JFD JANUARY 2006 NEWSLETTER

An electronic publication of Jane Franklin Dance, 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206. Tel. 703-298-3235. Web site www.janefranklin.com. E-mail to info@janefranklin.com.

You Won't Want To Miss (First Night, Dance Sampler, Schlesinger Concert Hall performances)
Recently Danced (South Boston, Dance Place and Rocky Mount)
In The News (Funding award from Arlington Community Foundation)
Works in Progress (Iota, Arlington Arts Center, Benefit Gala, Gunston Theater One)
Urgently Needed (Adult Dance Technique, Young Dancers Project, Volunteers)
Spotlight On (Profile of Elizabeth Fogarty)

Welcome

This is the fifth electronic newsletter of Jane Franklin Dance (JFD). Thanks for reading!

You Won’t Want To Miss

December 31, 2005 at 7:45 pm and 9:15 pm
JFD performs for Alexandria's First Night celebration in delightful one half hour performances for fun and family. Performances alternate with the Alexandria-based Choreographers Collaboration Project.
At Regent University , 1650 Diagonal Rd , Alexandria VA

January 7, 2006 Dance Sampler – a one day festival of workshops and an evening performance
Dance Sampler celebrates the great variety of dance that the DC community offers, all in a fun filled day of unique classes and a fabulous showcase of distinctive dance artists. Whether you're a beginner, a pro, or if you just enjoy watching dance on stage, Dance Sampler has something for you. Workshops, for all ages and levels of experience, are led by the evening's featured companies: Ziva's Spanish Dance Ensemble, Ann Behrends, CJ Holm, Jane Franklin Dance, FloydProject Dance Company, Andy Coppola, danahbella DanceWorks. Come and enjoy the diversity of dance, for all ages and levels of experience!
Evening performance at 8:00 pm. Workshops and the performance take place at Gunston Theater One, 2700 S Lang Street, Arlington VA 22206

Click here for reduced price festival pass.

Workshop Schedule
10:05 - 11:05 Young Dancers (SOLD OUT)
11:05 -11:20 Cakewalk
11:30 -12:25 Anti-Leotard Adult Beginners
12:30- 1:20 non-movement, performance sculpture and growth outward to movement
1:30 - 2:20 Injury Prevention and Self Treatment Techniques for Dancers and Athletes
2:30 - 3:20 Jazz Fusion
3:30 - 4:20 Flamenco

January 19 -21, 2006, JFD debuts at the Schlesinger Center in January, 2006. Co-sponsored by the Center, JFD will mount three concerts for targeted audiences on Thursday, January 19th, Friday, January 20th, and Saturday, January 21st. From integrating poems by leading local authors, to a rare recording of Langston Hughes reading his 'Weary Blues,' to the twenty-five voices of H-B Woodlawn's Women's Camerata, to the words of a soldier in the Army of the Potomac, each concert employs the spoken word in dances that combine the power of historical comment with personal insight.

Concert for Community (Thursday, January 19, 2006, at 11:00am) is a late-morning performance option for seniors and others who find it difficult to attend evening events. Jazz on Foot (Friday, January 20, 2006, at 10:30 am) traces jazz music from its African roots in 19th century New Orleans into the Bebop era of the 1950's. Dancing Between the Lines (Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 7:30pm) features a world premier which combines dance with the poetry in Dancing the Page. Reuben Jackson's poem 'Leroy' inspires late sixties soulful sounds via manipulated audio loop, while dancers recall that 'cool' guy who seemed to have it all. Dancing the Page also features performances by H-B Woodlawn High School's Women's Camerata and JFD's Young Dancers Project. The young dancers then combine with the professional company in Stepping Out, a work inspired by David Bristol's poetry which carves out the interplay of the parent-child bond. The live and original music is composed by Washington, DC composers Jonathan Matis and the team of Maurice Saylor, Andrew Simpson and Philip Carluzzo.

Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus, 3001 N Beauregard St, Alexandria VA 22311 Click her for reduced price tickets.

Recently Danced

JFD performed at the The Prizery, on Oct 2 at South Boston's new, beautiful theater venue. Brianne Barrow started rehearsing with the company in late August, and this was her first out-of-town trip with JFD, "Talk about baptism by fire! My first performance with Jane Franklin Dance came about a month after I started rehearsing with the Company. In that time, I learned - with the patience and guidance of everyone involved - all of Ridge Line and a section of Games for a performance at the brand new performance space and community arts space. I was doubly pleased to have family members from just over the border in North Carolina take the short ride into Virginia to enjoy the show. It was fun getting to know the Company members on the trip at a post-performance Mexican dinner and I look forward to performing at The Prizery again."
The following day, Oct 3, approximately 750 public school students attended our educational performance, Very Physical Science, also at The Prizery.

On Oct 4, JFD made a visit to the Carlisle School, a regional school serving the communities of Danville, Virginia, Eden and Reidsville, North Carolina for a morning performance and an afternoon workshop in choreography.

JFD performed the wonderfully evocative Ridge Line at Dance Place on Oct 22 -23. The piece examines the cost of the Civil War, to the soldiers, their loved ones, and to the land itself. Weaving together dance, video, and text from the era, Ridge Line is a powerful look at our country's history that seems especially meaningful in the context of the current Iraq War. If you missed this performance, Ridge Line repeats at the Schlesinger Center on January 21, 2006.

On Nov 7, JFD premiered Jazz on Foot in Rocky Mount, Virginia for 1600 students in Franklin County's grades 2, 3 and 7. Sponsored by the Franklin Guild and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, presenter Jody Brown noted that "the school programs were excellent. JFD incorporated twenty-four randomly selected students into the program, which helped keep the very large school audiences engaged."

In October and November, JFD worked in the community with Senior Adults and Elementary age students. Our sincere thanks to Senior Adult Activities Directors Emma Valencia at Arlington Mill and Nelly Urbach at Carver for their help in coordinating the residency workshops. At James K. Polk Elementary, we had a tremendous amount of support from the PTA, and particularly JoAnn Palmer who made sure everyone transitioned smoothly and safely into and out of the after-school workshops.

In The News

Welcome Nora Trochim
Nora Trochim joined JFD as Marketing Associate in mid September. Nora has a BFA in Dance from George Mason University and has worked in organizations such as Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Performance Plus, and Kinderdance. Nora enjoys taking dance class in her free time and choreographing when given the opportunity.

Welcome Margaret Townsend
JFD proudly announces the Board membership of Margaret Townsend. Margaret Townsend, taught yoga and dance throughout the New York area before moving to Virginia to complete her M.F.A. in dance. Ms. Townsend is a member of the Yoga Teachers Association of Greater New York (Westchester Chapter) and the Mid-Atlantic Yoga Association. She apprenticed with the La Jolla Ballet Company. While in New York, Ms. Townsend taught at SUNY Purchase, the Marymont School and the Harvey School, where she served as the director of the Summer Dance Program.

Arlington Community Foundation Funding Award
JFD received a grant from the Arlington Community Foundation for Spring dance workshops for all ages. The grant funds various workshops in our one day festival Dance Sampler as well as four week residencies at Randolph Elementary and H-B Woodlawn. We are grateful to receive support from the Mary C. Blake Fund and from the Community Fund for the Arts.

Additionally, support was received from the SENIOR ADULT RECREATION ENDOWMENT FUND for continuing work at Langston-Brown, Walter Reed/Carver and Arlington Mill Senior Centers. Our sincere thanks for the continuing support for these important community efforts. Nelly Urbach, Carver Senior Center Director writes,"On the days that Jane's troupe was at the Center, fifteen to twenty seniors could be seen on their feet, moving and dancing with the members of the dance company. It is a tribute that they were able to inspire people who sometimes have difficulty walking to get out of their chairs and move their bodies. It is also to their credit that in our multi-ethnic center, they were able to engage and include many participants who speak no English."

Works in Progress

Dancing the Page continues in Spring 2006 with up close performances combining movement and poetry

February 12, 2006 at 6 p.m. - IOTA CLUB & CAFÉ Poetry Series hosted by Miles David Moore, 2832 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA, Free Admission, Contributions accepted

March 4, 2006 at 3 p.m. - ARLINGTON ARTS CENTER, 3550 Wilson Boulevard , Arlington, Virginia (703) 248-6800, Free Admission, Contributions accepted

April 20 at 11 am, April 22 at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm - GUNSTON THEATER ONE, 2700 S Lang Street, Arlington VA. Tickets $10 - $20. Special rates for groups, students, and Senior Adults

Benefit Gala
March 18, 2006 at 7:30 pm - An evening performance and reception to benefit JFD's coming 2006/07 Season. Please plan to attend. Your support helps us continue public performance, community projects, educational outreach and artistic collaborations. The event is held at Episcopal High School's Ainslie Arts Center at 1200 Quaker Road in Alexandria VA. Details available soon.

Urgently Needed

Adult Dance Technique. Even though it may have been a long time since you've danced, or you've always meant to try but have never gotten around to it, you Are Perfect for this class.
Saturdays from 9:15 am-10:45 am
$12 per class, $100 for a class card valid through 1/14/06 – 3/18/06
Ongoing Classes are held at:
3700 South Four Mile Run Drive, Room 129, Arlington VA 22206, 703.298.3235
Enroll by mail via the above address, or drop-in. Free parking. Click here for directions.

Winter Young Dancers Project, ages 7-14
Saturday Feb 11, 2006 - April 22, 2006 from 10:45 am - 12:15 pm.
Young Dancers Project classes include dance technique, creative problem solving, and rehearsal for a performance with JFD company members. Enrollment criteria:
- attendance at classes held at 3700 S Four Mile Run Drive, Room 129, Arlington.
- Availability on April 20, 2006 for a late afternoon or early evening technical and dress rehearsal -Availability for a 8:00 pm performance at Gunston Theater One on April 22, 2006. Please see our Young Dancers Enrollment Form for details and to enroll by mail. The cost is $80 for the series of 9 workshops. No class on Feb 18, Apr 8 or April 15, 2006.

"Franklin works remarkably well with children, teasing out of them movements that rarely look canned or forced." --The Washington Post

Volunteers Needed.
We need volunteers on January 7, 2006 at Gunston Theater One to help throughout the day and evening. We are also seeking contributed food items for a post-performance reception for the visiting companies.

On January 19-21, 2006 we are looking for ushers for performances at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center concerts. To volunteer, or to contribute food items contact JFD at 703-298-3235.

Spotlight On Elizabeth Fogarty

Elizabeth Fogarty grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she trained at the June Runyon School of Ballet. She also performed there with Theater Tulsa and Discoveryland Outdoor Amphitheater. After moving to DC, Elizabeth was a member of the St. Mark's Dance Company. After a lengthy hiatus from dance, Elizabeth returned to the stage at the urging of her then nine-year-old daughter, who wanted a parent to join her in a production of "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA. Elizabeth currently dances with the UUCA Dance Group, Carla and Company, and Jane Franklin Dance, where she has had the pleasure of performing with both her husband and her younger daughter. She thanks her family for their active encouragement and support!

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in New Haven, Connecticut, but grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

When did you start dancing?
I took my first ballet class when I was 4. My mom promised me a leotard and ballet shoes, but I had to take a class first. Once I got the shoes, I wouldn't go back! I started dancing again when I was 7. I danced until I was 18, and have danced on and off since then.

What type(s) of training have you had?
Most of my training has been in ballet, as there was no modern dance in Tulsa when I was growing up in the 70's. I studied some modern in college, and have really enjoyed the variety of modern dance classes in the DC area in recent years.

What brought you to the Washington area (and to JFD)?
I moved to DC after I graduated from college. I had done a Washington internship in college, and knew this was where I wanted to live and work. I was very fortunate to land a job on Capitol Hill, though I had to play for the Congressman's softball team for 2 seasons before they hired me. That was more than 20 years ago! Life has taken many twists and turns since then. I met my husband, Bill, on the softball team. We have 2 daughters, Claire and Margaret. I've been fortunate enough to be home with them (though none of us are home much these days!) for 15 years.

I met Jane through her adult Saturday morning modern class. I'd been participating in the modern dance company at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, and some dance friends from church were taking her class. After about 6 months, Jane proposed creating a dance for us, our family members, and company members, called "Married Girl." Bill and Margaret agreed to participate. We made our debut at Dance Place in October, 2003. It was thrilling to share the experience with family members! I joined the company in December of that year.

What inspires you when you dance?
I love the combination of the sound and movement and the energy of all the dancers. I try to reach out to the audience to bring them into that experience with me.

Have you read any good books lately?
I recently read Daughter of Persia by Sattareh Farman Farmaian, and re-read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

What do you do when you're not dancing?
I am a Girl Scout leader for Margaret's troop and a church school teacher for the 2-year-old class, assisted by Claire. I also seem to spend a lot of time shopping for groceries, doing laundry, and driving the kids around!

What have been the highlights of your experience with JFD?
JFD is my first professional dance company. I never would have tried it without the encouragement of Peg Shaeffer and Dona Davis (fellow "Married Girl" dancers), the support of my family, and, of course, Jane's invitation! Though I had taken a lot of dance classes over the years, I had never partnered with other dancers or participated in creating dances from improvisation. I have learned so much from Jane and all the dancers in the company, as they have patiently taught me to overcome my fear of having my feet off the ground. I think of my time with JFD as my "Outward Bound" experience. The first time Jane instructed me to flip over Alex's back I thought I was going to have a panic attack right there in the studio -- but after some prompting and encouragement, I found out I actually enjoyed it!
Though I have lived in Arlington for almost 18 years, and the DC area for 22, JFD has taken me places I've never been: into schools in Alexandria, Arlington, Glen Allen, and Rocky Mount; into community centers to dance with senior citizens all over Arlington; and onto stages in DC, Arlington, Big Stone Gap, Fork Union, and South Boston. I've had the pleasure of dancing with my daughter, Margaret (and lot of other kids) in many Young Dancer projects. I've partnered with dancers from New York, Maryland, Virginia, Taiwan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and South Africa. My life has been tremendously enriched by my experience with JFD.