Posts Tagged ‘contemporary’
Monday, January 30th, 2012 by Scott M.
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.
4 Sundays in February (2/5/12) Master Class Instructor Keith Johnson talks about his start in dance and what students can expect in his class:
I was originally drawn to dance because I loved to move, to be physically active, and to push my physical limitations. I was curious about the artistic side of movement and how it involved the whole being of a person. I was an athlete prior to dancing and wasn’t concerned about anything other than the body.
I am motivated to teach and choreograph to express myself and what I am drawn to in dance. I like that my choreography is an extension of where I am at a particular point in my life. It can be influenced by many things that inspire me and/or motivate me.
A student can expect to move a lot in my class and that they will be expected to not lose their own identity in my process. I am interested in dancers that offer their individual ideas through movement and therefore the class becomes collaborative in nature. I like to challenge dancers both physically and artistically.
If someone hasn’t taken my class I would encourage them to come and ask a lot of questions , make mistakes, and have a lot of fun. It should be challenging but can also be accomplished at the level they are at in their own training. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Tags: 4 sundays in february, contemporary, contemporary dance, dance classes, dance place san diego, dance school, exercise, john malashock, keith johnson, malashock dance, malashock dance school, michael mizerany, modern dance, southern california
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Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 by Scott M.
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.
RAW DANCER DAVID WORNOVITZKY DISCUSSES THE PROCESS THUS FAR
This week, rehearsals for Malashock/Raw began with Michael Mizerany, so I was asked to talk a little about my experience in the process. It has been an intense week, but at the same time, a very rewarding one.
Coming in the first day, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although familiar with Michael’s work, I can’t say that I was familiar with his process. We started off with some phrase work to get to know a little of the movement - which would have been familiar to anyone who was there for the audition. This helped us get in tune with each other and, of course, it got our bodies warm and hearts pumping.
What I started mentally preparing for, even before rehearsal started, was partnering. I knew that there would be some crazy partnering, and of course Michael did not disappoint. I was fortunate to be working with Justin and Nicholas, two dancers, who, are not only are excellent dance partners, but were also fully committed to it. Yes, we had our mishaps, and a few lifts that didn’t work, but when trying it, we put all there was into it, and did our best to try and figure out how to make it work.
All along, Michael was there to help where he could and tell us when it just wasn’t working. He would tell us in the most polite way - by saying that it was well done and we were doing just what he said, but it just wasn’t working.
After all of that, I have to say, that I was grateful when we got to parts of the piece that were not so overly energetic, because it gave my body and mind a moment to digest it all.
I decided to take the preventive method - instead of waiting to be completely sore, I have been taking hot baths and icing when time allows. I can’t say that I haven’t been sore, but I am sure that it has made it more manageable. It has helped with all the soreness from doing so much partnering and helped soothe all those parts of my body that are somehow missing skin, be it from the floor or from somebody’s body scraping it over and over. As Justin said, " tiger balm became a good friend of ours."
We were joined by Christine when it was time to figure out how to fling her around and around. By then, my body was more used to the work and, I have to say, it has become easier and easier. No doubt that the fact it was three of us figuring out how to lift Christine, who is, shall we say, on the smaller side and a great partner, also made it lighter. Sure, there is still quite a bit of my body that is thankful we have a couple days to rest before we take the next week on. However, all of me is ready and excited to take it on, work with amazing people, and see what comes out of it all.
But only you can say how it all turned out. So join us this Friday, September 2, for the open rehearsal and get a glimpse of it. Or just come and see Malashock Raw on October 20-22 for the full experience.
Best,
David
Tags: contemporary, contemporary dance, dance performance, dance place san diego, dancer, john malashock, La Jolla Playhouse, malashock dance, Malashock RAW, michael mizerany, modern dance, performing arts, southern california, what to do
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Friday, July 8th, 2011 by Scott M.
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 ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL MIZERANY TALKS SUMMER DANCE SAN DIEGO
MALASHOCK SUMMER INTENSIVE PERSONAL BLOG DAY 3
Things are hopping, leaping and barrel-turning along at The Malashock Dance Summer Intensive. John taught technique class today so I had the morning off, but had to do some administrative work including some prep work for Malashock/RAW.
In the afternoon, I had repertory class with Group B. I am restaging the 1st section of John’s dance work, THE FLOATING WORLD (which is having its television premiere tonight on UCSD-TV). In the actual piece, there were six dancers. In Group B, there are 13 dancers, so I am being very creative with how I use the movement and space. For example, one of the duets has now become a trio. The group movement phrase for three couple is now being done by five couples. I will have to bring a shoehorn to fit them all on stage, but as Nike says, “Just do it!”
Later that day, I continued to restage the 5th section of my work, BAD COMPANY. Though the movement is very dense and complicated, the intensive students have been tearing up the floor. The first time we ran it today, Nick and I looked at each other and said, “That was good!”
Both pieces have turned out very well and the dancers are fierce! Make sure you attend the Summer Intensive Performance at SDSU on July 22nd .
Michael Mizerany
Associate Artistic Director, MALASHOCK DANCE
Tags: contemporary, contemporary dance, dance classes, dance performance, dance place san diego, dance school, dance warm up, dancer, exercise, john malashock, keith johnson, malashock dance, malashock dance school, michael mizerany, modern dance, performing arts, southern california, summer workshop, the malashock dance school, what to do
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Friday, July 8th, 2011 by Scott M.
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.
V.3 - MALASHOCK DANCE EDUCATION DIRECTOR MOLLY PURYEAR TALKS SUMMER INTENSIVE
Summer can be spent relaxing, enjoying lazy days, and basking in the San Diego sunshine…unless you are a dancer.
If you stop by The Malashock Dance School you will see a very different dynamic.
Dancers often use the summertime to participate in intensives and extra classes where they push themselves mentally and physically in order to reach new heights, and this is exactly what is currently happening over the three-week span of July 5 -22nd at The Malashock Dance School.
It is thrilling to be able to offer an outstanding roster of renowned dance faculty, who will provide participating dancers the highest level of training they might ever find in one place. They are working with John Malashock, Sara Rudner, Michael Mizerany, Keith Johnson, and Jess Humphrey among others, and are experiencing many different styles and approaches to modern dance.
It is with great joy that I witness these fearlessly dedicated young dancers work through the grueling schedule of technique, repertory, new choreography, and an acting class, and still complete the day with a smile. They should be smiling…they should be immensely proud of themselves for dedicating their lives (or at least their summer) to such a beautiful discipline. We are watching their growth and transformation over the next three weeks, and I look forward to sharing this experience with you through our blogs.
I just got a sneak-peek of some of the new choreography being worked on here at the Intensive. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s going to be amazing three weeks. I shot some Flip-Cam video of the classes that we will post very soon, but I can say with certainty that our Summer Dance San Diego Student Showcase on July 22 is something NOT to be missed!
Molly
Molly Puryear, Education Director
Malashock Dance
Tags: contemporary, contemporary dance, dance classes, dance performance, dance place san diego, dance school, dance warm up, dancer, exercise, john malashock, keith johnson, malashock dance, malashock dance school, michael mizerany, modern dance, performing arts, southern california, summer workshop, the malashock dance school, what to do
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Wednesday, July 6th, 2011 by Scott M.
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.
Series # 6 - MALASHOCK ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL MIZERANY TALKS SUMMER DANCE SAN DIEGO
MALASHOCK SUMMER INTENSIVE PERSONAL BLOG DAY 2
Now, let me tell you a story. I had a very painful leg cramp in my calf last night. I couldn’t move for about 5 minutes. I did manage to finally massage the cramp away but it is one of those things where it hurts so bad that you laugh in pain. Every dancer knows that feeling!
And today, I am sure many of the Malashock Dance Summer Intensive dancers knew exactly what I was going through. I saw the scrapes on their feet from technique class and the bruises on their knees from BAD COMPANY. Though, as one dancer put it, “Hey, that is why I am here — to be pushed to the limit!”
I have to admit, I am always amazed at how quickly dancers acclimate themselves to any particular style. My movement is very fast and leggy with extremely quirky (some may say illogical, I prefer unpredictable) changes of weight. It is so satisfying to see a student embrace and execute a complex technical phrase on the 2nd day of the intensive. That is definitely an “A-ha!” moment. (Note: An “A-ha!” moment is when you finally understand any given idea or concept, and you exclaim, “A-ha!”) There have been many “A-ha!” moments going on these past few days and I will make sure to share each and every one.
Michael Mizerany
Associate Artistic Director, MALASHOCK DANCE
Tags: Add new tag, contemporary, contemporary dance, dance classes, dance performance, dance place san diego, dance school, dance warm up, dancer, exercise, john malashock, keith johnson, malashock dance, malashock dance school, michael mizerany, modern dance, performing arts, southern california, summer workshop, the malashock dance school, what to do
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Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 by Scott M.
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.
Series #2 - MALASHOCK/RAW
Before it premieres at Sushi Performance & Visual Arts on November 11, we’ll be hearing from many different participants in this exciting and unmissable event. Join us every week for a new voice and perspective from the provocative and exciting performances of MALASHOCK/RAW.
Vol. 5 - Bradley Michaud (RAW Choreographer & Method Dance Artistic Director)
After being invited to participate in Malashock/RAW! and set my dance, This Is Not An Exit, on the Malashock dancers, I had a small crisis of confidence. My dance company, Method, is based in Los Angeles, and I share with the dancers of my company a deep connection. I barely have to say anything for them to understand what I want. When we move together it is like I have been dancing with them my entire life. They know instinctively what I like to see, the emotions I try to convey, and the physicality I crave. I am constantly amazed at how they seem to read my mind, elevate my choreography, and make every moment and nuance their own. I trust them implicitly and feel completely secure and safe with them.
But would I feel the same with the Malashock dancers?
The process of creating a dance work on living bodies is a sacred act. Dancers are living, breathing beings that get hurt, tired, have emotional days, and come with all the energy and baggage and brilliance and distraction that is so markedly absent from a blank painter’s canvas, or untouched piece of sculpturing clay. Those objects can be put away, forgotten until later, and they never require any extra care. But 6 hours in a studio with a group of dancers is a roller coaster of floor burns, ego, exhaustion, trust, and ecstasy. Anything can happen and the process must lead to the creation of not some simple presentation or accomplishment, but of ART!
The biggest challenge I faced in completing this work was my own fear of trusting and letting go with the Malashock dancers. Would they like me, my choreography, and my crazy way of communicating? Would our personalities connect? Would this be fun for them and rewarding for me?
I needn’t have worried at all. The experience was everything I could have wanted and more. Fiercely committed and talented dancers, a wonderful support structure in John and Michael and the entire Malashock family, and above all, a mutual respect and fearlessness between the dancers and I that allowed me to experience my work in a whole new way, allowed the dancers a peek inside my world, and will hopefully be a part of making Malashock/RAW! an amazing night of dance for San Diego audiences!
See you at the show!
- Bradley
http://sushiart.org/season/malashock-raw
Tags: Add new tag, contemporary, contemporary dance, dance performance, dance performances, dance place san diego, dancer, john malashock, malashock dance, michael mizerany, modern dance, performing arts, southern california, what to do
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Friday, October 8th, 2010 by Scott M.
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.
Series #1 - MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE
As we approach our 4th Annual MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE! Fundraiser on October 9, we’ll be hearing from all levels of participants, past and present, to learn what it takes to raise the much-needed funds that support Malashock Dance’s Education Outreach and Scholarship programs.
Vol. 8 - John Gomez (Trial Attorney & Current Celebrity Contestant)
Dance is not what I do.
Nor had I ever even remotely considered doing it.
And so when I showed up for the first time to meet Vanessa at dance school, I felt a bit uncomfortable, to say the least.
And that feeling didn’t wear off any time soon. But the one thing the process did was challenge me. And I like challenges and different experiences so I showed up and tried.
And I kept showing up and trying. I’m not really sure what on earth I look like dancing now, or if I’m even remotely tolerable, but it’s all for a good cause. And I’m almost done.
- John H. Gomez, Esq.
http://www.malashockdance.org/thinksyoucandance
Tags: Add new tag, contemporary, contemporary dance, dance performance, dance place san diego, dance school, dancer, education outreach, malashock, malashock dance, malashock dance school, malashock thinks you can dance, modern dance, southern california
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Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 by malashockdance
Today’s blog post comes from Blythe Barton, Malashock Company Apprentice. See Blythe perform WAYWARD GLANCES in the Malashock Dance production SURFACE TENSION, October 10-11 at the Lyceum Theatre in Downtown San Diego.
Pure excitement was what I first experienced upon being asked to dance for Michael Mizerany’s in his new work, Wayward Glances, however as the first rehearsal approached the nerves kicked in. Of course once we were in the studio, my apprehension was quickly assuaged.
Working with Michael is challenging, in that he pushes you (and your body) in ways that your didn’t think were possible, always experimenting and adjusting to achieve just the right sequence of movement, flattering angle, or lift. The duet he is creating for Matt Carney and me revolves strongly around character development as well. I am working to bring out my inner dominant woman. Thankfully, dancing with Matt makes this process enjoyable and comfortable. As a taller girl, I have often been the “base” in partnering situations, so this is a new challenge to tackle. So far, I spend most of the dance standing on, balancing above and hovering over Matt.
As we moved into the second week of rehearsal, I was again unsure of what to expect. I had grown comfortable in working with Matt and Michael and was curious to a new group dynamic. I was once again pleasantly surprised… Rehearsals were fun and productive. Michael worked to create partnering sequences and to teach us movement phrases. It was most interesting to watch our choreographer look at a two bodies and shape an intricate phrase of momentum and shapes.
My first set of rehearsals with Michael for Wayward Glances has gone very well, and I am extremely excited to head full force into September. Blythe Barton Malashock Dance Apprentice
Tags: blythe barton, contemporary, contemporary dance, dance performance, dance performances, dance rehearsals, dancer, malashock, malashock dance, modern dance, performing arts, san diego, southern california, surface tension
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Friday, August 21st, 2009 by malashockdance
Today’s blog post comes from Theresa Anton, Malashock Company Dancer. See Theresa perform AFTER DUST and APOLOGIES FROM THE LOWER DECK in the Malashock Dance production SURFACE TENSION, October 10-11 at the Lyceum Theatre in Downtown San Diego.
Coming from Denver to rehearse a piece I knew nothing about and to work as half of a duet with a dancer I have never met was a bit risky, I know. But, I had met John, Michael, Nick and Matt while rehearsing “The Pearl Fishers” in Denver last spring and the opportunity to work with them again was not something I wanted to pass up. The duet is from “After Dust”, choreography by John Malashock, and the other half of the cast for this section, the beloved Christine Marshall.
Theresa Anton and Christine Marshall rehearsing AFTER DUST, choreography by John Malashock
I felt instantly at home with Christine and was struck by the physical similarities between us. Our first day of rehearsals went well as I got my bearings and started becoming familiar with a new style of work. One of the challenges of this duet is that as small as Christine and I both are (just barely 5’0”) we are accustomed to being the dancer thrown in the air and balanced precariously on others’ backs, arms, feet and so forth. This duet is different, we are not only the lifted, but the lifters; we not only had to learn to dance together as a pair, but work together to find the balance so important to partnering. My arms were sore for the first four days of rehearsal and I know that between now and when I return to San Diego to continue my rehearsals with The Company, I need to keep up the newly found upper-body strength.
Theresa Anton rehearsing AFTER DUST, choreography by John Malashock
It was a mild whirlwind of a week, flying in from Denver on Monday night, rehearsing all week and flying back home after rehearsal on Saturday, but I am so happy that I took that risk. I can’t wait for my return trip to Dance Place San Diego to learn “Apologies from the Lower Deck” and finish cleaning the sections from “After Dust”. It has already been such a treat to work with such a wonderful group of artists and friends…I can’t wait for the honor to take the stage with them.
Theresa Anton
Malashock Dance Company Dancer
Tags: contemporary, contemporary dance, dance, dance performance, dance performances, dance rehearsals, dancer, john malashock, malashock, malashock dance, modern dance, performance, performing arts, san diego, southern california, surface tension, theresa anton
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 by malashockdance
Molly Puryear's Contemporary Choreography Class in "Lost." Photo by Yvonne Portra.
THE MALASHOCK DANCE SCHOOL SPRING SHOWCASE was held at Sushi: A Center for the Urban Arts this past weekend and was a great success. On Sunday, the show was completely sold out – we squeezed in more than 90 people – and the dancers “danced” amazingly. The showcase included performances by the students of The Malashock Dance School as well as the participants of the New Works Workshops. John Malashock premiered his new work, Unsettled , Michael Mizerany debut his work for eight women, Total Eclipse , and Katie Griffin and Matt Carney performed a new dance they choreographed jointly, Dreams .
Jaami Waali's Hip Hop Class in Swaggerific. Photo by Yvonne Portra.
Joe Alter
As a reminder, the MALASHOCK DANCE SUMMER WORKSHOP INTENSIVE is fast approaching. Plus a new development: Due to larger than expected enrollment, Joe Alter, associate professor and coordinator of the dance division at San Diego State University, has been added to the Summer Workshop Faculty. He is the Artistic Director of the Joe Alter Dance Group and also currently performs with Leslie Seiter’s Little Known Dance Theater.
On the touring front, MALASHOCK DANCE will be spending a week in the Midwest at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in March/April of 2010. In addition to a company performance, we will offer three master classes including advanced modern technique, intermediate modern technique and a class in partnering.
And of special note: John Malashock has been elected to the Board of Trustees for DANCE/USA , the national service organization for professional dance. This is a tremendous honor for John, and he looks forward to being an enthusiastic representative. John will start his three year term on July 1, 2009.
John Malashock and Executive Director of DANCE/USA, Andrea Snyder.
Lastly, save the date for San Diego’s most fun fundraiser: MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE , Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 8 pm at Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall.
Michael Mizerany
Associate Artistic Director, MALASHOCK DANCE
Tags: contemporary, contemporary dance, dance, dance classes, dance lessons, dance performance, dance performances, dance school, dance/usa, john malashock, leonard cohen, malashock, malashock dance, malashock thinks you can dance, modern dance, new works workshop, performance, performing arts, san diego, southern california, summer workshop, the malashock dance school, tour
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