The Official IDA Blog

Whitemarsh Township Day

2011-05-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

IDA Reps all pulled through and showed their professionalism in another challenging yet successful performance. Even on a cement slab with the wind blowing and the horn of the passing train, IDA Repertory Companies dazzled the crowd. A special standing ovation for Hip-hop Company and Lafayette Hill Senior Rep who both were unexpectedly down a dancer but did whatever it took proving that “the show must go on” and making it happen no matter what. Stefanie killed it with her AMAZING improvisation in Beggin’ brining the crowd to a cheer. The premiere of Miss Sarah’s new Lafayette Hill Rep was a great success and left everyone wanting to see the full version in the upcoming spring concerts. Junior Rep’s premiere of Terrible Things was also a hit and Lucy in the Sky was better than ever. Watch out for J-Rep. They are up and coming! And Mein Herr was as solid as ever as the finale piece. Even though the banner read “Institute of Dance & Artistry”, yesterday was a great day for Institute of Dance Artistry (IDA does not offer painting or sculpture for any confused first time blog readers). On to Relay!

“You can dance anywhere, even if only in your heart.”- Author Unknown

Spring Update

2011-02-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

It’s been a while but I am officially back! Year 10 carries on with lots of excitement leading into the spring. Next Sunday is one of our favorite annual performances- Abramson Center. It’s the official kick off to the 2011 Rep performance season where many of the new pieces will debut. Look out for a sneak peek of the Tuesday 5:15 FW lyrical piece as well as a beautiful duet by 2 of the LH Senior Rep dancers. We will also premiere Mein Herr which is definitely going to be a spring show stopper! And of course it’s another opportunity to see one of Generations’ favorite pieces- Hip-hop Company’s Beggin’ as well as Elizabeth’s solo which got her accepted to the DeSales dance program for college next year. Speaking of Generations; Congrats to everyone who helped this year’s concert raise $5,200.00 which was donated to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It was the most successful Generations to date!
And as the spring approaches, all the Rep Companies begin work on their final pieces for the year. Can’t wait to see Amy’s FW Junior Rep, Lindsay’s LH Junior Rep, Kelli and Lindsay’s FW Senior Reps, Kate’s Hip-hop Company piece (I hear there is a table involved), and Sarah’s LH Senior Rep piece. And of course the always AMAZING Tap Extravaganza! Here’s to spring!

P.S. Soon to come - Official IDA Facebook Page and Twitter account

“It is not so much upon the number of exercises, as the care with which they are done, that progress and skill depend.” ~ August Bournonville

IDA Celebrates 10!

2010-09-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Wow. I can’t believe that IDA is now in it’s 10th year. And what an exciting year it is! Shout out to the new Lafayette Hill Junior Rep Company and the revamped and renewed Hip-hop Company. There is so much to look forward to. Be sure to check out the Repertory Companies Saturday October 2nd 4:30pm at Upper Dublin Day. It promises to be another entertaining outdoor performance by the Rep girls. And the countdown to Generations is officially on! Save the date of Sunday November 21st 4:00pm for the concert featuring IDA Rep Companies, IDA teachers, Born Into the Arts, and Project Moshen. All the money generated from ticket sales will be donated to 2 very worthy causes; the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. So please come out, support the studio and support 2 great charities on Nov. 21st. If you’re looking to clean out last year’s dance bag for the new year, please donate your old dance shoes and leotards to the pink collection bins at the studios. All the items will be donated to dancers who can’t afford dance shoes and clothes. So here’s to the 10th and greatest year yet!

Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made. ~Ted Shawn, Time, 25 July 1955

Check It Out: May Performances

2010-04-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

As the weather heats up so do the blog entries. I have so much to tell all of you about! Let's start with opportunities to check out our repertory companies.

First up is Art in the Park, presented by the Whitemarsh Art Center at 100 Cedar Grove Road in Conshohocken on Saturday, May 1^st at 1:30 PM. They promise, "Fun… food, craft and flea market, and art for the entire family." Of course, one of the highlights will be performances by all of IDA's dance companies (if you are keeping track, that's Senior, Junior, and Lafayette Hill Repertory Companies plus the Hip-Hop Company).

On Sunday, May 2^nd you can find IDA's Senior and Lafayette Hill Repertory Companies as well as the Hip-Hop Company at the Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival. Enjoy a whole day on Germantown Avenue (from 11 AM – 5 PM) as you discover everything Chestnut Hill has to offer. Make sure to stop by the corner of Germantown Avenue and Hartwell Lane (by the Magarity Ford building) at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM for some fantastic entertainment.

All of IDA's dance companies will also be performing on May 15^th at 2 PM at Wissahickon High School for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. We are proud to be part of such a special event for over five years now.

So, come on out, enjoy your community, and catch some great dance performances this May!

Teacher Feature: Lindsay Murray

2009-12-23T10:26:00.001-08:00

It is time for another Teacher Feature. Read on to learn more about Lindsay Murray:
Ida: Why did you start dancing?

Lindsay: I started dance class at age 3 at Dance Works in Quakertown, PA and never stopped. I think our babysitter went to this studio and told my Mom about it. I danced at Dance Works all the way through high school graduation.

Ida: What is your greatest dance moment?

Lindsay: Hmmm...There are a few, but dancing outside under the stars on a stage in Montescudaio, Tuscany, Italy was pretty amazing and very memorable!

Ida: If you weren't dancing, what would you be doing?

Lindsay: I cannot imagine my life without dance, but I do love shopping, home decorating and working with youth. I guess I would enjoy being a personal shopper or interior decorator. I am currently in graduate school to obtain my Master's Degree in School Counseling. I hope to eventually become a school counselor at a performing arts school and continue to choreograph and teach dance.

Ida: What is your favorite indulgence?

Lindsay: Coffee, cereal, and anything chocolate!

Ida: What is your favorite thing about working at IDA?

Lindsay: I love getting to know all of the other great teachers and working with the dedicated and enthusiastic students. I think the whole spirit of the studio is inspiring! I also love the opportunity of working with the IDA Rep companies.

Ida: Where can we see you dance professionally?

Lindsay: I dance professionally with ContempraDance Theatre and VADA Dance Collective.

Ida: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Lindsay: I will be celebrating my one year wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day, 2010.

Thanks to Lindsay for doing this interview with me! Let us end with one of her favorite quotes.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams… Live the life you've imagined." -Thoreau

Congratulations!

2009-12-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

Bucknell University offers a limited number of Arts Merit Scholarships to students who can demonstrate both artistic and academic excellence. We are so proud to announce that four graduating members of IDA's Senior Repertory Company are finalists for the Dance Merit Scholarships! Congratulations to Lauren Cherry, Kingsley Delacato, Stephanie Miller, and Sarah Samuels!!!
"There is nothing more notable in Socrates than that he found time, when he was an old man, to learn music and dancing, and thought it time well spent." - Michel de Montaigne

Generations is a Huge Success

2009-12-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

The official tally is in and Generations raised $4350 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium. The night was filled with tremendous performances from IDA staff, students, and guest companies, Born Into the Arts and TapOlé Dance Company. Thank you to everyone involved who helped to make this event a success.

"The heart of the dance is the heart of the dancer." –Ghazallah al-Badriyyah

IDAwear is here!!!

2009-11-14T13:53:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Great news… IDAwear is here! There are hoodies, dance pants, and tanks available in all sizes (both kids and adults). Check out the samples on display at the studios and fill out your order form today. I plan to order one of each J

"Do it big, do it right, and do it with style." –Fred Astaire

Generations: November 22nd

2009-11-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! It is November and that means that we are getting close to Generations! Generations is, without a doubt, one of my favorite IDA events of the year. It is, charity, entertainment, and opportunity all rolled into one. In fact, it was with all of these things in mind that Jamie Lipskin, owner and director of IDA, first created Generations. "Generations came about as a realization of several different goals. I have always wanted to give back and to show the students how they can give to their community through dance," says Jamie. "Generations also provides our repertory company with a performance opportunity alongside professional dance companies. Additionally, it gives our teachers a chance to step out of the wings and show our IDA students and families just what they can do. I am so proud of what it has become." And she should be proud. Now in its fifth year, Generations has raised close to $20,000 for pediatric brain tumor research. IDA foots the bill for the entire cost of the performance and gives 100% of the money from ticket sales, refreshments, and donations to the cause. The benefitting charity this year will be the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium.

Generations features performances from the IDA repertory companies and teachers as well as some of our staff's professional dance companies. Lauren Cherry, a member of IDA's Senior Repertory Company says that she, "really like(s) the fact that it brings all members of the studio together (teachers and students) to create an amazing performance as well as raise money for an important cause… it'll be exciting to have some variety in the show." Variety is right! There is something for everyone in this show. The IDA Faculty will be dancing a jazz piece choreographed by Becky Farrell, and a contemporary duet choregraphed by Tracy Kelsey. Plus two solos, one from Tara Madsen and one from Sarah Dziomba. Amy Smith with The TapOlé Dance Company is bringing two pieces, a tap and tango fusion as well as a lyrical duet. Dominick and Kate Boyd with Born Into The Arts will be bringing a hip-hop tribute to Michael Jackson. And IDA's students in Hip-Hop and Senior Repertory Company will be performing a little bit of everything including solos and group pieces in hip-hop, lyrical, modern, jazz and tap.

So, we are in the final countdown toward Generations and we can all look forward to a wonderful night of entertainment and charity. Here are all of the logistical details: The performance is November 22nd at 4:00 pm. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door. To preorder tickets call 215-328-0847 or email idadance@comcast.net . The performance will take place in the Theater in the Science Center at Montgomery County Community College (340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA). Parking will be available in the Morris Road Lot.

"Just sit and open your eyes and open your heart. It's dance theater." – Mikhail Baryshnikov

Teacher Feature: Amy Smith

2009-10-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

It is time for our first Teacher Feature. First up is IDA veteran, Amy Smith. She is, without a doubt, a wonderful teacher and magnificent dancer. But what is she doing when she isn't teaching at IDA? I recently had the opportunity to ask Amy about dance, IDA, and more. Read on:

Ida: Why did you start dancing?

Amy: I started dancing when I was 2 because my 2 older sisters danced and I aspired to be just like them. We would do trios every year from when I was 3 until 12.

Ida: If you weren't dancing, what would you be doing?

Amy: I can't imagine a life in which I would not be dancing.

Ida: Do you have any hidden talents (other than dancing)?

Amy: I play and teach piano, can play a little drums, write music, edit music, sing harmonies, sew, crochet, knit, and costume design.

Ida: Wow!!! What is your favorite thing about teaching at IDA?

Amy: Working with and teaching the students… They inspire me and teach me things every day.

Ida: Besides the students, where else do you find inspiration?

Amy: Music inspires me the most. There are so many different emotions, accents, rhythms, phrases, highs and lows to make me want to dance.

Ida: Which professional dance companies are you currently performing with?

Amy: I'm the Assistant Director for The TapOlé Dance Company and a tap dancer with The Call Me Crazy Orchestra.

Ida: IDA's charity dance concert, Generations, is coming up on November 22^nd (more on that in a future blog). I heard that The TapOlé Dance Company will be performing. Can you tell me a little bit about what we can expect?

Amy: We're going to bring 2 pieces. One piece is a fusion of tap and tango dancing. It is choreographed by myself and Megan Fernandez. The other piece is a lyrical duet, danced and choreographed by myself and our male dancer, Larry.

So, we know we all have one performance to look forward to from Amy and she has promised to keep my up to date about future performances in our area. If you want to read more about Amy (and see an awesome video montage of some of her dance performance highlights) make sure to check out Amy's website. As you know, I always like to end with a quote. It seems only appropriate that I use Amy's favorite dance quote today.

"I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself." - Mikhail Baryshnikov

5th Annual Fall Pumpkin Festival

2009-10-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, October 10^th, at Miles Park in Lafayette Hill, from 12-5:00 p.m., is the Whitemarsh Business Association's 5^th Annual Fall Pumpkin Festival. The Festival brings together local businesses to offer a day of food, activities, and entertainment. This year, IDA is excited to be offering some of that entertainment. Stop by the pavilion at 2:15 p.m. to see the IDA Senior Repertory Company perform. It promises to be a fun, delicious, and extremely entertaining day!!!
Proceeds help to fund the WBA's College Scholarship Program.

"Listen! The wind is rising and the air is wild with leaves

We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!"

- Humbert Wolfe

UPDATE: The Fall Pumpkin Festival was a success. Great job, ladies! Despite wet grass, chilly wind, and a rogue clown, you were a hit!

Check It Out: This Is It

2009-09-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

The dance world (along with the rest of the world) recently mourned the loss of one of our greatest inspirations, Michael Jackson. He has mesmerised us for years with his unique, sometimes seemingly impossible, movement. Coming up is a rare opportunity to see his genius in action. This Is It, a behind-the-scenes look at MJ as he prepared for what were to be his farewell concerts in London, hits movie theaters for a limited two-week engagement this October 28th. Tickets are already on sale and available at Fandango and MovieTickets.com. With ticket presales in record-breaking amounts around the globe, I suggest you get yours soon. (I already have mine!)

"And my goal in life is to give the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance."
- Michael Jackson

Welcome

2009-09-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome back dancers, parents, and teachers!

It is the start of another year at IDA (Institute of Dance Artistry). This past year was a wonderful success and we look forward to making this next one even better. We are excited to welcome some new teachers to our IDA family (welcome Kate and Tara)!

We are also thrilled to introduce, for the first time ever (drum roll and dramatic lighting) The Official Blog for Institute of Dance Artistry! Throughout the year this will be a great place to read about some of the happenings at IDA. Stay tuned for our "Teacher Feature," a closer look at our favorite dance teachers, alerts to dance events of interest in our community, the inside scoop on performances by our very own IDA Repertory and Hip Hop Companys (Shout out to the newly formed IDA Lafayette Hill Repertory Company), and basically all things IDA!

I wouldn't be doing my job as the official blogger of the official blog of IDA if I didn't fill you, my readers, in on some gossip. So, here goes... Be on the lookout for a brand new line of IDAwear. I hear it is totally cute and should be here by the holidays!

So, let's all strap on some dancing shoes and have fun!

"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful." -Agnes DeMille