Major Events in the Professional Dance World - January 2025

The start of 2025 has already brought exciting news to the professional dance world! The Paris Opera Ballet recently announced its first female artistic director in decades, a pivotal step in reshaping leadership in classical ballet. Meanwhile, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a global tour featuring new works and classic favorites like Revelations.

In contemporary dance, choreographer Crystal Pite has unveiled her latest work, blending theater and movement in a groundbreaking performance at Sadler’s Wells, London. Additionally, January marks the premiere of "Amplify," an innovative virtual reality dance experience by Jon Boogz and Lil Buck, which fuses technology with movement.

Stay tuned as the dance world continues to evolve and inspire!

Dance Education Tip of the Month - Building Strong Foundations

January is the perfect time to reset and focus on the basics. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, returning to foundational techniques like proper alignment, breathwork, and foot articulation can transform your practice.

Tip of the Month: Start each class with an intention—focus on one small improvement (e.g., clearer port de bras or deeper pliés). Document your progress by keeping a journal or taking short videos weekly. Building skill takes time, but with patience, practice, and persistence, you'll achieve more than you know!

Remember: Progress in dance is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you or your dancer ever has any questions about our tip of the month - don’t hesitate to reach out or ask any teacher in person!

January Updates at Iowa Dance Collective

It’s an exciting time at IDC as we prepare to renovate our brand-new location in Fairfield, Iowa! This move will allow us to expand our offerings, host larger classes, and create a more vibrant space for our dancers to thrive. The new studio will feature upgraded facilities, larger rehearsal spaces, and plenty of room for creativity and growth. We can’t wait to welcome our IDC family into the new space—stay tuned for updates on the official move-in date!

Our students are also diving into rehearsals for two exciting performances this May, both at the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts:

• May 30th: Malone Dance Theater’s pre-professional students will present their spring showcase. This will be an inspiring evening of original works that highlight their growth and artistry.

• May 31st: The entire Iowa Dance Collective will come together for a school-wide performance, celebrating the hard work and achievements of all our dancers throughout the year.

In addition, registration for our Summer Dance Conservatory will be opening soon. This three-week program will feature an exceptional lineup of guest teachers, daily technique classes in ballet, modern, and contemporary, and the chance to participate in repertory rehearsals. It’s an incredible opportunity to grow as a dancer and connect with peers from across the country. Be sure to keep an eye out for more details and secure your spot early!

Thank you for being part of our journey as we continue to grow and provide exceptional dance education for our community. Here’s to a month filled with passion, progress, and inspiration!