Dancer Bio: Charlene Gentles 04/11/2010
 “Dance is so universal—it helps us enjoy being alive.” Charlene Gentles has been dancing with Dragonfly Dance Experiment since April 2009. Charlene achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Dance from UMBC and has performed with many dance companies in the area. She has danced with Eleanor Roosevelt Dance Company, Ek Dil One Soul Indian Fusion Dance Company, Clancyworks Dance Company, Jessica Marchant Moves, Baltimore Dance Project and Deviated Theatre. Charlene has danced almost every style of dance including, Hip-Hop, Classical Indian, Bhangra, Merengue, Salsa, African, Modern, Ballet, Liturgical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical and Interpretive Dance with American Sign Language. Charlene doesn’t limit herself to just performing. She also has taught dance workshops with Baltimore Dance Project for Project REACH and taught Hip-Hop Dance through the D.A.R.E Dance program. When asked if there was a specific performance that really impacted Charlene, she described a performance by Clancyworks Dance Company, Back to the Wall, in 2001. “I was very new to the modern dance world and seeing the physical, athletic, yet fluid movements of the dancers really helped understand more of what modern dance could encompass. I also enjoyed the metaphoric nature of her work. I love that dance can be a medium to express ideas and social interactions with one another as people.” Charlene is a true blue Maryland girl. She grew up in Hyattsville, attended high school at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt and is currently a kindergarten teacher in Prince George’s County. She is currently pursuing a Master Degree in Elementary Education from Bowie State University. When Charlene isn’t dancing with Dragonfly or teaching Maryland youth she is reading and writing down her thoughts. She loves to imagine and reflect and keep learning new things. And since she does work with 5 year olds everyday, she is constantly coloring, drawing or cleaning up something. Charlene currently lives with her family and her beautiful German Sheppard, Roxie, who helps her laugh and play everyday. Although she loves what she does both with work and dance, she would like to design and build her own house one day, equipped with an awesome playground in the backyard. Charlene would like to thank: “God for giving me the gift of dance in the first place. Without Him I would have been lost and rhythmless for sure. My Mom and Sister for supporting me for the past 15 years, they STILL come to all my shows. Megan for being an awesome Director who respects and values all of her dancers. Thank you to everyone who is passionate about what they do. Passion is key to embracing this world and living the life you’ve always wanted.” Add Comment Rhapsody: Recap Act Two 03/21/2010
 The second half of Dragonfly Dance Experiment’s February performance, Rhapsody: A Collection of New Works featured a new work choreographed by Megan Morse Jans. “Like a Peach” was set to music by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant from the Raising Sand album. The music and the movement evoked a Southern charm which was inspiration for the piece. The costumes for “Like A Peach” were dresses in pastel colors made by Mrs. Morse. The first movement was a solo danced by Brigid Myers, inspired by a performance by Megan Morse Jans while she was pregnant with her son Jacob. This movement represented feelings of a mother-to-be who experiences changes in every aspect of her life. The piece was set to the song, “Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us” by Alison Krauss.   The second section was a playful piece as tribute to Southern women who can take care of themselves. The piece was set to “Rich Woman” sung by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. It was performed by dancers, Janet Parker, Kimberly Kandra, Sarah Keller and Shannon Siriano. This work was inspired by Contra Dance movement taught to the Dragonflies by Kim Forry. The movement set to the upbeat “Gone Gone Gone” sung by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, was representative of what it is like to have an infant. The piece featured all five dancers moving all over the stage in a furious attempt to keep it all together. The final section was set to “Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby” by Emmylou Harris. It was a calm movement performed by all the dancers. This part of the piece represented the feeling at the end of a long day when you put the baby to bed. A wind down from all the mayhem when there is time to reflect on a fulfilled life.  Rhapsody - Recap Act One 03/14/2010
 The Dragonfly Dance Experiment (DDE) performance, Rhapsody: A Collection of New Works, was a wonderful experience for Dragonflies and Dragonfly fans. The performance included four works, "Bittersuite", choreographed by DDE Artistic Director, Megan Morse Jans performed by Dragonfly Dancers, "Thread", choreographed by Megan Morse Jans, performed by Annapolis High School Dance Company under the direction of Jillian Barber and "In Her Hands", choreographed by guest artist, Stephanie Yezek, performed by Dragonfly Dancers. “Bittersuite” is wonderful work of DDE’s repertoire. This piece has been performed at the 2009 Dockside Dance and Maryland Council for Dance Festival. This work was performed by dancers, Brigid Myers, Charlene Gentles and Janet Parker. The second work performed at Rhapsody was “Thread”, a work that is still in development. The piece is a flashmob, with this version translated to be performed on the stage. The piece was choreographed by Megan Morse Jans with input and choreography developed by the Annapolis High School dancers who performed the piece. Stay tuned for additional developements of Thread in 2010. The final work of the first half of the performance was “In Her Hands”, choreographed by Stephanie Yezek. The athleticism of this peice had audience members amazed. This work was originally performed by Bosma Dance. The quartet was danced by Dragonfly Dancers, Brigid Myers, Sarah Keller, Janet Parker and Charlene Gentles. Please enjoy these photos taken by Kimberly Kandra featuring “In Her Hands”.    We would like to thank all of our friends, family and fans who made February 21 a wonderful afternoon of dance. Come See Our Show! 02/14/2010
 In case you were worried, the Dragonflies do not let a little snow get their mood down. We are pumped and ready to go for our performance this coming Sunday, February 21. Dragonfly Dancers will be performing two works choreographed by Megan Morse Jans and one work choreographed by guest choreographer, Stephanie Yezek. The Annapolis High School Dance company will be performing an original work choreographed by Megan Morse Jans. It is sure to be an afternoon of wonderful modern dance and we hope you will join us. We will be performing at the Pascal Center for Performing at the Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, MD. The performance will begin at 2:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $13. See you Sunday! Dancer Bio: Kimbery Kandra 02/08/2010
 Kimberly Kandra is one of the newest members of Dragonfly Dance Experiment and comes to us with experience in many dance styles, even Capoeira. Kimberly is originally from Katonah, NY and has studied dance with Dance Theatre in Westchester, eba Dance Theatre, Maude Baum and Company Dance Theatre, Chicago Dance Medium and THINK Dance Company. She attended high school at Somers High School and attended Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. Kimberly’s favorite style of dance is modern because of the freedom of expression, but admits that she is always a sucker for a really good tap piece. Kimberly has had the opportunity to work with many different dance organizations, but the one that has left the biggest impact (other than Dragonfly, of course) was the Chicago Dance Medium in Chicago (duh) where she had the opportunity to work with the Kinzie School for the hearing impaired. Working with the students who could not hear, yet could still feel the music was truly and incredible experience and has changed the way Kimberly feels the music when she dances. To feel the drums throbbing and to be moving in unison with all those children was an experience she won’t be forgetting! Kimberly was also fortunate to be inspired by modern dancer/instructor, Iris Salomon. When she was in high school she started to feel like her body was not made for dance after not getting a part in the Nutcracker, she stopped dancing. That is until she went to Salomon’s studio in a renovated barn with skylights and bongos. She was hooked on modern and never looked back and credits Salomon for keeping her dancing! Kimberly now resides in Crofton, MD with her husband, Mike and her children, twins Timmy and Nick, Daniel and twins, Madeline and Peter and her two border collies, Phillie and Joisey. That’s right, folks, five children (and yes, they were delivered naturally). How does Kimberly look so amazing, you ask? When not chasing her five children and dancing with Dragonfly, Kimberly teaches pilates and dance classes at AACC. And if that doesn’t seem active enough, in the summer she works as the Head of the Waterfront at boys sleep away camp, training lifeguards, teaching swimming and overseeing sailing, kayaking, canoeing and waterskiing classes. No, I don’t think she sleeps. We are very fortunate to have Kimberly dancing with Dragonfly and are glad she could find time for us in her crazy schedule. She brings a fantastic attitude for adventure and never backs down from a challenge. Kimberly would like to thank: “all my friends and family who support me in this crazy career path I chose.” Where We Rehearse 01/31/2010
Dragonfly Dance Experiment is very fortunate to have tremendous support in our community. Our director, Megan Morse Jans, has developed wonderful relationships with owners and directors of arts and wellness organizations in the Annapolis area, who generously let us use their space to rehearse. During the week, we rehearse at The Art Space School, in west Annapolis. The Art Space is an adorable little studio right on the Annapolis Street strip of stores and boutiques. This studio offers individual and group lessons in Music, Dance and Theatre. Dragonfly, Brigid Myers, can be found teaching classes there.  On the weekends, Dragonfly dancers rehearse on the Anne Arundel Community College campus. The performing arts department has amazing facilities and we are so fortunate to be able to use their space. Director, Megan Morse Jans and Dragonfly, Kimberly Kandra both teach dance classes at the college.  You can also find the Dragonflies at Prana Studio, yoga studio, in Annapolis. The space at Prana is a wonderfully unique place for dancers to rehearse in. It is a wonderfully warm space and we are always so grateful that we are welcomed there. You can spot Dragonfly, Sarah Keller, in the Saturday morning class.  All the Dragonflies want to sincerely thank: Lynda Fitzgerald, Dance Coordinator for Anne Arundel Community College http://www.aacc.edu/dance/ Priscilla Smith, owner and director of the Art Space School http://www.artspaceschool.com Kathleen Schuman of Prana Studio http://www.pranastudio.com Dancer Bio: Brigid Myers 01/24/2010
 Brigid Myers has been dancing with Dragonfly Dance Experiment since March 2009. Brigid has an extensive resume in dance including her high school education at the Baltimore School for the Arts, an arts high school where she majored in dance. Brigid also studied dance in college at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and spent a semester in France. Growing up, she trained at the Peabody Institute, Towson University Children’s Dance division, Upper Falls Dance Academy and the McHale School of Irish Dance. Brigid is experienced in modern, ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and Irish step. Brigid loves to dance in a modern style because of the expressiveness of the style and the never-ending supply of movement. Brigid was especially inspired by a performance of Esplanade by the Paul Taylor Dance Company. She knew, after seeing this performance, that dance needed to be part of her life forever. Brigid felt a real connection with not only the movement, but the real theory behind the choreography. She continues to love this piece and is in awe of Paul Taylor’s works. Brigid is passionate about her love of all styles of dance. She expresses, “Dance is so beautiful, expressive and wonderful and the thing that I love most is that there are so many options. It’s got so many different flavors- there is something for everyone to enjoy!” Brigid has many supportive people in her life, but she is especially thankful for her Aunt, Mary. Mary lost her battle with cancer in September of 2002. Mary constantly encouraged Brigid to pursue her love of dance and taught her that what we want most in life is what is hardest to attain, but also the most worthwhile. Today, Brigid resides in the same home she has lived in all her life, in Baltimore, MD. She works at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore and is climbing the ladder quickly. If she wasn’t dancing all day and night, Brigid would love to be at the beach playing board games or be traveling and speaking French. Brigid would like to thank: “Megan for loving us, for trusting in us and for creating the most beautiful movement I have ever had the privilege of performing. I want to thank my family for allowing me to be who I am and for believing in me every step of the way. I want to thank Greg for being so supportive and loving me always. I want to say how honored and blessed I feel to be part of this amazing company. Dragonfly has opened my mind and my heart to dance in a whole new way and I am so excited to see where we will go in our future together. This is an incredible group of women and I love all of them.” Contra Dance 01/17/2010
Dragonfly Dance is currently developing a new work that will be called “Like a Peach”. This work is inspired by a solo performed by our director Megan Morse Jans, when she was pregnant with her son, Jacob. The inspiration for the work is a combination of her experience with pregnancy and a new child in addition to tribute strong Southern women that inspire us and make us laugh. This piece will be performed at the Rhapsody on Sunday, February 21st. While working on the new piece, our director has been exploring all sorts of inspiration to bring together a beautiful work. In a recent rehearsal we had the opportunity to work with Kim Forry who dances with The Annapolis Traditional Dance Society and is a caller for Contra Dance events held monthly. Kim helped us to work on floor patterns and Contra Dance movements that lend itself to the Southern inspiration of the piece. Contra Dance has a very long history and is defined as a folk dance in which couples dance in two facing lines of indefinite length. Contra dances can be found around the world, though they are especially popular in North America.  Photo from Almost Heaven Dance Weekend Wikepedia Definition of Contra Dance Events: Contra dance events are open to all, regardless of experience. They are family-friendly, and alcohol consumption is not part of the culture. Many events offer beginner-level instructions for up to half an hour before the dance. A typical evening of contra dance is three hours long, including an intermission. The event consists of a number of individual contra dances, divided by a scattering of other partner dances, perhaps one or more waltzes, schottisches, polkas, or Swedish hambos. In some places, square dances are thrown into the mix. Music for the evening is typically performed by a live band, playing jigs and reels from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, or the USA. The tunes are traditional and more than a century old, or modern compositions which follow the same form as the traditional pieces. For one of the movements of “Like a Peach” a quartet of dancers will be weaving and working in Contra dance patterns while incorporating modern movements. We learned the terminology that is used when “calling” contra dances such as DoSaDo, Hay (in the barn) and Round Robin. Kim taught us the difference between our partner and our neighbor and also taught us partnering and weaving techniques. It was a lot of fun to explore this new (to us) form of dance and we are very excited to continue to develop this work. If you are interested in attending a Contra Dance in the Annapolis area, The Annapolis Traditional Dance Society holds Contra Dance events the third Saturday of every month. They are open to the public and have a free beginner’s workshop at 6:30pm prior to the dance. For more information, please visit their website. http://www.contradancers.com/atds/ Dancer Bio: Sarah Keller 01/10/2010
 Live. Laugh. Love. Sarah Keller joined Dragonfly Dance in the summer of 2009. Sarah grew up as a Navy Brat and has literally danced all over the world! Her family moved from Yokosuka, Japan to Naples, Italy and back to the east coast USA, all while she studied various techniques of dance. She has studied ballet, jazz, pointe, lyrical, modern and contemporary dance and performed with companies such as Broadneck High School Dance Company, Anne Arundel Dance Company, AACC Dance Company and Deviated Theatre. Spending her high school years in the Annapolis area, Sarah has developed relationships with the dance community in Maryland. She attended Broadneck High school and Towson University earning an Associates Degree in Dance and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Looks and brains, too. Sarah’s favorite style of dance is Contemporary because there are no rules. She enjoys dancing and choreographing this style because of the ability to be creative and experimental. This is a style where she really connects emotionally and is able to express herself. Sarah has been inspired by many dancers throughout her study and is especially thankful for her exposure to Michelle Combs and her style of contemporary dance. She found her style intriguing and beautiful and had the opportunity to learn a solo created by Combs. She still enjoys taking her classes and watching her dance! During the day Sarah works at the Veterans Benefits Administration in Baltimore, MD and during her evenings (when she isn’t rehearsing with Dragonfly) she teaches dance to young students. She lives in Annapolis with her family, which consist of two older brothers and her parents who have been married over 30 years. And let’s not forget the family dog, a chocolate, white and caramel cocker spaniel, named Charlie Brown. Sarah brings a genuine kindness and thoughtfulness to Dragonfly and we are so happy to have her as part of our company. Sarah would like to thank: “..my family and the Lord. My family and my faith have been my two pillars of strength throughout my life, and I would be lost without them. Thank you and I love you more than words can say.” Welcome 2010! 01/03/2010
 The New Year is a time to reflect on the events of the year that has passed and look forward to wonderful things to come. We are doing just that here with the Dragonfly Dance Experiment. Our 2009 year included creative works coming to life, great performances, wonderful collaborations and the addition of new talented dancers. In 2010, we plan for much, much more! We would like to sincerely thank our families, friends and supporters who continue to be an amazing part of the success of Dragonfly. We hope to keep you up to date on all things Dragonfly in the coming year with more frequent blog posts. In the next few weeks we will be publishing new bios of our dancers, details of past performances and a look at our creative process for upcoming works. Mark you calendars for our next performance: DragonFly Dance Experiment presents: Rhapsody, a collection of new works with special guests the Annapolis High School Dance Company Sunday, February 21 2:30pm Pascal Center for Performing Arts Anne Arundel Community College | D.D.E. Blog
A space where the DragonFlies can keep you up to date on creative projects, life experiences, and what's coming up next for the company. ArchivesJune 2011 |
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