What is your first memory of dance?

Every time I walk into a studio to take a dance class, or teach, or to rehearse. My senses are overwhelmed. Though I have little memory of my first dance class (ballet and I was 3), one of my strongest first memories of dance when I returned many years later was buying my first shoes. I was taking modern dance, so they were half-soles. They looked very different from what contemporary dancers wear today. They looked like this:

You can still purchase this style today!

I still can remember how they smelled and the feel of them on my feet when I would dance.

Tell us…..What is your first memory of dance?

Potential Performance- Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival

Youth Moves

June 5, 2011 | 2 pm
Co-operator’s Hall
River Run Centre

Symmetry takes a look at the concept of beauty, and transcending the conventional ideas of beauty posed by society. Together choreographer Kendra Hughes and the dancers have worked together to create Symmetry.

Video Introduction To Kendra Hughes

Thanks to our amazing friend Ru, here is a video introduction of our artistic director and choreographer Kendra Hughes. For more information please visit www.itsru.com!

Stay tuned for dates and times to upcoming performances!

The Benefits To Taking An 8 Week Dance Session

8 Week Beginner Classes

Often I get the question, “Why should I take one of your sessions, when there are drop in classes available?”

I think it is a really great question and it depends on each person and their schedule. With changing schedules and how fast life moves, drop in classes can be a great option. It gives dance students a certain freedom to come and as they please.

For beginner dance students that do have a fairly constant schedule there can be a lot of benefits to come to a regular session. Here are some the pros:

1) Together! A major benefit for beginners a part of an 8 week session. Everyone can move together at the same pace. It really gives students a chance to learn movements together, so if you attend sessions there is less of a chance for new students to feel left behind. which leads me to the next benefit…

2) Accountability! When you sign up for a session, it can really motivate you! Let’s be honest-life happens! Sometimes we don’t make time for ourselves in the long list of things to do each week, but when you sign up for a session, it gives a chance to say, “Sorry I can’t – I have class.”

3) New people! New friends that you know you will see every week! Not only do you meet new people, but it really gives you a chance to build a relationship with the instructor. So you are not just another dancer in a class, the instructor knows YOU, uniquely! You are a part of a whole new community and have a chance to connect with people that you would not normally meet in your daily schedule.

When deciding whether or not to take a dance session or a drop in dance class, it really depends on what your needs are!! So if you have always wanted to dance, get out there and try some different classes and try some new ways to work out and have a great time.

Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Kendra

Kinetic Elements Is Performing at FAT!

Kinetic Elements is a part of Toronto Alternative Fashion Week!

We are performing reSURGEnce on Friday April 29th as part of their theme Dress Codes: The theme explores work that is influenced by different cultural groups, subcultures, demographics, politics, sex and gender identities. The night will showcase designers and artists whose work looks at the social significance of clothing and who we are, defined by what we wear. It’s going to a fantastic evening with so many talented people. We go on stage at 7pm tomorrow night and we hope to see you there for a night of fashion and fun! For more information please visit www.getfat.ca

Am I Seeing Double?

 

Kinetic Elements - Kitchener's Snow Ball 2009

Nope, it’s the latest Kinetic Elements video!

Last year I filmed the dancers separately performing a piece I choreographed called Antevasin, as well some improvisation in between. I overlapped the video in the production phase to portray conflicting emotions within ourselves.

Artistic Director/Choreographer: Kendra Hughes
Dancers: Ashley Desson, Daniel Grys, Kaylan Shearer
Music: Quartet For Strings And Piano In A Minor by the Prazak Quartet
Video Edited by Kendra Hughes

Defined!!

I finally saw Black Swan last night! A big theme in the move was the main character wanting to be the “perfect” dancer. I think for anyone in the dance field,  that is a great question. What makes a dancer great? Is is technique? Is it expression? What do you think?

How do you define a great dancer?

We want to hear from you!

The Perfect Sunday

This week’s post is about YOUR idea of the perfect Sunday.

Sundays for me have always represented dance. Here is my idea of a perfect Sunday:

In the morning I would get up late and meet up with some of my closest friends for brunch. Following that I would go to rehearsal for Kinetic Elements and then teach classes to my students. After an afternoon of rehearsal and classes, I would drive with Adam and Parker to my mom’s house where we would have dinner with my family. Where we would have roast beef (not Adam of course) and strawberry shortcake for dessert! MMmMMMmmMMMmmMM

The End

What would your perfect Sunday look like?

The T-Shirts Are Here!

Now you can own your very own Kinetic Elements T-Shirt!! T-shirts are $15 and they come in all sizes! We have t-shirt for men and women!! So order today at kendra@kendrahughes.com!

Plus!! Don’t forget to register for the beginner contemporary session coming up on Sunday January 16, 2011! Another fun 8 week session is in store. Kendra always provides a comfortable atmosphere for beginner students. We work on technique, flexibility and we learn a combination at the end of each class. To find out more visit our classes section! Is trying a dance class one of your resolutions? Now is the time!! Don’t miss out – register today!! kendra@kendrahughes.com

Three Cities

Post per week!! Here is the latest topic…..

Three cities that I would like to visit and take some dance classes:

1) New York City, NY – A place that I have gone back year after year to visit the Broadway Dance Center to train. I have been there so many times and been lucky enough to train with some of the best in the industry. It was my home for a while when I was working on a cruise and I remember I would rush off the boat when we were port in Times Square and take a class any chance I would get.

2) Los Angeles, CA – This is one place that I have not been to yet. It is a goal of mine to get to LA one day and to take classes.

3) Somewhere in Germany – I will get to Germany and study dance, it is just a matter of time!!

How about you? Is there a place that you have always wanted to train? Or where have you gotten some of your best training?  Which city do you think has the best training centre for dance?