ATD in WIP at DNA

Yes, you got it. We're showing a work in process at Dance New Amsterdam's Work in Progress showing this Saturday at 2pm!!

I haven't quite finished my work on Up Here and will be performing a solo with prompts based on remembering those silly things we used to do as children - dances we made up, tongue twisters we used the chant, the fruit of our long summer days. 

The greatest part of WIP is the audience feedback session at the end. I'm so fresh in this new take on this work that I'd love to hear what you have to say. So, come on down to DNA, bring a few dollars to donate, and see some really amazing works from some really stunning artists. 

Can't wait to see you!

On the Subject of Together

You've guessed it. (You were guessing, right?)

It's that time of year again when the good old girls and boy from Oregon, who've since spread out around the country, get together and put on one heck of a show with an accompanying teaching residency to boot! Don't know what I'm talking about? Go read about us here.

For the first time in our three years of concert producing and teaching, all 8 of the TRANSForm Dance Collective members will be taking over the Twin Cities and the James Sewell Ballet TEK BOX Theater at the Cowles Center. We'll have two nights in the theater with daytime classes from 10-4pm.

This year I'm bringing the latest addition to SPARC titled, Up Here (Parts I, II). It's a duet with the lovely Erin Cairns Cella and myself. Taking a different approach to our over arching subject of loss, in this piece we're remembering and even celebrating our loved ones through sensing, shadowing and somehow finding each other while in two different places. It's an interesting piece to perform, as I find myself really not "seeing" Erin in the space, but truly yearning for a memory we shared and trying to recreate it over and over again. How fitting with our TRANSForm concert title, On the Subject of Together.

Speaking of, I'm the ring leader of the fundraising efforts for this year's concert. Thanks to the exquisite members of the collective (and you for spreading the word ::wink:: ::shoulder nudge::), we've made this video for your viewing pleasure and if you feel moved, consider donating anything you are comfortable with. If that's not in the cards this time around, you can share our link via email, facebook, twitter or telling your friends when you are having brunch or late night drinks.

Alright kids, get your dance on. It's 10:39 on a Sunday. Over and out.

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.