food: 

C: MEXICAN!

Things you can’t live without: 

C: My family and two cats.

What are your pet peeves? 

C: People chewing with their mouths open. Or others arriving late for scheduled appointments.

Who is your dance crush?

C: Kyle Robinson! wow..

What’s the strangest thing in your dance bag? 

C: Hand sanitizer and hand cream. Dry hands..

What is your dream as a dancer? 

C: To build the biggest platform for professional dancers in South Africa, To offer a place where professionals can be challenged as artists.  There is no where else to go as a professional here besides teaching and corporates… I want to create something different for those up and coming dancers.

What’s your most embarrassing on-stage moment? 

C: I was dancing and knocked over a massive mushroom during a ballet scene. Oops.

What has been your most proud moment so far?

C: I think my whole journey of moving to South Africa and staying here, I’m pretty proud to say I’ve done that. Not too many people can pick up and move to a country they have never been to and make it work. Pretty blessed with life, I can say that much.

Talent Africa- Performance Competition

“Talent Africa was established with the core objective of creating the absolute most prestigious National Talent competition of the highest standard ever to be presented in South Africa. The main aim is to give artists with the relevant talent the best opportunity to be exposed to all that the entertainment world can offer on both national and international level. The difference is that Talent Africa, through possible partnership with government and NGO’s could offer less privileged individuals a fair chance to receive the correct training and expertise, to ultimately be part of this grandeur event. Talent Africa also shapes each and every young performer who shows talent into a world-class entertainer through national competitions, workshops, pageants, and international exposure to some of the most prestigious events the world has to offer including the European Dance Festival in Serbia and Talent America – New York! We are passionate about the performing arts and as much as we like to yield performers, it is of the utmost importance that they will have fun, make new friends and learn about the performing arts through our events.” (www.talentafrica.co.za)

To see upcoming competition dates check out the following link:

Talent Africa Events

Who to Watch

ALLAN BOTHA

There’s no wonder why Allan Botha has a lead role in Chace Dance Company’s upcoming production, “Secrets of a Family Portrait,” not even a year after he has joined the company. Watching him in rehearsal, you can’t miss her incredible lightness or his energetic smile.  After his performance in Telkom’s Sales South African Conference, Botha has been classified as the next big thing! Botha started his dance training at the age of nine with Amber Pamp. He started training in Latin American and later pursued various other forms ad styles which has led him to becoming a prime dancer in South Africa’s latest contemporary company “Chace Dance Company.”

AUDREY HELBERG

If you have seen recent photographs of Chace Dance Company you have definitely seen Audrey Helberg. From audience spectators of past shows Helberg is the girl stealing the show, with her flawless flips and tricks with legs extended far beyond anyone else’s.  Helberg continues to flourish in the spotlight one performance after the next.

Helberg grew up dancing at a competition studio known as Vanzyl Kroon for eleven years. She has competed in the American Dance Awards regional in South Africa and Nationals in the USA!

 

EVAN VAN SOEST

In his signature contemporary red shorts, Evan van Soest plants his feet onstage during the intermission before Tamra Chace’s “Moments” production. His arms crossed, he scans the audience. But he can’t stand still. Sudden impulses coming from deep inside sends him into unpredictable steps, tricks, leaps, and unforgettable tilts! With suppleness and precise timing, Soest ceases to surprise everyone!

The 22-year old from Hartbeespoort South Africa joined Chace Dance Company in 2013. He couldn’t have for seen the epic role he would play in the company’s debut production, “taking on such choreography takes depth, gravatas, confidence, and risk,” says artistic director Tamra Chace. “Soest falls into the company’s work like he was born for it.”

FAYME HATTINGH 

When Fayme Hattigh began taking classes with Tamra Chace at various studios in Pretoria, after such a short time she stood out from the rest of the dancers.  “She has such an intense drive to be the best,” says Chace. “How engaged she was in learning as much as she could.”

Now 26 and steadily engaged in Chace Dance Company as a professional dancer, Hattinghs appetite for dance knowledge is no less voracious. Her performance quality is astounding and brings such intensity to the table, this girl is one to watch!

JOANNE LIEBENBERG

One of the most captivating new faces on the Gauteng’s dance scene, Joanne Liebenberg offers a fresh take on grace. Using her long limbs with a studied precision, she is not afraid to let stillness, tension, and the quieter part of dance have a role in her work. Today she is carving her own path as an independent dancer and company member of Chace Dance Company.

KAYLEE MCGINN

 

For such a tiny little dancer Kaylee Mcginn packs a punch on stage! Her explorations of stillness and  transformation pulse with ferocious intensity. South African born and raised, she skilfully blends her backgrounds in ballet, acrobatics, and contemporary dance. This benefits her greatly in Chace Dance Company, with choreography that is once meticulous, primal, and physically demanding. Currently Mcginn is on her way to the USA for an international dance competition.

MICHELLE VAN DER NEST 

She may be from Pretoria, but there is a delicate refinement to Michelle Van der Nest. With her stong features and soulful eyes, she projects the calm poise often associated with Russian Ballerinas, There’s a legato beauty in her movement and steps. Her breakthrough was a long time coming, it took a dance company that challenged her to blossom. With her clean ease of technique, Van der Nest can suspend in the air, or twist or turn in any direction! But what sets the Chace Dance Company dancer apart is her willingness to open herself up emotionally to creative experiences onstage.

SAMANTHA DE CHAVES

Samantha de Chaves gives Chace Dance Company’s eclectic repetory both elegance and pizzazz: Her innate musicality can transform any movement into kinetic storytelling. De chaves never lets the “wow” factor of her expressions get in the way of telling a good story on the stage. In the company’s lastest showcase at Roodepoort Theatre she created enough fireworks in her solo performance (regarding multiple personality disorder), that it brought tears to audience members eyes. It has been awhile since South Africa has seens this much virtuosity with such substinance.

TAMSYN DEXTER

 

It’s rare to find a beautifully classical dancer who can also, well… ‘get down.’ Throughout Chace Dance Company’s triumphant 2014 season, 14-year old Tamsyn Dexter impressed with her crisp, elegant lines.

Dexter began dancing at age 7 in Acrobatic Dance. She later went on to train in Ballet and Contemporary. She has won various awards at American Dance Awards, and Dance Star South African competitions. Dexter joined Chace Dance Company in 2014, she has realized the full force of this company and the importance of the legacy we are all building together as dancers, and Tamsyn Dexter is a major part of it.

TAMRA CHACE

Chace Dance Company’s artistic director Tamra Chace is flying high this season not only onstage, but behind the scenes growth as well. Graduating from The University of the Arts, five years later the 26-year old American is choreographing and dancing feature roles in the company. Not because of her high kicks, but because of her creativity, speed, and thrilling stamina.  Even when she was a student she showed an unusual intensity and maturity in pieces by Scott Jovovich (Fosse), Brian Sanders (Junk), Ronen Koresh (Koresh Dance) and Christine Cox (Ballet X).

 

Read more about these dancers in our company bio tab in the menu bar above (www.ChaceDance.com).

Annual Choreography Showcase

 

This is an amazing collaboration performance with all different studios, companies, and freelance artists! Forty-three dancers all come together for one variety dance show in Johannesburg (Roodeport), South Africa.

The Annual Choreography Showcase is something Chace Dance Company plans to uphold for the future, creating a new showcase for audiences every year. This is our annual fundraiser to help us get to the main theatres with our end of the year contemporary productions.

So come out next Friday (June 13th) to the Roodeport Promusica Theatre at 7pm. Tickets are only R100 per person, and will be sold at the door. Please note this event is taking place in the small black box theatre. Doors open at 6.30pm, first come first serve seating. Come early, this is a sell out event!!

Performances by:

Chace Dance Company

Chace Dance Studio

Faymous Studios

Wendy Quarmby

Togetherness Gumboots

Allan Botha

Thabang Cityboyz

AND MORE!!!

 

#SupportTheArts #DanceSA

The Gauteng Story

The City’s ever-expanding dance scene has made it an increasingly appealing and affordable option to make a living as a  professional dancer! 

When locals talk about Johannesburg or Pretoria, they often say outsiders won’t understand its appeal unless they move there for themselves. Tourists sites and safaris may bring thousands of visitors to the area, but reveal little of its artistic character. Dancers in South Africa thrive on the country’s vibrancy it’s expanding, yet intimate, arts community with both traditional and contemporary voices. For years national companies like Mzansi Ballet, and Jburg Ballet have anchored the dance scene, while Craig Bullock’s Dance Web, El’Shebang, Chace Dance Company shake things up!

There have been more and more dancers relocating to Pretoria and Johannesburg  for the dance scene lately,  to take advantage of it’s lower cost of living and cheaper studio rentals. The abundance of dance education options plays the biggest role. Dancers come to train at TUT, National School for the Arts, Dance Web Studios, and Chace Dance.

 

When thinking of relocating due to underestimating the dance industry in this area, take a step back and really think. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

-CDC