surface tension » Malashock Dance Blog

Error

JUser::_load: Unable to load user with id: 63

Posts Tagged ‘surface tension’

How I Spent My Summer Vacation or You’re Not A Monster, You Just Play One In My Blog

Monday, September 21st, 2009 by malashockdance

Today’s blog post comes from Bradley Lundberg, Malashock Company Dancer. See Bradley perform in the Malashock Dance production SURFACE TENSION, October 10-11 at the Lyceum Theatre in Downtown San Diego.

I can’t believe the show is almost here and summer is over. As I look forward to going back into rehearsal for Malashock Dance’s Fall production, SURFACE TENSION, I can’t help but wonder if it will hurt as much as last time. The rehearsal process has been very fun, but interesting to say the least. Being able to work intensely everyday for 3 weeks when I was on summer vacation from my job as a Special Ed Teacher allowed me the opportunity to dance more in the show than my busy schedule normally allows. But leaving the material for almost a month (Michael and John had to fly to Minneapolis to reset the dances for THE PEARL FISHERS) before we bring it back for the show in the next couple of weeks is not the way things are usually done. Thank God for muscle memory. I am constantly amazed at how organized Michael can be with all our conflicting schedules and is able to find the rehearsal time each piece needs.

I enjoyed dancing Michael’s movement and was especially looking forward to it after I saw the material that he created on the summer workshop dancers. But, OW!. Yes I said it. OUCH!!!! That first week of rehearsals were very intense cuz I’m not as young as I used to be. Where as, I love to dance floor work, I forgot how demanding learning new choreography is until you figure it out and dance it more efficiently. I have new sympathy for my students when I throw a new floor phrase at them. Of course, I still make them do it, but now I’m sympathetic.

For 2 weeks we worked on Michael’s piece and we used every minute of his rehearsal time. Except for maybe the first few days where he let us go a little early since I was cramping up so bad. Apparently when I cramp the sound I make is a mix between me laughing hysterically and crying. Who knew? Luckily, Michael was very understanding. He would laugh at me and then let me lie there for 5 minutes moaning before he would make us run it again. (Monster, right?)

Right in the middle of those two weeks of rehearsal for Michael, I had a week of rehearsals for a new duet by John for Nicholas and me. I was very excited since I love dancing with Nicholas. But a bit wary. John’s partnering is beautiful and sculptural, but very demanding. Sometimes you’re in rehearsal trying different things out and you find you self saying things like, "So let me see if I understand this. I’m kneeling and I lift Nicholas over my head and just hold him there?" So you can see why I was nervous to have 6 hour rehearsals scheduled. But in the end the piece made it known quickly and I think it is beautiful. Even if I do say so myself.

I’m very excited for the premieres of AFTER DUST and WAYWARD GLANCES so everyone can see all the hard work we have done, what beautiful dancers I am blessed to share the stage with, and the exciting new work we have created.

Bradley Lundberg
Malashock Dance Company Dancer

Tags: bradley lundberg, contemporary dance, dance performance, dance rehearsals, dancer, malashock, malashock dance, modern dance, san diego, surface tension
Posted in Behind-the-scenes | 2 Comments »

From the Dancers: Rehearsals for WAYWARD GLANCES

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
Posted in Behind-the-scenes | No Comments »

From the Dancers: Rehearsals for AFTER DUST

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
Posted in Behind-the-scenes | No Comments »

From the Dancers: Rehearsals for Surface Tension

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 by malashockdance

Today’s blog post comes from Matt Carney, Malashock Company Dancer. See Matt perform WAYWARD GLANCES in the Malashock Dance production SURFACE TENSION , October 10-11 at the Lyceum Theatre in Downtown San Diego.

My feelings heading into rehearsal with Malashock Dance Associate Artistic Director Michael Mizerany are usually filled with anticipation, interest, and maybe a little fear. You know the work will be guttural and athletic with a dash of passion and angst, but know that it will come at a cost.

Matt Carney and Blythe Barton rehearsing for Michael Mizerany's new work WAYWARD GLANCES

Honestly, a half hour into our first five-hour rehearsal for WAYWARD GLANCES I was already bleeding, sweating, and bruised and wondered how I would even finish. Before I knew it, I was caught up in my character and the safety of my partner that I started living in the piece. The movement began to develop meaning and a true partnership began. Working with a new partner takes, aside from time, trial and error to find a solid connection. Some lifts and partnered balances take many attempts, many falls to see what will work. Working with Blythe has made that process easy, with her focused work ethic and of course her long, beautiful body. I feel that I am finally doing movement that I was trained to do and am just enjoying the process. I look forward to seeing how the piece will develop.

As for the aches and pains…just part of the lifestyle of a dancer. When I walk, I am not just walking, I feel the sensation of my tight quads with every step. I’m forced to meditate as I fall asleep trying to find a part of my back that is not sore. Every time I stand up or sit down in a chair I feel every inch of my body. Such a crazy life to choose, I’m glad it chose me.

Matt Carney
Malashock Company Dancer