Band of Gypsies 2-The Race

Here's the ROUGH edit of my number. What I was able to capture with just my dinky camera during tech and the one show. Hopefully I'll be able to fill in the holes and get better footage with actual videographer footage down the line, but I love the piece so much I didn't want to wait. So sharing the unpolished version with the world...

Band of Gypsies 2!

Well, it's time. Debuting a new piece tonight. This was a MAJOR challenge and pushed me as an artist in the best of ways. I've never choreographed a piece for dancers with a cast this size before (7!). I've never collaborated with a composer and worked with original music before. I've never had to deal with the logistics of scheduling and getting space for a dance of this size. And the counting and rhythms of this number...well, when I post it eventually you'll understand.

Thanks to Katrina Phillip for spearheading this showcase. Thanks to AJ Hughes, Adam Lendermon, Stanley Martin, Alfie Parker Jr., Zachary Denison, Jose Luaces, and Mark Donaldson for giving me their time, bodies, and sweat. Thanks to Kevin Boursiquot for allowing me to create with his intricate and evocative music. We've worked together, created something beautiful, and tonight we release it into the world. I'm so proud of the product and can't wait to share it!

Band of Gypsies 2

www.bandofgypsies.net

Manhattan Movement Arts Center

May 4

7:30

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...