Dance Exchange

I thought I would leave you a quick blog today about what's out there in the world of dance.

I've got to say I'm jealous! A friend of mine, Liz Zaztrow, is working with the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange. For those who may not know, Liz Lerman is a dancer/choreographer who skillfully brings people together to create dance and community. She finds dance in everyone, and her work has soared with people of all ages. Her company based in Takoma Park, MD has been to Wisconsin a few times over the past year, and I still have not seen them in action. Come back to Milwaukee; I promise to make every effort to attend! It would be wonderful to see "The Matter of Origins" which is one of their latest creations.

Check out the Dance Exchange blog for more details!

Dance Exchange on the road: "The Matter of Origins" Opened Last Night!: "And the University of Maryland's campus newspaper has an article about it. Check out what The Diamondback is saying about The Matter of Orig..."

Marketing and Website

It's been a very productive week for me as far as putting together brochures and flyers for my budding business. I also have set up a website http://pilgrimagedance.weebly.com/.
My aim is for comprehensible, professional information in all of these. If anyone out there has any advice, I am open to tips. Please visit, and leave feedback!
It's all a learning experience for me!
There's also a facebook fan page...
Facebook Page
Check it all out!

Missed Connections



Last Weekend Gal Friday Films was shooting their short, independant film "Missed Connections". They needed dancers, and I said, "me,me!"



In Busby Berkly fashion, us dancers were doing cutsey choreography by the brilliant Kelly Anderson to some kick butt music. For anyone who doesn't know of busby berkly here's a great example of his work Busby "Dames".

I never thought it would be so hard to work in a film. I thought because it isn't live it should be easier.... I was confused.



We had to do everything 10's of times, and played the waiting game a lot. I have a new found respect for actors/actresses and film makers along with the whole crew that comes along with them (costuming, makeup, and hair). I don't know how many times I had somebody poking at my face or fixing up my hair over the course of the day.... Probably more than I fix my own hair or makeup in a month.

I can't wait to see the whole picture! It should be hilarious. I loved it even through the soreness and bruises.



Photo Taken from Missed Connections on Facebook



Surviving my classes!

I have started to freak out that I'm in over my head with my senior project, but I am excited about my other courses. This semester I am taking...
Laban I which can be described as an analyses of how and why the body moves in connection to mind and emotions  Link to the Laban Institute of Movement Studies
Dance and the Digital Arts: a class that focuses on collaboration of movement and media that works towards a show at the Milwaukee Art Museum
Digital Media Portfolio for Dancers: a class that teaches how to put together a dvd resume along with a wordpress.com web page that has all our information for future employers to view
T'ai Chi Ch'uan: I feel that this class is going to be very difficult for me because I'm going to really have to break some of the bad habits I have physically picked up over the years to be able to move in the proper form. I was told the first day to watch Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

So between dancing, filming, making a detailed dance resume, and T'ai Chi, I will be trying to start a business that involves dance, literature, and the community.

We shall see....

End of Summer; Back to School

I am excited!!!! I know most students dread those three words "Back to School", but I love the start of a new semester. It is filled with new classes, and feels fresh even though I've had almost all the teachers before with most of the same students. As it is my final semester, I am a little nervous about keeping the fire burning especially since there are more and more responsibilities in my life. I have big goals for the next four months.

1) I want to take control of my finances. Meaning that I know exactly what I owe the government back from student loans, I have a way to document my everyday finances, and I have a start to how to document business transactions.

2) I want to take more chances and throw myself out there. I'm realizing that I've been taking it really safe and comfortable as far as dance is concerned. I need to try more auditions and try more teaching opportunities.

3) I need to rely more on my own self awareness rather than on other people's inputs and opinions. Not saying that other people aren't helpful; they are too helpful. I need to do for myself what I hope to do for others.

So.... as with anything, I hope to just always keep growing and learning with dance!