The Adventures of Robert in Kentucky

While we field requests for copies of Film The Vote, what is the man behind the film doing?

DTE teaching artist Robert Martin is down south, with a busy week ahead as he runs the Clear Creek Festival, three days of "culture, community, healing, and action."

If you happen to be in Kentucky, or know anyone who is, then you can't miss Clear Creek.




















Even if you're on this side of the mason-dixon, learn more about the great work being done at the official festival website.

Dog Days at DTE

Summer's almost over, and that means the end of my vacation, and a lot going on at Dance Theatre Etcetera. While Martha finishes work for the grant season (fun fun fun) the office gets ready for Angels & Accordions.

Almost everyone is hard at work.

Watch the Vote

Film The Vote is a movie made by students in DTE's media program at South Brooklyn Community High School. DTE teaching artist Robert "Bobby B" Martin spearheaded the project, all about the upcoming presidential election and young voters' place in democracy, and was so excited about the students' work that he cornered me at our recent benefit to tell me all his plans for the film in these critical upcoming months.

Requests for the film have started pouring in, and now we're happy to announce (after a lot of googling and downloading a bunch of free software) that you can watch FTV online at youtube. Here's part one-




check out youtube for part two.

Red Hook High Fun

So we've just finished cleaning up after the benefit/private screening of Red Hook High.

Thanks are owed to:

BWAC, for letting us use their lovely popcorn machine

Ikea, for giving us a wonderful (and very long) couch-












And most of all, of course, to the very talented cast and crew of Red Hook High, and the man behind it all, Trac Minh Vu.

The pilot was GREAT. A common refrain from the actors after the screening was that they knew the pilot would be good, but never thought it would be THAT good.

It was a lot of fun seeing the reward for all the hard work put in on this project, especially because I didn't have to do any of that hard work.

More pictures, and hopefully info about when YOU can see the official premiere of Red Hook High, soon.

Getting Reddy

Red Hook High screening tomorrow night!

There will beand












And it will be very clean.




Send me an email- jon@dtetc.org- for more info, or just show up tomorrow night at 7pm.

Are you going to Red Hook High?

Not the high school- the sneak-preview TV pilot screening hosted by Dance Theatre Etcetera in our Red Hook space (how appropriate). I don't know much about the show besides what Julia told me, but the producers have a cool website and it looks like the cast and crew had a lot of fun making it.





The cast was mostly students from DTE's arts education programs, along with partner programs at Bailey's Cafe and Hook Productions.

The screening is next Wednesday, July 16th, with a reception before and talk-back with the cast and crew after. All proceeds will go towards keeping our arts education programs going strong. Check out the website for more info or send me an email- jon@dtetc.org. Or just buy
your tickets now (or donate if you can't make it and feel generous!)

Blog Torch, continued

Hi blog readers,

I'm Jon. Like Julia said, her time as the media and marketing manager for DTE has come to an end. Very sad. In her final days, though, she was able to give me some great training (or bad training! we'll find out!) and I'm really excited to work with Martha, Katya, and everyone else in the extended DTE family.

I'd love to hear from you guys- questions, suggestions, comments- anything is welcome. Check out what I've been doing. We're able to relax a little right now, but we have some exciting events coming up. For details/just to say hi, send me an email- jon@dtetc.org.

Passing the Blog Torch

Well folks, it's true. Today I am officially signing off as Dance Theatre Etcetera Media & Marketing Manager.

I'm very sad. Distraught, you might even be able to say. DTE has been an amazing place to work and grow as an artist, teacher, collaborator and person.

I am sure that new recruit Jon Mayer will be an incredible M&M Manager.

Don't worry, I'm not going very far. DTE will still be in my speed dial (#7) and I will be involved in upcoming projects. However, if you can't handle the seperation (and really, who could blame you), check out my blog. Hopefully I'll be updating it a bit more frequently with my new found free time.

Probably not.

xoxo
Julia

Congrats Grads!

Dance Theatre Etcetera would like to congratulate all of the graduates from Brooklyn International High School, South Brooklyn Community High School, and all other graduating students who have worked with us.

Way to go! Stay in touch!

Our Award Winning Bobby B

Dance Theatre Etcetera would like to congratulation Teaching Artist, Creator, Storyteller and Organizer Bob Martin who received a FAAR (Future Artist Aesthetic Regrant) from the Hip Hop Theatre Festival!

WooHoo!

Mermaids on Parade

Check out NYTimes coverage of the Mermaid Parade.

Float this Weekend in the Mermaid Parade

Many Dance Theatre Etcetera folks are gearing up for yet another summer festival...just this time not in Red Hook. Coney Island's annual Mermaid Parade is taking place on Saturday, June 21 ALL DAY. Click the pic for more info.

Last Day at CASA

Dance Theatre Etcetera Teaching Artists Julia Rosenfeld and Greg Manley reluctantly parted ways with the awesome students at P.S. 27's Creative After-School Adventures program (run by Good Shepherd Services).
Three months of fun and games, field trips and performances, and don't forget about the giant drum!
See you around Red Hook!

Who's Up in the Tree

Who could that be, up high, all tied up?
Why, it's Greg, of course.

Want to Dance in the Streets (of Red Hook)?

Already miss the Red Hook Fest?

Check out Dancing in the Streets' Hip Hop Generation Next. Saturday, June 14, 1-7 pm in Coffey Oark.

Even more pics from the Red Hook Fest

MC Kymbali Craig

Killer Buzz Dancer

Jamming to DJ Oja as the sun goes down.

More Pics from the Red Hook Fest

Awesome pics from native Red Hook photographer Edwin Anglero.

Akil Dasan

Calpulli Danza Mexicana

Brooklyn teens jamming to DJ Oja.

DJ Oja

RED HOOK FEST!

So, who had fun?

Thank you to the weather, thank you to all of our community partners and funders, and especially...THANK YOU for coming!

Don't forget about all of our volunteers - especially those from South Brooklyn Community High School and Brooklyn International High School!

Check out our first batch of pics!

Come to the Red Hook Fest!

We're getting set-up for the Red Hook Fest! And by we, I mean they. I am just taking pictures. Pictures of other people working hard.
See how hard they work?

Lend a Paw?

We still need a few more folks to help out at the Red Hook Fest. Email julia@dtetc.org if you're interested.

Red Hook Fest THIS WEEK!

That's right! We're only a few days out from that magical time of year. Check out our listings - everyone wants to know about the Red Hook Fest.

Will you be there?

The Red Hook Fest is Accesible to All

The Red Hook Fest is handicap accessible. Please call ahead if you need special assistance: 718-643-6790.

How to Get to the Red Hook Fest

Getting to the Festival has never been easier!

• New York Water Taxi – offering free rides from Pier 11-Wall Street to the Red Hook Terminal at Fairway (two blocks from the park).
• Trans Express Shuttle Bus – making runs from the Smith-9th Street Subway stop, throughout Red Hook, and the Festival.
• Public Transportation – Take the A, C, or F train to Jay Street/Borough Hall, then the B61 to Red Hook, get off at Coffey and Van Brunt, follow signs to festival; Take the F or G train to Smith/9th Street, then B77 towards Red Hook, get off at Conover and Coffey, follow signs to the Festival.
• By Car – Brooklyn Bridge to Atlantic, right on Atlantic, left on Columbia, right on DeGraw, left on Van Brunt, right on Coffey.

Questions? Give us a call: 718-643-6790

Trip to the New Vic

Julia, Katya, and the awesome students from DTE and Good Shepherd Services Creative After-School Adventures Program at P.S. 27 journeyed to midtown for the New Vic's Past-Half Remembered.
We laughed, we cried, we tried to avoid getting spit on by the actors.A great time was had by all! And the coolest part - CASA students and teachers asked many thought-provoking questions at the talkback!

TheaterWorks Performance

Sometimes life itself is unfair. There are many reasons why people feel depressed, but there are also many ways to express those feelings. Deciding what you want is the first step to getting what you want out of life.On Thursday, May 22, 2008, students from DTE’s TheaterWorks at South Brooklyn Community High School shared their devised piece about peer pressure, friendship, loneliness, ignorance and innocence. These students are addressing these issues, finding solutions and overcoming them through their performance. This is their voice. They are spreading a message that the whole world needs to know.Students from the Performing Arts Program at BIHS filled the audience and shared in the passion and excitement.

- Nebajoth Jean, DTE Intern, BIHS

Brilliant Bread Blog

What does our Managing Director do in her time off?Click the pic to read her blog.

It's Our Park, But We'll Share

Check us out!

What Does Julia Need?

DTE Interns have been teaching us all sorts of things. The most important tidbit so far?

Achete yon chocolat pou Julia.

We'll let you figure out what that means...Julia will be waiting.

Puppets, Puppets, Everywhere

The Croatations performed for P.S. 27 Creative After-School Adventure students (a program of DTE and Good Shepherd Services).
Some intense puppet making took place after the show.

DTE is a *STAR*

DTE is proud to announce that WNYC has chosen us as a STAR INITIATIVE PARTICIPANT. Check us out!

Red Hook Fest One Month Away!

Could it be true? June 7th, the day when we celebrate art, community, Brooklyn, the waterfront, dance, Red Hook and joy is only one month out?

Growing Arts, Going Green

This year at the Red Hook Waterfront Arts Festival we are Growing Arts, Going Green, partnering with environmentally-conscious, community organizations that will offer a range of activities and information on everything from affordable housing to greening your community and home. Featuring:

• Urban Divers tipi, with workshops and underwater exhibits
• Center for the Urban Environment with info on family-led recycling, composting and gardening
• free canoe and kayak rides
• a bio-diesel demonstration
• Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Initiative’s free bike valet parking service.
  

Don't miss out!

Red Hook Fest Photo Gallery

Click the pic to visit our online photo gallery complete with photos from last year and of this year's performers:

Spinning at RHWAF - DJ OJA

End the day and get your groove on to the mellow and powerful spinner of truth, DJ Oja (o-jah). His legendary mixes of Hip-Hop, Funk, Soul and rhythms of the world have kept folks rocking for years, and now we bring him to the waterfront. DJ Oja mixes for powerful social change.

Performing at RHWAF - Calpulli

Calpulli Mexican Dance Company celebrates the regional dance traditions of Mexico’s diverse cultures, interpreted through its unique artistic vision. Their gorgeous repertoire honors Mexico’s past, keeping cherished traditions vibrantly alive for Mexican immigrant communities in the United States. Calpulli performances are like Mexico itself: rich, colorful, passionate and inviting.

Calpulli Website

Performing at RHWAF - Paradizo Dance

Paradizo Dance is the result of a dynamic collaboration between the petite powerhouse Zoe Klein and her rock solid partner Dave Paris. Their breathtaking acrobatic feats are an intriguing blend of aerial lifts, salsa, afro-cuban dance and circus skills.

Paradizo Dance Website

Performing at RHWAF - Amayo's FU-ARKIST-RA

Amayo’s FU-ARKIST-RA afro-beat ensemble is next to capture the stage. Their combination of traditional Chinese Lion rhythms and Nigerian Afro-beat creates a vivid and magical landscape for stories, lessons, and dances. The result is a potent blend of African spiritual beats and folklore and traditional Chinese rhythms, highlife, funk, and jazz, infused with progressive insights.

FU-ARKIST-RA website

Performing at RHWAF - Jollyship the Whiz-Bang

Jollyship the Whiz-Bang is Brooklyn’s nautical rock wunderkind. One part each puppet troupe, rock band and theater company, these pirates have performed in festivals the world over, showing off their music, puppetry and comedy in elaborate spectacles.

Jollyship the Whiz-Bang Website
Jollyship on MySpace

Performing at RHWAF - Akil Dasan

Kick off the day with beat box and spoken word artist Akil Dasan, a charismatic young musician who effortlessly combines intelligent lyricism and soulful singing with virtuosic musicianship. He wanders the planet with his guitar, a beat and an arsenal of stories. Akil's freestyle and beat boxing abilities enhance his wide repertoire of musical genres.

Akil's Website
Akil's MySpace

Amayo Performs at CASA

Students had a blast last Friday at Good Shepherd Services Creative After-School Adventures Program at P.S. 27 when Amayo's Fu-Arkist-Ra performed.Amayo worked with the young people after the performance to create original beats and movement.
Assistant facilitators from DTE and South Brooklyn Community High School kept an eye on things.Check out Amayo at the Red Hook Fest this June!

Loud Applause at BIHS International Festival

The 11th Annual BIHS International Festival surpassed every expectation with the amount of energy, emotion and passion for art onstage.


Students showcased pieces of dance, drama and music that they have spent the year preparing.

Special thanks to everyone who helped out backstage! Pictured below: Stage Managing Dream Team Ying Sha and Jenni.

The BIHS Principal Says...

"The International Festival provides an opportunity for our students to share and celebrate their native cultures with family, peers, school staff, and other friends of BIHS.

It is another way that we recognize the importance of building a strong sense of community within our BIHS home."

- Pamela Taranto, Principal at the Brooklyn International High School

Hollywood to Bollywood

Martha and the BIHS Performing Arts Club rehearse some Bollywood dance moves for the upcoming International Festival.

Our Hero

DTE would like to give a big shout out to our computer hero, Mark Phillips, from the famous South Brooklyn Network. Without him, DTE might still be in the stone age.

Happy Birthday, One and All

Many DTE Staff, Artists, and cooperating folks have been celebrating birthdays lately. We'd like to take this opportunity to wish them all (and you, too, if appropriate), a happy and creative year!

Martha Bakes, Too

Don't you wish you worked here?

Budget Cuts Hit DTE

by Martha Bowers, Executive Director

Spring. A time to feel renewed and hopeful.

This spring is different.

It's not news that the economy is crumbling. With Wall Street's troubles, government agencies are trimming back, but the non-profit sectors and school art programs are being decimated. The New York Times reported on February 1, 2008, that the Education Department will cut $180 million in this fiscal year, with an additional $324 million disappearing next year. Effective immediately, school budgets have been cut by 1.75 percent. As stated in the article:

Principals said they were particularly upset because the cuts come in the middle of the year, when they have already hired teachers, planned their schools’ schedules, and promised their students and parents certain perks, like after-school programs.

DTE has successful programs at three Brooklyn public schools. Our arts education programs are not “perks.” They provide services that use the arts to address important issues such as tolerance, conflict resolution and offer alienated youth a much needed community. School principals are faced with difficult choices, and no matter how much they may value our services, these programs will be the first to go.

Around 30% of DTE's income comes from arts education programs. These programs are funded by the Department of Education as well as private foundations, the New York State Council on the Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. All of these organizations are also facing budget reductions.

Combined, the proposed cuts will severely limit DTE’s ability to operate and serve our community. DTE, like many non-profits, already stretches every dollar. Nothing can be cut without reducing services and laying off vital staff.

Short term, the City and State may balance their budgets, but at what cost? More teen crime, fewer students graduating and higher unemployment are just a few of the problems that will increase government costs in the future.

Constituents must contact their local city council member as well as their state and federal representatives to let them know culture and education are not perks. Ask them to consider carefully where they look to trim the budgets and demand that they restore funding to the New York City Board of Education, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York Council on the Arts.

ACT NOW -- the deadline for the State budget is April 1.

Help Dance Theatre Etcetera continue our programs: DONATE NOW

A Hard Day's Night

Zoe and Julia finally strike a bargain.

Getting Ready for the Waterfront Arts Festival!

Bob and Therese in a heated debate over who should perform at this year's Red Hook Waterfront Arts Festival.

TheaterWorks Working Hard

Bob and TheaterWorks spent Friday working hard at DTE.

They took a moment to pose with Martha and the dog.