Articles written by Kathy Stemke in Arts & Humanities

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About me - Kathy Stemke

Kathy Stemke has a passion for writing, the arts and all things creative. She has a B.S. from Southern Connecticut State University and Covenant Life Seminary, as well as graduate coursework from New York Institute of Technology and Columbia University. Hanging

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Arts & Humanities > Dance Education Taking adult beginning ballet classes: 1 of 5
It's the start of another new year and as I "squeeze" into my old blue jeans, I can't help thinking about my recent resolution. For the past twenty years or so it has been the same mantra, "lose weight and get into shape". Most exercise programs bore me and I usually quit after a few weeks. But an adult dance class not only ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Dance Education Confidence's role in dance: 6 of 17
Confidence, that feeling of self-reliance, boldness and certainty, is essential to the success of a dance performance. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't just happen. A dancer must work hard, have perserverance, and receive positive reinforcement to develop the resolution that is needed to be victorious. Confidence must ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Dance Styles Martha Graham's influence on modern dance: 1 of 2
Alone she stood on an empty white semicircular platform. Her straight black hair fell like silken threads of fringe behind an oval face with chiseled cheekbones, deep set dark eyes, and a strong angular jaw. Set in a frozen intensity, her body was poised for imminent action. A dissonant sound from an unseen source broke the ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Dance Education How to dance the Foxtrot: 1 of 2
The Fox Trot was the most significant development in all of ballroom dancing. The vaudeville actor, Harry Fox, invented this dance whose quick and slow steps permit more flexibility and dancing pleasure than any other dance. The energy of the dance was what teenagers were looking for, and subsequently the only truly American... More..
Arts & Humanities > Performance Dance The history and prominence of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: 1 of 2
The lights dim and there is a profound hush that rolls over the sold out crowd. Hearts beat loudly with anticipation as the curtains slowly open. A solitary light beams down on a strong, regal-like black woman adorned with a beautiful head wrap. She deliberately unwraps the headpiece an uses it to scrub the floor. After illu... More..
Arts & Humanities > Dance Education Guide to French terms used in classical ballet: 3 of 5
When the lights slowly dim and there is a hush that rolls over the audience, I am always enchanted by a beautiful ballet. Knowing some of the French terminology used always enhances my experience. In the program I read that the "cavalier" (the male partner of the ballerina), is a "virtuoso" (a performer of great technical ab... More..