ContraCostaTimes.com

Posted on Wed, Jun. 16, 2004

New York-bound dancers feel the rhythm

By Janice De Jesus

STAFF WRITER

When Jamaal Brown was only 4-years-old, he remembers seeing "Smooth Criminal," Michael Jackson's music video. Immediately, Jamaal knew dance was what he wanted to do.

What began as hip hop dance classes in Oakland at age 12 has led to the Oakland School of the Arts.

"The creativity of the dance and different styles people have makes me feel I'm doing something greater for myself -- that I'm learning something new everyday," says Jamaal, now 15.

He's so passionate about dance that he can't wait to continue practicing new steps he learns after class. With his heart set on a career as a professional dancer, Jamaal is determined to do everything he can to achieve that goal.

For the third year in a row, he will be participating in the renowned Broadway Dance Center Summer Dance Intensive from June 26 to 30 in New York City. He is one of eight local teens, ages 11 to 18, awarded summer hip-hop dance scholarships to the prestigious dance center through the Walnut Creek-based Rhythm Room's pre-professional sponsorship program.

Other local teens selected include Danville's Kristen Deis, Sandra Jacob, and Claire Leveque, Walnut Creek's Katie Doherty and Kelli O'Dell, Concord's Kyle Fareweather and Emma Rubenstein of Pleasant Hill.

Students were carefully selected for the program based on their passion for dance, consistent class attendance at Rhythm Room Dance and Movement Center, good grades, and ballet and technique studies. A positive attitude is just as important, says Dianna Rowley, Rhythm Room's director.

"I'm really big on the atmosphere being positive and encouraging," Rowley says. "Kids have to be positive, confident and respectful to property, teachers and to each other."

During their five-day stay in New York City, students will receive 10 hours of intensive training and 10 additional open classes from the Broadway Dance Center's instructors.

This is the third year scholarships have been awarded from the Rhythm Room. Fund-raising performances, coupled with donations from individuals and local associations make students' dreams of taking dance classes in New York City possible.

"They have to work hard to do this and set the example for others," Rowley says. "Some kids come to me asking 'What do I need to do to go to New York?'"

Students are inspired by the exposure to the professional world of dance, says Rowley.

"They do a mock audition where they learn how to audition, then they're given feedback," Rowley says. "Some people have a hard time taking criticism so this helps them accept it. More feedback helps them improve so they can be better dancers."

Rowley first saw Jamaal's potential when he was in the seventh grade. "It's wonderful to have an outlet for his passion," says Felicia Brown, Jamaal's mother. "He's challenged when he goes to New York City. He takes more than just hip-hop. He's had jazz, ballet, tap. The courses are well-rounded."

"This helps me by letting me meet different people and seeing how they teach and how they dance," says Jamaal, a Pinole resident who also plays African drums and percussion instruments.

Dancing allows people to express themselves in a deeper, more creative way through movement, says Emma, 13. She says she enjoys the freestyle of hip hop because you can totally be yourself in the dance.

"You can be funky and have fun with it," says Emma, who attends Pleasant Hill Middle School.

She and Sandra, 13, are returning to Broadway Dance Center for the second time.

"The program gave us a taste of the big time -- the professional world," says Sandra.

After being selected for the New York City dance program last year, Katie says she couldn't get enough out of it, even after the grueling and intense workouts. She's thrilled to rejoin the program this year.

"This is an opportunity to learn so much while you're there," says the 17-year-old Las Lomas High School student. "It definitely pushes you past your comfort zone, so you dance harder than you've ever danced before."

The Rhythm Room Dance and Movement Center, located at San Miguel Plaza, 1250 D Newell Ave., Walnut Creek, is accepting donations for students participating in the Broadway Dance Center's Summer Dance Intensive. For more information, call the Rhythm Room at 925-939-4802, e-mail Dianna Rowley at dianna@rhythmroomdance.com, or visit www.rhythmroomdance.com/