CNADM news
July 2010
Annual Awards Banquet
CNADM is pleased to present the Artistic Achievement Award to an individual who has truly made a difference in dance: Jon Lehrer.
Jon Lehrer is the Founder and Artistic Director of LehrerDance. He took his first dance class at the age of 19 on a dare, while attending the University at Buffalo.
 |
As a professional, Jon has danced with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, Paul Sanasardo, John Passafiume Dancers, in Merv Griffin's "Funderful" in Atlantic City, NJ, and the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. In May 1997, he was hired by Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and, after three years, was promoted to Rehearsal Director, followed by the position of Associate Director two years later. During his ten years with Giordano, Jon choreographed seven original works on the company that received rave reviews. |
Jon has choreographed for several dance companies in Chicago and around the world including: Thodos Dance Chicago, Instruments of Movement, Momenta Dance Theatre, Louisiana Dance Theatre, Le Jazz Groupe from Monterrey, Mexico and Kannon Dance of St. Petersburg, Russia.
Jon teaches master classes throughout the U.S. and around the world and is on the faculty of the Jazz Dance World Congress, Dance Masters of America, Dance Teacher Summer Conference and, of course, CNADM.
In July 2007, Jon moved to Buffalo, New York, to begin his professional dance company - LehrerDance. The company showcases Jon's choreography and definitive style. His extensive background in both modern and jazz dance idioms fosters choreography that is organic, artistic, accessible and often humorous.
CNADM is very pleased to honor Jon Lehrer as the recipient of the 2010 Artistic Achievement Award. See him receive this honor at the Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday evening, July 29.
This year, CNADM will also be presenting a special Service Recognition Award to Dance 'N Tees. Owners Judy and Russ Purcell have been consistent supporters of the CNADM Summer and Fall Workshops through their participation as vendor exhibitors. Workshops wouldn't be the same without our exhibitors, and Dance 'N Tees has been there for every workshop for over 15 years!
September 2009
Modern Dance Teaching Manual Available
The Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM) has just published Introductory Modern Dance Teaching Manual, the Official Modern Dance Syllabus of the 97-year-old association serving dance educators.
Introductory Modern Dance Teaching Manual was developed as a guideline for teaching basic modern technique, providing terms, exercises, concepts and philosophies that apply to all forms of modern dance. It was co-authored by Jon Lehrer, founder and artistic director of the professional dance company LehrerDance in Buffalo, NY; and Matthew Farmer, co-artistic director of the dance school Jackson Dance Alliance in Jackson, MI .
According to co-authors Lehrer and Farmer, the goal of Introductory Modern Dance Teaching Manual is to assist educators in helping their students understand and accomplish the basics of modern dance, which include:
- Proper body alignment
- Spatial awareness, level changes, focus and direction
- Basic modern dance movement vocabulary
- Basic knowledge of modern dance history
- Incorporation of the entire body to enhance movement—and more.
CNADM's new modern dance manual includes sections on educating beginning, intermediate and advanced level students, and provides step-by-step sample exercises for each level in floor work, standing exercises, and across-the-floor movements. A chapter on modern dance history features informative briefs on 20th century innovators such as Loie Fuller, Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham and others. Completing the manual is a listing of suggested readings and DVD resources where educators and students can find more in-depth information on the "relatively recent" history of modern dance.
Introductory Modern Dance Teaching Manual is now available for purchase at www.cnadm.com or by contacting CNADM headquarters at 815/397-6052. A DVD in which members of LehrerDance perform the sample beginner, intermediate and advanced exercises featured in the manual is included with every purchase. CNADM members receive an exclusive discount when placing their orders.
April 2009
Master Tap Educator Julie Cartier to be honored
at 2009 CNADM Annual Banquet
The Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM) has selected master tap educator Julie Cartier as this year's recipient of the CNADM Artistic Achievement Award.
CNADM's 97th Annual Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, July 23, 8:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest in Arlington Heights, IL. The banquet is held in conjunction with the CNADM Annual Summer Dance Workshops (July 20-27, 2009), one of North America's leading dance education experiences. Banquet tickets may be purchased by contacting Managing Director Kathy Velasco at 815/397-6052. Representatives of the media are welcome and encouraged to attend; contact Kathy Velasco for reservations.
Julie Cartier embodies many titles — artistic director, performer, choreographer, teacher, dance fanatic and has invested her last 25 years to all things dance. Julie first came to Chicago via the concert dance scene, performing with some of Chicago's finest dance companies including Chi-town Jazz Dance, The Lynda Martha Dance Company, and River North Dance Company.
She also dabbled in musical theater and trade shows, and became a founding member of Especially Tap Chicago, one of Chicago's oldest and most successful tap ensembles. In 2000, Julie took over leadership of the group as artistic director. Julie started Soul-2-Soles Youth Tap Company at Dancenter North in Libertyville, IL and continues to teach for some of the finest studios in the Chicago area and abroad, including a ten-year stint at Barat College, Dance Center Evanston, Danceworks of Milwaukee, Gus Giordano's Dance Center, and the Lou Conte Dance Studio.
Julie's diverse background has presented her with a wide range of theatrical projects both as performer & choreographer. She has performed with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and, on a lark, performed on The Today Show! She has recently choreographed for Celebrity Cruise Lines newest ships and continues to create new work for companies throughout the US.
March 2009
Workshop Scholarships Awarded
The Chicago National Association of Dance Masters has announced the selection of 25 individuals who will receive scholarships to the CNADM Summer Dance Workshops in July 2009. CNADM annually awards up to 26 scholarships for the summer workshops which cover registration fees for CNADM members and students of CNADM members.
In addition to member scholarships, eleven merit scholarships are awarded during the summer workshops based on a student's performance during the session. One merit scholarship for Dance & More and four Ballet Forum merit scholarships are awarded to cover registration fees to the 2010 workshops. And, one student in each Student Session class is selected for a merit scholarship, which covers registration fees at the 2009 Fall Workshop in November.