Forward Thinking

Because pulling together an entire evening of dances is much more involved than the usual one work in a concert that is shared, I've been making myself think forward. Places I am focusing my attention:

1. Costuming - I have two dances with 10+ people, a duet and a sextet... costuming is going to cost some serious money and it's not something I want to wait until the last minute to do. My goal is to have clear ideas before my thesis committee showing on December 6. I am more clear on costumes with some pieces than others. I'm also struggling with how to costume male dancers!
2. Show order - This is something I've been thinking about since the beginning and I believe is an important aspect of a concert. The order and flow of dances can make a huge impact on an audience member's experience. In my head, the "Lights" dance (which is now 1/2 of my concert and includes "Tap/Contemp" and "Sensors") was opening the concert and then would follow by "Communication Duet", "Ism", and "Habits". I'm realizing a flaw in this - Communication is going to require some clean up afterward, but it is not a concert-ending dance. My new idea is this:
1. Habit of Change (Strong, dynamic, entertaining - my favorite dance I've choreographed)
2. Ism (also strong and dynamic, but serious - will juxtapose with Habits)
3. Communication (social - very different from the other two - much more use of technology and concept)
4. INTERMISSION/Clean up
5. Lights (ends with my solo) - wide range of dynamics, technology, lights, numbers of bodies
3. Technology - There are three moments where technology is more present. 
1. Communication duet - I've filmed the beginning section of the piece with my dancers. We went to the Greensboro Bicentennial Gardens last weekend and I think we got some really interesting material. This will juxtapose nicely with other sections of the dance and I'm at the early stages of editing/choreographing that section.
2. Tap/Contemp - I have a video shoot scheduled for Sunday morning. Melissa Pihos will be on set to lend a hand as a videographer so that I can be sure to get enough material and it will be nice to have a second perspective from a colleague. You can see some of my ideas on a previous posting (youtube video).
3. Sensors - Ned is working on programming now! All the sensors (we think) we need are in and we are meeting Saturday to check in and see where we stand.

Successful Fall Break

Over break, I:

• Received the sensors I ordered in the mail and met with Ned to look at what else we might need and create a game plan. We decided we wanted two accelerometers, and another temperature and light sensor each, so those are currently on order while Ned works on programming the sensors we have.
• Ordered a "base" costume for the first half of my concert. I'm using video projection during a part of this "piece" and I needed to make a decision so I can have an official shoot! 
• Got into the theater this weekend and tested out some projection ideas. You can see a video on my last post. I'm playing with some back projection, as well as projection onto other objects... I just need to figure out the logistics of running the projectors (and getting projectors to use). 
• Bought a lot of lamps. I am close to the number of lamps I need for the first half of my concert. Thank goodness for thrift shops! Now I have to figure out what to do about all the cords.
• I have rehearsal tonight with part of my "__ism" cast. Jan from my committee is coming to my rehearsal in two weeks and I'm hoping to have clearer ideas to show her when she comes. My plan for the rest of the day is to plan for this piece!

Media from rehearsals

Without giving too much away, I've been collecting some pictures and video to share here showing some things I've been working on. Enjoy!

Fall Break "To-Do"

To Do List for Fall Break:

• Purchase some "D" batteries - many of the flashlights are running out of juice
• Find some interesting lamps (thrift shops, yard sales, junk yards)
• Work on my own with movement ideas for sensors-related memory section
• revisit past works, ideas, etc.
• Write letters (or find old letters) for use in "communication" dance - send an email out if I decide I want letters from cast members
• Potentially ask people to write letters to me?
• Think further about the roles of the dancers (Jessi & Jeanine) in the "communication" dance... are they themselves? characters? extensions of me?
• Plan for video shooting for "communication" dance - would like to have shoot before Thanksgiving - outdoor location TBD
• Relax!