Learning from Finland and Bob Compton's View on Education Today

On Wednesday, August 24 the Vilar Performing Arts Center packed the house with eager educators, parents, and community members all interested and engaged in education. The evening began with a report from the Colorado Children’s Campaign followed by cocktails and a presentation by documentary filmmaker and education activist, Bob Compton.

Each year the Colorado Children’s Campaign releases the KIDS COUNT report.  This report provides information on factors that are impacting our children in Eagle County and throughout Colorado.  A few facts from the report include:

• The number of kids living in poverty has been growing faster in Colorado than anywhere else in the nation.
• The gap between kids in Colorado who are proficient in math and reading is significant and growing, and consistently exists along racial, ethnic and economic lines. In fact, 30 percent fewer low-income and minority students are proficient in reading and math than their more affluent, white peers.
• In the Eagle County, approximately 20 percent of kids don’t graduate from high school.

The report points out that these facts translate into great losses for and their community as well as for our economy.

• High school graduates earn between $200,000 and $350,000 more than high school dropouts over the course of their lifetime. 
• If all of Colorado’s high school dropouts instead graduated from school, $4.2 billion would be added to the state’s economy every year.

Following the report by the Colorado Children’s Campaign, the Vail Valley Foundation was lucky to host and spend an evening discussing the state of education in Eagle County, Colorado, and the nation with Bob Compton.  The night began with a review of the report and discussion of Colorado’s education status followed by an explanation of each of his films, 2 Million Minutes and The Finland Phenomenon.

The premise of Two Million Minutes is that regardless of nationality, as soon as a student completes the 8th grade, the clock starts ticking. From that very moment the child has approximately two million minutes to build their intellectual foundation until high school graduation.

How do most American high school students spend this time as opposed to students in the rest of the world? How do family, friends and society influence a student's choices for time allocation and what implications do their choices have on their future and on a country's economic future?

The film takes a deeper look at how the three superpowers of the 21st Century, China, India and the United States, are preparing their students for the future. It follows two students, a boy and a girl, from each of these countries, composing a global snapshot of education from the viewpoint of kids preparing for their future.

Finland's education system has consistently ranked among the best in the world for more than a decade. The question is, why Finland? Compton, along with Harvard researcher, Dr. Tony Wagner, decided to find out and the result of their research is captured in "The Finland Phenomenon.”

The film guides the viewer through an inside look at the world’s finest secondary education system. From within classrooms and through interviews with students, teachers, parents, administrators and government officials, Wagner reveals the surprising factors accounting for Finland's rank as the #1 education system in the world.

Below are a few testimonials from event attendees:

“Bob was able to adequately debunk that myth that US students are more well-rounded.  It was amazing to see the foreign student activities.”

“Our system for developing the teachers is not working. Finland seems to get it right by promoting the teaching profession. Most teachers are MBAs and spend their early years with a mentor.”

“Wow. Bob’s vote for best school is in Tucson AZ? How can we use this charter school as a symbol of excellence and promote their methods in the broader school system.”

“Financial resources do not seem to be the issue. While most schools are adequately funded, the performance of the schools is not where it needs to be.” 

The education team at the VVF strives to better our community by providing an assortment of programs that help enrich the lives of our children. For more information on our programs visit http://www.vvf.org/vvf/info/education.aspx.  Also for more information on the films please visit http://www.2mminutes.com/.

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VIDF Ambassador Katherine Sayre Reviews UpClose: Premieres

KATHERINE SAYRE

Tonight’s performance showed how diverse the dance world really is. “UpClose: Premieres” at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek was incredible.

Opening the show was ‘Archetypes.’ Emery LeCrone’s new piece was unbelievable; I couldn’t take my eyes off of the stage. The formations were precise and the stage space was used to the best advantage. The lifts all looked effortless and beautiful. ‘Shoe Wither Revival’ was next. Richard Siegal’s choreography was very interesting. The piece had chain reaction and the dancers showed shapes in their movement. The sharp and sometimes soft movement went perfectly with the music. Then, ‘3 Movements and 4 Repeats’ premiered. Christopher Wheeldon’s choreography had everyone on their feel applauding once again. The piece started with all the dancers doing different movements in dark lighting. Each movement complimented each other in a different way. All the movements were soft but striking. ‘The Music Coming Through Me’ was fun yet meaningful.  The lights and smoke made the stage look intense and the live music made a different energy for the piece. Lil Buck and his crew’s sharp isolation used every beat of the complex music. ‘Gravity Heroes’ closed the show. Trey Mclntyre’s choreography is very unique and abstract. I love how original and surprising it is. His choreography also tells a story so everyone can relate. His piece tonight had props; balloons, confetti, and piñatas. The level changes and jumping also made ‘Gravity Heroes’ thrilling.

Trey Mclntyre has another performance at the Ford Amphitheater Friday August 12th at 7:30pm. Tickets are selling fast for this breathtaking contemporary ballet so the sooner you get them the better! “Upclose: Premieres” was an astounding show and I can’t wait to see all of the last few shows for the 2011 Vail International Dance Festival.

Tyler Angle and Wendy Whelan of New York City Ballet rehearse Christopher Wheeldon's "3 Movements and 4 Repeats"

Lil Buck rehearsing his new piece, "The Music's Coming Through Me" 

Flickr Photos from Erin Baiano:


Video of UpClose: Premieres by Nel Shelby Productions:

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Back to Vail - Blog Post from the Winger

Head over to The Winger for a blog post from Erica Sheftman, former dancer and current Harvard student and writer for the Vail International Dance Festival.

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VIDF Ambassadors Review Mark Morris Dance Group

 Jamie Mei-Lin Barnett

As I watched Wednesday’s Vail International Dance Festival show begin with live piano music and two men jumping and turning on-stage, I was curious…just what would the Mark Morris Dance Group be all about?
 
    The first piece, “Silhouettes,” shared lively modern choreography between two men. The dance was very carefree and I could not help but be intrigued by the duet. The suspensions they carried in their jumps were lively, and while their turns were not “regal” (classical ballet turns) the dancers performed two or more pirouettes with no problem.
  
The second piece (before intermission), “Going Away Party,” was different in that the dancers were dressed in western dress, not in traditional ballet or modern costumes. The piece was cleverly choreographed with several western-themed (and blues) songs as Morris reunited the dancers, using the theme of the music to set the tone. As the underlying theme kept reoccurring, separate dancers movements were reunited on different parts of the stage.

The final piece, "Grand Duo," started with movements from just the torso (upper body) making the dancers look like individual pieces of grass. During another part, two groups created movements that looked like casting spells (Harry Potter), or a fight from “West Side Story” (the Sharks vs. the Jets). The choreography and groupings made the stage almost like a mural with the scene unfolding right in front of my eyes.
  
Overall, last nights performance was moving as well as entertaining! Thank you Mark Morris!!

Anna Marshall

“Going Away Party” was one of my favorite presentations during the evening. I enjoyed the partner dancing, and the energy and excitement when the partners switched or they all danced as a group. The costumes were wonderful! They wore bright colors that really made them POP out. The music for “Going Away Party” included My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You, Milk Cow Blues, and When You Leave Amarillo, Turn Out The Lights.  I really enjoyed it!

During “Grand Duo” the fourteen dancers were fabulous. In the beginning it seemed ghost-like, and by the end it brightened up – it was very high energy and exciting. I didn’t even notice that it was raining out because I was so focused on the great performance. The Mark Morris Dance Group was spectacular! I can’t wait to come back and see more!

Serena Kozusko

Today I saw the Mark Morris Dance Group perform. It was a very interesting and memorable performance.

The performance started with a piece with two men. I thought it was interesting that they each had half of pajamas on. The second piece had seven people in it. This piece was humorous at times and visually appealing when they did group poses. I thought this dance was entertaining. The third and final piece had everyone in it. I thought this one was thought provoking and energetic.

I thought the dancers were all very powerful. They commanded my attention and caused me to think a lot. The dancing was abstract and strong. I will definitely remember this performance.

More photos of Mark Morris from Erin Baiano, our Festival photographer, here:

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Loved New York City Ballet MOVES

The first three nights of the Festival have been a feast for dance lovers. New York City Ballet MOVES made its worldwide debut at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on Sunday night and presented three classic works from its unparalleled repertory: Jerome Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering, George Balanchine’s Duo Concertant, and Peter Martins’ A Fool For You. How lovely was it to see Dances performed outside, against the backdrop of the Gore Mountain Range? When Joaquin De Luz made his entrance, you felt the presence of the mountains through his eyes. Watching extraordinary ballet in an outdoor amphitheater adds a whole other dimension to the aesthetic experience—even the breeze had a magical effect on the girls’ chiffon dresses. And Robert Fairchild and Sterling Hyltin were stunning in Duo—the way Fairchild moves always makes me think of Gene Kelly gliding effortlessly across a movie screen. On Monday night, New York City Ballet MOVES presented 21^st Century Moves, a night dedicated to works created exclusively in the 21^st century. The evening was a testament to Artistic Director Damian Woetzel’s belief in the importance of new works. (The upcoming performance UpClose: Premieres will be an evening entirely dedicated to encouraging and fostering choreographers and is certainly a must-see.) New York City Ballet MOVES presented Christopher Wheeldon’s Polyphonia and After the Rain and Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction. All three pieces are exquisite, highly sophisticated, stunning works set to magnificent scores. And to see them performed by such extraordinary dancers! Hearts break whenever Wendy Whelan performs After the Rain. She moves with such intelligence, clarity, and lightness...when she appears onstage, she puts you in a spell and holds you there for the whole piece. Last night, Damian Woetzel and Peter Martins hosted a performance that focused on male roles created by George Balanchine. Woetzel and Martins talked downstage, dancers were clad in NYCB t-shirts and practice clothes, and you really felt “UpClose” in the intimate setting of the Vilar Performing Arts Center. The dancers performed solos, pas de deux, and group dances from an incredible number of the great ballets—Apollo, Agon, The Four Temperaments, Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Harlequinade, Rubies, Duo Concertant, Square Dance, Mozartiana, Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, etc.—as Woetzel and Martins added discussion on the history of the works and stories of Balanchine. The evening was tribute to greatest choreographer of all time; a way for the men to express their gratitude to Balanchine for all this beautiful choreography. The men—Fairchild, Ulbricht, Ramasar, Hall, Huxley, Finlay, Stanley, Danchig-Waring—were fantastic. I was reminded that I love New York City Ballet dancers because they always take good care of the audience. Watching them never makes me nervous; they are always up for dancing with incredible alacrity, dynamics, energy, and feeling.

I am sad to see New York City Ballet MOVES leave Vail, but as they depart, we welcome another one of the world’s greatest companies. Yesterday, the staff greeted Mark Morris Dance Group to Vail, and we are all so excited for their 30^th Anniversary performance tonight. Often referred to as “the Mozart of dance,” Mark Morris is known for choreographing highly musical works and is one of the greatest modern dance choreographers of all time. This performance is not to be missed—hope to see you at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater tonight!

—Caitlin

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My First Time Watching Christopher Wheeldon's "After the Rain"

I have a confession. I've never watched a live dance performance in my life, excluding the Nutcracker when I was five.

But last night at the Vail International Dance Festival, standing behind the crowds at the Ford Amphitheater, tears filled my eyes as I watched two supreme dancers move in unison across the stage during "After the Rain," a piece choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon - part of New York City Ballet MOVES 21st Century Moves.

It was as if Wendy Whelan, principal ballerina of the New York City Ballet, was born without bones and meant to bend with uninhibited fluidity as she fell in slow motion to the arms of Craig Hall. And surrounded by the cool, mountain air and backdrop of the Gore Range, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you're like me and dance is completely foreign to you, I encourage you to come out to the Amphitheater this week or next and experience it for yourselves. You can purchase lawn tickets and bring a picnic for a lower price, or sit in the seats for the best view in the house. I always think the best things in life are unexpected and you can't fully appreciate something until you try it.

Tickets are still available for tomorrow night's performance of Mark Morris Dance Group - Mark Morris is hailed as one of the "greatest living choreographers" by The New Yorker. Step out of your comfort zone and come join me!

-Melissa

Video of "After the Rain" performed by Wendy Whelan and Craig Hall:

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VIDF Ambassadors Review New York City Ballet MOVES Opening Night

The following post is from our new Vail International Dance Festival Ambassadors. These young men and women have been selected to showcase their passion for dance and experience the Festival from an insider's perspective. They'll be attending and reviewing all 9 of our Ford Amphitheater performances over the next 13 days as well as meeting many of the dancers themselves.

KATHERINE SAYRE (7.31)

"The night started off with a little rain. Everyone on the lawn put their umbrellas up and got ready for the show. Dances at a Gathering started off the show. The costumes were flowing and beautiful. The lifts all looked effortless. There were also many throws that sent energy through the whole audience.  The Duo Concertant came next. It was absolutely beautiful, definitely my favorite from the whole show. The dance went perfectly with the music. It was very exciting to be able to see the violinist play on stage while they danced. Sterling Hyltin showed off her amazing extensions and Robert Fairchild showed his wonderful jumps. The lighting was also perfect, it put a new dynamic towards the dance. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the stage the whole time. Last was A Fool For You. This piece was perfect to end the show. It was upbeat and fun. There were many thrilling jumps and turns that caught everyone’s attention. All of the lifts also made the piece look very interesting. The music had everyone singing along and the costumes were bright and sparkly. New York City Ballet MOVES performed a marvelous show at the Ford Amphitheater and I’m really looking forward to be able to watch them again."

SERENA KOZUSKO: (7.31)

 "Today I went to a performance by Buckets and Tap Shoes at Solaris in
Vail and I went to Opening Night of the Dance Festival which was the
premiere of New York City Ballet MOVES. I thought that the shows
today were a fantastic way to kick off the Dance Festival. At Buckets and Tap Shoes, the drumming ended and the band began playing as they danced tap fused with some hip hop and funky moves. I was amazed at how the sounds of their feet where totally in sync with the music. Then two members from New
Styles Krew came and did a style of dance called Jookin'. The way they moved their feet made it seem like they were floating. At night, the weather was quite different. It started to rain, but that didn't stop the performance from being packed. I was thrilled that I was going to witness the first performance by New York City Ballet MOVES. The dancers moved so elegantly that it looked like it
didn't tax them at all to dance so well. They brought to life the story they were portraying and controlled my emotions. Then, after intermission, they did A Fool for You. I was blown away that not only were they incredible ballet dancers, they could do a more jazzy style too. I was allowed to go back stage at the end and meet the beautiful Tiler Peck who I met at last year's festival. I left the performance feeling elated, and I am excited for tomorrow night."

Memphis Jookin' New Styles Krew

The rain didn't stop the parade - or should I say dance?!

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