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!

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!

It's okay to talk about it.

As I continue working on the various pieces of my latest project, I often feel like to can't talk about the more serious details with friends other than those directly involved in the project. Even after I've performed my solo several times and have shown in-progress versions of the other pieces within the project, I still feel bad for making anyone think about darkness in the form of losing a loved one.

Why? Why do I feel bad for that? Why do I apologize for bringing up something that we all have dealt with in one way or another?

I shouldn't, is the answer for now. Something I have to constantly remind myself.

After performing my solo, I have encountered those who wish to tell me their story. They want to tell me about their beloved Grandmother, or Aunt that recently passed away. Or how something they saw or heard reminded them of the eerie feelings and sensations they experienced when they were dealing with these situations. When discussing the project as a whole, I've been told stories of loss by people I barely know.

I'm not only receiving moving yet tragic stories, but support to continue where I'm going with this project.

My hope in the journey is to tell your stories and allow that to be something all of us can relate to. I feel empowered and incredibly overwhelmed by this task, hoping that I can reach out and touch those who've experienced such sadness and let them know, we're all here. We love you, we support you, and you're not alone - all while being sensitive to the real-life stories I'm exposing.

With all of this in mind, I'm embarking on yet another piece that instead of telling our stories, celebrates those who are looking down on us and still help us through each and every moment. We're beginning every improvisation with this prompt:

You keep an eye from up there, and I'll keep watch from down here. 

Working on this piece emits a sense of love and support in the room that feels safe and warm. While we're reminded that the other person is no longer right there in our reality, we're aware of what was and how that once felt. We're also consoled by the image that those lost are never truly gone.

As I continue to work through the various processes I'm using for each of these works, I'm attempting to delicately explore the ways in which I can reach out and express the sadness and uncertainty of loss. I invite your feedback whether far away through video or near enough to come see a rehearsal. 

For now, I'll leave you with the working title for the entirety of this project:

SPARCS

Using the names of those who've submitted stories or pieces that are inspired by someone, I moved the letters around to spell out a (mis-spelled) word that could express that life that was once here with us. I've heard people described as a force to be reckoned with, a spark of life, an energy that was vibrant and brilliant in it's time. With this I found this definition lurking in the 5th line of the explanation of the word, spark:

Spark (noun): a trace of life or vitality.

Until next time, my loves.

Dance for DNA + Women in Motion this Saturday!

In case you haven't caught my persistant Facebook postings, ATD is performing a work-in-progress version of the solo (with Valerie Miller) and duet (Sarah Lehman and myself) from "Her Story" this weekend in two locations!

Dance New Amsterdam, my first and only dance home in NYC is having an event to aid in supporting the non-profit and to help keep the doors open. Dance for DNA will showcase pop-up performances all day long by a number of artists that I am personally inspired by including: Alexandra Beller/Dances, Ori Flomin, and Christopher Williams. I had to double check that I read the confirmation correctly when I realized so many amazing and stunning people would be performing in the same event I am... how totally cool.

So, join us at 12:15pm in the upstairs gallery at DNA for a sneak peek of our work, but come and stay ALL DAY for performances in the two galleries, including classes to take all day long. Top off your night by joining in the silent auction, and seeing two performances in the theater of Sunhwa Chung/Ko-Ryo Dance Theater and LateNite followed by a Dance Party complete with a DJ.

What? All of that is going on all on Saturday? Yes!

But I'm not done. If you can pull yourself away from DNA for a few hours, come check out Park Slope at 121 Sterling Place, #2B, Brooklyn NY for the Women in Motion Salon featuring three artsists, including myself. There will be drinks, friends, new friends, and dance. Talk about a good time! Doors open at 4pm, dances start at 4:30pm, conversations, drinks, and fun continue until the wee hours.

Bring a friend, or two, or ten, to both of these events. It's a great chance to have fun, mingle, meet new people, network, smile, drink, dance, and be merry. Who doesn't need more of that in their life? You don't need to be a dancer to enjoy these events and we want YOU there!

So, we'll see you there, yes?