dance school – Author Blog by Traci L. Slatton

The Never Ending Journey of the Independent Artist, My Latest on the HuffPo

Posted on:April 22, 2015April 22, 2015

I am an independent artist, married to an independent artist, with friends who are, yes, independent artists. This piece on the Huffington Post reflects what I’ve learned.

In part, the article says:

What I experienced was that the big traditional publishing companies had gotten mired in the quicksand of conventional thinking and groupthink. They had forgotten the importance of nurturing a midlist author through a few books to build a readership. They overlooked the appeal of richness and diversity in a book list and so refused to invest in truly original, unorthodox projects.

Worst of all, they had taken the selection of books away from people who love books—editors—and turned it over to people desperately searching for a business school algorithm to make every book a bestseller out of the starting gate—the marketing department.

Not that some wonderful books don’t sneak past the eyes of the marketing department. But, increasingly, legacy publishers emulate corporate Hollywood studios: turning out branded, franchise entertainment, mindless drivel that appeals to the horny, nerdy teenager in us all.

The great books and movies that make it past gatekeepers usually do so because they are spearheaded by someone passionate about the project. These projects come from the creative heart and soul of a dedicated individual. They require perseverance and vision in order to unfold in the world.

With no luck but bad luck with the legacy publishers, I embarked on my own passion process. I founded Parvati Press. I started independently publishing my own books and recently other authors.

I’m fortunate to have two strong-minded individualists in my life as models for my journey: my husband Sabin Howard, and my friend dancer Lori Belilove, Founder and Artistic Director of the Isadora Duncan Dance Company and Foundation.

Catch the whole article here on the HuffPo.

Though I did realize this morning that there is one thing I forgot to mention explicitly in the post: the pleasure inherent in this path. It’s just fun to think ‘outside the box’ and to operate outside the confines of corporate mentality. It’s scary, yes, because it’s insecure. But it is ever so delicious.

art · blogtalkradio · dance school · independent publishing · wholeness

Independent Artists & Thinkers, a BlogtalkRadio show

Posted on:April 14, 2015April 15, 2015

I’m launching a BlogTalkRadio show. I’ve created the “Independent Artists & Thinkers” show and our first show airs Thursday, April 16 at 1 pm EDT. I’ll be interviewing dancer and Artistic Director Lori Belilove, founder of the Isadora Duncan Company and Foundation.

This internet radio show is focused on one of my personal passions: the journey of the independent artist, who creates and sustains art outside the structure of the big studios, publishing companies, and galleries.

It’s my belief that the most interesting, creative, and original voices today are heard outside of the big corporations, studios, and galleries. Individuals of courage and inspiration are seizing the opportunities to create and promote their art themselves. I intend to support them and to bring their stories to you–to the world.

On this premiere show, I’ll interview independent artists of all kinds, unusual thinkers, and healers about their process. How do they do it? How do they start with an idea and bring it to life in the world? This show intends to illuminate the journey. Feel free to call in to 516 453 6052 with questions, or livechat with me at blogtalkradio.com/independentartiststhinkers

On this first episode, we’ll ask: What does it take to found and sustain an artistic institution? Lori Belilove has some ideas to share with us.

Lori Belilove is recognized around the world as the premier interpreter and ambassador of the dance of Isadora Duncan. She’s sought after as a unique contemporary artist who understands the essence of Isadora. Known as a solo dance artist for her interpretations of Duncan’s signature solos and staging of Duncan’s group masterpieces, she has also been recognized for creating powerful, contemporary works in her own voice. The purity, timelessness, authentic phrasing, and musicality of Duncan dance has been passed down to Lori through a direct line of Isadora Duncan dancers.

Lori is also a choreographer and the Artistic Director of The Isadora Duncan Dance Company. The company performs regularly and increasingly garners invitations to perform around the world. Lori herself is a dynamo as well as a dancer of supreme grace and appeal.

I’m excited about this new endeavor, and I hope my readers will tune in, either live or via archive. If you’re listening live, then, please, phone in! I’d love to hear from you. Consider this an invitation!

Independent Artists & Thinkers

dance school

On the HuffPo: BALLET HISPANICO SCHOOL OF DANCE ROCKS

Posted on:September 26, 2013February 1, 2016

Here is my latest HuffPo piece, on the wonderfully dynamic Ballet Hispanico.

So it was with great pleasure that I found myself at the orientation meeting for the General Program at Ballet Hispanico, where Director AnaMaria Correa welcomed me with a warm handshake. She smiled and said she was here to make the opening of school smooth.

She meant it, too. The orientation was a pleasure, with coffee and snacks served, and brightly colored student handbooks and program brochures distributed.

Ms. Correa was a bright, energetic presence at the podium as she welcomed parents and students, introduced her staff, and explained the school’s dress code, attendance policy, and rules. She spoke with pleasure and grace about respecting the beautiful art form of dance. She underscored the need to commit to the good citizenship, elegance, and preparedness a rigorous school requires.

“But don’t think of this as discipline in the negative sense. These are life skills. You’re bringing your child to us and we have a responsibility to you to help create artists. You can’t create great artists without structure and expectation. In June, you expect to see your child transformed, and this is how we do it.”

The school strives for excellent communication with parents.

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