Observation 7: Heather

On Wednesday, March 24 from 5:30-7:30, I was able to work with a group of five dancers. Heather, a Miami based choreographer was working with us to choreograph a seven minute piece for the Nova Dance Concert. During this rehearsal, we were running the dance for tech people. They had to do lights and sound for us. The fact that I was able to work with Heather for a couple of months helped me learn that it is important to adapt to the choreographer's style and their environment. I noticed that Heather was very intelligent and sometimes it was hard to understand what she was talking about because she would use words that I had never heard before. For example, she would tell us to use our "body half" or to let our bodies "inhabit our movement." I, as well as the other dancers, were not use to these words. We had to learn and adapt to her language. I also noticed that heather alway used words to choreograph more than actual movement. Of course, she would show us what she wanted, but mostly she would tell us and that allowed us to explore the movement and find it for ourselves. It was very different for me. Heather's choreography was very smooth and flowing all together and it took the dancers a while for their bodies to adapt. However, I felt that it was a much needed experience and I hope to have more like that. It is good to be put out of my comfort zone and "stretch" myself a little further. :) TTYS!!

~AMY~

Observation 6: Local-Motion

Ok, so I was able to see the performance Local-Motion: A Black History Month Celebration of South Florida Dance at Nova on February 27. Special guests included Elena Garcia, Jubilee Dance Theatre, Brazz Dance Theatre, Clarence Brooks, and Live in Color Dance Collective. It was a short, sweet performance. Although I did not like all of the performances, there were some amazing dancers that did perform. My favorite piece was called "Kayala", which was choreographed by Augusto Soledade and danced by Christane Silva and Liony Garcia from Brazz Dance Theatre. The reason I loved this piece so much was because it was so different than anything I had seen before. It was modern dance, but had very wild movement that seemed effortless to the dancers. If I am able to see movement performed that seems effortless than I know that the dancers are professionals. Because their movement seemed effortless does not mean that it was weak, but actually very strong action was made. I just could not take my eyes off of the movement. When I think about the action that is taken by professional dancers, I wonder how is it so possible? Body awareness must be so extremely important, because if tension is created and held in the body, then the body will not be able to move so freely. Also, lots of experience and practice, of course, is necessary. I really was glad to see that, learn from that, and experience that. It was really a joy to me. Talk to you soon!!

~AMY~