A long week it has been, but it is not over yet! This morning, I prepare to drive to Raleigh to give a master class at Meredith College for the NC Dance Festival. Mackenzie will meet me in Raleigh, and we'll perform our piece, "Words Apart" on Saturday in the second to last concert of the NCDF tour. I'm excited to perform the piece, as we have not performed it since before the holidays. After the festival, we can look forward to performing the piece during the spring at a few dance festivals outside of North Carolina. I enjoy the fact that when a piece begins to get old, all it needs is a breath of new life from fresh eyes. I love showing work to people for the first time.
At HPU, we press on to learn the choreography for Thoroughly Modern Millie. I found myself getting a little short with the students yesterday. Their attention span was lacking, but overall, we got the work done. On Sunday, I can look forward to finishing out the last of the larger numbers. That will leave me with only a few smaller sections to choreograph, and that will be a weight lifted, for sure. The two to three weeks following this one will be for cleaning. I think the show is going to go great. I peeked in on the music rehearsal yesterday, and the cast sounds wonderful!
I want to put in a little blurb about my composition class this week. They're absolutely inspiring. That is all.
No week is complete without a tinge of disappointment. I received my first film festival rejection for my documentary, "Art for the Living." I know that of the many festivals I submitted to, most will decline my submission. But it still hurts. What can I say?
On a brighter note, I am constantly reminded that there are people out there who do care about the arts, and do care about the artists that make the art. I was surprised by a phone call on Wednesday, from a friend, Gail. Gail heads up The Storyline project, and she is the one with whom I initially collaborated with on "Words Apart." I recently had a workshop proposal accepted to the 6th Annual Arts in Society Conference, which is being held in Berlin this year. You can only imagine my excitement - my first international engagement! However, I was dismayed to learn that there is no help for travel expenses to the conference, and since I am still adjunct this year, HPU cannot help, either. Well, out of nowhere, Gail calls and tells me she would like to help me get to Berlin! Though I do not feel it appropriate to disclose the particulars of this conversation, I am only to excited and filled with gratitude at her generosity! My task now, is to gather the rest of the funds needed to make the trip. I have a plan, and it will be done!!
Well, it is time. Off I go! And of course, more soon.
~Cara
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I Must.
My four performances with alban elved went quickly, to say the least. Sitting backstage these past few nights, I have pondered what we are doing as artists, and why. What is the purpose of this ritual we participate in? Sporting costumes to become a new cast of characters, who live the same scenarios every performance. Moving about to music, telling stories without words. Who benefits from this parade? Two little girls attend the performance two nights in a row. They are full of questions and curiosity. They long to be up on stage, dancing around, living the life of artists, it seems. Funny, since Karola and I talk about how unglamorous it is to do our art. Yet, when asked, we spout nothing but praise for the ritual. I do love it.
Today, I am back to teaching my classes. I have to say, the composition class is so lovely. My few students make absolute beauty, without even realizing it. They don't turn triples, or jump over mountains, but their explorations are virtuosic. I find myself looking on in awe, sometimes forgetting to give instruction, as I watch them occupy the space. They're so raw, unscathed by knowing too much. I only wish I was as fortunate.
The challenge continues for me at HPU to successfully choreograph Thoroughly Modern Millie. Moving twenty people across the space in an organized, interesting fashion is just hard. The process of putting this show together makes me doubt my abilities. Oddly enough, these first few rehearsals have been highly productive, I'm right on schedule. I know everything will get done. I just want it to be amazing.
On another note...
Yes, it is time to stage an evening of work. I am motivated by two factors:
1. I need new work to submit to festivals and conferences next year.
2. Observing Karola enjoy her success of a wonderful review, loyal supporters and a new work in progress makes me a little jealous. I should be sitting on the edge of the stage, telling people about why I chose a certain costume or piece of music. I should be explaining my process. I should feel the sigh of relief at a job well done.
Therefore, my decision is set. I will be staging a new concert in the fall of 2011. I can work on the material this summer. I need to get going, I am restless, regardless of my always-packed schedule. My brain is moving a million miles a minute, and I can hardly keep up. I must, I must, I must. I must do many things, but new work is at the top of the list. But who will pay for it??
Good night, all.
~Cara
Today, I am back to teaching my classes. I have to say, the composition class is so lovely. My few students make absolute beauty, without even realizing it. They don't turn triples, or jump over mountains, but their explorations are virtuosic. I find myself looking on in awe, sometimes forgetting to give instruction, as I watch them occupy the space. They're so raw, unscathed by knowing too much. I only wish I was as fortunate.
The challenge continues for me at HPU to successfully choreograph Thoroughly Modern Millie. Moving twenty people across the space in an organized, interesting fashion is just hard. The process of putting this show together makes me doubt my abilities. Oddly enough, these first few rehearsals have been highly productive, I'm right on schedule. I know everything will get done. I just want it to be amazing.
On another note...
Yes, it is time to stage an evening of work. I am motivated by two factors:
1. I need new work to submit to festivals and conferences next year.
2. Observing Karola enjoy her success of a wonderful review, loyal supporters and a new work in progress makes me a little jealous. I should be sitting on the edge of the stage, telling people about why I chose a certain costume or piece of music. I should be explaining my process. I should feel the sigh of relief at a job well done.
Therefore, my decision is set. I will be staging a new concert in the fall of 2011. I can work on the material this summer. I need to get going, I am restless, regardless of my always-packed schedule. My brain is moving a million miles a minute, and I can hardly keep up. I must, I must, I must. I must do many things, but new work is at the top of the list. But who will pay for it??
Good night, all.
~Cara
Thursday, January 20, 2011
More Life
Tomorrow marks the first evening of alban elved's weekend of performances at Salem College. At dress rehearsal tonight, I am both excited, and still doubting my body's ability to execute Karola's movement the way she envisions it. The experience of dancing Karola's work is jarring in that it jostles my brain, and gets me thinking in a different direction than I generally think. I begin thinking of tension, push and pull, give and take, both physically and emotionally. Karola's work is all at once dark, surreal, playful and patient. It is strangely hypnotizing, and once you begin to watch, you are sucked in. I will surely enjoy our four performances, as doing "Lena's Bath" with the water is too much fun! How often do you get to play with water on stage? Dripping, splashing, rinsing, exploring!
At HPU, I continue with my students, helping them to be aware of their bodies and minds. One of my four composition students dropped the class. I try not to be hurt, but it's hard. I had hoped, that all four students would find the class inspiring and insightful. However improvisation, observation, free association and challenging habits and beliefs isn't for everyone. OK. But I have to say, the three students I have remaining are fabulous. Today, they took their work with diligent consequence. They danced beautifully, and used their minds. They laughed, and supported each other. I'm glad to have these three brave students, who take on this class I am new to teaching. They make the experience wonderful. My ballet class is wonderful, too. Different, as the class is much larger, and there are absolute beginners to experienced dancers. Their goals are different than those in the composition class. The similarity I suppose, is their diligence.
This night, I am exhausted. My blood sugar is a little low. I need sleep, and sleep is what I'll get as soon as I'm done writing this post. Good night, all.
~Cara
At HPU, I continue with my students, helping them to be aware of their bodies and minds. One of my four composition students dropped the class. I try not to be hurt, but it's hard. I had hoped, that all four students would find the class inspiring and insightful. However improvisation, observation, free association and challenging habits and beliefs isn't for everyone. OK. But I have to say, the three students I have remaining are fabulous. Today, they took their work with diligent consequence. They danced beautifully, and used their minds. They laughed, and supported each other. I'm glad to have these three brave students, who take on this class I am new to teaching. They make the experience wonderful. My ballet class is wonderful, too. Different, as the class is much larger, and there are absolute beginners to experienced dancers. Their goals are different than those in the composition class. The similarity I suppose, is their diligence.
This night, I am exhausted. My blood sugar is a little low. I need sleep, and sleep is what I'll get as soon as I'm done writing this post. Good night, all.
~Cara
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Lucky Girl.
I am absolutely grinning at the thought of my marvelous week! The past week has reminded me what a lucky girl I am.
And why should I feel so lucky? Because despite the snow at the beginning of this week, my semester at HPU began with a theater full of eager bodies and minds. Those bodies and minds displayed beautiful dance work, which I know will only become more amazing as the semester goes on. I went to my first faculty meeting this week, and I am beginning to feel more and more at home at my workplace. I got my wish: HPU will be having its first formal dance concert next spring, during the 2011-2012 theater season! What's more, rehearsals for Thoroughly Modern Millie have finally begun, and I am inviting the challenge of choreographing this show with gusto. I taught the cast a fun combination for the opening number to begin, and to my excitement, it looked good!
This week also brings with it, an opportunity to take part in someone else's work. Karola Luttringhaus, artistic director of alban elved, a modern dance company here in NC, asked me to dance a piece in her upcoming show. It has been such a long time since I've learned somebody else's choreography, and I am finding it satisfyingly challenging! The piece I'm learning, called "Lena's Bath," hits home with me as I have always had an unstable relationship with water. How fitting is it then, in my quest to become more comfortable with water, to dance a piece about becoming comfortable with water?! I find Karola to be quite an interesting, knowledgeable woman, and I feel that I could learn a lot from her. She works with a certain intensity that I enjoy, but she is also loose and easy to communicate with.
As with every week, I speak to my friend and collaborator, Laura. We begin to speak about new ideas for our piece, "Common Threads," which we'll finally have a chance to rework for ourselves since our residency at NC State this past fall. We'll be presenting the piece in progress at SECCA at the end of March. We have decided to give ourselves the few days prior to our showing to do a workshop style rehearsal period. We've decided the experience of having this workshop period will enhance the work we already have to show, and allow the material to grow and change as it pleases. There is no reason why we should have to stick to a rigid form for the performance of this piece. Depending on who's in it and where we take it, we've decided to allow the piece to evolve naturally. As we discuss our ideas, there are overlapping thoughts and notions, which tells both of us, that we're on the same page. I love it when that happens!
Another happy occasion this weekend, as my mother graduated from her MFA program in creative writing. I am so proud! She looked so happy, walking across the floor to receive her diploma. And I hope she will continue to write her lovely stories. She inspires me to keep learning and changing and growing, even if you think you've finished doing all of those things. She teaches me that it's never too late to pursue your passions, whatever they may be on any given day.
Finally, I must comment on the amazing love of my husband. Through all of this wonderfulness, I still was feeling under the weather this week, with a mysterious headache/dizziness/shakiness. My husband took care of me, tucked me in at night, and spent quiet time with me. He makes me feel safe, and makes me feel grounded. While I'm walking around on cloud nine, he's supporting me all the way. While I'm in three places at once, he is the steady force in my life. The cherry on top this week was definitely him!
Yes, I am a lucky girl.
And why should I feel so lucky? Because despite the snow at the beginning of this week, my semester at HPU began with a theater full of eager bodies and minds. Those bodies and minds displayed beautiful dance work, which I know will only become more amazing as the semester goes on. I went to my first faculty meeting this week, and I am beginning to feel more and more at home at my workplace. I got my wish: HPU will be having its first formal dance concert next spring, during the 2011-2012 theater season! What's more, rehearsals for Thoroughly Modern Millie have finally begun, and I am inviting the challenge of choreographing this show with gusto. I taught the cast a fun combination for the opening number to begin, and to my excitement, it looked good!
This week also brings with it, an opportunity to take part in someone else's work. Karola Luttringhaus, artistic director of alban elved, a modern dance company here in NC, asked me to dance a piece in her upcoming show. It has been such a long time since I've learned somebody else's choreography, and I am finding it satisfyingly challenging! The piece I'm learning, called "Lena's Bath," hits home with me as I have always had an unstable relationship with water. How fitting is it then, in my quest to become more comfortable with water, to dance a piece about becoming comfortable with water?! I find Karola to be quite an interesting, knowledgeable woman, and I feel that I could learn a lot from her. She works with a certain intensity that I enjoy, but she is also loose and easy to communicate with.
As with every week, I speak to my friend and collaborator, Laura. We begin to speak about new ideas for our piece, "Common Threads," which we'll finally have a chance to rework for ourselves since our residency at NC State this past fall. We'll be presenting the piece in progress at SECCA at the end of March. We have decided to give ourselves the few days prior to our showing to do a workshop style rehearsal period. We've decided the experience of having this workshop period will enhance the work we already have to show, and allow the material to grow and change as it pleases. There is no reason why we should have to stick to a rigid form for the performance of this piece. Depending on who's in it and where we take it, we've decided to allow the piece to evolve naturally. As we discuss our ideas, there are overlapping thoughts and notions, which tells both of us, that we're on the same page. I love it when that happens!
Another happy occasion this weekend, as my mother graduated from her MFA program in creative writing. I am so proud! She looked so happy, walking across the floor to receive her diploma. And I hope she will continue to write her lovely stories. She inspires me to keep learning and changing and growing, even if you think you've finished doing all of those things. She teaches me that it's never too late to pursue your passions, whatever they may be on any given day.
Finally, I must comment on the amazing love of my husband. Through all of this wonderfulness, I still was feeling under the weather this week, with a mysterious headache/dizziness/shakiness. My husband took care of me, tucked me in at night, and spent quiet time with me. He makes me feel safe, and makes me feel grounded. While I'm walking around on cloud nine, he's supporting me all the way. While I'm in three places at once, he is the steady force in my life. The cherry on top this week was definitely him!
Yes, I am a lucky girl.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
How Did I Get Here?
After a holiday induced hiatus, I am back! And though I did not have a chance over the past month, to create gobs of new work, the time off did afford me space to think.
My break from work, from the studio and from the constant weight of needing to get something done "right now" was a quiet one, surrounded by a few dear people and minimal excitement. I found my journal, and began to write. I began to wonder. I began to wonder about my process and the shape it's taken over the past year. I began to wonder about my accomplishments and if I'd really gotten out of them what I'd originally aimed at getting. Did I get something better? Did I miss the mark entirely? I wondered if I am prepared to take any big steps with my work this year. Then I wondered what all I'm going to do next.
Sometime over my pondering, a new question emerged through which I plan to explore facets of "the journey," and who I am fully. I have begun to research myself, by delving into the half of my family I know least about: my African American side. Where did we come from? How did and from whom did we get our obviously Irish surnames? I think gathering this information would help me to better understand my new over-arching question.
HOW DID I GET HERE?
How Did You Get Here? How Did We Get Here?
Every day, we arrive. We arrive in the seat of a car, at the home of a friend, in the arms of a loved one, in the studio exploring various concepts in movement. How did we get to these places? It isn’t just the few steps it takes to get from the front door to the car, or from a position of stillness to an expression of movement. Our journeys are complicated and winding. Each event, person, place, thought, and shift leading up to each arrival is significant and absolutely essential.
And for that matter, it isn't exactly as simple as just being born.
I want to make journey webs. I want to ask people to recall where their various journeys actually began, and how they've evolved. I've begun to make little videos, hoping to explain how I've ended up where I've ended up lately.
I could explore this in movement, certainly. I could explore this through writing, and visual mediums.
I began my search for answers this past week at the Avery Research Institute in Charleston. Though the Institute does not specialize in genealogy, they did have some wonderful suggestions and resources on how to begin the study of oneself. I can't say this will be an easy task, trying to find evidence of a people and culture that society tried to erase so many times in our history, but many have taken the journey, and no doubt even if I don't find exactly what I'm seeking, I will still be the richer for it!
So here's to new ventures, challenges and triumphs!
My break from work, from the studio and from the constant weight of needing to get something done "right now" was a quiet one, surrounded by a few dear people and minimal excitement. I found my journal, and began to write. I began to wonder. I began to wonder about my process and the shape it's taken over the past year. I began to wonder about my accomplishments and if I'd really gotten out of them what I'd originally aimed at getting. Did I get something better? Did I miss the mark entirely? I wondered if I am prepared to take any big steps with my work this year. Then I wondered what all I'm going to do next.
Sometime over my pondering, a new question emerged through which I plan to explore facets of "the journey," and who I am fully. I have begun to research myself, by delving into the half of my family I know least about: my African American side. Where did we come from? How did and from whom did we get our obviously Irish surnames? I think gathering this information would help me to better understand my new over-arching question.
HOW DID I GET HERE?
How Did You Get Here? How Did We Get Here?
Every day, we arrive. We arrive in the seat of a car, at the home of a friend, in the arms of a loved one, in the studio exploring various concepts in movement. How did we get to these places? It isn’t just the few steps it takes to get from the front door to the car, or from a position of stillness to an expression of movement. Our journeys are complicated and winding. Each event, person, place, thought, and shift leading up to each arrival is significant and absolutely essential.
And for that matter, it isn't exactly as simple as just being born.
I want to make journey webs. I want to ask people to recall where their various journeys actually began, and how they've evolved. I've begun to make little videos, hoping to explain how I've ended up where I've ended up lately.
I could explore this in movement, certainly. I could explore this through writing, and visual mediums.
I began my search for answers this past week at the Avery Research Institute in Charleston. Though the Institute does not specialize in genealogy, they did have some wonderful suggestions and resources on how to begin the study of oneself. I can't say this will be an easy task, trying to find evidence of a people and culture that society tried to erase so many times in our history, but many have taken the journey, and no doubt even if I don't find exactly what I'm seeking, I will still be the richer for it!
So here's to new ventures, challenges and triumphs!
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