Seward Dance Camp 2016

Members of Pulse Dance Co. hit the road to share the joys of dance with children, preteens, and adults in Seward. This video features the 3-day youth program. Special thanks to dance mom Brittany Swanson, the Seward Arts Council, and the Apex Gym for making it all happen!

Pulse in Concert presents: La Femme

Coming this February: get tickets here now!

Burlesque Body Class

The hottest class offered at our Studio!
www.StudioPulseAK.com - making a variety of dance and fitness accessible to Anchorage adults.

Connect to Pleasure

Dancing to bid: gala at Jacob's Pillow in Beckett, MA. 

Wow!

This summer has been a spectacular whirlwind of dance immersion, celebration, sharing, and professional development. I feel so blessed to have been able to embark on these opportunities and to have connected more deeply to both my art and the larger national/international dance community.

Mostly, I'm thrilled to bring pieces of everything I experienced - from the history of Jacob's Pillow and dancing in New York, to leading a community dance camp in Seward, AK to teacher training in California - back to Anchorage. This glorious, beautiful, state-of-mind-altering drug we know as dance has only shown the tip of its iceberg locally, and this season, I dedicate myself to revealing a larger, richer, more connected bigger picture.

Every move we choreograph or dance has been influenced by movement philosophies of those before us. We either embrace or reject them, but we are indeed standing on the shoulders of giants. It is through this that we continue to be part of what's happening in Israel, New York, Africa, Washington... the dance studio on the other side of town.

That's part of what makes dance so awesome. We're in this together, and I want to build on that. Let's lose ourselves to movement, to music, and forget about everything outside of the studio for a bit. What else matters if we are happy, healthy, and pushing our bodies past the edges of our own preconceived limitations?

It was in a Gaga class in New York, led by a Batsheva company member, that I very deeply understood "letting go." In a room packed with heavy-lidded dancers who had completely and utterly given themselves to the movement, surrounded by gasps and sighs, supple joints, floating ropes of arms, reaching more, giving more, and rapture, it somehow all made sense.
"Now let go," she said. "And connect to pleasure."

That's what we're all trying to figure out how to do anyway, right?

Adventures aside, I'm glad to be back and hope to see you in the studio.  New schedule's out!

Sweat much? Dancing in New York.

Dancing in Seward, AK

Seward dance students

Dance Teacher Summit!

Teacher training in Long Beach, CA

Yours in dance,
Stephanie Wonchala
Pulse Artistic Director/Choreographer

Jacob's Pillow gala performance review + Daniil Simkin in my home.

Well, sort of. We'll get to Daniil.

In search of inspiration, reinvigoration, and exposure to the larger dance community, I packed my bags and jetted from Anchorage, AK to Boston, MA. It's a long and tiresome journey - especially when you learn that flying into Hartford, CT would have been closer to the Pillow than Boston - but hey, I learned something. Like Dunkin' Donuts is everywhere, and Bostonians are some of the kindest humans I've ever met. I'm loving the people.

Onward: I couldn't wait to set foot onto Jacob's Pillow grounds, and after settling in at my charming Airbnb abode, nestled in the midst of Sherwood Forest, I headed over with butterflies in my stomach.
It is... amazing. The structures built by Ted Shawn and his men still stand; the history and valuable, fleeting moments in dance still buzz between the walls. This historic place is special, and you can feel it in your bones. And like a kid left alone with the cookie jar, I had to jump onto the Inside/Out stage for a happy dance. You know, that outdoor stage with the breathtaking view of the Berkshires. It was a lovely afternoon spent on the campus, and I returned the following eve for the season opening gala.



The evening began with cocktails in an expanded Blake's Barn, hosting a collection of Pillow Archives and interesting, pivotal, and behind-the-scenes moments in dance.

The best part, of course, was the gala performance. Friends, I can not emphasize enough the magic of those particular works together on that particular night and stage. I was seated in the front row, audience left, and while I normally prefer to view dance from more of a distance, it really was the perfect seat. Flanked by portraits of Ted Shawn to my left and Ruth St. Denis on my right, I could hear the dancers on the other side of the curtain, and all was right in the world.

JACOB'S PILLOW GALA PROGRAM 2015Neenan - Gerring - Peck - Graham - Van Cauwenbergh


The production opened with the world premiere of new work by BalletX director Matthew Neenan, set on fall color-clad students from the school at Jacob's Pillow. Mind you, these ballet students hailing from schools from Hong Kong and New Zealand to Amsterdam and Ohio weren't casual dance hobbyists. I am confident that this is only the start of very successful careers for most all of them; to see such budding artistry in combination with their technical accomplishments was inspiring. Not to mention, they learned this substantial piece in a matter of four days.

Neenan's choreographic voice is clear. Clever, spritely shifts in movements, gestures, and contact between dancers kept me engaged. From soloists to the surprise entry of another large group of dancers, to dynamic duets, Neenan kept presenting fresh movement ideas utilizing both balletic and pedestrian vocabulary. The heavy flop of a turned-out foot felt very "Forsythe" and was one favorite of a few movement motifs that occurred just enough times for me to enjoy and cling to. By the time the 22 program dancers reached their final positions, I was fully satisfied. 

Liz Gerring's company presented an excerpt from Glacier, set one time only to "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin. The piece begins with two dancers charging in with crouching slides, and eventually, three more powerhouse movers join for rapid-fire explosions of kicks and jumps, broken up by slow-moving, grounded duets in which the dancers sometimes connected with each other's eyes intensely, and at other times clearly chose to look in different directions. I appreciate the work for the sheer amount of athleticism required to dance it.

In Bright Motion was a piece created by Justin Peck (we've all seen Ballet 422, yes?) for Sara Mearns, performed by Mearns and Russell Janzen of New York City Ballet. It was surely a supremely challenging duet, and Mearns (and her gorgeously striated thighs) was stunning, but the work felt too packed full of steps for me to fully enjoy the dance itself. Her white leotard could use some thicker lining (NYCB costume shop - please take note!), but both dancers filled the stage with the kind of impeccable execution and prowess I was expecting, and so glad I got to experience. Live accompaniment by pianist Michael Mizrahi made it feel all the more intimate, and the dancers' final glance back at one another was just the right touch.

Now let's get real(ly modern). It was probably 2004/5 when I was first exposed the Martha Graham's Errand Into the Maze. There I was, sitting in my college Dance Appreciation class watching fuzzy VHS footage of one of the most iconic works in modern dance history. It was also the year that I realized I was going to to make the performing arts a larger part of my life. I had things to say. And so did Graham! And so she did!

Before the piece began, the stage began to rumble, and  - gasp! - the entire upstage wall parted to welcome the cool evening air, and lush green trees gently rustled as the performance's backdrop.
If ever there were a performer who could execute the choreography as Graham had intended it to be, surely PeiJu Chien-Pott is the one to do it. Lithe, strong and powerful, she performs with a heart-wrenching depth and sensitivity, matched only by her masterful ability to so clearly articulate every integral movement in Errand. I'll never forget the clouds of her breath hanging in the chill.

I was a little caught off guard by the netted face masked-man/minotaur who joined her, minus the usual horns. Something was off, and I realized that the costumes weren't the originals, and most of the important props were missing. I assume this may be because those items were damaged in the hurricane Sandy flood of the Cunningham/Graham prop storage space, and have yet to be replaced (?). Even so, the work is a masterpiece and was so deftly, meticulously executed by the performers that I didn't much care. Chien-Pott is a Graham goddess.

Of course, the evening wouldn't have been what it was without Daniil Simkin so perfectly cast as a charming, funny, slightly sloppy, and utterly hilarious soloist in Ben Van Cauwenbergh's Le Bourgeois Gentlehomme. I just kept thinking, "Could this get any better?!?!" The answer is no, it was the Best. Simkin is a brilliant performer, a ham-of-a-man whose slightest hand gesture sends the imagination reeling. The choreography was simultaneously witty, goofy and accessible, and Simkin proved that you don't need to make it to the moon to defy gravity. Fancy footwork, whirling leaps, and Harry Potter-esque spectacles were the cherry on top of an absolutely glorious evening of dance.

But ah, yes. I get to take Daniil home with me. Don't worry, he's alive and well, but despite his flexibility, couldn't quite fit into my suitcase. So, one silent auction later, his banner photo and Trey McIntyre's "Isvel 1" image from The Cuba Series, will be chillin' in Alaska in the very near future.



I'm off to New York to take some dream classes before returning to the Pillow. I'll be in touch, and as always, you can follow along on Instagram to experience the adventure, too.
Keep dancing, my friends.

xo
Stephanie Wonchala
Pulse Dance Co. Artistic Director/Choreographer

On Hindsight

Click here to view excerpt from Ever After, 2013

It's a beautiful thing, time. It helps you separate yourself from whatever may have clouded your judgement at one point or another, remove self-doubt, or help you see your own work more clearly.

As I'm sure happens with many artists, my perspective on what I create changes. Sometimes new work comes easily, flowing from my head and heart and falling meticulously into place. Other times the process is harder, although the end result may still be (subjectively) splendid.

I recently came across a DVD of an evening-length dance concert I created in 2013 titled Ever After (link to an excerpt under photo). It was a breath of fresh air to be reminded of the process behind the finished work, to see the successes, and to acknowledge the moments I now know could have been stronger, or different. As we grow as artists and people, our tastes and frame of reference will change. But having had time to distance myself from my work, I feel rich. Blessed that I am able to do what I love and lucky that I've had years to continue studying, experimenting, training, growing and playing alongside dancers willing to dedicate their time and talent.

The message? If you are doing what you love, keep moving forward. Embrace and accept the challenges and roadblocks; they are what will make you stronger. Go easy on yourself when you make mistakes. As dancers, it's easy to get swept into a cycle of striving for perfection and feeling as though we never quite live up to it, but IT'S OK to stop and let yourself feel good for work well done.
Yes, there are things I'd do differently now. But if I could go back, no, I wouldn't change a thing. On occasion, I look back at my younger self and say "Good for you, grasshopper. Now just keep going."

So keep going, friends.
Stephanie Wonchala
Pulse Artistic Director/Choreographer

When "working late" means "having a blast"

Thoughts on being an Alaskan Artist

PDC company member Brooke Nguyen.

There are a lot of wonderful things about Alaska - location, opportunities, community, the view.

Those same things can simultaneously become the hardships - and the saving graces - of being a working artist in our state.

Location? We're completely detached from art hubs. New York, LA, Europe. It's safe to say Jiri Kylian doesn't Google search "dance in Anchorage" when he needs inspiration. And so it remains our responsibility to seek knowledge, chase new experiences, and share them generously.

Opportunities? They're as vast as our state's square footage... but only if you make them. As Alaska approaches its Centennial Celebration, it's important to note that a city is only as vibrant as the art it supports, and within 100 years, we've come far. It's equally important to note that without arts leaders forging ahead, our (limited) arts scene wouldn't be what it is today. For that, I am thankful.

A sense of community. Without it we're weak, and together, we can do more, and better. Not everyone will share the same vision, and that's OK. Countless arts organizations across the nation work together for mutually beneficial outcomes, and that in and of itself creates a safety net for what can be a perilous work climate for the arts. Strength in numbers, power in support, commUNITY. It's a beautiful thing to know people have your back, and empowering to have theirs. Pulse has been lucky to have the support of leading local arts organizations including the Anchorage Concert Association, Momentum Dance Collective, Underground Dance Company, Studio 49, and the University of Alaska. Together, we can build an environment that nurtures the art we care so passionately about, and together, we can continue growing.

The view. Well - the view's always great.

Pulse launched a Kickstarter campaign on September 20 for a restaging of Cinderella, and what has been most beautiful about the Kickstarter experience is the massive amount of support it has received, and not just financially. Our campaign has been shared nearly 900 times by donors and non-donors looking to make our project happen. That, if anything, is what it's all about: bringing people together, making art a viable possibility in Anchorage, and no matter the struggle, finding ways to make big things happen. Thanks for taking the journey with us.

Until next time, friends.

Stephanie Wonchala
Pulse Dance Company
Artistic Director/Choreographer

And Another Thing...: Whim W'him: The Courage Of Conviction

And Another Thing...: Whim W'him: The Courage Of Conviction: Whim W'him company members in "Les Biches" by Anabelle Lopez Ochoa photo @ Bamberg Fine Art, courtesy Whim W'him It ta...

Fairbanks 2014 AWG Gala Finale

This was ridiculously cool. Throat singers meet break dancers, native dance meets Greenland flair. Such an amazing experience - and while the sound drops when the awesome drumming kicks in, you get the idea. 
We are one community, even if continents apart. 



More: http://awg2014.org/culture

Life of a Freelance Dancer: Should Artists be Shamed into Taking "Normal" Jobs...

"Professional artists need to remember that art is their job. Not some fun, child-like hobby that we are too stubborn to let go of."

Amen. Looking forward to having the highly accomplished, mega-talented Barry Kerollis back in our state. As sequestered as we are, it will be a delight to have his professional dance current ripple into our midst.

Catch up on his blog below:

Life of a Freelance Dancer: Should Artists be Shamed into Taking "Normal" Jobs...: At the beginning of 2014, I posted an article on Facebook about the hotly debated emergency extension of unemployment benefits . My intentio...

Pageant School - THROWBACK!

A fun blast from the past - pun intended - feat. Pulse director Stephanie Wonchala doing her thang. #throwback

Pulse Dance Company in Concert finale: an excerpt

Tighty Whitey Leaps Galore!

Fun is what we do. ;)

The Black Swan Challenge: Curtain

Greetings, Black Swan fan,

We were so delighted to have Brittany take on the Black Swan Challenge - she dove in head first and never wavered! Not only was a life change of this nature impressive, but her will to complete the challenge is inspirational. Over two hours of dance everyday. All styles. No matter the weather, work load, or mood. Truly, Brittany's dance-centered lifestyle, even alongside a full time job and recent engagement is proof that if you want it, and work for it, you can achieve anything. Where there is a will, there is a way.

A big, special thank you to Alaska Dancer Emporium for sponsoring Brittany's epic dance quest. Upon completion, Brittany was awarded a shopping spree during which she scored much more dance gear than we had initially thought possible! $100 goes far at Alaska Dancer Emporium, and Brittany left with lovely new leos, tights, a skirt, and accessories (and I may or may not have splurged on a dark blue Natalie leo with velour trim myself).

So many choice, sizes, colors!

<3

Aside from connecting with such a beautiful mover and soul, the best part was watching Brittany nestle back into her "dancer self," confidently adding artistic flair to increasingly long lines and confidently-executed combinations. We officially have our first Black Swan. Are you next?

Hoping to meet your swan self at the Studio!

Stephanie Wonchala

Owner/Director

- - - -

Brittany's final post:

I came. I stretched. I ached. I was sore. I was impossibly stiff. I hurt. I sweat. I put my water bottle through its paces. I nursed a bum foot. I took countless Epsom salt baths. I neglected many dirty dishes. I pushed myself. And... I. Did. It. I completed the challenge!!! I am the first completed Black Swan at Studio Pulse!!!! I can't contain my exclamation points!!

I am proud of myself. But, more than that, I am thankful I got this chance. I said in my first blog post that I thought the challenge coming about was the Universe's way of telling my to get to dancing again. I believe that even more now. I also believe that any potential cosmic gestures the good ol' Universe may offer up won't amount to anything if they aren't met with a willing spirit. Because the Universe just can't do all the work, y'know? Not that I am here to dispense advice or anything... but I'm going to. My advice to you is: try. It doesn't matter what it is. Just... try. And really give it everything you've got.

And I'm not done. This challenge is over, but mine is ongoing. I will keep dancing, moving, and grooving. I have a swan status to maintain! To all those dancers out there: keep it up. Even when you're discouraged, or tired, remember how much you love it. As a friend once told me, (and the Steve Miller Band confirmed) dance, dance, dance; you will never grow old. And to everyone out there: dance is a universal language. Something primal, something beautiful; some piece of humanity we can all share in some way. Explore that, especially if you never have before. It goes on and on.

Because, *ahem*, YOU can dance if you want to. You can leave your friends behind (if it comes to that, for, like, an hour or so while you're in the studio) Because your friends don't dance, and if they don't dance (they totally can, though, just bring them with you) then they're no friends of mine.

THANK YOU, everyone, for reading. And THANK YOU, Studio Pulse and all of my instructors and fellow dancers, for your encouragement, support, and for just being there.

This week's Theme song: Applause - Lady Gaga

Brittany "before" photo.

After 30 days of dedicated dancing!

So much attitude.

Black Swan Challenge: WORK

Now that I am past the half-way point of the challenge, I am feeling fabulous. My body has transitioned from the all over, deep muscle soreness and joint stiffness to the more transitory aches and pains that just seem to come from daily studio exuberance. The latter feels good. It's the kind of soreness that reminds you that you are working, that your body is being constantly challenged.

At the beginning of this challenge, I told one of my instructors I felt as though I was going from safe, dry land to the decks of ship being tossed about on the ocean, thus struggling to get my sea legs back. I stand by that assessment. (I'm on a boat!)

Now, I'm feeling more like a pirate! (I'm on a boat, MFers!) I'm feeling stronger, leaner, and I have more energy. And, well, I'm happier. The studio has become my sanctuary. I get a warm welcome when I come through the door, and a cozy feeling from the atmosphere. I get to put the rest of the day away for a little while, leave my cell phone in the dressing room and focus on myself and my body. I get to feel the music, feel the floor, feel the space around me. I just get to be right where I am.

And, even though this challenge is physicality turned up to 11, I know that even spending a fraction of the time in the studio would make some difference in my body and my physical and mental well being. Also, for what it's worth, aside from being more mindful about foods that might be good dance fuel/good dance recovery, I haven't made any major changes to my diet or anything. I think the main thing here is to simply GET MOVING.

My experience with many studios is that they are very youth/student centric, which is wonderful, but it can leave many of us with work schedules and other obligations feeling left out, especially adults who are just beginning to dance. I had not danced at all at Studio Pulse before this challenge, and I quickly found that the best thing about their class offerings is that they are accessible, doable, and fun; grown-up friendly schedules and instruction for a range of skill levels. That means that you just have to show up and get out there! Your progress will be directly proportional to the amount of work you put in--you only have yourself to answer to! For myself, I have a long way to go still, but I'm feeling good about how far I've come.

I feel some New Years resolutions coming on...

- Britt

Last week's theme song: Roar - Katy Perry

This week's theme song: Work, B**ch - Britney Spears

See Brit - wearing red - dancing across the floor HERE!

The Black Swan Challenge Week II

We're Gonna Need a Bigger Dance Bag...

Let me just say that the word "challenge" is no joke here, friends. This has been an uphill battle, both physically and logistically.

My joints? Stiff. My extremities? Bruised. My feet? Callusing. My muscles? Oh, so very sore. Earlier this week it was as if I was driving, trying desperately to reach the next exit on a gas tank that has nothing but fumes left. I was pulling every last ounce of energy that I possibly could from my fatigued muscles, commanding them to fire and getting a minimal response in return.

So far, I have taken different ballet classes, modern classes and a Pilate's class. While dancing, sometimes I feel as though I am getting reacquainted with an old, dear friend. Other times, it's more like bumping into an annoying relative at the store. You know, the one who always has on way too much cologne or perfume and makes the food nobody eats at family gatherings? They greet you with an awkward hug and proceed to talk at a feverish pace. You try to politely end the conversation, but they don't let you leave, asking you why you're still single and how come they never hear from you. Yeah. Like that. Concepts that were once familiar need deciphering. Positions that once required minimal effort take every bit of strength I can muster. Things that I was once working on perfecting, I am now starting back at square one just trying to execute. Why can't I just get my knee to passe??? Talk about a reality check.

Then, since I am working full time during the day and dancing in the evenings, I am having to get creative with my errands and household chores... I can wear this shirt again, right? It totally passed The Sniff Test... I know that we are all busy--I'm sure that there are parents out there wondering what I could possibly have to say about being short on time--but, when we make dramatic changes in our lives to accommodate whatever new demand, be it kids, pets, or a physical endeavor, it can be very tricky indeed.

I am adjusting to a lot of little things, as well. Like packing enough snacks for a long day and figuring out what to wear to classes everyday, i.e.: determining what still fits after all these years... and getting it all packed and mobile. Plus, as the holiday season continues to add another dimension to the demands on my time, I am working hard to stay ahead of the game.

So... Why am I doing this again? Well, at the end of the day, after all of the above is said and done, the feeling I am taking away is a wonderful one. I'm not sure how far I've come yet, but every day is a small accomplishment, and I am meeting wonderful people in the process. People that share my passion for dance, as well as the challenges of life and dancing/dancing and life. And, to all those dancers out there that sometimes find themselves pondering the whys and hows of their dancing as I have been, remember that warm, fuzzy, wonderful feeling you get from it, in whatever way it comes to you. Put THAT in your dance bag and... carry it.

- Brittany

P.S.:

Last week's theme song: Ready, Steady, Go - Paul Oakenfold

This week's theme song: Let's Dance - Billy Idol

Pointe Taken

Turning an epilogue of dance into a new story's beginning

My name is Brittany Petry. I was born and raised here in Anchorage, Alaska. I do accounting work for a small business, I just moved to south Anchorage with my boyfriend, and I own two Welsh corgis who may be the coolest dogs on the planet. What else? Well, I love camping and fishing... I'm a Gemini. Oh, and I'm a dancer. Well, that is to say, I dance. Uhhh, I dance... in front of the bedroom mirror when Gaga comes on. And I drop it like it's HOT in my kitchen on occasion. I've done a pas de deux with my vacuum cleaner in the living room... and I've certainly done my share of spirit-induced dance floor moves. Heck, I've even lead the Electric Slide AND the Cupid Shuffle at a few weddings! Huh... I really do LOVE to dance. Really! It's just that my dancing is now limited to the aforementioned instances... and I've been trying so hard in the past few months to figure out why. Why did my story become "I used to be a dancer"?

Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that ANYONE can dance. I think of it as a universal language that we can all speak at some level; that's what makes dance so special. And while I wouldn't deny that some one's at-home twerking session is their avenue to dance, for me, I feel like I can't presently call myself a dancer. It's been past-tense for me, personally, because the scope and the frequency of my dancing plummeted, with no good excuse at all for the change. 

I started dancing at 4 years old; a little pre-ballet blur, all in pink, then pink and blue, learning to leap over carpet squares at Alaska Dance Theatre. As I grew, so did my love of moving. I dabbled in gymnastics and figure skating, but stayed dancing all the while. I essentially grew up at Alaska Dance Theatre, taking ballet, then jazz, then modern. I started with the company at 13, letting most all other activities outside of school play second fiddle to my love of dance. My schedule through junior high and high school was full of rehearsals, classes and performances with some of the most amazing resident and guest teachers and choreographers from around the world. In short, I ate, slept, and breathed dance. It was a core part of my being.

At age 19, I stopped taking dance classes. I had intentions of being with the company another year, but decided against it. I think it's accurate to say that I let frustrations I was having in life and in the studio get to me, and instead of rising to the challenge, I walked away. While I know I had my reasons at the time, I can't put them together in hindsight. And, really, how lame is that?!?

Honestly, I can't count the number of times that I thought to myself over the years "I should take a ballet class, I miss it". I feel like the absence of dance in my life created a little hole in me that was getting progressively bigger over time, but for some inexplicable reason, I wasn't moved to fill it. Perhaps I was in denial, or, maybe, once I let enough time pass, I was too scared of the daunting task of getting back into it. But I don't think dance was ever done with me, and over the past few months, that hole of dancelessness (new word--write it down) seemed too big to ignore. About that time, some opportunities to dance started cropping up. I danced in a flash mob downtown, and at a hip-hop birthday party of a good friend's 13 year old daughter. The following day, while appreciating/lamenting my sore muscles, I pondered that the universe might really be telling me something... "Get out there and DANCE, dummy!" And who am I to argue with the universe?

Having taken the universe's hint, I made the decision to drop by Studio Pulse and check out class card prices. I had heard all about the studio opening and was pretty excited that an awesome company had given way to what was sure to be an awesome dance studio. My visit, by all accounts, proved my theory. Then, in the midst of leading the universe on a little, reallocating my fun money to accommodate the purchase of a class card, it happened... There, in my Facebook newsfeed, Studio Pulse posted the Black Swan Challenge. That was it. If I considered what was happening before to be the universe giving me hints, I might consider this to be the universe hitting me in the face with a pillow, like, "This sign couldn't be any bigger, tag you are SO it". And let me tell you: I am not one to back down from a pillow fight.

So, here I am. Scared, excited, nervous, and ready. Maybe "ready"... Well, there's no time like the present, is there? I am very thankful for this opportunity; I'm looking to turn what was once my epilogue into a new story's beginning. This is my moment and perhaps your moment as well. Because if I can dust myself off, get back out there and put myself to the test (and PASS), maybe you'll be inspired to do the same. So, stick with me. Pull for me. Keep reading my posts through this very blog-worthy challenge. I assure you, there is a pointe to this.

-Brittany

Brittany doing great on her second day, second class. 

Embarking on a New Journey

For the past 10 years dance has been a major part of my life. My name is Christina Roper Gorlick and I proudly call myself a dancer. I am often asked "what style of dance do you do?", when I spew off my long list of jazz, musical theater, pep, modern, etc I often leave out one crucial genre: ballet.

Dancing without a strong foundation in ballet is like floating in water without knowing how to swim. You can see all the beauty of the water and feel the waves carrying you, but eventually you must swim to fully embrace the ocean. Ballet is that way, it is the core of structured dance. Learning your alignments, drilling the structure and discipline, and really feeling how a dancer's body is supposed to feel can be applied to all other forms of dance.

Today I partner with Studio Pulse to start The Black Swan Challenge. As a seasoned dancer this challenge means so much more to me than just completing a challenge. It means growing and maturing into the dancer that I am meant to be.

Let me start by giving some background about who I am. I grew up in Chugiak, Alaska and started dancing when I was 14 years old by joining the Chugiak Chaparral Dance/Drill Team. With no prior dance experience I had to learn how to dance and how to keep up with fast paced routines quickly. While dancing with the Chaparrals the fire started to burn deep inside me and dance became a passion. I worked my tail off and my last year I earned the role of Team Captain. That same year I led my fellow dancers to a 2nd place victory at a national dance competition in California.

After high school I wasn't finished with dance and looked for other outlets for me to hone in on my passion and start learning core fundamentals. I started taking dance classes at Dance Dynamics in Eagle River, Alaska. This dance studio had an instructor named Shari that I loved dearly and looked up to as a dancer. I took any and all classes that I could get my hands on and was apart of their competition team. I took jazz, ballet, modern, etc as well as competed at an international competition in Vancouver, Canada. 

I competed in Miss Alaska Pageants dancing as my talent, and showed anyone who was interested how much I loved to dance. I took many dance classes through UAA's Theater and Dance Department including modern, jazz, musical theater, and dance appreciation. Performing always seems to put a smile on my face and lets my expression through dance shine. It seems only fitting that I sign up to be a dancer in Alaska's production of Cabaret at the Wildberry Theater. It was performing in Cabaret that I really tapped into some wonderful experienced dancers in Anchorage's dance scene. 

I graduated from college, got a "big girl job", married the love of my life, and started to think of dance as a pastime, a time that I look back at and smile. Wrong! Dance was not done with me yet. I was presented with an opportunity to be a dancer on Alaska's new semi-pro basketball team The Alaska Quake. This was a great time for me to put those performing skills to the test. As the second season started I was given the position as Director and Lead Choreographer. This took every skill that I had ever learned about dance and put it to the test. 

Now I am ready to embark on a brand new journey in my forever dance lifestyle: The Black Swan Challenge. This challenge is going to break down everything that I thought I knew about dance and start a brand new foundation. I truly feel this is going to take me to a brand new level as a dancer. For the next 30 days I am taking the Natalie Portman approach to dancing like a ballerina. I will attend classes at Studio Pulse everyday until I have reached my goal of completion. I want to make it perfectly clear that this is so much more than just a challenge for me, it is shaping and sculpting me into the well rounded dancer that I want to be. 

There are some things I am VERY excited about.

• Being in Anchorage's hottest new dance studio!
• Training under some of the best instructors in the business
• Improving my technique
• Stretching (yes I said it, I like that stuff)
• Building stronger ankles
• Meeting new dancers
• Reaching a goal of getting on pointe
• Having the achievement of finishing something I committed to

There are also some things I am NOT excited about.

• Sore muscles
• Aching feet
• Being made fun of when I go to get a pedicure and beg the workers not to take off my calluses because I need them (I know a lot of dancers can attest to that)
• Working on my posture every waking moment
•  The process of building stronger ankles (I want the strong ankles but the process....)
• Getting my butt kicked, repeatedly

Take this journey with me by following my blog posts throughout this new endeavor. I will be posting pictures and describing in detail my new experiences. When I have completed the challenge celebrate it with me!

Stay on your tippy toes until my next blog post. 

Christina Roper Gorlick

Black Swan Challenge: Engage

Greetings Pulse fans and dance lovers!

Much has happened over the past several months, including the grand opening of our own center for dance! Studio Pulse is dedicated to providing local dancers with a safe haven in which to further their growth as artists, and we're delighted to continue doing so by introducing the Black Swan Challenge. The deets? One hardcore dance enthusiast, selected through an application process, channels their inner Natalie Portman by training at our studio for several hours daily for one month straight.

The Black Swan Challenge is graciously sponsored by Alaska Dancer Emporium who provided a shopping spree including Russian pointe shoes (and a knowledgeable fitting), tights, toe pads, a stitch kit, and flex bands for strength-building exercises.

Our first ever dancer to accept the challenge is Christina Gorlick, a local dancer and former Alaska Quake cheerleader who has trained in jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, modern, and ballet. We're very excited for her to begin her journey to a better, stronger version of her dancer self in our studio.

Follow Christina at this blog, or on our studio's Facebook page to experience breakthroughs right along with her.

Take it away, Christina!

Cheers,
Stephanie Wonchala
Studio Pulse Owner
Pulse Dance Co. Director

Alaska Dancer Emporium's wall full of pointe shoes!  <3

Selecting the right liners for Christina. Final choice: Ouch Pouches.

Christina takes a small bend in parallel for Michelle to test weight distribution in the shoe's box.

First position smiles.  :)