| To the international dance community, and particularly his students at New World School of the Arts, his name is synonymous with grace and success. For the NWSA faculty, administrators and all those who know him well, choreographer Peter London represents a poetic eloquence, poise and artistic spirit that can only serve as the finest example of a dedicated educator.Leading his dancing protégés with equal measure discipline, generosity and dedication, NWSA faculty and former principal dancer of the famed Martha Graham Dance Company, Mr. London brings the utmost level of professionalism and academic background to his highly sought-after rigorous training. “My students, hailed by many leading American Dance Companies and Schools, are some of the most intelligent and brilliant students and dancers of today” stated London.“His level of professionalism, combined with his academic background, makes him an invaluable instructor” said of Mr. London, NWSA Dean of Dance Daniel Lewis. In short, students and parents agree that the privilege of Mr. London’s instruction will likely result in the creation of a dance star. And promises future opportunities at such elite and world-renown dance troupes as the Martha Graham, the Alvin Ailey and the Parsons Dance Companies in New York. “When you work with Mr. London you learn how to rehearse as an artist” said Lauren Wojcik, a student from the NWSA College dance program. “He pushes his dancers hard because the work requires it. He’s demanding and he expects the best both technically and emotionally because that’s what it takes. Peter has a gift for translating his knowledge to his students.” Specializing in Martha Graham technique and Afro- Caribbean dance forms, Peter London has reinterpreted and reinvigorated the master teachings he received from the great dance legends. He is now motivated and excited to take on the role of mentor himself and to pass on both the technique and lyrical construct of a most privileged professional life experience. “I like teaching at NWSA because I have the freedom to be an artist. I am extremely fortunate to have some of the country’s finest administrators and community supporters who know what they are doing and do so with passion. “Already a sage beyond his years early in his career, Ms. Graham lavished much praise and attention on her young protégé and conferred on Mr. London not just her attentions but a personally choreographed dance inspired in his exceptional talents. The role of Shaman in Night Chant may never be more powerfully inhabited than by London himself. He also shared the stage, on equal footing, with other greats of his time such as Michael Baryshnikov. With the Graham Company, Mr. London toured internationally from 1988- 1997. London currently chooses to grace the stage as a revered associate professor of dance at NWSA, where he liberally choreographs and teaches Martha Graham technique and African-Caribbean Dance. His professional work also includes serving as visiting Artistic Director Senior for The Martha Graham Dance Company, faculty for the Alvin Ailey summer intensive program and at Dance Empire in Pinecrest. He is also a dancer and teacher of African dance retentions of Trinidad & Tobago. Mr. London is a 1987 graduate of the Julliard School, and alumni of Jose Limon Dance Company. He holds an AA & BFA Degree from MDC/NWSA/UF. My full statement: It is a privilege to work with Peter London on one of Martha Grahams’ most famous works, Diversion of Angels. He is an amazing teacher and rehearsal director because his heart and soul is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the Graham work. It’s easy to loose the truth of a piece once the choreographer has passed on, but Peter is determined not to let this happen to the Graham repertoire. Angels is one of the timeless classics that we won’t loose thanks to Peter London’s knowledge and skill as a rehearsal director. The soul of a work comes from the details and emphasis only a choreographer can personally express to his/her dancers. Peter is the walking encyclopedia of Graham, and the knowledge he shares with us was bestowed upon him by Martha herself. When you work with Mr. London you learn how to rehearse as an artist. He pushes his dancers hard because the work requires it. He’s demanding and he expects the best both technically and emotionally because that’s what it takes. Peter has a gift for translating his knowledge to his students. Until you’re used to his strategies he can be intimidating, but only because he occasionally bellows graphic analogies. New students might think he’s eccentric, but the deeper you get into the work the more you realize his genius. Working with him teaches you that there is always a deeper level – your work as an artist is never complete. |
Again, apologies for my lack of posting. This is due to both end of semester CRAZINESS and a shift of focus. I will soon be starting another blog under a different name, but will keep this one for dance related and professional news. Personal branding and marketing, you could say. Hope all is well with you all, and thanks for reading! I’ll keep you updated.
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Articles I’m quoted in, below. Published in the New World School of the Arts newsletter:
MASTER INSTRUCTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER, PETER LONDON, DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT AT ITS BEST
“When you work with Mr. London you learn how to rehearse as an artist” said Lauren Wojcik, a student from the NWSA College dance program. “He pushes his dancers hard because the work requires it. He’s demanding and he expects the best both technically and emotionally because that’s what it takes. Peter has a gift for translating his knowledge to his students.”
Specializing in Martha Graham technique and Afro- Caribbean dance forms, Peter London has reinterpreted and reinvigorated the master teachings he received from the great dance legends. He is now motivated and excited to take on the role of mentor himself and to pass on both the technique and lyrical construct of a most privileged professional life experience. “I like teaching at NWSA because I have the freedom to be an artist. I am extremely fortunate to have some of the country’s finest administrators and community supporters who know what they are doing and do so with passion.
“Already a sage beyond his years early in his career, Ms. Graham lavished much praise and attention on her young protégé and conferred on Mr. London not just her attentions but a personally choreographed dance inspired in his exceptional talents. The role of Shaman in Night Chant may never be more powerfully inhabited than by London himself. He also shared the stage, on equal footing, with other greats of his time such as Michael Baryshnikov. With the Graham Company, Mr. London toured internationally from 1988- 1997.
London currently chooses to grace the stage as a revered associate professor of dance at NWSA, where he liberally choreographs and teaches Martha Graham technique and African-Caribbean Dance. His professional work also includes serving as visiting Artistic Director Senior for The Martha Graham Dance Company, faculty for the Alvin Ailey summer intensive program and at Dance Empire in Pinecrest. He is also a dancer and teacher of African dance retentions of Trinidad & Tobago. Mr. London is a 1987 graduate of the Julliard School, and alumni of Jose Limon Dance Company. He holds an AA & BFA Degree from MDC/NWSA/UF.
My full statement:
It is a privilege to work with Peter London on one of Martha Grahams’ most famous works, Diversion of Angels. He is an amazing teacher and rehearsal director because his heart and soul is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the Graham work.
It’s easy to loose the truth of a piece once the choreographer has passed on, but Peter is determined not to let this happen to the Graham repertoire. Angels is one of the timeless classics that we won’t loose thanks to Peter London’s knowledge and skill as a rehearsal director. The soul of a work comes from the details and emphasis only a choreographer can personally express to his/her dancers. Peter is the walking encyclopedia of Graham, and the knowledge he shares with us was bestowed upon him by Martha herself.
When you work with Mr. London you learn how to rehearse as an artist. He pushes his dancers hard because the work requires it. He’s demanding and he expects the best both technically and emotionally because that’s what it takes. Peter has a gift for translating his knowledge to his students. Until you’re used to his strategies he can be intimidating, but only because he occasionally bellows graphic analogies. New students might think he’s eccentric, but the deeper you get into the work the more you realize his genius. Working with him teaches you that there is always a deeper level – your work as an artist is never complete.