Follow Your Yellow Brick Road to Success….
Desmond Richardson: (Ballet) Pointe of View

What is your INTENTION?

WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU DO?

He says to his dancers be “Inside of the Moment.”

• He’s worked with Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna
• He’s trained and /or danced alongside the greats: Alvin Ailey, William Forsythe, Sylvie Guillem, Sarita Allen, Carmen de Lavallade, Maurice Béjart, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Diana Vishneva

Keywords

dance, ballet, artistry, mentorship, performance, intention, Complexions, dance education, global dance, cultural impact

Summary

In this conversation, Michelle Zeitlin and Desmond Richardson explore the intricate world of dance, focusing on the importance of intention, artistry, and mentorship. They discuss the daily life of a ballet company, the significance of authenticity in performance, and the evolution of dance education. The dialogue also highlights the creation of Complexions, a dance company that fuses various styles, and the impact of iconic artists on their journeys. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for dancers to connect with their audience and the cultural relevance of dance in today's society.

Takeaways

• The journey of a dancer is about intention and authenticity.
• Daily life in a ballet company involves nurturing young artists.
• Artistry in dance requires more than just technical skill.
• Complexions represents a fusion of diverse dance styles.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping a dancer's career.
• The importance of being present in the moment during performance.
• Dancers must understand their unique voice and perspective.
• Dance education is evolving to include a broader range of styles.
• The global landscape of dance is rich and diverse.
• Cultural impact of dance is significant and should be celebrated.

Titles

• Passion and Purpose in Dance
• The Daily Life of a Ballet Company

Chapters

• Understanding Intent in Dance
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• The Essence of an Artist
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• Complexions: A Fusion of Dance Styles
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• Working with Icons: Michael Jackson and Prince
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• The Journey of Complexions
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• Training and Technique in Dance
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• The Influence of European Dance
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• The Importance of Authenticity in Art

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• The Growth of Dance Intensives
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• Diversity in Dance Training
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• The Role of Mentorship in Dance
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• The Journey of a Dancer
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• Cultural Experiences in Dance
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• The Importance of Audience Connection
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• Passion to Power in Dance

Michelle Zeitlin is a former ballet dancer with the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group; She worked with the Creator of A Chorus Line and Show Creator of DREAMGIRLS, on the original Broadway Workshop, SCANDAL--Michael Bennett. She has danced on TV, in feature films, commercials, music videos and choreographed and directed hundreds of projects. Her company, More Zap Productions produced turnkey Experiential Events (Industrials) for major brands including NIKE, APPLE, INTEL, and many many others.

She has also danced ballets, contemporary choreography and musicals around the globe. So it is with this like minded understanding that she interviews Desmond Richardson, co-founder of COMPLEXIONS, a contemporary ballet company, with Dwight Rhoden.

They talk about their mutual work experiences with "folks" like Michael Peters.

Michelle met with Bob Fosse at the very young age of seventeen in NY to read for the movie, STAR 80.

Desmond danced with Bob Fosse in his world wide hit which was all DANCE. Shirley MacLaine and Cyd Charrise were in that audience, along with MJ, who sent Desmond a fan note backstage!
For more on Complexions, see their website https://www.complexionscontemporaryballet.org/

For More on Michelle Zeitlin, Host/Producer of More Zap Productions & Management https://www.morezap.com/

You can pitch guests to Michelle and her Team at Passion-Power.com on the Contact Form

We are also booking speaking engagements, workshops and coaching clinics for CREATIVES at every stage of their development/career.

[email protected]

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