Sunday, August 26, 2018

Snapshots of Summer

Though the Company was in rehearsal during the summer, preparing for the fall, all work and no play -- you know the rest. Our hard-working dancers managed to take a little time off to enjoy the best the season has to offer, and share some moments of summer fun.
Samara in Spoleto
Artistic Director for Dance/Choreographer Samara: "Spoleto has a very artistic atmosphere. The home of the famous Spoleto festival. It is a mixture of ancient Roman Ruins and winding medieval stone streets and buildings. I loved Assisi, a very spiritual atmosphere. It reminded me of the feeling of the wailing wall in Israel. The painted panels on the walls are astounding. Many Many stories based on the life and times of Saint Francis." 
On feeding cats in Trevi:  "These cats really know how to work the neighborhood. Of course I wanted to take all of them home...If I only could!" 
Back home in NY:  "Spending time with my two nephews from France. They come every August
and every year we get to know each other a little better! I have watched more action movies this week then I ever have! Here we are spending a lovely time at Centerport Beach in Northern Long Island. "

 
Kendra in Cooperstown


 Dancer Kendra Dushac McCarthy visited the baseball capital of the world and Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. She watched her hubby, Matt pitch and coach his team in their 25th annual Harlem Shaskys vs. the Albany Shaskys baseball game at the Historic Doubleday Field.  Also pictured is the lovable, furry four-footed mascot Shasky Russell.  





Carlos in Castile


Mosaic guest artist Carlos Fittante: "This summer, after a long absence, I returned to Madrid, Spain. There I visited my extended family and enjoyed being in a Spanish speaking country, great food, Spanish dance lessons, viewing art, and a visit to the Escorial, a World Heritage Site (the palace, monastery, and royal mausoleum built between 1562-1584 by Spanish King Felipe II.)"  Upon returning to NYC, Carlos performed his choreography "Icarus," Saturday, August 18 at Dance at Socrates, Socrates Sculpture Park, NYC. ("Icarus" photo by Stephen Speliotis.)


Danielle in DC


Danielle Hartman, first-time guest dancer with Mosaic: "In July, I spent an exciting dance-filled weekend in Washington, DC. I was invited to dance at a sacred music concert, where I performed Sufi whirling for nearly an hour over the course of the event. Dancing to live
music always gives me the energy to keep going!
The next day there was more dancing at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, where my sister and I attended several Armenian folkdance workshops and enjoyed a beautiful day on the National Mall.  This official Smithsonian video shows a bit of what it was like:"
https://festival.si.edu/blog/rituals-symbols-armenian-wedding-celebration


Bob on Board


 MDTC Tech Director Bob Greenwald: "While visiting family in upstate Maine this summer, my sisters arranged for us all to have combined lessons in yoga and standup paddleboard. Maybe this was my chance for a shortcut to the grace, flexibility and flair that the Mosaic dancers all seem to naturally have. Fortunately the pictures all show me during the times I was on top of the water and not under it."