Article Summary #5

What is to Blame for Child Obesity?

This article is in regards to nutrition and obesity. Many children in today’s society are overweight and it is due to several factors that are not taken into consideration. Many systems look at families with overweight children and charge them with neglect or abuse. These families are torn apart for circumstances that are uncontrollable. Many children are born with genetic defects. These defects have shown that certain genes that controls the appetite has been deleted therefore children and their families are unable to control the weight gain. Officials have gone as far as taking children away from the parents, and giving jail time to the parents.
The article also discusses the affects of society today on overweight children. Access to food 24 hours of day have contributed to eating more frequently. The price of healthy food being too high has lured more and more people to eating fast food and cheaper food. Portions and sizes have increased as well adding to the over consumption of food. Overall it is becoming increasingly difficult to control what children and teenagers are eating because of the change in society.

Khan, Amina. "What is to Blame for Child Obesity?" Los Angeles Times. 21 Dec. 2009. Web. 30 Jan. 2010. .

Article Summary #4

J. D. Salinger: Of Teen Angst and an Author's Alienation

This article expresses J.D. Salinger’s uncanny ability to portray the mind of a true teenager in a world full of phonies and hypocrites. He correctly demonstrates through Holden Caulfield in the book, “Catcher in the Rye,” the frustrations, vulnerability, anxiety, and anger of a 16 year old boy who alienates himself. Due to the convincing portrayal, this is one of the first books that adolescent’s fall in love with. It introduces them into the world of literature from their prospective. In most of J.D. Salinger’s books his characters tend to be on the outside looking in. They usually are able to identify with adolescent innocence and hold on with desperation viewing the world from of course an adolescent viewpoint.
Some criticized Salinger for his cuteness and sentimental nature demonstrated in his characters; however, some of his most popular works have influenced, encouraged, and persuaded many generations of writers. Salinger had a great appeal to his readers because he entertained them. Regardless of what his critics had to say, he wrote books and short stories that readers could relate to. He showed the sensitive and personable side, but also the much darker deeper side as well. There was a range in his story development, which was very appealing.


Kakutani, Michiko. "An Appraisal J. D. Salinger: Of Teen Angst and an Author's Alienation." New York Times. 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010. .

Article Summary #3

The Focus! Festival: Composers Who Made the Center Hold

This article is about a music festival held at the Julliard School that focused on main stream American composers following the 25 years after the World War II. Some composers that are familiar such as Copland and Bernstein were heard in the festival; however, many that were not expected to be heard such as Vincent Persichetti, Walter Piston and William Schuman, were performed in the festival. These composers are no longer really heard in concert halls anymore but rather are studied in history books.
One of the songs performed was Schuman’s “In Sweet Music: Serenade on the Setting of Shakspear.” The performance left mixed reviews. Although the student performed thoroughly, they didn’t leave the audience wanting more. It was quit bland and lingered on too long. The festival also included “Pistons String Quartet No.5,” “Persichetti’s Serenade No. 12,” William Grant Still’s “Songs of Seperation,” and two striking piano works. There was an assortment of works performed with varying reactions, but overall a lovely night of music appreciation.


Kozinn, Allan. "The Focus! Festival: Composers Who Made the Center Hold." New York Times. 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010. .

Article Summary #2

Mark Morris taking dance into the realms of music

This article is about Mark Morris’ love for music. He is the director and founder of his own dance company the Mark Morris Dance Group; however, he also considers himself a musician. He has had his dance company going on 30 years and he is a proud and well known choreographer. Mark likes to push past boundaries with his company. Instead of a normal dance company, he engages in music festivals with his company. His modern dance group is the only dance based company to perform at Tanglewood Music Festival. Mark doesn’t play an instrument of sing, but he is fully knowledgeable about music. He is able to read scores, direct operas, and conduct shows. He definitely uses his knowledge of music in his choreography. A lot of the time the music makes his dance rather than the dance making the music. Mark chooses to have his company perform at music venues because he feels music lovers are more open minded. Many dancers look at a piece of work through tunnel vision. Musicians are more experimental than more conservative dance fans. So overall his advice to the dance world is to open up.


Kaufman, Sarah. "Mark Morris taking dance into the realms of music." The Washington Post. 30 Jan. 2010. Web. 31 Jan. 2010. .

Article Summary #1

Lula Washington: A Life Changed By Dance

This article is about Lula Washington, her dance company, and her recent work on the film “Avatar.” Lula is based out of Los Angeles, California and has become well known for her choreography, community organization, and advocacy for the arts. She was formerly a nurse, but embarked upon a journey of dance after being deeply inspired by a performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at UCLA.
This year Lula is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her company’s existence. The troupe consists of 12 multiracial members that have traveled around the world performing. They have had the privilege of dancing at the Joyce Theater and Lincoln Center; they have also traveled as far as Kosovo, Spain, and Germany. The ensemble performs a mixture of jazz, funk, and African based movement combined with theatrical modern, and Lula has brought in various choreographers such as Rennie Harris, Christopher Huggins and the late Katherine Dunham.
In addition to Lula Company, she has also involved herself in film. She met with the director of the movie “Avatar,” and he was blown away with her familiarity with the Na’vis, which automatically landed her the job. Lula was able to create original movement while encompassing familiarity.


Lavine, Debra. "Lula Washington: A Life Changed By Dance." The Los Angeles Times. 31 Jan. 2010. Web. 31 Jan. 2010. .

#7 List of Research Questions/Problems

Harlem Renaissance
How was the Harlem Renaissance created?
Who initiated the Harlem Renaissance?
Who influenced the HR the most?
What this era so popular among blacks?
Did whites engage in the Harlem Renaissance?
Did women play a major role in the HR?
What were the pros and cons of this time period?
Who were the talented tenth?
What was the differences between WEB Dubois and
Which had more followers?
Why did the HR die out?
What were the major conflicts that arose during the era?
What were the major aspects flourished during era?

African American Literature
· Who were major writers during the Harlem Renaissance?
· How much of an impact did women have on literature?
· What were the different types of literature written?
· What gained the most popularity?
· Who became well known?
· What were their inspiration for writing?
· Who chose to write in dialect and why?
· Did their white counterparts take them seriously?
· Did blacks find it difficult to pursue a writing career?
· How did black author evolve and change over time?

Dance
· When and where was ballet first discovered
· How did ballet make its way to the states?
· How did modern dance evolve?
· What are the differences between modern and ballet?
· Who were the major modern pioneers?
· Why are most ballets based on fairy tales?
· Do modern dance choreographers base works on stories?
· Why is there such a pressure to appear a certain way in the dance world?
· Why were eating disorders so common in the past?
· Has is become socially acceptable to be a heavier dancer?
· Is there less discrimination or is it better hidden?
· Do people find ballet or modern more interesting?
· What is considered dance and what is not?
· How much do dancers get paid?
· Why are dancers considered starving artist if they get paid graciously?

#6 Refined List of Research Topics

The Harlem Renaissance was a well-known cultural movement in the 1920’s and 1930’s in the African American community. African Americans had been suppressed and deprived of discovering and experiencing life. African Americans migrated from the south in the Great Black Migration. This relocation from the south to the north occurred because of the brutality and lychings, poverty levels, and Jim Crow Laws. This movement occurred in a section in Manhattan, New York, called Harlem. The Harlem Renaissance created a sense of identity, initiated freedom of expression, and allowed blacks to explore intellectually.


Blacks in literature I believe really began before the Harlem Renaissance but really soared during the Harlem Renaissance. There were various types of writers ranging from poets such as Langston Hughes to novelist such as Nora Neale Hurston. All of which explored black culture through there writing. It was one way for blacks to be heard in the community. It was a struggle to for blacks to become known whites and other races became more and more interested in black culture through entertainment that it made literature soar. Some writers chose to write in the black dialect while other refrained from it, thinking it degraded the black race.


There are various forms of dance but two of the major are Ballet and Modern. There are several differences between theses two. Ballet can before modern existed. It is way more structured and proper. There are specific positions and placements of the body, there are also pointe shoes involved. Ballerinas are usually seen in pink tights and a leotard and occasionally a tutu. Ballet is performed to classical music from various eras. Ballet originated in Europe. Modern on the other hand is almost the opposite in certain ways. It incorporates more levels less shapes and more movement of the entire body. There are several forms of modern that have involved. There is no set style. Modern is usually done bare foot and more earthy.

#5 List of Research Topics

Some research topics that I would interest would include: dance and the history of the different styles of dance, where these styles originate, how forms of dance compare and differ. I also have an interest in African American history, especially during the civil war, or during the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Panthers and the affects that had on the community during the civil war. I also like to compare the non-violent and peaceful attempts of equality verse the more violent and destructive groups and events. Blacks in literature are also a topic of interest.

#4 Current Major and Career Goals

My career goals have always been the same. I’ve always wanted to dance and be in a professional company. My plan is to move to nyc following graduation so I can start to audition for various companies. I really don’t’ have a specific company in mind as long as it is modern based. I wouldn’t survive in a ballet company. I am even willing to start small. You have to start somewhere. And hopefully in time I can work my way up the chain to bigger known companies. The bigger and more known the more my salary will be. In the mean time while auditioning I also plan to teach on the side until I become steady. I have previous experience with teaching so it shouldn’t be too difficult. I also plan to travel a lot when I get into a company. I am almost completely fluent in Spanish so hopefully that will come in handy. If nyc doesn’t work out in a few years then I might try a few other places like Dallas or Colorado or Arizona or California. Moving around will give me more exposure. Then after a few years of auditioning and trying to make it in the dance world if it doesn’t work out then I want to return to school. I m not sure what school or what state but I have the desire to get my masters psychology. I’ve always had a passion for it but right now I don’t have the time to pursue it. I was told it would be in my best interest to pursue dance first because it is a much shorter career than most. The body can only last for so long before things start to give out and not work. By the time I go back to school I also want to be married and possibly starting a family.

#3 One Significant Person or Event Freewrite and Expand it

My experience in NYC was amazing. I remember it being slightly overwhelming but nonetheless exciting. We visited the World Trade Center soon after we got there. It was much cleaner than i had expected. There were books on sell of pictures of the event occuring. There were also banners up to sign your name and in rememberence of anyone lost during the events. You couldn't get to close because there were restrictions and blockages up. Next to the site there is a huge department store that we went to often. It was always very crowded. The department store had a peculiar smell everytime we went in. Riding the subway was a new experience as well. Buying the card was a little stressful having to read the screen and push certain buttons making sure not to mess up. Occassionally we missed our stop while riding and had to go through the hassle of getting off and going to the other side of the train station to catch the train going the opposite direction. We also experienced the vendors on the streets. The cashews and hot dogs and gyros are the best. THe smell of the food fills the streets for blocks. We bought a lot of t-shirts and purses and jewelry off the street as well. It was much cheaper than at the regular stores in the malls.

#2B Three Significant Events

One significant event in my life was the first time I went to new york city. I was there for 6 weeks dancing at the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive. My mothe rcame with me. We leased an apartment in the middle of tribecca. There was always big trash bags left on the street on certain days. Loud noise on the weekends at night because we llived above a club. The walk in morning to the subway was fairly peaceful when walking on the side streets. It was loud on the main street we crossed filled with the noise of nyc traffic. I remember seeing all ethnicities and heights and personalities and clothes, several taxis, PEOPLE EVEYWHERE!!!

Another event that was significant to my career was when me and my family went to see LIon King on Broadway. It was amazing. THe stage was full of colors and ritualistic images. It made me feel like I was in th emiddel of the jungle. Although there were people playing animals, I almost didn't even notice the people. It was so realistic. And there voices carried throughout the entire theater. I could feel there emotion in every song, and it truely inspired me to want to perform.

The third event was auditioning for the first time in Chicago for the Ailey School. It was one of the most terrifying experiences I have every had. I was only 12 however the audiotion for ranged from people my age to audults age 25. The halls were crowded with people everywhere. Stretching and practicing and tlaking and listening to music. I had my family there so I stayed close to them whenever I had the opportunity. I smelled very sweaty because people were in and out of the room dancing. They put us in groups some groups made the cut and others didn't. There were people crying because they didn't make it and others were just plan mad. SOme peopel were jumping for joys and smiles and screaming because they did make it. The entire place was full of anxiety.

#2A Three Significant People

My mother has greatly influenced my career goals as a dancer. SHe is petite and non flexible and can't dance herself; however, she was the first person to encourage me to take dance lesson at the age of 3. I tried multuple activities however I my mom told me I would have to make a decision to do one thing. I chose dance. Every week my mom would write on the calendar the day it was time to go to dance. This would make me so excited. At time my mom was in school getting her BA so it was a constant struggle to pay for my classes, get to and from classes, while also getting her work done and getting to her own class. My mother was always tired and slightly disshoveled. She wore hair in a bun most days, just because it was easy and quick. Her everyday attire is usually casual nothing fancy. None of her jobs has ever required her to wear fancy clothing.

Lee Nolting has also had a huge impact on my career goals. She was my dance teacher for 8 years. i first had her as a jazz teacher then once I got into company she was the director so I saw her almost everyday. She wore the same hairstyle everyday unless she hadn't got her perm to make her hair curly. She ALways had on sweat pants, usually the same couple pair. She wears t-shirts all the time as well. I can remember her sweating profusly has she taught our classes. She also walks with a limb because she got a hip replacement and a knee replacement. SHe has typical dancer feet.....Not very pretty.

The third person to influence me is my current teacher susan shield. She is short blond and a ball of fire. She can be so mean and intemedating but none the less a good teacher. She has certain phrases that she says that when said I automatically think of her. She is comical, always making jokes in class, making fun of people in a contructive way, and yelling to the top of her lungs, She is known for making us repeat combinations over and over again.

#1 Earliest Memory

The earliest memory that come to mind is when I was in pre-school. Maybe the age of 2 or almost 2. It was around Christmas time I believe and my class was making ginger bread cookies. We were given a piece of cookie dough I'm assuming. It was squishy and very exciting to touch. I remember not really knowing what to do with the dough but my first reaction was to play. We had just read a story about the ginger bread man so we all knew what he looked like so we were instructed to make one of our own. I don's really remember making one that looked even close to the one in the book; however, I do recall the wonderful praise from my school teacher telling me how good of a job I was doing. This was all done in the kitchen at the school. I remember little colorful chairs and little tables covered with something. I'm unsure of what though. After making our gingerbread men we went outside to play. My next memory is coming in from recess to find foot prints from the stove all the way to my classroom. I was so amazed. I couldn't believe the gingerbread men had come alive. I remember expecting to see them standing up in the classroom when we entered but instead they were laying on our tables lifeless. They told us they only came alive when no one was looking. Of course I believed it.

My Experience with Research and Writing

My experience as a researcher began in the classroom, and has primarily remained there. I did a few research papers in high school and a few in college about various topics, but I have never taken my research skills and the resources I have beyond what has been required of me. I am very familiar with the process of researching; however, I still find it challenging and quit daunting. When given a research assignment, I automatically become overwhelmed, but over the years I have found it helpful to look at the process piece by piece, rather than as a whole. Through my experience with research I have also discovered how much of an affect the topic has on the process. If the topic at hand is not of interest, it makes research ten times as hard. I try to always pick a subject that fit the requirements of the assignment and fit the boundaries of my interest.

My experience as a writer has also remained primarily in the classroom. At first I didn’t consider myself a good writer, but I have improved greatly. In every English class, I try to take at least one major aspect of writing and utilize it. Becoming a better writer is a gradual development and I am gradually taking it step by step. I don’t plan on becoming a writer as a profession nor do I even plan to incorporate writing in my everyday life with my current career plan; however, I find it important to at least have good writing skills, so if they are ever needed you have them to call upon.

FIRST BLOG

This is my first Blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Link to the dance department at Mason
http://dance.gmu.edu