The past weeks preparing for our our performance in Denver have been a whilrwind of exciting activity. TIME TO CONQUER THE ROCKIES!!! By "conquer", I mean dance in.. and by dance "in" I mean dance on a stage in. well... you get the picture.
The process has been an exciting challenge. We have been stttttretching ourselves to stay afloat amidst very driving and active music. I feel our fearless leader, Kate Hutter has done an amazing job of working with the music to elevate the tracks and create a choreographic score that highlights the performance experience. The dance feeds the music, and music feeds the dance. It is a dance feast... ( Speaking of... I hope Denver has good cuisine.. I am not much for Buffalo, wild boar and elk... but I am one for sauces made of berries and wine. Viking food... mmmmmm--- O )
Hearing excerpts of the tracks from the beginning of the process was intense. I, myself attached a very particular feeling to music that I translated into movement that was all out, high velocity, full throttle dance. It feels this way, but there is so much more under the sleeves. There are haunting voices scattered throughout the tracks that seem to call to the dancers and audience with words like "sit", "heel" and "down", leaving ourselves and the audience unaware of who is in control of the performance. Are we being controlled and pulled by the music? Or is the music a commentary of our own decisions we make while dancing? Whatever the answer, Kate has left me tangled, stimulated and ready for more....
To perform in Denver is a treat. I have heard of Colorado's strong jazz dance community through the grapevine and can't wait to feel out the artistic landscape. These West Coasters are in for a treat once our neon-clad beachy bods touch Rocky ground. We arrive on Friday to rehearse at Cherry Creek Dance Studios (http://www.cherrycreekdance.com/ ) and perform for the students there. Saturday is off to the theatre to tech and run the show. What a treat for us to share out craft beyond the California border. Get ready for a dance explosion Denver!! I feel honored , blessed and inspired to take LACDC to the Rockies.
- Michael, company member
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