When I started dancing for Malashock Dance I was a bit skeptical of the concept behind the Studio Series, a show that would allow the audience to come in and watch the rehearsal process. As a person who is involved in rehearsals daily, I feared an audience would find it boring. In actuality the Studio Series is similar to reality television. The audience is drawn in by seeing the process in an intimate setting and becomes hooked. Much like a football game, they root for us (the dancers) in much of the same way that a fan would cheer on their favorite athlete. Ok, so there is less hooting and hollering, but the enthusiasm for us to overcome challenges and push our bodies to the limit is there.  The audience becomes invested in the work and looks forward to seeing how each piece will be costumed, how the characters are developed and how the choreography changes from start to finish.

Lara dancing in The Studio Series for Stay The Hand, 2007

The Studio Series is also beneficial for the dancers. It gives us the opportunity to practice with the performance adrenaline that you only get with the presence of an audience. Personally, the part I value the most is seeing the show through the eyes of the audience because of their involvement during the show. I love listening to the questions, comments and feedback from audience members. I’m fascinated by the different interpretations from the patrons and how they relate the work to their individual lives and experiences. This is a unique opportunity to chat about the work that doesn’t happen at a typical dance performance. For example, a budding choreographer once asked John whether he was ever truly happy with a piece once it was finished.  John paused, and with a little prodding from his wife Nina, admitted that after all these years he still sometimes struggles with finding contentment in a completed work. Hearing such a heartfelt and honest answer from a successful choreographer is encouraging for all of us growing artists. These interactions with the audience remind me just how amazing and "unboring" my job is. I get to do this everyday!

This weekend we’re performing excerpts from our upcoming show, Shadow of Mercy, set to the music of Leonard Cohen. I look forward to seeing some new and familiar faces at the Studio Series this weekend at the Malashock Dance Space in the NTC Promenade. The shows are Saturday, March 28 at 7pm and Sunday, March 29 at 5pm. Each show is a little different so you could come to both and have a new experience each evening. Nevertheless, whether you come to one or both I hope you’ll enjoy the Studio Series as much as I do. See yah there!

Lara Segura
Malashock Dancer — Shadow of Mercy