José Alves

Dance with your heart, says the acclaimed Brazilian dancer and judge at The Fonteyn.

Dance Gazette | Advice Bureau | Issue 11 - Oct 2024

José Alves, the Brazilian dancer who was formerly a leading artist with Ballet Black, was part of the panel of judges for The Fonteyn 2024. He judged the competition’s semi-finals, which took place at the RAD’s HQ in London. 

The best advice I ever received 

The best advice I have ever received came from my first dance teacher who told me, ‘dance with your heart, not just your feet.’ This simple yet profound guidance has always reminded me that the true essence of dance goes beyond technical precision. It is about conveying emotion and connecting with the audience on a deeper level.

The advice I would pass on 

The advice I would most like to pass on is to embrace the journey, including its challenges. Every setback is an opportunity to grow, and every triumph is a testament to your resilience. Stay curious, stay passionate, and never stop learning. Also never allow people to say that you’re not capable of anything.

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REST OF Issue 11 - Oct 2024

interviews

Making moves

How do you create solos to premiere at The Fonteyn? In this special audio feature, we go behind the scenes with choreographer Andrew McNicol and dancers at The Fonteyn in London.

Big Picture post

The Fonteyn medallists 2024

Four dancers received medals at The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition 2024 in London.

features

Labours of love

Behind every professional dancer is a shadow support system committing time, energy and hard cash to help a child succeed. Sally Howard explores the highs and lows of being a ballet parent.

reports

Inside out

Inmates in prison can find release from their difficulties during dance workshops. Charlotte Rowles meet the artists taking dance behind bars.

features

Settling the score

Ballets can live in memory and on film – but nothing captures their details and essence like a Benesh score. Sarah Crompton discovers the precise magic of notation.

reports

Keep the faith

Alia Waheed was surprised that her daughter was often the only Muslim student at her ballet class. She explores the barriers preventing Muslim girls from enjoying ballet, and asks how religious values can fit with the demands of dance.

features

In living colour

Audacious and imaginative, Léon Bakst’s Ballets Russes designs created a sensation. A century after his death, Jonathan Gray explores Bakst’s influence on ballet, fashion and design.

Inside RAD post

Paige Toews

Dancing through Lyme Disease to success in RAD exams.

RAD Q&A post

RAD at Pride

The RAD walked in London Pride for the first time in June this year. Hannah Prime, Head of Trusts and Foundations at the RAD, explains what Pride means to her.

Why Dance Matters post

Mike Wamaya

The inspiring RAD teacher in Kenya on why his work matters to him and to his community.

Playlist post

Daniela Cardim

The Brazilian choreographer, now artistic director at Ballet Arizona, selects her favourite music.

Tim Talks post

Change the culture

Chief Executive Tim Arthur calls on the RAD to help redefine the culture of dance training and to be a champion of wellbeing in dance.