The Process
I'm often asked how I create a dance, or what type of things inspire me to choreograph. Every time it's a little bit different. Sometimes it's a piece of literature or an event. Sometimes it is a song. From time to time a piece of clothing will do it. I guess it all depends on the day and the way the light strikes my eyes. Anyway, I thought it might be fun to let those of you who have inquired have a behind the scenes look at my process from start (more or less) to finish.
This time the thing that got my attention was a piece of music. I was invited to a networking event for Periapsis by the artistic director, Johnathan Katz. The sole purpose of the event was to introduce composers and choreographers for future collaborations. I've worked with composers before, and really enjoyed it, so this was right up my alley.
As part of the "welcome package" everyone was sent an email with names and links of everyone's work. I figured it would be a good idea to see who these people were and what their work was like before I spent an evening chatting them up (and let me tell you... nothing gets your elevator pitch together like a 5-minute speed dating style interview). So, as per usual, I went to the gym and hopped on the treadmill for a cathartic hour long music listening session. Then I heard it... The Old Rose Reader.
I've been on an electronic kick for a while. I haven't really heard anything classical that made me want to create something, but before I knew it I had listened to all 17 minutes of it and was going back for round two.
And here's where it all begins...
