Behind The Curtain is a unique opportunity to get exclusive insight into the inner workings of Malashock Dance performances, programs, and events through first-person accounts from those that make them happen. From performers and choreographers to directors, producers, and beyond, our varied cast of contributors will provide an entertaining insiders look at what happens "behind the scenes" at Malashock Dance.

Malashock/RAW 2 Producer, "Desperate Love" choreographer and Malashock Associate Artistic Director   MICHAEL MIZERANY  talks rehearsal process

These past two weeks have been very exciting, exhilarating and exhausting. Yes, the triple E. In all honesty, my work started weeks before we began rehearsals on August 22^nd .

I had decided early on to have an original sound score composed for my new RAW work, DESPERATE LOVE. Fortunately, last spring, I met a very talented composer name Blair Robert Nelson when I was choreographing the play DOOLEY at Diversionary Theater. When he agreed to create an original composition for my RAW piece, I was ecstatic (yes, another E!).

Once in the studio, I decided to use a metronome instead of music (mainly so Blair would not be unduly influenced by my musical choices) but soon discovered that the incessant and constant tick-tick-tick-ticking was going to drive me nuts (maybe not a drive, more like a short putt). Eventually, I decided to use music that inspired me, and Blair has been very good at muting my choices and creating his own outstanding original music.

When I began rehearsals on August 22^nd , I was fortunate to have two of our senior company members, Christine Marshall and Nicholas Strasburg, as well as two local male dancers, David Wornovitzky and Justin Viernes, as my cast for DESPERATE LOVE.

The first three days were with all the men (Christine Marshall would join us on day #4). I primarily worked on a fast-paced, energetic and a somewhat dangerous male trio that incorporated lots of legs, lots of jumps and some intense partnering. For most of you who know me, my dances or my classes, not all that shocking. Having worked with me for the past four years, Nick knew what to expect, but I wasn’t quite sure how David and Justin would react. Not surprisingly, they were all in and approached the movement and lifts with RAW nerve and daring. It was never, “We can’t make that lift won’t work” but “How can we make that lift work.” David and Justin are problem solvers and, as a choreographer, you’re really glad to have that kind of attitude in the studio.

Once Christine Marshall joined us, I was able to focus on a duet between her and Nick. Nick and Christine are a dangerously combustible pair (and I mean that in the most positive and thankful way possible). Nick doesn’t have a spring in his step, but a “vault” in his step. He possesses a quicksilver energy and gravity-defying courage that is inexplicable. Christine is long and lithe but, when prompted, is a fearless ninja tornado, yet she doesn’t leave destruction in her path, just awe.

DESPERATE LOVE has a few surprises in store. If you are sitting in the SPLASH ZONE (the VIP premium seats situated on the stage with the performers), you will most definitely have the ultimate Malashock/RAW experience.

Michael Mizerany
Associate Artistic Director, MALASHOCK DANCE