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!