Tag Archives: dance

May 08 2013
1 Comment
Dean College

New England Summer Intensive: Dance & Musical Theatre

We at Dean College are very excited to be hosting the New England Dance Intensive and the New England Musical Theatre Intensive. 15-18 years old students interested in studying dance and musical theatre in college will benefit from attending one of the two-week intensive.  Here are what the program administrators have to say:

Julianne Pedersen O’Brien, Summer Dance Intensive:

336X280I am excited to bring Jay T Jenkins to Dean’s New England Summer Dance Intensive! Not only will students train with New England’s best area faculty and university programs, but now they will have 3 inspiring days with Jay T.  Jay T Jenkins is a special guest artist with the emphasis on the word special. Why is he so special? He created the jazz funk dance style. He is an internationally known choreographer who has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Salt N’Pepper, and Prince. He is a on faculty at steps on broadway, Mountclaire University, and the Alvin ailey dance theatre. And, as if all that isn’t enough, he is an alumnae of Dean college.

This summer we bring back one of our own to train dancers who may become one of our own.

David Krasner, Summer Musical Theatre Intensive:

250X250HAIRSPRAYThe musical theatre intensive has three goals.

  1. To prepare students with audition material, both songs and monologue, for their college auditions.  Students will leave confident about their applications in musical theatre.
  2. To provide a college experience in musical theatre, a preview of what it’s like to be on a campus studying musical theatre.
  3. To connect students to many New England musical theatre teachers, so that they might bond with teachers as they think of applying to various schools.

Other faculty joining us this Summer have experience teaching at Boston Conservatory, Boston University, Harvard University. Brown University, Dean College, Salve Regina with more being added!

Check out the Intensives today!

slider_intensive_large

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
Mar 15 2013
2 Comments
Dean College

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Dean College & Franklin, MA

Photo is from one of our RD's Riley Fickett on Instagram!

Photo is from one of our RD’s Riley Fickett on Instagram!

Here’s 10 potentially fun, funny, and interesting things you did not know about Dean and the community around us, Franklin, Massachusetts!

1. Dean College has a swimming pool. Wait, we do? Yup. And students can use it! Swimming is GREAT exercise!

boomer_ugly2. Our Bulldog mascot used to look like a rabbit.

3. Minutes up the road from Dean at the Town Common, there is an awesome farmers market when the weather gets warmer! Awesome locally grown produce, lots of desserts, etc. Students should definitely check it out.

ben-franklin-statue-franklin-ma

4. This one MAY be obvious, but we’re willing to bet some people didn’t even put two and two together…Franklin, MA was named after…Benjamin Franklin! Whaaaaaat!? It is also home to America’s first public library, and Benjamin Franklin’s statue is right out front.

5. Franklin actually has a town song. And it’s actually pretty good! Listen to it.

6. Not EVERY video Dean produces has Rachel Ladd in it.

rachel-ladd-youtube

…but most of them do.

7. The “Pieri gym” on campus is named after Lou Pieri, who was the owner of the Providence Reds/Rhode Island Reds (a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926 and 1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977) and he was also part owner of the Boston Celtics.

producers pics 0368. Our award winning theatre productions are reallllly student driven – and not just the acting, singing and dancing. Students design & actually build the amazing sets, and are an integral role in tech and the production crew. The entire production of a show consist of students in the School of The Arts, School of Dance and School of Business.

Patriot-Place-CBS-Scene

9. Dean College has a unique relationship with The Kraft Group/Patriot Place in nearby Foxboro, MA. For example, Dean welcomed Bob Kraft to campus to speak at the Executive Lecture Series as part of the Dean Leadership Institute in 2012. (Cheap plug, 2013 will be Bert Jacobs from The Life is good Company — don’t miss it, RSVP NOW, it is FREE!). Dean also has a unique Sports Management degree, which could be VERY useful if you’re looking for a job working for the Patriots of the Revolution!

10. The number 90. 90% of students live on campus. 90% of students receive some form of merit aid. 90% of students read this blog. (OK, maybe not…but how awesome was this article? Share it on Facebook!)

So…how many of those 10 things did you already know?

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Feb 15 2013
1 Comment
Rae-Ann Thomas

The DO’s and DON’TS when auditioning a student choreographed piece

raeannAs an aspiring dancer, choreographer and artist, I choose to take full advantage of every opportunity to perform and create that Dean offers me. Recently the Dean College Dance Team was looking for student choreographed pieces for their show “The Process” performing March 22nd, 2013. The only requirements were that any student wishing to be involved in the show must have at least a GPA of 2.5. The choreographers were required to have prepared a small portion of their piece and be able to discuss their choreographic process and inspirations. The dancers are allowed to be in 3 pieces max, and must be present at every showing and dress rehearsal.

Myself, the other E-board members of dance team (as well as our two advisers Jill Silverman and Jen Polimer) assisted us in auditioning and overseeing the potential pieces for our show. Here are some DO’S and DON’TS  dancers and choreographers can apply to better help their chances of being accepted into a student choreographed show here at Dean.

DO’S and DON’TS

  1. Come prepared- Be confident in what you as a choreographer and dancer are presenting to the board. When asked to describe your thought process and or inspiration be thorough, clear, and genuine in what you are trying to display.
  2. Have your dancers focused and professional-  The dancers should be dressed in leotards and shorts, similar color clothing and hair off their face. This gives the board a more professional experience as well as flattering all your dancers.
  3. Have the music and props ready- This is important so that the audition is easy and fast, making it look well thought out and professional to the board.
  4. DO NOT TALK- Even though you may know the board and advisers this is still an audition. There should be no conversation of outside events, laughter, or casual interaction. Being professional and respectful always leaves a good impression.
  5. Always say thank you- A little gesture of kindness can go a long way. Asking for feedback is also a good thing, this allows the board to see your eagerness for improvement and shows that you appreciate their thoughts resulting in potential success for your work as a dancer and choreographer.

Following these DO’S and DON’TS will  help you not only in the dance department at Dean, but in a studio atmosphere, when applying for jobs, taking class outside Dean and your studio, and in life in general.

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
Feb 10 2013
Leave a comment
Katie Mancini

I Think Nemo Found Us…

katieobamaWhether you live in New England or just heard about this weekend on the news…you know alllll about Blizzard 2013: Nemo.  The good news: relaxing three day weekend.  The bad news: shoveling the driveway, digging out the car (if you can even find it) and being cooped up in the house for days.

On Thursday night, after teaching my dance classes at Walden Street School in Concord, I stopped at home to do some laundry (for free!) and by the time I woke up on Friday morning, I was stuck there for the weekend.

Although I would have liked to be on campus to be snowed in, playing board games, sledding and watching endless hours of Netflix with my roomie, it was nice to be home.  Seeing as it is a rare occasion to have both me and my 18-year-old brother at home simultaneously, my parents took full advantage of this by holding us hostage for hours of family card games.

All in all it wasn’t so bad.  I think it is safe to say that everyone was in desperate need of an unexpected 3 day weekend to regain their sanity and recharge their batteries.  I can’t remember the last time I spent almost the entire weekend relaxing with movies, board games and quality family time, so it was a great change of pace from my super busy schedule at school.

Seeing as it is now Sunday night, that procrastination has caught up with me and unfortunately it is back to the grind come Monday morning.

Stay warm and safe everyone!

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
Feb 07 2013
2 Comments
Katie Mancini

…But What Will Happen In September?

katieobamaAfter being back on campus for two weeks, I am readjusting to college life.  I am excited to be back on campus so I can meet those students and faculty who have just joined the Dean community within the past semester.  One of the faculty members I had the pleasure to meet with this week was Rich Davino, our new Director of Career Services and Internships….but I’ll get to that in a minute.

college graduationBeing a senior in college is one of the most exciting and terrifying experiences thus far.  I am prepared and excited to walk across the stage in May and receive my diploma for all the hard work I have done throughout the years.  Then it will be summertime…yippee!  Fun in the sun, or rather in my case (hopefully) a full time, post-graduation job.

This is the part where our past 20 years of experience have taught us that this summer job is temporary and we will only have to stick it out until school starts back up in September.  But wait…graduating from college with no immediate plans to go to graduate school…therefore the break down of semesters no longer dictates our lives.  This poses the uneasy (and often frantically-asked) question of “but what will happen in September?!”

linkedin profileThis very question brought me to Rich Davino’s office to seek career advice.  After mulling over the multitude of possibilities for what I want my career path to entail, he simply said “well then why don’t you pick one and try it.”

Many seniors let the pressure of graduation take over by thinking their first post-graduation step will forever define their career path.  False.  We have the rest of our lives to discover what we feel passionate about; we can then learn how to apply our skills to these new experiences.  The moral of the story is to take a deep breath…we can stress about what happens in September once it gets here.

Here are some addition ideas to get the ball rolling:

katie linkedin1. Get on LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great social media tool that allows you to network with professionals in your field.  It is a great way to reinforce connections you may have already made as well as build new connections for the future.

2. Take advantage of websites such as Indeed and SimplyHired:  These websites are essentially the “Google” for job postings from various websites (Monster, HigherEd Jobs, etc.) that are currently available.  Rather than skimming through multiple different websites, use these “one stop shop” websites to save time.

3. Find the trend:  When looking through jobs you are interested in (or even the college programs you are interested in) try to find a common trend throughout all of them.  By finding the reasons behind WHY that job or program appeals to you, you can begin to have a better understanding of where you will best fit in the career or academic world.

Regardless of prior experience, applying to jobs, colleges and internships can seem overwhelming for anyone.  Take advantage of all the resources around you (online, on campus, at your local library, etc.) and simply learn about what you are interested in.  From there you just need to simply “pick one and give it a try.”

Best of luck!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Jan 25 2013
2 Comments
Rae-Ann Thomas

First Day Back to Dance: The Pain, Suffering, and Humor?

raeann

Rae-Ann Thomas’ first blog post for the Dean College Blog chronicles her first day back on campus for Spring semester…she welcomes IcyHot to use her as spokesperson…

 

Like most athletes, students and dancers getting back into a routine can be challenging, For example…waking up on time for class, packing your bag for the day, grabbing a snack, and even remembering to put on a fresh pair of underwear might be more difficult then you thought. As a dancer, the struggles of getting back into class after a long winter break is one of the hardest and most painful weeks of the semester. Like most dancers, I tried my best to continue my training throughout the winter break. My dancing was limited taking the occasional ballet and modern class, followed by an aggressive and killer cardio groove class at my local gym. But for some dancers, motivating themselves to give them there own class, or being obligated to work all break long and not dance was the only option. This unfortunately makes that first week back to dance THAT much harder and painful…but don’t stress, because on that first day of classes it doesn’t matter if you’ve danced all break or once; everyone will be sore from the first ballet class.

balletThe dreadful first ballet class…

The first ballet class back after break will be the hardest and most terrifying thing ever. From start to finish you will be wishing for a hot shower, massage therapist and your mom. Just putting on a leotard and tights after a break where everybody of course “worked out and ate healthy,” wearing something that is painted on to you should be no problem at all right? (cue sarcasm) You must be brave and just laugh at yourself because everyone is going through the same thing. From the first plie’ you’ll feel your legs shake and tremble and this is supposed to be the easiest move. Throughout the class you’ll want to cry, and quit, and think to yourself “why do I suck?” But you don’t, you’re just out of practice and need a refresher course. This is what the first week is for, it is reassurance that you are talented and belong here, but might just need to work a little bit harder and think POSITIVELY!

Some at home remedies the famous Jill Silverman recommends for sore out of shape dancers are:

  • Immediately after your class, stretch
  • That night take a hot, ice, hot shower to relax and calm your aching muscles
  • After your shower, stretch again
  • Throughout that whole day drink lots of water, stay hydrated
  • Eat lots of bananas for potassium and to prevent cramping in your muscles
  • Go to bed early and rest your tired body, because tomorrow you have to do it all over again

As much as the first day back stinks for your body, you have to smile when you see all your friends again and catch up with each other about the break. Since you all will be sore, perhaps you all can stretch, roll out, and motivate each other that tomorrow will be a better and easier day at the ballet barre…because what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and nobody has ever died from ballet.

Tagged , , , , , , ,
Dec 20 2012
Leave a comment
Dean College

Four Dancers Offered Representation from MSA Agency

Dean College Dance

Earlier this month, representatives fromMcDonald/Selznick Associates visited the Dean College campus and spent a day with dancers from the renowned dance program at Dean College. MSA is a leading talent agency for dancer & choreographer representation, placing their talent on-screen, on the stage, behind the curtain and behind the camera. Students were lectured on the ins-and-outs of talent representation in the world of dance and choreography, and what it takes to succeed in the industry. Additionally, students participated in a “mock audition.”

As a result of this campus visit, MSA has offered four Dean College students the opportunity to be represented by the New York/Los Angeles based agency, of which three students names were made public:

Britnee Hay
Rae-ann Thomas
Samantha (Sammy) Laabs
Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
Nov 05 2012
Leave a comment
Dean College

OK, I’m a Senior at Dean College. What’s Next?

We don’t want to come across as stuck-up, but we’re going to assume you’ve heard about the Dance and Theatre programs at Dean College. No seriously,  if you google “College Dance Programs” we are the first college dance program that shows up. Go try it. We’ll wait…

But just having a great program is the first step. We don’t stop there. We do everything we can to help our students answer the question, “what’s next?”  That’s why on November 28th, we’ll be welcoming Lucille DiCampli and Ronald Todorowski to campus. Those name’s don’t do it for you? How about the MSA Talent Agency? Still nothing? Fine…how about Dancing with the Stars? Glee? The X Factor? So You Think You Can Dance? SMASH on NBC? McDonald/Selznick Associates are placing their talent all over the place, from on-screen to on-stage to back stage, and Dean is very fortunate that Ms. DiCampli & Mr. Todorowski will be on campus on the 28th speaking with our Seniors regarding the ins and outs of agency representation and what it takes to become a working dancer. Additionally, the MSA folks will be conducting a two hour mock audition for our seniors.

Not bad, right?  But what if you’re not a dance or theatre major? How about business, right? Well, remember when Robert Kraft from the Kraft Group/New England Patriots came to campus earlier this year? Bert Jacobs from Life is Good will be here next year. And next week, we’ll welcome three young men just out of college who started their own successful business, CampusTV’s.

So don’t worry – we know why you’re here and we’re going to do everything we can to help you get to where you want to go. Questions? e-mail getsocial@dean.edu.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Oct 25 2012
Leave a comment
Katie Mancini

Katie Hits the Half Way Point of Her Internship Abroad…and Heads South!

Have you been keeping up with Senior Dance major Katie Mancini as she blogs her internship journey in Washington D.C? We hope so, because her latest two posts take you on an exciting journey to the Southern part of the United States, and give you a roundup of what she has learned so far on her internship with The Washington Center in our nations capitol.  If you have not kept up with Katie…you’re missing out.  Katie has been the perfect model of the Dean Difference and is well on her way to a successful career. Get over to her blog and get readin’, or check our more information on our renowned dance program.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Sep 22 2012
Leave a comment
Katie Mancini, Student Ambassador

Week Three in D.C – Katie Interns in our Nations Capitol

Senior Dance major Katie Mancini, coming to you from Washington D.C, posted about week three in D.C.  Some half days at work allowed Katie to check out some street fairs, advocate on behalf of some causes she believes in and hunt down some free stuff (because as Katie puts it, “Washington DC is not getting any cheaper!!”).  Check out week three in D.C by clicking here.

 

Tagged , , , , , ,
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 32 other followers