2013 Couture Fashion Week

It's been a minute since I've updated this.  Per usual.  My website (www.sidneyerik.com) has a blog that I try to keep totally up-to-date with the things I'm doing.  And sometimes I get too busy making things to keep up with the other side (talking about the things I'm making).  And that's okay.  The work comes first.  And then, when I get breathers, I play catch-up.  Trying to get as caught up as I can right now when things are only slightly hectic...

Throwback to February, 2013.

I was asked to choreograph a runway show for COUTURE FASHION WEEK.  BROADWAY SINGS FOR PRIDE sponsored a Broadway-themed fashion show where musical theater talent performed as the models strutted in couture gowns by ANDRES AQUINO.  I staged the finale dance, and because it was the intersection of Broadway and Fashion I decided to kick it old school.  A little "Rich Man's Frug"...

Matchmaker, Matchmaker...I'm Willing to Settle

   I love new work.  I also love projects where I get to do double-duty.  For this one, I got to be choreographer guy but also got to assistant direct and dip my toes in those waters some more.  I like those waters.  This gig fell into place because of some genius actors that I'd worked with in a showcase.  NIKKI MACCALLUM and KELVIN MOON LOH cowrote a show based on Nikki's experiences with online dating.  An autobiographical musical about Manhattan romantic disasters.  Nikki played the lead and Kelvin directed.  I was brought on board to spice up the concert with a few choreographed moments.  There was a margarita shaker salsa dance, a nasty 'swingers' swing number, and a personal highlight, the opening number and its 'boobie-time' choreography. 

     The show was presented at ARS NOVA and it was my first time working in that amazing intimate space where I'd seen so much great work by so many inspiring emerging artists.  Thrilled to join their ranks.  And to work on a brand-spankin' new musical.  And to discover that even though I can be uber-serious guy, I can actually make funny choreography that people laugh at.  Who knew?  The show sold out, the performance kicked butt, the authors continue to develop the piece, and I got some artistic growth.  So much win! 

Looping vs. Looping

The NEW YORK JAZZ CHOREOGRAPHY PROJECT gave me the chance to reinvestigate "Looping".  In a majority of the dances I present, I'm rehearsing under the gun.  Paying for studios, getting friends to dance for me for low/no pay, doing my best to work calmly and cleanly.  I don't like taking advantage of people's time (which they're mostly donating), so I generally put things up quick and dirty and let the cards fall where they may.  This was the first piece I got to step away from for a bit and rediscover.  Distance is crucial.  I could see what was working, what wasn't, and revisit.  The one thing I couldn't control was cinematography.  I'm not overly pleased with the video.  Focus issues, missed moments, lack of closeup.  But it was out of my hands.  The CHOREOGRAPHY part of things feels like a success.  Clarification of moments.  More intricacy.  Better set-up at the beginning.  A sculpted lighting design.  Cleaner.  Here for the first time I an present a side-by-side comparison of the evolution of a piece.  Very proud of this dance.

First, the original...


Now, the new and improved...

Looping 2.0

Looping was a beautiful dance. I loved it and was thrilled with the way it turned out. But it wasn't quite fully developed. We had an abridged rehearsal process, not nearly enough tech time, and at the single performance there was a technical mishap and the stage went to blackout briefly. All in all, not ideal. So I wanted to revisit, make some tweaks, and show it again. That opportunity came up with the NY JAZZ CHOREOGRAPHY PROJECT.

I'd known one of the artistic directors, Merete Meunter, through events at the SDC and she invited me to apply.  I sent off the video of the original and it was immediately accepted into the fall showing.  Unfortunately, many of my dancers were unavailable.  Booking little things like national tours and, oh, BROADWAY.  I got to explore the movement with a new crew who brought their own flair to it.  And they were gorgeous.  Here are some pictures from the dress rehearsal we had courtesy of Travis Kelley Photography (he who got such brilliant pictures of the original).  Obsessed with his composition and some moments he captured.  Looping 2.0 will always hold a special place in my heart as the first piece I ever remounted.  I'm starting to develop repertoire!  Awesome development in my dance path!