11/18/12

The Reviews are in for "I Would"!!

This past week I performed with Racoco productions in the Women In Motion show which is the dance section of the 13th annual Estrogenius Festival. Did you get all that? The Estrogenius Festival is a celebration of female voices with dance, music, one woman shows, visual art, teen voices, and stand up. This piece was an incredible learning experience for me and I was so honored to be a part of this festival.

I have savored the opportunity to watch and participate in the development of this piece over the past year. As a classically trained dancer I am used to taking an idea or story and showing that subject through the movement generated by the choreographer, dancers, or both. I've done the interpretive dances and the 5,6,7,8 do the steps kind of dances but this one…..was different. I usually get to work on a piece in a very limited time frame for a specific performance. I learn the choreography and the choreographer will make their artistic changes until they are satisfied. After the performance the piece is done and just sort of lives in our memories. So depressing! But to develop an idea thoroughly, have performances and showings throughout AND have the time to go back and rework things was just heaven. We even created sets and costumes made entirely out of wood and sandpaper. Having created so much of the materials used in the piece evoked a different emotional relationship that I never experienced before. That's what ART should be all the time! Vast amounts of time to create with the opportunity for feedback and more exploration.
Now I'm getting the urge to create.

Peace and Love ya'll!
Click on the link below to read the full review!



One of the thrones used in the piece




Some of our wooden handmade armor.


Postcard from "I Would"
The King's throne

11/3/12

After the Storm...

This is the cover of NY Magazine's upcoming issue out Monday. I was one of the lucky ones. I had power, a warm home, hot water, etc but I can't say the same for so many people in the area. If you can volunteer your time, please do.
Keep ya head up NYC...
Volunteer

10/6/12

Fall colors

Since fall is officially here (sadly I might add), vivid colors are beginning to emerge. I'm loving the grey, navy, burgundy, red, and golden colors in fashion right now. Here is a fall dance inspired look to look fab in class. 





                                 


                                                   


                    



Pink Leggings: Jo and Jax
Camel Legwarmers: American Apparel
Leotard: American Apparel
Platform Sneakers: Steve M.
Red Sweater: J. Crew
Backback:Ecote
Scarf: Deena and Ozzy 
What are your dance class staples?

The Bessies!!!

Isaac Mizrahi MC'ing The Bessies in 2010.
Pic courtesy of anothereyeopens.com
Decadance Theatre: Jennifer Weber is nominated for Outstanding Emerging Choreographer.
Photo courtesy of dancebulletin.org
Have you heard of the Bessies?
It's the Oscars for the Dance World in which we celebrate excellence in choreography, performance, visual media, music composition and other areas of dance and performance. I've always heard about the Bessies but I guess I equated it with the Oscars as being an unattainable entity; something for the only very popular, famous and rich. Or more likely, I just never really paid attention as much as I should have. As I got older and started to recognize the names of the nominees, I began to get interested again. Besides tickets are only $10 and the ceremony will be held at the Apollo Theatre. C'mon, I can't NOT go. What's even better is that the selection committee is comprised of a vast spectrum of dance movers and shakers. We are talking about a breakdancing legend, Rockafella and the experimental Director of Dance for the NYC Board of Education, Joan Finklestein to start. The ceremony will be hosted by Elizabeth Streb and will include performances by the Trisha Brown Dance Company among others.
And there is an after party…
For more info check out The Bessies
Are you going?
Any favorites to win?!?!?


10/2/12

Rainy day

I can't with this rain. I love rain by the way, I really do. But traveling by mass transit all day in the rain is no fun. Shoulda worn this today..
With these….

and with this attitude..

Here is a little pick me up for this rainy day. And I promise I will have a better attitude next rainy day. Also, one of my favorite dancers/choreographers/teachers/humans, Nicole Wolcott, is teaching at DNA this week Tuesday, Oct 2nd and Thursday Oct. 4th from 11-1pm. 
"By using our curiosity and a sense of humor in this rigorous investigation of artistic technique, we will cultivate the JOD and grow as artists. Come play"
For more info check out her website Nicole Wolcott



Dance Problems

10/1/12

It's Monday already?

Didn't it feel like EVERYONE had a show this weekend? This weekend I performed with Banana Peel Dance in the White Wave Dance Festival as part of the Dumbo Arts Festival. We performed on the pier in a couple of crazy costumes. I even got a "WTF?" look from a 4 year old. I mean I was wearing a purple party dress with green shorts and sneakers; I get it. We were lucky enough that it didn't rain and got an opportunity to take some sweet pics with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. Banana Peel Dance performed on the main stage later that night and then headed to Siggy's for some yummy food.
What did you do this weekend?
Photo by Aaron Draper
Photo by Aaron Draper