At Dance Education Canada, we believe that dance teachers can best support their dancers' training and progression by having a well-rounded understanding of all of the components that make up the dance class from technique and performance, to progressions and musicality. Today we will focus on the musicality aspect of the dance class, including how musicians read the dancing body. We will answer questions such as How do piano accompanists know what play? And What cues do they take from the dancers and dance educators? Today's discussion about “musicians working within the dance studio setting” is with the Professor of Dance and Music at the University of Michigan, Mr. Christian Matijas-Mecca.

GUEST: A native of Los Angeles, Christian earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Harpsichord and Early Music Performance at the University of Southern California. Over the past four decades, Christian has served as musical repetiteur in the staging of dances for artists some of which whom have worked with Balanchine, Graham and Lubovitch. He has accompanied for a plethora of directors and artists from renowned dance companies including the New York City Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Trisha Brown Dance Company, Miami City Ballet, and many more. As a leading researcher and pianist in Dance & Music Studies, Christian has presented conference papers at professional societies across the globe. As the author of several books including The Words and Music of Brian Wilson, Christian is on faculty at the University of Michigan with current research interests in popular music.

INSTA/FB/TWIT: @magicxtian

LINKEDIN: Christian Matijas-Mecca

WEBSITE: smtd.umich.edu/departments/dance

Disclaimer: Any and all ideas and information presented in the following podcast are those of the presenter. The presenter is not an employee or representative of Dance Education Canada (DEC), and is participating in this podcast on a voluntary basis. The ideas and information they express do not necessarily represent the views of the DEC or its partners, employees or affiliates. The ideas and information expressed herein are for general educational purposes only. They should not necessarily be applied to specific individual situations. DEC recommends consulting an expert or professional regarding specific medical, legal or business concerns. DEC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Please note that Canada's National Academy of Dance Education is now operating as Dance Education Canada.