Wednesday, February 6, 2013

thoughts on elementally earthen


First, it started with wanting to create work to the music of Ella Fitzgerald, and reminding myself of the Duke Ellington work created before the century turned ! (wow....that seems a long time ago now!)I thought I had the right cast for. 

Then, in trying to come up with a catchy title, Elemental also gave me license to reprise some works about the classical elements( water, fire, wind,spirit, earth)--- and as we are EARTHEN Vessels, there was the title of the show!

With a change of our rehearsal and office space out of Talento Bilingue this summer, we needed to alter our programmatic budget to accommodate the move. Thus we begin our 15th season with a shift, re-envisioning our annual Black History Month as the HERITAGE SERIES, so as to include other cultures, particularly "Si Se Puede" which was have developed over the years to celebrate a Latino American perspective. As this ballet that celebrates the legacy of Cesar Chavez and the Farm workers Movement---another earth reference--
key excerpts will be included. 

When I approached Steve Rooks(former Martha Graham Principal) to choreograph a new work, based on the elements, he surprised me with a work featuring 3 from the periodic table! So another elemental addition to the loosely gathered title, along with a silly ditty of the periodic table created by the dancers.

There will be a few more in the mix---

 "Fire" which Trey McIntrye choreographed for me in 1991 for a solo concert I was to dance in my hometown. 
 "Stream",a beautiful work  I had choreographed with UH AURA back in the 90s
"Secret Life of Plants" from "Songs of Wonder" 
AND  a surprise guest artist---finally after 15 years of badgering, I cornered Lauren Anderson into coming out of retirement to do a bit of dancing as well.
 As always we will have an audience participation moment, which may include a line dance of sorts to whom else? Earth, Wind and Fire! 

Come celebrate with us! 15 years is a long time, and but for the grace of God, it would not have occurred, believe me!!!! the name of the company has always been earthen vessels from this reference:
" But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels,  to show that the all surpassing power comes from God, not us" 2Cor 4:7
So there is much to celebrate and praise the Creator for, because, even when I haven't always been the best vessel, hopefully, His light shines throughthe imperfections, and some of those who have experienced our concerts, 
tasted a little beauty, learned something they never knew, came to appreciate their fellow American in a new way, or perhaps have been deeply moved. Numerous school children have seen things danced that they had yet to study, or seen something of this ballet world that they would never have been exposed to, had this company not been there...educating a whole new generation of dance goers. 
I am a bit weary, as it has been a hard journey, made the lighter by a supportive husband/collaborator, numerous Board members, dance community colleagues, resilient funders, and a faith family that has helped us all along the way. I like to think that our dances are meaningful, that they matter, no matter how fleeting the image---dance can sear our soul, raise our consciences, get our heart rate going!