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 dancer VIVIANA ALCAZAR  talks rehearsal thus far-

I was extremely excited to find out that I was going to be a part of Malashock/RAW 2! And to be given the chance to work with John and his talented company was, and continues to be, a great privilege.

Our first day began with work on a trio between Blythe Barton, Courtney Meadows, and myself.  We learned two precise, syncopated combinations, which have been quite the challenge for me, as learning John’s quirky movement and unique shifts of weight differ from the way my body usually chooses to move.  But, I love the challenge of getting into the studio and seeing what the demands/style of a new choreographer will be, and how I can adapt to his work.

Another challenge for me has been timing and accents—something I used to think was a strong skill learned back in my old hip-hop days;  something I thought I had in the bag.  Yet, I soon discovered my sense of timing and accent was uniquely different from John’s, making the rehearsal process a new challenge in training my body as a dancer.

With that in mind, I was excited to finish the trio by Thursday,  so that I could quickly get to working out the details and begin the character process.  Our trio has a dark/evil sinister feel.  Blythe and I have enjoyed pulling out our devilish side for this role as a dark, evil character who can control Courtney with our strong movements, energy, and of course, evil eyes.  The challenge has been balancing the character work with the physical specificity that has characterized John’s choreographic intent for this process.

After working on the trio, we began working as a whole for the group section.  This was a seriously awesome process.  John walks into the studio and is immediately “ in the zone.”  He looks at us and says: “ pick this up as much as you can.”  He turns on the music and starts the movement over and over, phrasing it all together.  After a couple of minutes, he turns off the music and says: “any questions on that?”  It reminded me of an SNL skit where the choreographer comes in, screams 5-6-7-8, and everybody just starts frantically trying to pick up an unknown phrase.  For as much as I was initially amused by the ridiculousness of it, I was quickly amazed by the seriousness and attention we, the dancers, gave to learning the work in front of us.  This moment  was amazing;  looking around the room filled with such talented and beautiful dancers that I highly respect, and each of them working as hard and  fast as they could.

As I said earlier,  John is very precise as to what he wants and what he doesn’t.  This allows the dancers to confidently deliver a strong performance with clear movement and character choices.

At the end of day on Thursday, prior to the crazy SoCAl Blackout of 2011, we started some new material for the last group section.  So excited for next week to see how that  piece develops.  We shall see…

For now, I invite everybody to come to the show to see what unfolds from all of this exciting new work! With choreographers like these, the show is sure to satisfy every one in the audience!

- Viviana

P.S  I have been able to see some of the other sections in this piece and let me tell you… Nick’s solo is Hot! And Christine Marshall and Kamla Somphanh in a duet….need I say more?