A few new things.

I have rehearsal on Monday for a piece that I am co-choreographing for IDC's show. I haven't worked with someone else to create movement since...oh, probably in middle school at slumber parties. Coming into this process, I wasn't sure what to expect. Would we have completely different ideas about the storyline or the movement quality? Would there be a power struggle? Would this ruin our friendship?

I almost can't believe how well we worked together. It got to the point where I can't tell whose idea was whose. We completely accepted each other's ideas. After meeting for 5 hours, we produced 3 minutes of material. I'd say that's pretty good. Now, to see it on bodies...


The GI Alliance show opens today, and I'm pretty excited. I started thinking about the shows that I've done or am currently working on, and they are all so different from each other. Very different styles, approaches, missions, and processes. GI Alliance is just that--an alliance of dancers. I think it is so unique that all of the performers work with other companies, come from all kinds of dance backgrounds, all different ages. It is probably true that anyone in the Chicago dance scene knows someone in this group.

I'm glad to be a part of this group and this production: it's dance. Pure dance. There is a loose storyline to the show, but for the most part we are presenting work that is fun to do and (hopefully) fun to watch. Come see and decide for yourself!

Self-promotion aplenty!

Lately, I reference my day planner multiple times a day. I have many things going on at once, so difficult to keep straight...and no sign of letting up soon. All that I can think about is everything that is coming up on the calendar. Here is the immediate news.

The GI Alliance Dance Company show "Gut Instinct" opens this weekend, and marks the first time that I will perform works from the same concert over the course of a full month. Performing a concert for more than a one-weekend engagement is new and exciting for me as a dancer, a pretty rare opportunity. Unfortunately, dance is very underfunded, and most companies could potentially LOSE money by offering a second weekend of shows. That being said--come see our show! Dancers and choreographers work hard and long to put together a show, and shows need audiences.
("Gut Instinct" will be at the Galaxie on Belmont and Rockwell, May 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 7:30. Tickets $20.)
I'll also perform one of the pieces in Rebound Dance Festival on May 27, and then we take half of the concert on tour to Detroit in June!

If you didn't already know, my husband is an actor. He has been working with Absolute Shakespeare and just opened a show last night with Red Tape Theatre. I was lucky enough to see a preview of Red Tape's show "The Love of the Nightingale." I highly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys performance that incorporates dance and physicality. Just a beautiful, well done show.


Stay tuned. I promise I'll write a more thoughtful entry next time.