Blending Technical Excellence with Emotional Depth in Dance with Anabella Lenzu
In this episode, host Dr. Chelsea talks to distinguished dance educator Anabella Lenzu about the shifting focus in the dance community from artistic expression to technical perfection and competitive achievements. Anabella, originally from Argentina...
In this episode, host Dr. Chelsea talks to distinguished dance educator Anabella Lenzu about the shifting focus in the dance community from artistic expression to technical perfection and competitive achievements. Anabella, originally from Argentina and now a teacher in New York City, shares her perspectives on dance education shaped by her multicultural experiences. They explore the importance of incorporating emotional connection in dance training, and how cultural adaptation influences teaching methodologies. Anabella delves into her teaching philosophy, stressing the significance of meaningful gestures over rote repetition and the holistic development of dancers. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on dance and the essence of performing for live audiences and not just TikTok. Anabella introduces her book 'Teaching and Learning Dance Through Meaningful Gestures,' which merges pedagogical principles with both technical and artistic guidance, making it an invaluable resource for dancers and educators.
Get Anabella’s Book: Teaching and Learning Dance Through Meaningful Gestures
Connect with Anabella:
https://instagram.com/AnabellaLenzu
https://facebook.com/AnabellaLenzu
https://youtube.com/AnabellaLenzu
Other Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/202
Episode Breakdown
00:41 Meet Anabella Lenzu
02:52 Anabella's Dance Journey and Teaching Philosophy
04:31 The Importance of Cultural Adaptation in Dance
08:03 Challenges in Dance Education Across Different Countries
11:13 Balancing Technical Skill and Artistic Expression
14:49 Practical Exercises for Emotional Connection
18:58 Promoting Dance as an Art Form
22:13 The Importance of Meaningful Gestures in Dance
25:12 Comprehensive Training for Performers
28:11 Visualization Techniques in Dance
31:30 Emotional Connection in Performance
40:23 The Role of Books in Dance Education
Anabella Lenzu
Choreographer, Scholar & Pedagogue
Originally from Argentina, Anabella Lenzu is a dancer, choreographer, scholar & educator with 35 years of experience working in Argentina, Chile, Italy, and the USA.
Lenzu directs her own company, Anabella Lenzu/DanceDrama (ALDD), which since 2006 has presented 400 performances, created 15 choreographic works and performed at 100 venues, presenting thought provoking and historically conscious dance-theater in NYC.
As a choreographer, she has been commissioned all over the world for opera, TV programs, theatre productions, and by many dance companies. She has produced and directed several award-winning short dance films and screened her work in over 200 festivals both nationally and internationally, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, London, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States & Venezuela.
Anabella’s work has been seen at La Mama, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Movement Research at Judson Church, Draftworks at DanceSpace project/ St. Mark Church, 92nd Street Y, HERE Arts Center, Abrons Arts Center, DUO Multicultural Arts Center, Queens Museum, Bronx Museum, Gibney Dance, Center for Performance Research, Triskelion, Chez Bushwick, Roulette, Chashama, Dixon Place, Sheen Center, The Consulate of Argentina in NYC, NYU/Casa Zerilli Marimo, University Settlement, Baruch Performing Arts Center, BAAD, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Instituto Cervantes, 3LD Center for Art & Technology, Kumble Theater/Long… Read More
