Jade de Trey : Body Work & Dance!

Methuselah Dance: performance at Elevate the Arts festival May 5th 2012

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:45:20 +0000

This is me (on the right), Lyndsay Spencer behind me and Anne Marie Scott on the left. Performing a piece called Held in Grace” outside of the Sid Williams Plaza on May 5th for Elevate the Arts festival. We had a loose score ( concept) for what we were doing and then practiced it several times (maybe 7 times) then performed it. We played with holding shapes and being creatively inspired by one another’s movements in order to make new shapes. We also played with the white veils.. moving them freely in an “ecstatic way” and then in a synchronized trio. We don’t choreograph the piece but do have an idea of how the piece will go and musical cues will dictate when we shift to a new movement idea. We are all improvisers (AKA free dancers) so chose not to have set choreography .

the power of music…

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:57:08 +0000

I just watched this inspiring TED Talks about a woman who planned to be a lawyer in China with the goal of bridging the difficulties and discrimination between the US and China. She studied Mandarin (one of China’s main languages) and also was a bit of a singer… watch and enjoy!

http://www.ted.com/talks/abigail_washburn_building_us_china_relations_by_banjo.html

Questions and Answers about Contact Improv Dance

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 17:15:26 +0000

Lots of people ask me about what Contact Dance. Sometimes I have a good answer and sometimes I just start rolling my arm along their’s and talk my way through what I am doing… But here.. in a nice article my friend Anthea Brown wrote is common questions about how to approach contact dance, what it is and isn’t. Maybe it will help with any fears or pre-conceived notions people may have about it. Enjoy!

1. Q. What is Contact Improvisation? (CI)

A. CI is a dance form created in the 70’s that at its simplest is two people following a contact point between their bodies. It can be as smooth and gentle as a rolling hug, or athletic, dynamic and flying. Each dance is informed by the skills, moods and connection of the dancers in that moment..

2. Q. I have two left feet – is CI for me?

A. Good news! CI’s not about doing specific steps, so it usually appeals to those who have trouble with more ‘organized’ dance forms.

3. Q. I have no rhythm – is CI for me?

A. You’re in luck – this form is usually practiced without music, so you can tune into your internal impulses. In fact, it’s a challenge to dance CI to music that has a strong beat. A bit like patting your head and rubbing your stomach.

4. Q. I’ve been doing ballet/jazz/hiphop/salsa since I was four years old – do I need to take classes?

A. Although any kind of dance training is helpful when learning another, they often have different qualities. Some parts of your training will be useful. In CI, the important thing is keeping an open, curious mind, and allowing the body to follow.

5. Q. I’ve done lots of classes and workshops in CI. Will this one be too beginner for me?

A. The place you’ll practice CI most often is in jams, which are populated by dancers of all levels. Just like in our yoga practice, we try to keep a beginners mind, to stay interested, alert and aware. There’s plenty of learning in every dance, no matter what the level.

6. Q. I’ve never done CI before. Will this workshop be too advanced for me?

A. See the answer to question 5.

7. Q. What do I wear?

A. Well, you can leave your spandex tights at home… and your new skinny jeans. You can do CI in anything, but the best clothes are comfortable, not too baggy or slippery and easy to move in. Long sleeves and pants keep you from skinning knees and elbows on the floor. We usually dance barefoot, and kneepads are nice, but not mandatory.

8. Q. I’m not sure I’ll feel comfortable dancing in close contact with someone else, especially of the same/opposite sex.

A. Although sexual feelings do occasionally arise in close contact, we keep our relationships platonic while dancing. If you’d like to get to know your partner in the other way, take it off the dance floor. If uncomfortable feelings arise, you can always thank your partner and go find another.

9. Q. I feel like I’m too heavy to be lifted by someone else.

A. CI class/jam/community is the perfectl place to let go of feelings of inadequacy due to body image. All sizes, shapes, ages and genders of dancers play together, in all combinations. Lightness is not about actual size, but connection from the limbs to the centre.

10. Q. I don’t think I’m strong enough to lift someone else.

A. See the answer to question 9. Lifting in CI is not about strength, but how you organize your body. With experience, you’ll learn to lift effortlessly.

Conclusion: Contact Improvisation is a delightful way to cultivate an open mind, awareness of the present moment, and compassion for each other. It celebrates the primitive joys of giving weight, and experiencing compression. It lets us practice trust, letting go, and sharing joy with a playful, fun community. Why should kids and puppies have all the fun?

Usually in contact improv classes no one will be turned away due to lack of financial funds… so come dance with us!

Anthea Brown practices bodywork and teaches and writes about yoga and dance in Sooke and Victoria. Her website is www.peaceinpresence.com

Jin Shin Do acupressure and massage

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:11:14 +0000

I just started practicing my bodywork out of a new Studio in Cumberland: The Eastern Therapies Center! Located on Second street between Dunsmuir and Penrith Ave behind Alley Cuts Hair salon.

So.. what exactly is Jin Shin Do ~ body-mind acupressure?

Jin Shin Do means “way of the compassionate spirit”. It is done fully clothed and you lie face up on the table.
JSD promotes a pleasant trance like state, in which one can relax and move out of the head and into the body, accessing feelings and inner wisdom. It is calming and balancing and yet deep and profound; a beautiful and sacred route to connecting with deeper emotions and held in energy.
I use my fingers to press with gentle yet deep pressure on acu-points that are located along “Strange Flows (also called “Extraordinary Meridians”). Strange flows are very similar to organ meridians from Chinese medicine – except a strange flow is created in the body at the time of conception and an organ meridian is created when the organs are still forming : after birth). It is a combination of Chinese medicine theory, Japanese acu-therapy and Reichian (William Reich)

I offer the Jin Shin Do by donation. A session is usually one hour – one and half hours long

If you would like the massage/acupressure/energy work combo I charge $65 hour or $85 hour and half – this work is done with coconut oil on skin.

Call me to book a session : 250-703-0842

Dancers, musicians and artists collaborating at Art Alchemy, Courtenay BC

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:50:39 +0000

This is a 4 minute video of a collaboration of two dancers, four musicians and a group of artists who are drawing what they see and hear. This was shot at Art Alchemy studio in downtown Courtenay, BC. It was a great experience to be dancing as artists were drawing us. We sometimes slowed down to hold a pose so that the artists could capture a longer, still moment. For the most part we danced and they drew the energy of us. Perhaps it was easier to draw the musicians who were more still… Check it out! Soul Dance Night:

These are some of the artists who work in Art Alchemy.. some of my fave paintings

“Follow your Heart” by Lucy Schappy…

“Web Shadows” by Helen Utsal:

“The magic in Mary’s garden” by Jennifer Webber

“Scribbles hidden letter” by Guillermo Mier

Art Alchemy.. by the way… is such a dreamy studio. There is about 5 core artists who work out of the large space, with a few more artists who rent space from them. There are large windows everywhere, the most beautiful collection of colorful,large, heart opening and body inspiring art from local artists. For me as a casual artist, (I paint, pastel, collage, paint on silk) this would be the ideal working space. To be in the art and yet also within the energy of others who are creating!.. way cool! I really suggest you to go have a look in the gallery/work space! I believe that the “life drawing” sessions (of which I was a moving model for) are on every other Thursday at 7-9pm. They are open for drop-in’s to attend. http://artalchemy.ca/

Dance Temple on April 21st .. celebrate New Moon with dance!

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:56:36 +0000

Held at the Abbey studio in Cumberland ( Corner of First Street and Penrith Ave). This is an all ages dance event.. sacred, safe dancing with no leader. $5-10 drop -in.. 7-10pm come anytime… or join us for the entire three hours. We have a brief welcome circle at 7:30. Generally the first half hour is for stretching and getting into our bodies and saying hello. Then the tempo goes up for more all out dance… free form, fun, playful. We play world beat music, fusion electronic beats,… generally heart and soul uplifting music. There is no alcohol, or shoes in the studio. Children are welcome if supervised. Please don’t wear scents.

Generally it is minimal or no talking on the dance floor. There is a back room for chatting and also for snacking.. please feel free to bring snacks to share if you feel to.

Respect the dance floor and the other dancers. Enjoy yourself! Explore dancing amongst a group of open minded, freedom aligning people.

beautiful contact improvisation dance

admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:32:20 +0000

check out this beautiful video.,

Dance Temple! the monthly dance event 7-10pm all ages, alcohol free, no leader.. just dancing!

admin — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:21:58 +0000

Dance like no one is watching at ”Dance Temple” Saturday April 21st & May 12th … 7-10pm

This is a press release I wrote… about dance Temple event…

Tired of the late night, crowded bar scene but still like dancing and going out? Well look no further! Three local dance teachers; Cathy Stoyko, Lyndsay Spencer and Jade de Trey have created a monthly event called “Dance Temple” that may suit your dancing needs! ”Dance Temple” says de Trey, “is an event that happens once a month on a Saturday night closest to the new moon. It is an evening of dancing to world beat, fusion, live and electronic music that is intended to guide people to freely dance like no one is watching! There is no leader or teacher; rather the music will be the guide for this dancing journey. Dance Temple is a place to sweat ones prayers, boogie ones blues away, connect with oneself through dance, and possibly meet some new, consciously minded people. It is a safe, sacred and respectful space; a conscious dance event. People wear indoor shoes or bare feet and children are welcome if supervised. Dance temple is an alcohol and drug free event. We ask people to refrain from wearing perfumes or scented products. Generally there is minimal talking on the dance floor as it is a sacred space for movement meditation. People are invited to bring snacks to share if they feel inclined. There will be a room for snacks and for relaxing and conversing. dance Temple happens at the Abbey: 2689 Penrith, which is at the corner of Penrith Ave and First Street in Cumberland.
The evening will start at 7pm with ambient and down tempo music for stretching, dance, play and warm up. Then at 7:30 the group will gather for a brief circle to set the intention and then dance until 10pm. People may come at any time and leave when they wish; this is an open evening. The cost of is $5-10. The next Dance Temple will be on April 21st. The following one is on May 12th. You can also find us on facebook in the Dance Temple Comox Valley group on facebook.

By-donation Contact Improvisation dance classes… for you to try it out

admin — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:00:38 +0000

intro class : free/by donation: Contact Improvisation Dance

You are invited to come to an INTRO class

Sun March 18^th 2:30-4pm

cost: by donation

at the Yurt at 1957 Arden Road in Courtenay.

beginner/intermediate level : men/women

Contact Improv is a moving meditation that is safe, fun & soulfully nourishing.

It explores dancing from the present moment. It is a great mind/body work out that is easier than it looks! Very fun, creative, non-competitive and fluidly effortless. Learn the basics

8 week series on Tuesday’s March 20-May8

5:15 – 7pm in Courtenay

$120 x 8 – 1.75 hr classes

drop-in by special request only, low income discount

contact me for details: 250-703-0842

New : Dance Temple! Conscious free form monthly Dance events

admin — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:50:59 +0000

Dance Temple!

A monthly freeform conscious dance event

~Celebrating the Spring Equinox~

Saturday March 24th 7-10pm

$5-10

Come sweat your prayers, dance your intentions, move your body, free your mind!!

Dance Temple is an open safe sacred space with a focus on world beat fusion, live and electronic

dance music for you to freely express yourself. No facilitation, let the music guide your own

journey in the dance.

@ The Abbey (corner of 1st and Penrith),Cumberland

*Please no alchohol, drugs, street shoes or scents*

*Kids welcome, under supervision*

Dance Temple is a monthly event held on the Saturday nearest the New Moon every month

The next Dance Temple will be on April 21st

For more info: check out our “Comox Valley Dance Temple” group on Facebook