BWW Dance Review: YOUNGARTS is a True Mentorship Organization for the Creative

BWW Review: YOUNGARTS is a True Mentorship Organization for the Creative

My introduction to YoungArts happened on Wednesday evening, April 13, 2016 at Pearl Studios near Penn Station. The seventh floor of this dance facility was converted into their intensive week of interdisciplinary workshops, seminars, and master classes with renowned leaders in their fields. Since I am a dance reviewer, I was honored to observe a master class with Guest Teacher John Heginbotham. I was surprised that only five dancers were in attendance. Usually, most master classes are packed wall-to-wall with dance students. Later on, I was informed that this intimate setting was designed like that because YoungArts wants to make sure that their artists have the dedicated attention of teachers such as Mr. Heginbotham. A quintet of an elite group.

Throughout the hour and a half, the two female and three male students were focused and gently guided into each exercise by Mr. Heginbotham. He was aware of their dance backgrounds, which were predominantly jazz and modern. One of the essential elements he taught was in exercises to help the students become centered. In the fluidity and with feeling the gravity take over: This was how he showed them not to muscle it, as he had described. I saw how his style of modern/lyrical dance was kinder to the body and more organic. There were isolations of each body part, as well as a center ballet barre. When the dancers performed the across-the-floor routine, I wanted to cheer as each one sustained their arabesques for numerous seconds. You could feel the mathematics of their superb balance. It was also wonderful to hear colorful live music from the accompanist William Wade. I got a kick out of listening to sections of Fiddler on the Roof, Rent, and even the Rocky theme song. Music, dance, and a great class are all tremendous facets of inspiration to dancers. That evening's dancers were a joy to watch because they wanted to learn and absorbed much of what Mr. Heginbotham taught. With his nurturing behavior and detailed corrections, the students could have kept going for two more hours due to the positive energy within the studio. I too could have kept watching the creative blossom all night long.

I was invited to this master class to see firsthand how YoungArts supports their artists. The organization has a prestigious number of alumni such as Nicki Minaj, Josh Groban, Desmond Richardson, Kerry Washington, Adrian Grenier, Vanessa Williams, and many more that are stars within their industry. YoungArts also has an array of outstanding master teachers. It's more of a who's who of the art world. From Robert Redford to Plácido Domingo, there are dozens of world renowned professionals helping the next generation. In our creative world, YoungArts is a significant institution to further encourage talent to grow and succeed. Artistry is not engineering nor physics in which a formula is the answer. For music, dance, painting, theater, etc., there isn't a set formula. However, YoungArts finds those with the divine gift of artistry and puts resources and tools in their path for making their creative mark on the world.

To find out how you can be a supporter of YoungArts or to apply as a candidate for their programs, visit youngarts.org.

Photo Credit: Em Watson

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