THROW on some inspiration and intrigue... Feedback is a choreographic tool.

Last night was excellent. I am quite smitten with the other artists that performed and showed work. Quite smitten.

But first, a very big thank you to the massive audience that attended Sarah Maxfield's THROW (curated by Lindsey Dietz Marchant '12-'13) last night at The Chocolate Factory Theater. Not a single seat was empty! I can't stress how important it is to have an actual feedback session for works in progress. Coming from the college and grad school realm, I was able to make works in confidence due to the continuous feedback and ability to really invest in my craft. You get an opportunity to touch base with outside eyes and minds that can offer such fruitful information about what you are showing your audience.

Erin and I haven't been working long on this piece but we have very clear directives that have led our rehearsals through improv and phrase development. Knowing that Erin and I move in very different ways, I am comforted by our ability to connect emotionally, mentally, and still physically. Working with someone so intelligent and open-minded makes a world of difference and keeps the process not only interesting, but fulfilling. No wonder she is in such high demand!

My goal for last night was to evoke memories of those who we were once very close but not necessarily here with us any longer - whether that be because they've passed, moved away, or what ever the case.

Luckily, my goal was met as I asked three questions to the audience which were:

• If you were to cast this piece with two people from your life, who would they be and why?
  
• What space/time/world/realm do each of those characters exist? Is it the same, are they different, what does it look like?
  
• What memories, thoughts or images did the work bring to mind while watching?

The responses were varied from person to person with their own interpretation of the question asked. Most frequently I received comments that the two characters were experiencing the same thing but in two different worlds or space. Unable to see each other, their interactions ranged from sensing one another's presence, being startled by the other's touch and moving through space together but in different worlds or time. There was a sense of mother and child, teacher and student, (seahorse) sisters [my favorite] and protection and unadulterated freedom with childlike curiosity. 

As I move forward with this process and the others I'm knee deep in, I'll see if I can't come up with an open rehearsal for the purposes of exposing the works in this project to different audiences and receive feedback for their further development. If you are an artist and ever want an extra eye or voice for feedback, please feel free to connect with me. I truly believe it's an incredibly helpful tool that can confirm your intent or take you on a new journey with your work. 

Lastly, I just can't thank Sarah Maxfield and Lindsey Dietz Marchant enough for the opportunity to show my work last night. The structure of the showing is very clean and always attracts the most amazing crowd of dance lovers that do anything but sit and dead stare while you await answers to your questions. This carefully crafted event is a must-go for anyone wanting to see what's going on with various artists, it's easy on the wallet (FREE with drinks for purchase), and it's an excellent opportunity for other artists to take another look at their current or past projects whether you're showing or just observing. It's killer.

That's all for now but as always people, dance on. 

Ps. Catherine Galasso and Barbie Diewald were stunning. You should seriously check them out. 

THROW on some fresh dance moves, please.

This Tuesday, November 13th at 7pm ATD will be showing a fresh, in-progress version of a new untitled duet with Erin Cairns Cella and yours truly as a part of The Chocolate Factory Theater presents Sarah Maxfield's THROW, curated in 2012-2013 by Lindsey Dietz Marchant.

What's that you ask? How much? Oh, it's free. Nice.

I have to say, having only attended one of this events before, it was life changing. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in as an audience member and watching works in progress - raw, fresh material, in it's infancy, being molded and considered by these stunning and clever dance artists. Not only did I get a first look at these works, but I was able to talk about it with them with the other audience members. They ask you these intriguing and thought provoking questions that spark your mind with a buffet of ideas and responses that not only make you feel smart but immensely help the artists while their in the midst of their process.

Bonus - you leave feeling like a million bucks. You just helped an artist with their process. Not to mention feeling inspired to attend more dance events and racing to get into the studio ASAP.

Now it's my turn. I'm showing a work that, too, is in it's infancy. We've had several rehearsals and have a clear prompt, and I'm working with a killer mover and thinker. The structure is in progress and frankly, it's more about our relationship than the movement. The movement will take shape as we go and will emit the environment we're aiming to expose. So, why not come on down and share your thoughts with me? I promise you'll enjoy yourself. Bring a friend. Bring a neighbor. Go out for a drink at one of the many cute spot around. Can't wait to see you.

And if my dance stylings aren't enough to lure you in, you should check out Catherine Galasso and Barbie Diewald. They'll be there, too. 

The Chocolate Factory is located right off the 7 train (Vernon/Jackson) at 5-49 49th Ave Long Island City, NY

Remember, it's FREE!