CATALYST AUDITION - Preparing a Solo

Many dancers expressed concerns or worried bout preparing a solo for the Catalyst Audition. And to this, Catalyst response is ‘Why not take a risk? Challenge yourself to do something you don’t usually do.’ Since we are seeking risk-taking females, we added this element of the audition to test how comfortable each dancer was doing this.

There is no right or wrong answer to the solo because it simply showcases YOU and your individual skills. We saw everything from pointe, folkloric, tap, booty poppin, salsa, musical theatre, acro, jazz and more. It was amazing to see everyone present themselves. No one followed anyone else’s style but their own. You get to prepare and create something with no rules but the ones you make up.

How Liberating!

"CREATE YOUR FORMULA"
For many of you, we understand it may not be something your used to. But go ahead and try it! Dance class is great to grasp technique and style of other people’s movement but how about your own? Go through some of your favourite songs that speak to you, get up and start moving around. Do whatever feels good and natural to you. Sure, you may feel ridiculous in the beginning, however, after doing this many times, you’ll start to feel very free and in control of your body. Start building movement phrases and soon you would have created something of your own. (And maybe even something you feel comfortable showing at the Catalyst Audition perhaps?;)

Thank you to all the brave hearts that prepared their solos and stepped up to the challenge. We award you for attending, being present, and taking a risk.

Remember "It's not about whether you win or lose the game, what matters most is that you even SHOWED UP to play."

See the rest of you at the Catalyst Auditions in April. Good Luck!!!

CATALYST COMPANY AUDITIONS - Still seeking

Catalyst is still seeking core female dancers for it’s company!! Attend any ONE of the Catalyst Bootcamp sessions in April to show us what you got!
Monday, April 6th
Monday April 20th
Monday, April 27th
Time: All Mondays from 8:30-10:30pm

Location: Flow Fitness Studio
892 College Street (Main intersection is College and Dovercourt)

Please bring headshot and resume and be prepared to learn routine and possibly do a 1 minute solo and improvisation.

All female dancers welcome with a strong preference for a Latin-trained dancer and Dancehall/Reggae or African dancer. We do not need to see you again if you have already attended our first call. Catalyst thanks everyone for their time and effort!!!

Catalyst Vancouver Choreographer 'Heather Laura Gray" collaborates with NYC City Poet

Catalyst Guest Vancouver Choreographer "Heather Laura Gray" united with New York City Poet in a performance at the 2009 Sound Bites Poetry Festival April 12th and 13th 6pm at the Roy Arias Theatre 300 West 43rd Street. Tickets $15.00

This exciting collaboration began after Gray traveled to New York to deliver a DVD of a performance done to Mahogany’s “She”. “In 2006 I produced a 60 cast showcase of spoken word through music and dance. I found “She” on an unlabelled burnt CD from poetCD.com and instantly connected with Mahogany’s content and amazing delivery not knowing the author or the title”.

When Gray went to perform “She” a second time in 2007 she made sure to determine the author. From there the two communicated via email. “Trying to describe what I did was pointless; I knew I had to show Mahogany.” Soon after viewing the DVD Browne commissioned Gray to collaborate on new work for The Sounds Bites Festival 2009.

Both artists come from different city, countries and very different backgrounds but bond through their passion to create journeys for their audiences. “She is an artist with amazing craftsmanship and awareness” said Gray “To hear that she was moved by my work meant I succeeded in connecting to that. I look forward to putting it together now in the same room.”

Catalyst congratulates Heather on her exciting collaboration and for those of you who are in the NYC area, make sure to check it out!

Thank you Catalyst Auditionees!!!

Thank you to everyone that attended the Catalyst Company Auditions yesterday. You rocked it out!!

We will be holding a few other calls in April for the Company. Dates and Locatios TBA.

INTRODUCING CATALYST COMPANY PANEL JUDGES!!!

When auditioning for Catalyst this SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND, you are not only auditioning for the Company but it is your chance to shine and be seen by CATALYST Judges. Each brings top-notch knowledge and expertise to the Arts and Entertainment world.

Janet L. Castillo and Natasha Powell: Co-Artistic Directors of CATALYST the Company. Combined credits include Jennifer Lopez, Christina Milian, Rihanna, JoJo, Center Stage 2, Nickleodeon’s Spectacular!, SYTYCD, Making It Big Reality TV Show, The L Word, Canadian and American Idol, MTV and more. Both classically and commercially trained with other 15 years of international experience, Janet and Natasha bring their versatile, fresh, and cutting-edge artistic direction to CATALYST.

Misha Rasaiah:
Graduate of Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts who is currently working with renowned Casting Director ‘Stephanie Gorin.’ She has helped cast and been a dance demonstrator for shows including We Will Rock you, Dirty Dancing, The Sound of Music, Camp Rock, So you think you can Dance, Hairspray, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Misha brings her love and wealth of knowledge in the performing arts along with her exceptional casting experience to CATALYST.

Hans Poppe:
Responsible for the creative and art direction behind Catalyst and JLC Danceforms. Currently he is studying Fine Arts at Toronto School of Arts, freelancing for a roster of clients and working on his next series of paintings and limited edition prints. Hans’s creative eye and passion for anything driven by artistic expression is what makes him a essential ingredient to CATALYST.


Sammy Gerongco:
One half of Production duo KUYA PRODUCTIONS, Sammy is known for his outstanding work in R&B, Pop, and Hip Hop. Major credits include first #1 singles for Canadian artist Sean Desman “Get Ready” and “Shook”. He has produced for Nelly’s ‘SUIT’ Album (3x Platinum) and Mase’s ‘Welcome Back’ Album (Gold). He has recently produced for some of today’s biggest artists including AKON, Ginuwine, Nicole Scherzinger of the PussyCat Dolls, Jesse McCartney, Kreesha Turner, and Slim of 112 among others. This year, KUYA is working on Jordan Crouchers’ new album and signing fresh new talent. Sammy brings his musical and artist development expertise to CATALYST.


Good Luck and see you all on Sunday!! Please arrive ON TIME and be prepared to dance and show us what you got!!! Register for Audition at catalyst@jlcdanceforms.com

CATALYST CONGRATULATES HOK and QUEST on America's Best Dance Crew!!!

Catalyst had the honour of having HOK as our guest teacher last October. He mentioned to the Bootcampers that he was going to be auditioning for the show and months later, him and his crew 'QUEST' have gained the official title of America's Best Dance Crew!!! Their superhuman power moves, quarky and charming personalities instantly had the crowd on their feet chanting "QUEST CREW!! QUEST CREW!!"

We plan to see more of HOK (and maybe some other Quest members) at an upcoming Catalyst Bootcamp workshop. You will NOT want to miss it!! Not only are they extraordinary perfomers and teachers, but extraordinary PEOPLE. And that, in our books, is definite Catalyst material.

CATALYST COMPANY AUDITIONS!!

Catalyst is seeking female dance artists for it’s upcoming company, under the direction of Janet L. Castillo (JLo, Christina Milian, JOJO, Kurtis Blow) and Natasha Powell (Nickelodeon’s Spectacular, Center Stage 2, Rihanna)

Seeking: Versatile dancers who are 20yrs and older, possess strong technique in their forte of dance (ballet/contemporary, latin, hip hop, street styles, jazz, other styles). Must be passionate, willing to take risks, and have a raw and unique quality in their performance. Teaching and choreography skills are a definite asset. Performers must be available for 2 rehearsals per week.

Be prepared to learn choreography in different styles, and have a solo routine that is a maximum of 2 minutes. Please bring headshot and resume.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND
AUDITION LOCATION: GOTTA DANCE STUDIO 3581B DUNDAS STREET WEST (BLOOR ST. WEST AND DUNDAS ST. WEST)
TIME: 2:00 p.m.

For any other inquiries please contact catalyst@jlcdanceforms.com or call 1.888.210.4542