by Bob Martin | Nov 4, 2010 | Art, Dancers, Live Performance
The American Ballet Theatre performed in Cuba yesterday, which was
the first in about 50 years.What mends hard feelings is a little love and it is unfortunate that we (US) is not able to defuse cultural disagreement with a little mutual love of the arts. I remember when the Buena Vista Social Club the movie and later the band made it way to the States. Pure joy and delight. No one was angry about what may or may not have happened years ago. The joyfulness was what many of the young Cuban dances experienced on being able to watch and interact with the ballet company. Our quiet ambassadors, the Arts.
The Arts Save Lives = Make a Donation Here to the American Ballet Theatre.
by Bob Martin | Jan 7, 2010 | Art, Dance, Dancers
Ghetto Ballet, a very tight well put together documentary (a little of a half hour) which in a relatively short period of time tells a story of four South African youth who have varied aspirations to be “classical” ballet dancers. They are part of a small group of students from Philip Boyd’s “Dance for All” a dancing academy created to teach disadvantage boys and girls classical and modern ballet.
Dance for All, Cape Town South Africa
The group is followed over the course of one year as they attempt to overcome their challenges and the choices that they make. On issue that is brought up in the film that I personally have had an issue with is that of ballet dancers weight and the focus on body type and I realized as I watched the film that teachers, regardless of their discipline can only teach what it is that they know.
The kids are sweet, beautiful and like any young person in the world, desire to have a better life for themselves and their families, which is their right. What this film is able to do without preaching or judging is to illustrate that the world may be culturally diverse and yet there is no distinction between us in our desire to live a meaningful life.
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by Bob Martin | Aug 10, 2009 | Art, Dance, Dancers, Theater
Saturday, November 7th, one of our most inventive artists and performers will be delighting audience at the Palace of Fine Art 
The extremely talented Savion Glover will be performing at the SF Jazz Festival, turning the rhythm of his tap shoes into well appreciated music. Glover’s virtuosity is stunning.
by Bob Martin | Jul 27, 2009 | Art, Dance, Dancers
Unfortunately, when an economy goes sour the first things that get cut are those things that bring you joy, which are in my opinion the only things that matter. The arts, specifically dance, is taking a hit across the country and possibly the world. What we can do about it is to find a way to contribute. Because of web 2.0 (are we at web 3.0 yet) everyone can contribute (supporting the arts is no longer exclusive), it doesn’t need to be a lot, but one buck from a million people is still a lot of money.
For starters we can start here — Dance Theatre of Harlem
by Sandy | May 2, 2009 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Creativity, Culture, Dancers, Events, music
Summer is almost here – time to make plans.
Atlanta is hosting its National Black Arts Festival again this year. Starting 7/29, music, dance, film, theater, poetry, literature – the Conga Kings, “Growing the Dream” at the Children’s Education Village, “Brazilian Cool” Gala – all presented courtesy of the NBAF. Their aim is to celebrate the vibrant life and art of people of color.
NBAF *Atlanta
July 29 – August 2, 2009
Woodruff Arts Center * Atlanta
1280 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, GA
“The mission of NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression.”
by Bob Martin | Feb 28, 2009 | Art, Dancers, Theater
The Apollo Theater In Harlem
Everyone played the Apollo. I remember leaving school early on Wednesdays and standing on line to get in to see James Brown, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry or the Moonglows. In those days you could sit through and catch a second show which we did often.
A lot of our neighborhood friends performed at the Apollo. with groups like the The Chantels (“Maybe”, “Will you Love Me Tomorrow” and our favorite “The Plea”), the Limelighters, the Cadillacs and others. Sometimes the singing groups would gather outside one of the side doors to see if they could get on stage that day and do their thing.
Our Dad introduced us to the Apollo, where he once played. (Jazz big band that won “Amateur Night” ) It was our Broadway and sometimes Sinatra or Bennett would travel north to sit in with one of the bands.
Motown Records
One of the greatest shows I ever saw, was the Arthur Prysock Singing with Red Prysock’s band, followed by Machito. This was followed by an outrageous jam session with the two bands joined together playing Dizzy Gillespie’s Caravan, like I had never heard it before.
I can recall going out on a first date to see Bill Cosby and embarrassingly crying with laughter and following up the next week to see the complete Motown Review, all for less money then it takes to fill a gas tank.
The Apollo turns 75 and it’s been a miracle that it is still alive.
the first in about 50 years.What mends hard feelings is a little love and it is unfortunate that we (US) is not able to defuse cultural disagreement with a little mutual love of the arts. I remember when the Buena Vista Social Club the movie and later the band made it way to the States. Pure joy and delight. No one was angry about what may or may not have happened years ago. The joyfulness was what many of the young Cuban dances experienced on being able to watch and interact with the ballet company. Our quiet ambassadors, the Arts.
