Day 73: Kate Weare Company

Clicking through an online performance calendar on Wednesday morning, I came across the name of a company that was vaguely familiar, Kate Weare Company. Not sure of how I knew of them, I checked out their website and realized one of the company members, a petite, self-assured woman with fiery red hair named Leslie Kraus, and I used to work together. Though, only acquaintances, I had always been impressed by how solidly Ms. Kraus presented herself and by the warmth and openness that she exuded (I now know that she’s one hell of a dancer as well). This impression, along with a need for inspiration and an un-booked Thursday evening, prompted me to secure a ticket to the show.

The show, at the Joyce Theater, was part of the Gotham Dance Festival (a festival that gives upward moving companies the opportunity to share a billing and save some money, while presenting in a big name theater). It is hard for 4 dancers to fill a stage for over an hour and, honestly, I’m not sure that this was accomplished (though the striking set design, by Kurt Perschke, and solid lighting, by Brian Jones, definitely helped).  Ms. Weare presented two pieces, Lean-to and Garden, both were well sculpted musically and physically strong. The company, made up of two bold, male dancers and two forceful, yet feminine, female dancers, were entirely believable and convinced me that this is a company to take seriously.

I like Kate Weare. I think her work is fresh and exciting… but she needs more dancers.

XO,

Jess

Day 64: Congratulations Curacao!

First order of business: Congratulations to all of the beautiful and talented dancers in Curacao! I received word that the film of the flash mob premiered yesterday and that it was a great success. For those of you unfamiliar with what I speak of, there is a group of dancers on the island of Curacao who worked together this winter to create something very special. A combination of classically trained dancers, b-boys and traditional dancers combined their experience and talent to produce a piece that moved the island both emotionally and physically…they took to the streets and brought their exultant movement to the people. I had the honor of working with these dancers and want to applaud their commitment to the project and the openness with which they shared their hearts and bodies. Thank you for the experience and I hope to see you all next winter!

Back in NYC, I spent the day cycling, dancing and planning for the future. It seems that my partners in crime and I have finally settled on a name for our dance company: The Umbrella Co. What do you think? Next performance is on 6/19 at the Shore Institute of Contemporary Arts in Long Branch, NJ. Come check it out! We’ll have a website up soon and more performances are on the horizon.

Despite my bursitis ridden hips, I am feeling alive and energetic. The sun baked concrete is sending heat through my feet and I can’t imagine sitting still during these brilliant summer days.  Take off your shoes and have a dance…isn’t that what we all live for?

Love and light,

Jess

Day 63: June!

It is June. Whoa.

May was a month full of successes and defeats. I pushed myself forward and, in some senses, it worked… a new piece completed and performed (with shockingly positive responses all around), a children’s recital staged and over (thank God), new contacts made, a performance booked. Defeats…well I didn’t land any of the auditions that I went on and I am out of money. Class is on hold. Entertainment is on hold. Life is on hold. I hate money-but I love summer. C'est la vie.

In my bag this month: Apollo’s Angels: A History of Ballet. Wish me luck. This 600 page monster, by former dancer Jennifer Homans, weighs about 5lbs. and has only about 10 pictures. Better be riveting! I’ll let you know how it goes…

Happy June!

Jess