**NEW CLASS: Contemporary/Lyrical Jazz at OIP DANCE CENTRE
June 7, 2010
Hello Dancers!
I’m pleased to announce that our popular Intermediate Contemporary/Lyrical Class will be held at OIP DANCE CENTRE as of next Tuesday June 15 from 7:00-8:30pm!
The Intermediate Contemporary/Lyrical class is one geared towards anyone who has ever been intrigued by the art of contemporary dance. The pieces taught in class will focus on discovering the nuances that exist in music, the quirks that exist in simple dance movements, and the satisfaction of pushing oneself to use intermediate-level technique!
See you there!
Aerial Silks Workshop with Jamie Holmes
June 7, 2010
**Aerial Silks Workshop with JAMIE HOLMES!**
ALL LEVELS WELCOME!
Ever wanted to learn circus-style moves?? Now is your chance to learn from the BEST! Learn proper technique, tricks and maybe some flips!
When: Saturday June 12, 2010 - 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Studio 1112 - #1112 Dundas Street East (Between Broadview Ave. and Carlaw Ave.)
Price: $25
BEGINNERS & INTER/ADV WELCOME!
Please wear: Long leggings/tights that cover your legs!
See you soon!
ABOUT JAMIE:
Jamie Holmes’ career has taken her around the world performing on Cruise ships, Vegas Stages, and across the USA and Canada. Jamie has expanded her performance training with her love for aerial silks. She currently studies in Toronto with Sabrina Pringle, and has taken workshops at the Nimble Arts Circus School in Vermont, as well as classes at the Sandou Circus Center in Las Vegas. She was also a part of “Head First” which won Best of Fringe in 2009. She travels frequently to the US to perform in industrials, as well as teaching for various conventions and festivals. Jamie has been privileged to act and dance in many films and television shows such as Repo the Genetic Opera, Amelia, ReGenesis, Cheetah Girls, Instant Star, Honey, Harvard Man, and Get Over It to name a few. Jamie is also the co-president of LaRouge Entertainment, a live entertainment company specializing in corporate entertainment.
Jazz Funk Workshop with Blake McGrath
June 4, 2010
This was Blake’s first official Toronto workshop in a long time!
Over 70 students came and sweat to the beat of Lady Gaga’s ‘Telephone’
We had an amazing time! Thanks for coming!
7 Questions with Lindsay Ritter from Choreoclip.com
May 31, 2010
ChoreoClip recently had the opportunity to ask Lindsay some questions!
1) Tell us a little bit about your background.
I started dancing when I was 8 years old at Beverly Segal Dance School. Then I joined the competitive dance team at Toronto’s Dance Machine. It was there that my teachers really saw something special in me and I finally went from dancing in the back row to being front and center. I knew I loved being on stage and at around age 15 I was certain I would continue being involved in the dance world for the rest of my life.
Once I graduated highschool I danced with Vlad’s Dance Company for 2 years and I learned so much in the short time I was there, but I believe it really shaped me as I prepared myself for the professional world and I thank Vlad for being such an incredible mentor during those years. I also trained at Randolph School for Performing Arts in Toronto, known for its triple threat program for dancers, singers and actors.
2) What is your best dancing moment ever?
My best dancing moment ever was when I was 17 years old, competing in the Prince Rupert Dance Competition in British Columbia. My dance studio at the time only brought a few students to showcase at this very prestigious competition. I was competing against 30 other tap soloists and I won 1st place! It was the first time I actually truly believed in myself and who I stood for as a dancer and performer. It was an incredible feeling. I also will never forget that moment because my very dear teacher and friend Alison Shand passed away shortly thereafter. She always believed in me and always knew I would bring something special to the world of dance. She was a huge inspiration to me!
3) What is your favourite style of dance?
I love Commercial Jazz! This is why I run Toronto’s first official commercial jazz class and company! 
There’s just something about classic jazz mixed with a bit of new and fresh styles that excites me. Commercial Jazz is a style that so many people can learn and look good doing. It involves technique which is important but also focuses on style and performance!
4) Who or what do you find inspiring?
Passion and performance is what I find inspiring. Choreography and dance means nothing to me if you don’t live on the stage with your heart and soul. I’ve always believed you should be the performer first and then the dance will follow!
My husband has also been a huge inspiration to me. He encourages me in my work as a teacher and choreographer but also to be a smart business woman. With his guidance, love and support, he’s been an incredible business manager and my #1 Fan!
5) Who is your favourite choreographer of the moment? Why?
There are so many fantastic choreographers out there who inspire me but if I have to choose one it would be Wade Robson. His choreography is so innovative and I really like how he puts his own personal stamp on it which is why his choreo is so recognizable. It’s like you don’t even have to be told it’s his work…you just know! I also like to fact that there’s always a huge performance aspect in his choreography. It’s not always about the steps being creative but rather the face, and the presence being creative!
6) What do you have coming up in the next few months?
Upcoming shows: Talent Defined 2010, Dance for It Gala, The Bazaar and corporate events. Upcoming workshops: Carla Catherwood – Sexy Jazz Funk, Joshua Allen (Winner of SYTYCD US) Jamie Holmes – Aerial Silks. Lots of things are happening at Lindsay Ritter Dance!
7) What advice do you have for young dancers/choreographers who want to turn professional?
It’s important to have goals and to stick with them! So many dancers and choreographers dive into too many things at once. You can’t be successful when you’re all over the place! You need to zone in on your goals, focus and stick with it. If you work hard and do the right things…good things will come!
Thanks, Lindsay, for taking the time to talk to us! See www.lindsayritter.com for more info about classes!
Intermediate Sexy Street Jazz with…Carla Catherwood
May 27, 2010
Intermediate Sexy Street Jazz with…Carla Catherwood
Ever wanted to dance sexy like ‘The Pussycat Dolls’???
Now is your chance!! Come and play with us!
When: Thursday June 3 @ 7:30pm-9:00pm
Where: Canada’s National Ballet School - 400 Jarvis Street, Toronto
Price: $20
ABOUT CARLA:
Vivacious, courageous, and a fun loving workaholic would be the best way to explain Carla Catherwood. Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada she has worked professionally in the entertainment industry for 10 years. She is most known for her producing, directing and her Nuvo-Burlesque style choreography and is currently represented by Toronto’s very own Do-Dat Entertainment with Manager Wayne Samuels. Carla has been blessed to work beside such celebrities and amazing professionals like Michael Buble, Shania Twain, Kelly Osbourne, Russell Peters, Hugh Hefner, Jessica Alba, and Halle Berry.
She has also had the chance to produce and direct shows for the infamous Playboy Mansion, Club Intrawest, Heineken, Grey Goose, Much Music, Vancouver International Children’s Festival, and For the Luv of It! Live entertainment showcases (www.fortheluvofit.com) which has successfully helped both fellow professional entertainers and youth grow, develop and gain more momentum in their career, along with the many burlesque show’s that she has created and produced for her cabaret group “The Burlesque Beauties” (www.burlesquebeauties.com)
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to work with an extremely talented lady!
Carla is now a resident of Toronto and will be casting for a three new projects that will be based out of Toronto at her workshop one of them being for the pre-party at the MMVA’s on June 20th.
Consider every class you take with Carla a casting session!
See you soon!!
Spiderwomen’s Web - The PERFORMANCE
May 21, 2010
LR Productions Presents: Spiderwomen’s Web
An upbeat commercial jazz routine featuring 10 talented female dancers. These ladies portrayed Spiderwomen-the superhero and her enormous WEB!
Action packed and lots of fun! Check it out!
Their first performance of this routine was featured at The Bazaar - Heroes on May 18, 2010.
Natasha Taylor
Brittany-Brie DAmico
Tuba Cafri
Gillian Leask
Kate Campbell
Lexy Cox
Hillary McCarrel
Meghann Bronson
Julie McLachlan
Meagan Speakman
Choreography by: Lindsay Ritter
Special thanks to Yossi Niznik for your awesome hip hop choreo breakdown!
LR Productions Presents: Spiderwomen’s Web
May 11, 2010
LR Productions Presents: Spiderwomen’s Web
Come and check out this high-energy commercial jazz PRODUCTION filled with lots of fun surprises!!
Check us out at The Bazaar - Heroes!
Tuesday May 18 @ 9:30pm
MEET THE CAST:
Natasha Taylor
Brittany-Brie D’Amico
Tuba Cafri
Gillian Leask
Kate Campbell
Lexy Cox
Hillary McCarrel
Meghann Bronson
Julie McLachlan
Meagan Speakman
Come support DANCE in Toronto!!
See you there!
BEGINNER Commercial Jazz - Natasha shares some useful INFO!!
May 7, 2010
Have you ever watched So You Think You Can Dance and thought to yourself, “man, how do they do that!?”
It’s never too late to start from the beginning. In the Beginner Jazz class, we take it back to basics. This class is suitable for absolute beginners as well as intermediate dancers. If you are a true beginner, the class will provide you with the fundamentals and tools you need to begin your introduction into the dance world. If you are already an established dancer, the class can help you enhance your existing skill set. The class allows you to get to know your body in a whole new way. It will enable you to establish (or re-establish) a physical and mental connection with your body through a step-by-step breakdown of every element in each movement.
The class is what you make of it. It will give you all the tools you need to meet any of your individual goals. If you’ve always wanted to try to learn dance, this is a great place to start; if you’re looking for a different way to exercise, this class can leave you feeling like you’ve just had a satisfying workout. Or, if you’re an aspiring dancer with goals in mind, this class can help you improve your overall flexibility, technique and coordination. At the very least, you walk out of every class fully stretched and with some new moves to try at home.
Every class starts with a thorough warm up, and then we lead into technique building with step-by-step instruction. In the last half of the class, you learn and perform a 20-30 second routine to a well-known track. In Beginner Jazz, everyone gets the chance to be a back up dancer for Janet Jackson!
Beginner Jazz offers a non-intimidating and extremely positive environment for anybody who just feels like busting a move!
I challenge you to learn something new and fun and discover the love of dance.
And remember, practice makes perfect!
Lindsay Ritter Dance
MONDAYS @ 8:00pm
Canada’s National Ballet School
400 Jarvis St. Toronto (Wellesley Station)
$10/Drop in
JAZZ FUNK Workshop with the one and only…BLAKE MCGRATH!
May 7, 2010
JAZZ FUNK Workshop with the one and only…BLAKE MCGRATH!
WHEN: Thursday May 20 @ 8:00-9:30pm
WHERE: Canada’s National Ballet School (400 Jarvis Street, Toronto)
PRICE: $30 ($25 in advance by emailing: me(AT)lindsayritter.com)
Blake McGrath is well known for MTV’s Dancelife, dancing for Janet, Madonna and Britney on tour, and So You Think You Can Dance US. Blake also owns coastaldancerage.com, is a current judge on So you Think You Can Dance Canada and a Universal Music artist who just released his first single ‘The Night’!
Don’t miss this ONE NIGHT ONLY workshop with Canada’s BEST!
Photos and Video will be taken at this event!
See you soon!
For more information email: me(AT)lindsayritter.com
Intermediate Contemporary/Lyrical Class with Marta!
April 17, 2010