Merián Soto/ Branch Dances

Article and Video in Temple Times

2012-01-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

Jazmyn Burton has written a thoughtful article which appears in the Temple Times along with a video piece by Gina Benigno. Yay!

Also check out some of Marisol Diaz's photos of the WINTER performance at Wave Hill. The warm brilliance of the light comes from the setting sun.

WINTER @ Bluebell Meadow: Dedicated to the memory of Niles Ford

2012-01-16T22:21:00.000-08:00

Sunday's performance at Bluebell Meadow set the record for the coldest branch dance performance to date: 23 degrees.

Somehow it didn't feel so cold to me. Perhaps I was numb inside from the sad sad news of Niles' unexpected passing the day before. How could it be? So young, maybe 50? Such a daring, vibrant and generous dancer and friend, gone in his sleep. Niles created unforgettable roles in several of my works-- Historias (1992) Familias (1995) and Pelea de Gallos (1998). He was an incredible support to my growth as an artist.

Numb. I was focused on my role as director. Gotta do the work. Gotta get to the site. Didn't check the temperature; can't find my watch. Didn't write in the blog. No matter. The show must go on. Ha, its not a show, its a performance.

It was a brilliant day. There were only 2 or 3 people out with their dogs when we arrived. Odd, I thought, I had expected more people would be there, especially on such a gloriously beautiful morning. The practice is to perform no matter what, no matter who is there or not. We follow the plan. Set up, and go. We started and they came! Wonderful to see some familiar faces: Ken and Annie Goldenberg, Leila Macbeth, Judy Williams, Colleen Hooper, Karen and Deanna Bond. In retrospect, knowing the temperature, its amazing that anyone came.

The moment I entered the dance, I once again felt deeply grateful to the dancers and audience for this shared moment in time and nature. "the fragility of balance" Ken called it. Something magical happens in the space and time of the branch dance practice. In the challenge to stay present and find balance, we connect. We re-connect to the branches, ourselves, to each other, to nature. In moving towards stillness and riding the fragile edge of ever shifting balance we enter a dynamic state of flow and awareness.

I felt a powerful connection with the dancers: Marion Ramirez, Jumatatu Poe and Beau Hancock. I felt a powerful connection to the bare trees and the play of sunlight and shadows, to Tigger Benford's delicate music.

Remembering Niles, I felt a pang in my heart. The suddenness; we are here a moment and gone the next. Jenny went to bed beside her spouse and awakened next to a corpse. The heart breaks suddenly. My heart gave a cry and I yielded. The branch crashed to the ground beside me.

My hat loosened from my head I felt the cold on my neck. I check the impulse to protect my head and neck from the cold. This is right. I remember the branches breaking and crashing under the weight of the snow at Wave Hill during the storm last fall. I feel my chest expanding and contracting. Breath, breathe. My weight on the ground, my face in the ground. To the earth we return. Safe travel Niles; may your spirit be free.

I waited there with my face in the ground. Someone approached me and asked if I was OK. I waited, smelling the earth, sensing the breath, listening, honoring Niles. I waited a long while until I could no longer hear Tigger's music.

Slowly, I sat up to see Marion too, lying on the earth, and Juma and Beau were crouching. The end. Sadness, gratitude and love. Most of the audience was gone or scurrying to their cars, except for a few friends who stayed to say hello.

JUDY WILLIAMS PHOTOS

How to deal with the cold

2012-01-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

The forecast for Sunday is sunny and COLD! (high in the low 30's). I hope you will join us for a performance adventure with the elements!

Bluebell Meadow is the easiest of the sites to get to in the Wissahickon Reunion series (scroll right for directions). You can drive right up to the field in you warm toasty car and then run back to it when the performance is over. We will start promptly at 10:30 and be done by 11:15.

This performance will surely be an adventure of the body and the will. How to survive the cold? How to remain calm, fluid, and focus while the body shivers and shakes?

First of all, you have to be prepared. Layer up! Long underwear is a must, as are glove and sock liners, a scarf, a hat, and warm shoes. Sunglasses will come in handy as the angled sunlight on Bluebell Meadow at that time of day can be quite blinding.

We have also developed some techniques for generating warmth from the inside (since running and jumping about to keep warm is somewhat contrary to the branch dance practice). These may come in handy:

Bone hugging — This body awareness practice, developed by Elaine Summers, consists of moving the muscle fibers surrounding each bone, into the bone. You apply three-dimensional tension into the bone, wrapping the bone or hugging it with your muscles. You do this with all the bones in your body (or as many as you can conjure into your consciousness), sequentially, all at the same time, or jumping around from part to part. Don't forget to release after every good hug! Bone hugging works well with the cold as it not only builds internal heat, but also harnesses (and releases) the tension from shivering, and helps even out the tension patterns in the body. One begins to sense the possibility of lighting up inner fires of the energetic body.

Letting the body stretch itself from the point of contact with the branch — In letting the body stretch itself (another Elaine Summers practice), you follow, sequentially through the body, the impulse of the body stretch . Like bone hugging, letting the body stretch itself accesses all parts of the body, bringing heat to remote places, and balancing tension.

Opening the soles of the feet — At all times open the feet, don't let them tense up. Sensing all the bones and joints in the feet grounds the body and keeps open the channels of energy within.

Inner humming/ vibrating breath — Letting breath or sound VIBRATE through the body activates the inner fires.

Using the eyes and vision to expand the edges of the body (created by Jumatatu Poe) — Focus the eyes at different distances and allowing the body to sense itself at each distance. For example, start by focusing on a hand, sensing into the hand, and noticing the body consciousness expand into the hand. Then shift to a place beyond the body and sense the body consciousness expand into that place, even into the distance.

Cool stuff! or should I say, hot stuff! Come out and practice lighting up your inner fires with us!

WINTER @ Bluebell Meadow, Sunday Jan 15 at 10:30AM

2012-01-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

The WINTER performance of the one-year cycle of seasonal performances, Wissahickon Reunion, will take place this coming Sunday, January 15, from 10:30 to 11:15 AM. Its absolutely FREE and open to anyone.

Wissahickon Reunion consists of four outdoor performances, one each season spanning from October 2011- June 2012. Performers include Beau Hancock, Shavon Norris, Jumatatu Poe, Olive Prince, Marion Ramírez, and Merián Soto; and musician Robert “Tigger” Benford.

Attending a branch dance performance outdoors in winter can be a particularly invigorating experience. Audiences are advised to check the weather, layer their clothing, wear appropriate shoes, gloves, and (on sunny days) sunglasses. Of the four Wissahickon Reunion sites, Bluebell Meadow is the easiest to get to as you can drive up to the site. Bring your dog, everyone else does!

Cancellations only in EXTREME weather. Audiences should consult the project blog for up-to-the-minute updates.

Directions to Bluebell Meadow:

From Center City, take Kelly Drive to Lincoln Drive. Turn right on Rittenhouse Lane. Go to Wissahickon Ave (first traffic light), turn left. Go to Walnut Lane (2nd traffic light), turn left. Follow Walnut Lane towards Henry Ave. Go around the circle on Walnut Lane so that you are heading back towards Wissahickon. The first right past the circle is the entrance to Bluebell Park. From Chestnut Hill: Take Wissahickon Ave to Walnut Lane (last street before Lincoln Drive). Turn right. Follow instructions above.

Saturday's Performance

2012-01-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I love this work is you never know what its going to be until you do it, and then magic happens. Like the weather yesterday, and the sunset and the almost full moon rising, and the children dancing and playing with branches all around us while we performed! And of course, there are the unexpected places we find ourselves in; the choices we make particularly the choice to trust that the practice will generate connection and balance; the places we go together, and the way we are changed in the doing.

A shout out to all the people that came out yesterday to Wave Hill! Such good energy; it felt like we all created that magical space together, especially the kids (thanks parents!). It was exciting to hear so many people say they will be back for our Spring performance. Ache!

A shout out to Jennifer MacGregor and Wave Hill for hosting the the project, Michael Max Knobbe and Bronx Net for videoing, and to the amazing creative team -- Beau Hancock, Shavon Norris, Jumatatu Poe, Olive Prince, Marion Ramirez, Tigger Benford, and Jane Gabriels.

Looking forward to Bluebell Meadow next Sunday!

Photos by Marisol Diaz

WINTER @ Wave Hill Tomorrow!

2012-01-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

The WINTER performance of Branch Dances at Wave Hill will take place tomorrow starting at 3:30PM.

Weather.com is forecasting temperatures in the high 40s and sun! It will be a perfect day for spending time outdoors, and a perfect opportunity to watch the winter sunset over the Hudson River.

Just a few pointers to make your experience most satisfying:

Make sure you layer up. Even though the temperature is mild, one tends to get cold when spending time outside. Wear gloves, scarf, hat, warm socks and walking shoes. Sun glasses are recommended.

Try to arrive before the start time. The performance will take place on the northwest area of the grounds-- a ten minute walk from the entrance.

AND, take your time, slow down,open your senses. Like my sons would say, chill.

Hope to see you there!

For directions to Wave Hill scroll to the right.....

A few listings in the media:

NY TIMES

Flavorpill

This Week In NY

WINTER: Branch Dances @ Wave Hill-- Saturday Jan 7 at 3:30PM

2012-01-02T04:09:00.000-08:00

Join us this Saturday at Wave Hill. Enjoy the winter sunset over the Hudson River!

Also performing are dancers Beau Hancock, Shavon Norris, Jumatatu Poe, Olive Prince, and Marion Ramírez; and musician Robert “Tigger” Benford.

Branch Dances @ Wave Hill consists of four outdoor performances, one each season spanning from October 2011- June 2012. The seasonal performances offer audiences the opportunity to enjoy the natural outdoors. Audiences are encouraged to attend the year-long performance cycle to experience the change of seasons and qualities of shifting light.

Attending a branch dance performance in winter can be a particularly invigorating experience-- see the video of the Fall performance below! Audiences are advised to dress for the weather, layer their clothing, wear appropriate shoes, gloves, and (on sunny days) sunglasses. The weather forecast for Saturday is mostly sunny!

Check back (BranchDances.blogspot.com) for last minute updates and suggestions. For directions to Wave Hill scroll right.

Video by Bronx NET

Flow in the Snow-Branch Dances @ Wave Hill October 29, 2011: Marion Ramirez Reflects on the Performance

2011-12-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon I traveled to Wave Hill -a beautiful botanical garden in the Bronx, New York- to perform as part of Merian Soto’s Branch Dance Project. It was the first snow storm of the season. Most of the trees are still full of leaves, not ready for snow and ice. At 2:45 p.m. under the heavy snow, we started the dance. Together with the other dancers and musician, I moved slowly for about 30 minutes.

The field was full of snow. My branch was long and brown; it curved towards the edge on one end, making it slightly heavier on that side. I found a spot in the field were I wanted to settle. The wood stick was leaning against my body, resting on my shoulder as I was standing with my arms hanging down.

I could hear the sound of the snow balls fall on my rain poncho. I started to breathe deeper so as to feel more heat in my inner body, to soften my joints, to connect with the moment as it was. I bent my knees a little so to feel my own weight against the ground. The ground felt very far away. I invited myself to sink into my socks, my snow boots, down through the layers of snow and finally into the ground. Once I found the surface I was standing on, I started to feel the weight of the branch on my shoulder. Its weight was comforting and stable. Following my impulse to touch it, I slowly intended movement towards the branch. I reached the branch with my hands, with my wet gloves.

The touch was humid and timid at first, every touch would release pieces of dirt that had attached to the branch’s surface. I was looking down to the ground to avoid getting snow in my eyes, so I could see brown drips falling on the white snow. I continued to understand the branch’s rough surface and shape with my touch. I was now able to support the branch with little tension, this made me feel grounded, a small smile lit up in my mouth. I paused to enjoy this feeling; the pause didn’t really felt like stillness.

At this point I was ready to respond more confidently, but adjusting my body was more challenging than usual. I couldn’t move my feet smoothly as the snow was sticky, slippery, and uneven. I had to find many ways in which to shift my body weight keeping while keeping the feet on the ground. The support of the branch was helping me. I found a way to lean into the branch which was leaning on me — we depended on each other. We paused and took in the rest of the environment. I could hear, in the distance, full branches of trees breaking and falling with the weight of the snow. In these moments I had a greater impulse to support and be supported by the branch. Somehow it was a poetic action, a recognition of the trees that were loosing its extremities. http://vimeo.com/32366130

I started to notice how the heat throughout my body was activated specially around my core. I was focusing on this area of the body since my extremities were wet and busy. I enjoyed feeling my whole body and the branch moving as one, this partnership was starting to flow. The weight of the branch towards one side of the horizontal plane started to take me into a slow spin. I followed it , and felt very peaceful. I inevitably connected with the dancers around me. I saw the bodies and branches making a moving drawing, designing the pathways in the space, pausing together, taking turns for movement. At this point it seemed that the natural environment was very much integrated into each movement of our personal experience and our collective experience. This flowing energy was very special. I was no longer scared about the challenges of the snow, the cold, the falling ice. My focus was accurate and suspended.

I also understood it was inevitable that the trees loose significantly big and important branches, I couldn’t take care of it in any other way, nature’s power just is. By being with it, it was clear that going against nature is also going against ourselves. I didn’t want this dance to end.

Chestnut Hill Local

2011-11-14T04:29:00.000-08:00

Lou Mancinelli has written a piece on the project for the Chestnut Hill Local. Thanks for the press!

Just a couple of errors: My husband is Pepon Osorio. Gabriel is my son.

And, I don't mind saying my age; just don't think its nescesary. I'm 57 and happy to be dancing. Yay!

Photos of Noreaster performance at Wave Hill

2011-11-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

Photos by Maria Sassetti

Fall performance at Wave Hill is a picture of winter

2011-10-30T06:11:00.001-07:00

Fall was transformed into winter by the nor'easter that hit the region yesterday. Wave Hill had to close for safety reasons as branches broke off trees under the weight of the snow. But performers and video crew were there, ready to go; the nature of the work is to perform through the seasons and the weather. So much preparation for this moment! I was impressed with Wave Hill staff's support of our artistic vision and practice in allowing us to perform on the lawn away from the trees. It was challenging, beautiful, and sad, as we reflected on climate change hearing branches crashing around us.

I am grateful to all who made this happen. The performers: Marion Ramirez, Shavon Norris, Beau Hancock, Jumatatu Poe and Tigger Benford; Michael Max Knobbe and the Bronx Net crew; Jenniffer McGregor; Jenniffer McGregor, Michael Wiertz and the rest of the Wave Hill staff. Thanks also to Patti Bradshaw and Tom Ross for showing up despite the challenges of getting there!

Forecast for tomorrow: rain, wind & SNOW!!!!

2011-10-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

The show must go on! Rain shine or SNOW!

It will be beautiful. See you at Wave Hill!
3- 3:45PM.

Layer up! Wear waterproof shoes. Bring an umbrella!

Click for directions.

Wissahickon Reunion/Yesterday's Performance

2011-10-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Philadelphia! Thanks to all who came out yesterday! It was a wonderful day to begin Wissahickon Reunion, sunny and crisp. So good to be in the woods again with Shavon, Olive and Jumatatu, and to welcome Marion and Beau. A special shout out to Harold E Smith and his hypnotic didgeridoo.

And many thanks to our supporters from OYWPP who came back--- Judy, Karen, Pepon, Gabe, Bill, Rocio, Rennie, Cory, Guisa, Jung Woong...--- and so many new faces! Check out Ari Kim-Ramirez, the world's youngest branch dancer!

Next performance Saturday Oct 29 at 3PM at Wave Hill Art Center in New York City. See previous posting for more info.

Photos by Gabriel Osorio-Soto

Its a beautiful morning for performing in the woods!

2011-10-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Its a wonderful day for visiting the park! Make sure you layer up because its a bit cold. Wear shoes with tread--there has been a lot of erosion due to the rains and the paths are a bit tricky. Bring water. Travel light. For directions to the site view the previous post. See you there!

Performance tomorrow!

2011-10-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

The first performance of Wissahickon Reunion will take place tomorrow Sunday Oct 23, from 10:30 -11:15 AM along the path from Mt. Airy Ave to the Mt Airy Ave Bridge in Wissahickon Park. The performance will feature dancers Beau Hancock, Shavon Norris, Jumatatu Poe, Olive Prince, and Marion Ramirez and a special appearance by percussionist Harold Smith who will be joining us on the didgeredoo.

The forecast is for a mostly sunny day with highs in the low 60’s with a bit of wind. Fine fall weather! I hope you can join us.

Directions

Driving:

From CC: take Kelly Drive (check your GPS as Kelly Drive may be closed tomorrow) or 76W to Lincoln Drive to the first traffic light (Rittenhouse). Turn right on Rittenhouse to first traffic light (Wissahickon) and turn left. Follow Wissahickon (you will cross Lincoln Drive) to Mt. Airy Ave (it’s the last cross street before Wissahickon curves sharply to the right to become Allens Lane. If you find yourself on the curve you’ve gone too far). Left on Mt. Airy Ave. Drive one block to the end of the road. Park along the street. The entrance to the park is at the end of the street. You will find us along the path(s).

From North Philadelphia: Take Broad Street North to Venango (just past Temple Hospital). Turn left on Venago and follow it to Erie. Cross Erie. Venango become Wissahickon Ave. Continue on Wissahickon to Mt Airy Ave ( see directions above)

Public transport:

Regional Rail: The R8 Chestnut Hill West Line will get you reasonably close and there is a train that arrives at the Allens Lane Station at 10:15. Walk west along Allen’s Lane and follow the road as it curves around to the left (it becomes Wissahickon Ave). The first cross street after the curve is Mt. Airy Ave. Turn right onto Mt. Airy Ave. The entrance to the park is at the end of the road (2 blocks). http://septa.org/schedules/rail/index.html

Buses: The H bus gets you reasonably close. Get off on McCalum and Mt. Pleasant. Walk one block north to Mt. Airy Ave. Turn left. Walk along Mt Airy Ave to the end (about 5 or 6 blocks).

Biking: From CC: Take Kelly Drive until it end on Ridge. Cross Ridge and enter the Park. Follow Forbidden Drive to the Mt. Airy Ave Bridge (it’s the one after the Kitchen’s Lane Bridge) Cross the bridge and go up the hill. You will find us along the path(s).

Photo: Pepon Osorio

The Sister Projects and WISSAHICKON REUNION—Sunday Oct 23, 10:30 AM

2011-10-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

When I was invited by Jennifer McGregor to conduct a one-year project at Wave Hill, I was overjoyed. It’s a phenomenal opportunity to perform branch dancing in New York City at Wave Hill. New York New York! The Bronx! The old hood! All my friends! I am excited to be able to share Branch Dances @ Wave Hill with you!

AND then there’s my new home, Philadelphia, and the beautiful Wissahickon Woods where the branch dances were born. The NY project provides a structure for developing a similar project at home in Philadephia; hence Wissahickon Reunion. I want to lovingly revisit (on a modest scale) the One Year Wissahickon Project (OYWPP) which moved all who participated. Jumatatu Poe, Shavon Norris, and Olive Prince are back, yay! Toshi Makihara and Noemi Segarra, though not physically present, will be present in our memories. Joining us for the first time are Beau Hancock, Marion Ramirez, and Tigger Benford; and on October 23, Harold Smith with be accompanying us on the didgeridoo.

The first performance of Wissahickon Reunion will be a “fairy” performance; audiences will find us along the path from Mt. Airy Ave to the Mt Airy Avenue bridge. Audiences are encouraged to block out some time to wander along the paths and enjoy a respite from the city. Bring a snack and water, have a picnic! The woods are glorious these days --- the brisk air, the dancing light, and changing leaves, and the wind, make it quite magical. Make sure to wear proper clothing, sun glasses, and walking shoes with grip. The recent rains have caused much erosion and the paths are a bit treacherous. You may want to pick up a walking stick!

Like OYWPP, Wissahickon Reunion performances will be held Sundays at 10:30AM. Give yourself some time to get lost and found! All performances will be held rain or shine; cancellations only in extreme weather. Audiences should check this blog on the morning of the performances for up to date information.

Photos of OYWPP: Pepon Osorio

Announcing 2 cycles of performances in Philadelphia and NYC

2011-09-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Merián Soto/Performance Practice announces two one-year cycles of Branch Dances that will take place in Philadelphia and New York City, beginning in October 2011. Each series, the Wissahickon Reunion and Branch Dances at Wave Hill, will consist of four outdoor performances, one each season spanning from October 2011- June 2012. Soto is joined for these performances by dancers: Beau Hancock, Shavon Norris, Jumatatu Poe, Olive Prince, and Marion Ramírez. Acclaimed musician Robert “Tigger” Benford will create and perform the music.

Branch Dances at Wave Hill

Wave Hill, a 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, has commissioned award-winning choreographer Merián Soto to return to the Bronx, her artistic home, to develop a site-specific project during a one-year residency. Soto’s project is part of Wave Hill’s 2011–2012 generated@wavehill commission, a program that provides artists the opportunity to create temporal work for the grounds. Over the next 12 months, Soto will develop and perform Branch Dances at Wave Hill.

This project was generated from Pepatian's APAP@HOME 2011 series in the South Bronx, and is further supported by project manager Jane Gabriels.

The first Branch Dances at Wave Hill performance takes place Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 3:00pm. Performances are free with admission to the grounds. The schedule for the entire series is as follows:

Fall: Saturday, October 29, 2011 (Target Free Morning)

Winter: Saturday, January 7, 2012 (Target Free Morning)

Spring: Sunday, April 22, 2012

Summer: Saturday, June 23, 2012 (Target Free Morning)

For more info see: Wave Hill

Wissahickon Reunion

Wissahickon Reunion revisits the award-winning One Year Wissahickon Park Project which investigated correspondences between movement, the elements, physical experience, alignment and balance, consciousness, and performance. Performances will take place on Sundays at 10:30am, rain or shine. Cancellations will be only in extreme weather.

Wissahickon Reunion performance dates are:

Fall: October 23, 2011

Winter: January 15, 2012

Spring: April 15, 2012

Summer: June 17, 2012

Back in Rehearsal

2010-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

To prepare to get back into branch dancing we lay on 18" balls, letting go into gravity as if hanging off the ball. We slow down and allow ourselves to go to the edge of intensity. When its too much, we pull back from the point of contact with the ball, not all the way, just enough to continue to ride the edge of the movement and sensation. We go back to the practice of evenly matching the quality of energy at the point of contact throughout the body. And, we let the body stretch itself, hang itself.

As we slowly rise from our prone positions we pay attention to the closed circuit of energy between the hands and the feet that is created by our simultaneous attention to these. The four points establish parameters of a circuit of energy. Our attention and perception activate and sustain the circuit, respectively.

We move into the practice of hanging off/from the vertical branch. We continue to pay attention to the circuit created by the hands and feet. The hands now hold the branch vertical to the ground. We experience how our perception of earth's gravitational pull is magnified through holding and sensing the branch. We practice evenly matching the quality of energy at the point of contact, in this case the hands, throughout the body. We practice of evenly matching the quality of the feet (the point of contact to the earth), to the hands (the point of contact to the branch), and then throughout the body. Attention on two or more foci generates energetic connections and movement impulses throughout the body. We practice choosing different pathways hanging in various ways from the branch.

We practice holding the branch horizontally while imagining we still are hanging from it. The muscles retain the memory of hanging and in recalling they imitate, the rest of the body follows. The joints of the feet, legs, and hips open to support this fiction. We ask ourselves, what is moving up to support the the branch? what is hanging?

Now we arrive at the piece, Winter Dance. Its a simple dance; each dancer moves across the projected environment on a slow journey of relationships between the image, the shadows we create, and each other. We move for a while; we step out and watch each other. We identify and look for ways of magnifying potential relationships. We arrive at a score.

Marion comments on how the way the light from the projector gets cut off at the feet makes her think of the feet sinking into the snow. Beau remembers dancing on Lake Erie, the cracking ice under our feet. The piece begins to unfold.

Beau Hancock, Marion Ramirez, and I will be performing Winter Dance at Pregones Theater in Da Bronx on Jan 7.

Winter Dance

2010-03-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

In the past month I performed Winter Dance at the ACDFA regional conference at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, and at the Conwell Dance Theater at Temple University. It is performed by Michael Roberts, Beau Hancock and me within a videoscape of a snowstorm shot by me in 2007. The sound is taken from video of another snowstorm.

It was made to fit the 12-minute-and-under proscenium format so popular these days. I don't think this is the best format for the branch work, but, so much of what we do these days must fit into this structure (no need to go into a discussion of the dire state of dance presenting). So I keep making these short pieces!

The following kalaidescopic piece I created with footage from the video of the performance shot by Eun Jung Choi. The mandala effect works well with the states of gravity and light series of branch dances performed within a projected environment, especially in the way that the visual information is translated and connects to the dance of moving into/shifting into balance.

Enjoy!

Forest Bathing in Japan!

2010-01-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Forest Bathing! Check it out!

Photos of Postcards from the Woods by Cylla Von Tiedeman

2009-11-22T16:07:00.001-08:00

Postcards from the Woods premiered at the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival in September.

Below are some photos by Cylla Von Tiedeman. Also click here for Jonathan Stein's review in the Broad Street Review.

Noemí Segarra:

Olive Prince:

Jumatatu Poe:

Jumatatu & Olive:

Postcards @ The Live Arts Festival

2009-09-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

It’s been a little over a week since we closed Postcards From The Woods at the Live Arts Festival. I want to thank all who supported the work throughout its creation and those who came to see the work.

The show was a resounding success both artistically and in terms of audience attendance and response. It was an awesome experience to perform the work with my talented and committed collaborators Noemí Segarra, Olive Prince and Jumatatu Poe, and to present at the Ice Box. We were expertly supported by Laura Zimmerman’s video support work, Cicada Brokaw’s sound, Leigh Mumford’s lighting, the tech and house staff of the Live Arts Festival, and we were thrilled with the enthusiastic feedback of audiences. Thanks to all who voted it Amazing! in the Turn You Cell Phone On poll.

The one disappointment has been the meager critical coverage by the press. To date I have seen only one review in the City Paper. A bit of investigation has revealed that several critics assigned to cover the show were no shows. So in lieu of the critics I want to share some peer reviews. Thanks for your feedback!

“What a delightful experience to be at your performance last night. Even before any movement began I was entranced by the beauty of the "limbs"...dancer limbs and tree limbs and by the power of Cicada's soundtrack. And then seeing the projections and the wonderful interplay of dancers and shadows was really moving. “ Alan Harler

“The dancers danced as nature would, if nature danced (a paraphrase of John Cage) but then I thought, "Well, they ARE nature, too!" The setting for the piece was comprehensively used and made the experience rich and full.” Jo-Anna Moore

“You do "subtle" with power! Very impressive...” Gabriel Martinez

“I loved the show. It was totally transcendental and such an incredible spiritual experience. I couldn't even speak after the show....utterly speechless. It was wonderful.” Barbara Hogue

“On Sunday I took a walk at the Wissahickon, starting at the north end near the stables, which is a newer area for me to explore. I had seen “Postcards from the Woods” the day before and as soon as the view of the creek widened out from along the path, I could see all the tree trunks on the opposite bank reflected perfectly in the water. In the late afternoon light, the contrast of light air and leaves and darker trunks was just like the shadows cast on the Ice Box walls. I thought about the earlier year of performances and how the park is marked now by it. But also, in looking at the park without the dance, my experience was enriched through recollecting your hyper-representation of it indoors. Here was nature imitating art!

Being in a big white space with you all, the branches, and the images was an exceedingly meditative experience. We were captive, unlike in the park, and surrounded, unlike in a theater. My response, as it usually is on the first leg of a meditation retreat, was to become settled and then drowsy. That a dance performance could do this to me, creating such peace, seems completely delightful.

What more powerful partners to invite into your process than the elements – earth, air, water, fire. And that you keep dancing with them is a testament to the wisdom of growing older.” Lisa Kraus

Rehearsals for Postcards at the Ice Box

2009-08-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve lost track of how many branch dances I’ve made since I started the practice of dancing with branches. Beyond the numerous park pieces, which include dozens of solo “guerilla” performances, there have been many dances for the stage, some solo, some group, some with and without live music and/or projections. You see, it’s a practice, something one performs/practices over and over again (so its easy to lose count).

Part of the beauty of the branch dancing is that it always changes and thus it keeps one flexible, helps one practice non-attachment. And yet because the practice is always the same — to pay attention, to connect — the dances are all similar. Always similar but always different, as every moment is different. And different because each branch, every performance space, each performer(s) has its/his/her own exigencies which in turn establish new parameters for the dances.

A case in point is Postcards from the Woods, the newest edition in the Branch Dance series, to be presented at The Ice Box, 1400 N American St., Philadelphia, as part of the Live Arts Festival in September (for details go to the Live Arts web site: http://www.livearts-fringe.org/details.cfm?id=8372)

The Ice Box is a big white rectangular space--- http://www.cranearts.com/?page_id=11 Wanting to work with the long thin tree trunks we had found at Silo last March, and knowing that only a space like this could permit this (they simply don’t fit in a most spaces), we had decided to work with these at The Ice Box. I had also been developing work utilizing video images projected side by side, carefully studying the space between the images. However, the various plans and ideas for how to inhabit the space were quickly abandoned once we were working in it. After just one day in the space it was clear that we I needed to go back to the drawing board. Once we were practicing in the space it felt important to acknowledge the large emptiness of the space free of clutter. The video concept that I had been developing all spring in proscenium situations would now have to be transformed for the round.

Luckily the artists I work with, Noemí Segarra, Jumatatu Poe, and Olive Prince, are not only exquisite dancers, they are flexible and open and willing to try new things. The artists working on tech—Laura Zimmerman, Leigh Mumford, and Cicada Brokaw, were equally responsive.

In truth I was not surprised by this turn of events. As I stated before the experience of working with the branches has shown the need to be responsive in the present. But I was surprised by the fact that this particular work feels closer to the park performance experience than any of the proscenium dances I have created thus far. Going into the experience I had anticipated that placing and controlling the work within a visual art space it would somehow become a visual experience, that each dancer would be distinctly separate from the others. In fact, the space and the gigantic branches defined a different outcome. As in the park performances the audience can move around us to view us from different vantage points. It has brought back the original consciousness of performativity as occurring simply and directly as a result of the awareness of being seen. From audience responses to the work, it feels that more so that in the park performances the audience becomes aware of themselves as being seen, of being part of the performance.

I want to take this opportunity to thank those who attended the showing on Friday, August 8. Not only was your feedback was enormously helpful, it was also incredibly satisfying to learn that the worked moved you and touched you. Very satisfying!

Photos: Bill Herbert

Postcards from the Woods @ Pregones Theater in the Bronx

2009-06-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Pregones Theater invited me to conduct a creative residency throughout spring 2009 to develop a new work in the branch dance series. The residency funded by the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces Presenting Program would culminate in a performance as part of their Dancing in Da Bronx series.

It was a total delight to be back in Da Bronx where I lived and worked for 15 years prior to moving to Philadelphia. I was lucky to stay at Mi Casa Tu Casa bed and breakfast on 150th Street. I strongly recommend it. Its comfortable and homey and oh so convenient. There’s nothing like getting up and crossing the street to work when you want to immerse yourself in the creative process.

On June 19 I presented a first draft of Postcards from the Woods at Pregones. I was joined for this performance by dancers Olive Prince, Jumatatu Poe, Jung Woong Kim, and Marion Ramirez. Dave Overcamp designed the lights and Cicada Brokaw the soundscape. Laura Zimmerman assisted with all the video tech and she shot and edited the OYWPP documentary video that ran in the lobby.

The crowd was smallish but enthusiastic, surely helped by the margaritas being served in the lobby. Thanks to all my friends who attended: Jane Gabriels, Bill Aguado and Cathy Pavlik, Janet Rodriguez and Kayte Ringer, Irene Sosa, Arthur Aviles, Patti Bradshaw and Tom Ross, Beka Lloyd Jones and Sasha Welsh, Kathy Westwater, Bill Bragin, Tanya Calamonieri. The overall POSITIVE feedback affirms that we are on track as to concept of the work and impact of the work.

This work feels whole. It accomplishes what it sets out to do—bring the audience into an experience. Performing it is thrilling, not in a high pitched sort of way, but in deep tones, in the exactitude of waiting, the heightened awareness. It feels good to do and good that the audience is moved.

On to Live Arts!

Branch dancing at The World Dance Alliance Americas Assembly May 28-31

2009-06-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

The 2009 World Dance Alliance Americas Assembly was held at The University of Wisconsin, Madison this past May 28-31. This conference and festival brought an international cohort of dance artists, educators, and students from over 15 countries and throughout the United States.

What a pleasure to participate in such a rich gathering of dance artists, scholars, and educators! I was invited to present my work in one of several shared concerts and to conduct a three-day choreographic workshop which would culminate in a site specific performance on the fourth day. This was a welcome opportunity to pilot a residency concept that includes both a staged performance and a choreographic workshop within a short span of time.

The title of the assembly was What Moves Us? How appropriate! I spent the whole weekend feeling my heart swell and expand! I was moved by the wealth and vitality of dance presented. I was moved by Paul Mabwa’s dancing, presence, and gaze. I was moved by Mark Taylor’s teaching of Body Mind Movement. I was moved by entering Authentic Movement under the guidance of Melissa Rolnick.

Five dancers of mixed abilities and ages participated in the entire choreographic project: Melissa Rolnick from Gustavus College in MN, Paul Mabwa from Kenya , Anadel Lynton from Mexico, and Ellen Gerdes and Monica Frichtel from Temple University joined the company, Shavon Norris, Jumatatu Poe, Toshi Makihara, and me, for a four days of branch dancing. I was moved by the group’s interest and commitment to the work.

And I was moved by the audience’s response to the work. I had felt curious about what the audience response would be. This work is not dance in the traditional sense; would the world dance community resonate with it? I received abundant enthusiastic feedback: “the work drew me in immediately”, “it was beautiful”, “I was moved”. Wow! Its exciting that the work is received this way.

We keep moving.