Vive L'Art!!!!!

Works of choreography are like your children; something created through blood, sweat, and tears.  They are pieces of your psyche that show the raw, inner flesh of your dreams, desires, and vulnerabilities; on display for the sole purpose of being expressive.  It is sometimes painful, and sometimes glorious.  Regardless, I adore creating choreography!!!!!!!

I'm always intrigued however by other people's reactions to choreography.  Why is it that some choreography is appealing to some and not others?  I admit, there are choreographers I adore, and those that bore me to tears... but I try and be supportive and open-minded when viewing.  I often think of the infamous Paul Taylor work in which the man stands on stage for something like 5 min. doing absolutely nothing...how would I have felt as an audience member viewing such a work?  I've been told that half the audience got up and walked out.  I am now convinced of the mastery and bravery of Paul Taylor.  To put something so controversial on stage and to stand behind the thought process of creating such work so adamantly, blows my mind.

 

Paul Taylor

In the twenty years that I've studied and taught choreography, I've had both successes and failures.  But the question I'm pondering is to whose ideals were those successes or failures?  Truthfully, I very much cared at the time what my audience thought...call me the jazz girl for wanting to be entertaining.  But my mood is shifting of late...truth be told, I'm feeling a little bit pissy.  Who the hell cares whether I create some big statement or not?  Or whether the dancers are all in unison, or whether it's a "masterpiece".  Or whether I'm smart enough, or have had enough education, or if I've studied with this popular choreographer or been to this convention?  Or toured with this company?  Or whatever?????   It's fucking ART!!!!!  It doesn't matter if you're Chopin or my son plinking away on the piano, it's still just black and white keys moving in a rhythm or pattern.  Why do we as artists have to be so high brow????  Watch what dance you enjoy, and be open to broadening your mind for those that you don't.  Enough said.

So as I move forward in the process of creating choreography, I'm channeling the spirit of Paul Taylor....And sticking by my convictions, If you don't like it, you can leave half way through the piece...I will rest assured that I have accomplished my goal, as I still got your money when you walked through the door....Vive l'Art!!!

Building a New Foundation

I'm starting to work on my next project.  It's a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts, and literally, pieces of color that seem to be floating around my head.  I see certain pieces clearly, and other pieces haven't come into focus yet.  The past year has been mind-blowing on so many levels.  Being a part of Red Bucket Dance Theatre and producing my first full-length art piece was just like the content, an emotional rollercoaster ride.  My inner core has been revealed.  As I've stated previously this year, the response was amazingly supportive. 

Within the process and aftermath, I've come to realize some truths about myself.  First and foremost, I'm an artist, and all that entails...I can not control my emotions, I have difficulty with conflict, and I express myself through my medium: dance.  Secondly, I'm a mother and somewhat co-dependent.  I tend to worry about the feelings and well being of others to a degree that is unhealthy for me.  This becomes very apparent when I spend a significant amount of energy trying to appease someone with little or no emotional support in return.  Lastly, but most importantly, I am a survivor....I put one foot in front of the other, and blindly work my way towards my next check on my to-do list.  No matter what, I know what and who are important in my life. 

I believe that this year, for me, was suppose to happen.  Sometimes we become too complacent in our lives and need a little hiccup to jolt us into reality.  For I am truly blessed. My family and closest friends mean the world to me.  They are truthfully my lifeline right now and the only thing that makes sense to me anymore.  

I look forward to blogging about the process for this next project.  I hope that you enjoy the ride....

Beginning again...

For those of you that know me, you are already aware that I'm coming out of a huge funk.  Producing my first show was an emotional roller coaster ride, to say the least.  It was amazing, exhilarating, terrifying, and yes, a life-changing experience.  But the aftermath left me feeling bruised, scarred, and definitely deflated.  Several weeks later, I've had some time to process all of those amazing emotions and feel like I'm beginning again...shedding the skin of my former self, coming out wiser, stronger and ready to love again...

I'm sharing some pictures of the beautiful signs of spring that are appearing in my garden at home, they give me inspiration for new ideas, new adventures, and a new creative process...

my rose bushes starting to bud

fuchsia in bloom

my Japanese Maple starting to get it's leaves

Snapdragons!!!!

Tulips!!!!!

All the little orange dots on this plum tree are ladybugs...I counted 22...amazing!

Happy Spring Everyone!