Inspiring Students at Dance Intensive in the Hamptons

Dance intensive’s lead dancer/choreographer in the Hamptons, Jitka, shares some her ideas around our dance camp in Bridgehampton, NY.

1.     How do you inspire your dance students, and what is your goal for Dance intensive this summer in Bridgehampton?

Dance is all about expressing yourself and having fun. Anyone can learn and become a better dancer; there are no wrong moves.

My goals would be for everyone to have fun, create a safe space for each dancer, express our feelings, learn new skills, practice choreography, and explore freestyle. At the end of the week, we will present our choreography, combining everything we've learned.

2.     What is your approach for teaching students in the adult dance class you have later in the day?  

Dance is a physical, mental, and spiritual activity that embodies freedom, for me. It's not just about movement; it's about discovering and connecting (or reconnecting) with our soul and body.

3.     What excites you in terms of your own dance projects that are happening now or in the future?

I am currently teaching workshops (dance and yoga) in the USA and Europe, as well as performing and choreographing shows and music videos. Additionally, I have been honored to judge and participate in the Best Dance Group competition for 13 years, providing opportunities for dancers and choreographers to grow, educating them, and traveling the world.

Teamwork, The Music and Sports Connection

There are definitely many similarities between sports and music. The importance of teamwork is what first comes to mind. Musicians in Rock Camp, our music camp in Bridgehampton, New York, rehearse and learn the music together, and adjust in real time to what everyone is doing on stage.

Basketball legend, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, says it best. 

"The whole idea of teamwork for a basketball team and a jazz group is basically the same.  You have to work within a tight structure of time, space, and rules, and you have to find room for personal expression while supporting each member in time and reacting to what they do in time and space.  Jazz shows how these constrictors can be liberating rather than confining."

 Here is a short clip of the basketball legend, Kareem Abdul Jabbar talking about attending his first music concert, Duke Ellington and the jazz-like quality to his playing.  Here is another clip of him speaking at Lincoln Center.  So good!