Band of Gypsies 2 class combo-Bei Mir Bist du Schon

As part of the fundraising drive to make the second BAND OF GYPSIES choreo-showcase happen, some of the presenting choreographers volunteered to teach a 'pay what you can' class. I saved the date, publicized the class, worked up a fantastic combo...and got screwed by auditions. It as one of those rare busy days where great calls happen in the morning and afternoon so the men and women trade off. Everyone was auditioning and no one came to play. But I shall persevere! I gave myself a warmup and then put myself on tape with a brand-spanking-new combo! And edited it. And put it online. And got some amazing response. People who asked if they could dance for me. People who reposted it to their facebook feeds. I released it into the world and it opened a few doors. So while the class was a 'teaching' fail, it was definitely a choreographic success!

Additionally, in looking back at it, I can see definite growth as both a performer and a choreographer. I am a stronger dancer that I was a year ago and I think a more interesting/refined choreographer. It's absolutely a process and I'm grateful for the journey and for the little milestones that show there is progress in the right direction! Enjoy the vid.

Picking up steam

So I haven't posted in a bit, and mainly that's a result of laziness on my part. But in the midst of that laziness is a professional whirlwind of opportunity and fun upcoming projects. It finally feels like I'm starting to hit my stride as a performer/choreographer and I'm loving how those two worlds intersect and feed off each other. A few developments...

I danced in the R.Evolucion Latina Choreographer's Festival. Performed in 5 numbers from some amazing up and coming choreographers and got to check out the layout and tech capacity of Manhattan Movement Arts Center. A good thing to because...

I've been accepted into two choreography showcases for May. I will be debuting new pieces for both the Band of Gypsies 2 showcase (where I've been paired with a composer to create an original number based on original music) and The Choreographer's Canvas. Yay for forced getting into the studio and rounding up dancers and making some fantastic art!

I was also asked to assist on Broadway Bares 21. Had some pre-pro meetings already and this year's show is going to be especially beautiful. I'm really looking forward to getting down and dirty on this project.

In a HUGE choreographic leap, I took the first steps in developing my own work. I had inspiration for a show strike me and after mulling it over for a bit, I submitted a proposal to the author of the work I want to base it on. My first time applying for rights. I truly believe in the concept (which is strikingly original) and if I can acquire the right to adapt it from a 'new media' source, it'd be absolutely amazing. Fingers crossed.

Finally, I've been offered the chance to direct/choreograph a summerstock show. No details on this until contracts are signed, but it's crazy exhilarating to be the head honcho on a project. Also terrifying. That show's all on me. But I think I'm taking the plunge. The project is super-cool and I can't wait to talk about it in the near future.

I just wanted to update this blog because it's been a while and there's a lot going on. Refining my class/warmup, acting in theater, shooting short films/webseries. A little editing. Hopefully more fun video to post in the near future. But mainly there's movement on the professional front and it's exciting to report. New art coming your way soon! Can't wait to get in the studio again...

KOH sizzle montage

Choreographed a tv pilot about male strippers. This is a montage of the more 'bump and grind' footage. I created specific movement profiles based on each actor's character. The veteran was confident and barely giving anything to be sexy whereas the underage kid was swinging from the pole and going crazy. The silver spoon dude who didn't need the money was just stripping to show off. Etc. Bits of choreo here and there but mainly character and making sure the actors looked authentic and comfortable. And sexy. Probably NSFW.

Guest class WIN!

So I'm working in Orlando and I become aware of an amazing underground dance group. From taking class in New York, I made friends with the OCU mafia (a network of dancers from a conservatory that are dedicated to training and having fun). Apparently, in school they started a 'secret dance class' which was a place to play and explore in a judgement free zone. They'd teach each other and mess around in a totally supportive environment. The faculty was not okay with the dancers seeking outside training, so they kept it on the dl. After graduation, these dancer-warriors kept the tradition alive bringing the pick-up fun classes to NYC and, apparently, Orlando.

When I first came down, I took a session taught by an amazing hip-hop dancer. The sponsor of the group invited me to teach class sometime and FINALLY we were able to work it out. I had a few notable successes with this class. First, it's the longest class I've taught so far. We started around 8:50 and wrapped up by 11:15. Full warm-up with stretching/technique, ab workout, and combo with plenty of time to refine. I love feeling like I can talk about specifics in the choreography! Second, it's the biggest class I've had the chance to teach. True, I was a guest teacher at an established group but I brought 5 people from my cast who thought I was worth learning from. 13 students! And I handled it and kept it moving! WIN! Finally, I introduced at least 3 or 4 people to their very first musical theater dance class. It's amazing taking people from a ballet or modern background and showing them how much fun/free/specific theater dance can be. Storytelling/acting through movement is truly my passion and it was a joy to be able to share that with newbies. Oh, and I got to teach a combo that's been kicking around my head and I haven't been able to set on people yet. So seeing the movement on someone else's body was a definite treat.

All in all, a great class and a great step forward in my teaching/choreography career! Hope you like the combo, I know we did!