Project Rehearsal

This evening I had a very productive rehearsal for my up coming project “Lebendige Landschaft” (there will be more information about the project on this website shortly). As I have been writing in this blog, a lot of what is created comes down to effort. Yes, I need to think and use my time wisely, but putting in effort to pre-plan and be prepared for a rehearsal really is worthwhile.

The project itself has had a break over the summer as we gear up for a performance in September. I’m working with amateurs, but they are giving their all. There is always room for spontaneity and thinking on ones feet, but nothing beats having thought about what I desire to do and going in with a concrete plan.

The piece is at the stage where the overview is there, the ideas are more or less complete, it is just about filling in the details. Yes, there are still a couple of key pieces missing (musically and/or choreographically), but I trust through the process this will come. Time is always key and using it wisely!

The one difference between working with amateurs and professionals that stands out always is: with amateurs, getting the steps is their goal and being confident enough to perform them. With professionals, the steps are only the material and the real goal is to develop how, where the real personal growth comes.

Though we have limited time to rehearse, I plan to take the how as far as possible with this group. It is a commitment to development from my side and I will stress to the dancers how important it is. Using the time we have to get the best possible out of the process and continuing to learn and grow.

The performance in itself is a snapshot of the work that we have done. It is also a celebration of the achievements of all involved and a chance to share with an audience ourselves (whether as a dancer, choreographer or artist).