The best dance reality competition on television, Fox network’s So You Think You Can Dance, just wrapped up its six-city audition phase for the current fourth season earlier tonight. All of the candidates who make it through the first grueling phase then move on to an even more difficult level of competition in the Las Vegas second round. A final cut is made at the end of that stage, and the far fewer people who survive move on to the final level of competition that results in a single ultimate winner.

One of the first performers featured on the show today was 21-year-old Boston resident Kim, whose style is hip-hop. He actually made it to the second round in Las Vegas during the show’s second season, but he couldn’t handle the all-important choreography and partnering work with a female dancer.

When Kim showed up this year, judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and Dan Karaty immediately remembered him because he’s a very talented performer in his style of dance. Surprisingly, after Kim completed his routine, instead of sending him to an optional choreography round where he would have to further prove his ability — which is what happens to most hip-hop performers — the judges sent him directly through to Las Vegas.

We’re all pulling for Kim this time and praying he was dedicated enough to take a few ballroom and jazz dance classes after his last tryout two seasons ago; tomorrow night’s episode will reveal the truth. In the meantime, take a look at Kim’s thoroughly entertaining audition in the video after the jump.

NOTE: If you require closed captions, you can enable that feature on the video players by clicking the CC symbol in the top right-hand corner.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Thursday | February 21

The Boston Conservatory Dance Theater: A Centennial Celebration

On Thursday, February 21, the Boston Conservatory Dance Theater (31 Hemenway Street, Boston, 617-536-6340) will team up with the Boston Conservatory Orchestra to celebrate the births 100 years ago of influential choreographers José Limón (1908–1972) and Antony Tudor (1908–1987). Limón was a Mexican transplant to New York who excelled in modern dance, while Tudor (born William John Cook) was an English dancer and teacher in the field of ballet. Both men were also pioneers in their respective careers.

The Boston Conservatory Dance Theater will present Limón’s renowned Missa Brevis and Tudor’s equally appreciated Continuo, Dark Elegies, and Little Improvisations. Tickets priced $20 (standard), $18 (alumni), $10 (seniors 60+), and $5 (students) are available for performances on Friday (8pm), Saturday (8pm), and Sunday (2pm), as well. [More Information]

Friday | February 22

CRASHarts Presents BattleWorks Dance Company

World Music/CRASHarts was established in 1990 to “present the finest traditional and contemporary performing arts from around the world to the broadest possible audience, and to engage individuals in their community and civic life through related artist based educational programs.”

On Friday and Saturday, it will host dancer and choreographer Robert Battle’s eclectic BattleWorks Dance Company in a performance at the Institute of Contemporary Art’s Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater (100 Northern Ave, Boston, 617-478-3100). Tickets are $35 (reserved) and $31.50 (ICA members) for both the 7:30pm (Friday) and 8pm (Saturday) performances. A special treat for Friday attendees is the post-performance Question & Answer session with dance company members. [More Information]

Saturday | February 23

Attack Theatre’s Games of Steel: A Dance Rock Opera

And, for rock-music lovers, Cutler Majestic Theatre (219 Tremont Street, Boston, 617-824-8000) will host Attack Theatre’s unique production Games of Steel: A Dance Rock Opera, which melds heavy metal music with interesting props and idiosyncratic dancing. One review blurb describes the event as “Survivor meets Mad Max in a heavy-metal Thunderdome.”

Friday’s 7:30pm performance repeats on Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm, with tickets to all of the presentations selling for $12, $22, $32, and $45, plus fees. [More Information]

Post from: The Boston Traveler

At 6pm, the Downtown Crossing branch of the retailer will welcome Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Judith Jamison and dancers Renee Robinson and Kirven J. Boyd for a Black History Month-related event on the Main Level.

Although the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is scheduled to perform at the City Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre from February 7–10, tonight’s event will be much more relaxed. The dance company representatives will offer personal insight into founder Alvin Ailey’s legacy and the history of his widely respected, world-famous company, as well as its relationship with Boston.

The store will then serve refreshments after the discussion is over and will also give attendees the rare opportunity to meet the dancers in the flesh. I don’t know about everybody else, but that sounds like a darn fine time to me, and for free to boot. You can’t beat it.

Who knew Macy’s was such a hotbed of culture and interesting free events? I didn’t, or maybe I just haven’t been paying close enough attention when I’m in there shopping.

Post from: The Boston Traveler