ABOVE: OUR VERY FIRST REHEARSAL ON 10/29
FROM THE
BEGINNING........
Below are some key rehearsals that I have included, where I believe the best/most progress was made. We had about 25 rehearsals total this year!
... TO THE END!
REFLECTIONS
FINAL PERFORMANCE
Although this was not my first time setting choreography for a group of dancers, this was the first time where I was tasked with such directorial responsibilities, like coordinating with lighting designers and costume makers for a piece over five minutes long. As for the dancers' performance, they worked incredibly well despite a few setbacks. I am more aware of professional artistic collaboration and the diligence that it requires beyond choreography itself. I am grateful for this substantial experience that has prepared me for certain expectations in my future endeavors as a choreographer and creative director. My initial vision for the piece was not identical to how it appeared onstage, but I learned that sometimes, this is a possibility bound to happen and it only highlights the beauty of taking on such a responsibility—the final product is a result of the effort that I put in. There were many things that I would have absolutely done better, but I am grateful that this has built the framework by which I approach the choreographic process, translating it from the studio to the stage.
REFLECTION ON COLLABORATION WITH DANCERS
This is the longest period of time that I have worked with dancers in coordinating a movement piece. An overall enjoyable experience, the feedback that I received from them only motivated me further to become more of an effective leader and communicate my ideas with confidence and poise. They were incredibly receptive to my ideas, and I noticed that the energy that I emit translates directly back to them. This being said, I shall be more mindful of my own feelings and behavior to continue working in a professional and diligent manner. I shall also be more open to collaboration, knowing that there are times where I must tailor choreography to my dancers' comfort; although they respect that my ideas are entirely my own, I do not know everything. This also saves time and relieves any unnecessary anxiety. I did feel as though my time was respected for the most part, and the dancers' professionalism with reviewing choreography added to the invaluable experience I had working with them.
REFLECTION ON COLLABORATION WITH FACULTY & PEERS + INFLUENCE ON MY FUTURE WORK
The feedback I received from the faculty was both productive and eye-opening. One of the key takeaways was the importance of clearer transitions within the choreography. In hindsight, establishing these transitions earlier on would have made it significantly easier to rehearse and refine the existing material. I now realize that more focused attention should have been placed on developing a strong, central motif. My desire to fully realize the choreography I had envisioned overshadowed the importance of consistency in theme. This resulted in a piece that seemed to lack cohesion and clarity in its overall message. In future works, I will prioritize the motif to ensure that the piece remains purposeful and structured.
Regarding the set design, I completely agree with the suggestion to eliminate the draping of the sheet. It distracted from the choreography and added unnecessary complication to the staging. I also received feedback emphasizing the importance of effective group communication and being mindful of my own body language as a leader. In the future, I will strive to maintain balance throughout the entire choreographic process so that no section, especially the ending, is neglected or hurried.
BRAVO!
