September 2009
Dear Dance Friends,
Where did the summer go? It seems to have flown by!
I sincerely hope yours was a sizzling one!
In South Florida, I had the opportunity to work with such talented
dancers at Boca Ballet Theatre and Harid Conservatory.
And deep in the heart of sweltering Texas, I was welcomed by
ambitious and motivated students at Ballet Arts School in
San Antonio.
The highlight of my summer program was The Jazz Dance World
Congress in Chicago, Illinois. For photos click here
It was 5 days of teaching, rehearsing, interviewing, seeing old
colleagues and getting very little sleep! The classes were packed with
young dancers hungry to experience the master faculty of this one of
a kind event. There were panel discussions, The Leo's Choreography
Competitive Event and 4 evening performances of some of the hottest jazz dance companies.
This Congress was dedicated to my mentor Gus Giordano, the founder of The Jazz World Congress.
The documentary "Gus an Icon" started off the 1st evening of performances. The full length documentary
is soon to be released for distribution.
And Linda Sabo and Maria Baskin are setting the ground work on Gus Giordano's biography. It was so
wonderful to reminisce with my Giordano colleagues and share our stories with Linda and Maria.
The biography is expected to come out in a few years time.
The last evening of the Congress was indeed a memorable one.
I CAME OUT OF RETIREMENT! And shared the stage with Giordano alumni, Michael Williams,
Richard Havey, Sam Watson, Christine Kerber and some of the best "mature" dancers in Chicago with
Sherry Zunker's Mature Dance Project. We brought the house down with "A Little Rhythm and Romance".
After a 4 minute standing ovation, it was clear that classic soulful jazz is still alive and well.
Fall is right around the corner and a new dance season is upon us.
My first kick-off this fall is in Pori, Finland. I will be teaching and choreographing for
Pori Dance Company. www.poridancecompany.com
These are the finest dancers in Finland that can adapt to any style. They have been brillantly trained
by Liisa Nojonen.
And then I return to my former home base in The Netherlands for a master class with Mes(s)
apocalypsje@hotmail.com
At this time I am booking for the rest of 2009 and the 2010 season.
I am available for master classes, workshops, choreography and coaching.
I sincerely hope to include you in my program and share my passion for jazz dance.
Have a great fall!
Kind regards,
Pattie Obey