The Rehearsal Process

As we get closer to the final presentation of our work through the Ladder Series, we are discovering new things about our story. It's interesing to look back at the people we've invited to witness our process and give their feedback. Each helpful in his/her own way...each giving their opinion through the lense of their own experiences in art...in life. In the end, though the piece is about 2 women, it really tells the story of all of those who have been a part of the process. We all touch, share and shape the story rather we realize it or not. Even if it's about helping Christie and I open up - to be more honest about what we have to say.

C&R: Collage by Rajeeyah

C&R: Inspiration

I love this video! Not only does it highlight the beauty of simple movement, but it also reminds me of the power of perspective. My take away is to lean towards creativity rather than complexity - something Christie and I hope to do in our piece.

Where I am

"If we stand tall it is because we stand on the backs of those who came before us" Yoruba proverb

As Christie and I work to bring the piece together, I am also facing the coming together of becoming a mother. Eight months pregnant... a challenging space to be in ... I'm creating on 2 different levels and wanting to give my all to both. Some have pointed out that the work really has already been done. So now our goal is to find the connection and make the choice of what story we will pass on. And hopefully our work will make room for those who follow like the work of those who came before us.

C & R: Thank you

We had the opportunity to explore and set choreography with dancers and a live drummer. Thank you to Pia Monique Murray, Nao Yamada, and Wahkiba Julion for sharing in the process with Christie and I yesterday!

C & R: Inspiration for a Work in Progress

“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you
into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is
unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and
be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how
good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to
keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even
have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware
directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is
pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is a queer, divine
dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others."- Martha Graham.

The picture shows a collage I made after reflecting on creation. We are all creators, but specifically it addresses ideas about the role of women in creation. There are no limits - we are always moving, shaping, transitioning...but maybe we limit ourselves based on what society has told us about ourselves. What happens when we express ourselves freely?

C&R: Working things out

The idea of the mirror... of reflection... of the lens through which we see ourselves continues to come up. Today we had a great conversation with Josh Young (Guggenheim Theater Technician) about how we might portray that idea in the piece. His openness and willingness to share his knowledge and experience was reassuring. I'm looking forward to what will come. I left the conversation appreciating the value of collaboration. Thanks to Christie for thinking of/reaching out to Josh and thanks to Josh for making himself available even at this early stage when we're still working out the shape of things!

C&R: Work in progress - The Beginning

9/18/11

The question arises: what have we failed to celebrate? As women, what are we overlooking each day? Aside from birthdays, promotions, graduations, anniversaries….what will we celebrate? How will we celebrate?

10/1/11

We talked about being a mirror for one another – that at this point in our lives we have been given an opportunity to see ourselves through one another. The things that we have asked for have been given...Moving reawakened the side of me that is not afraid, while speaking challenged the side of me that is. So this first day was about us…where we are, why we’re here and what we share.I thought it might have been about our mothers or women in general. But it was simply and beautifully just about us…in a dance studio in New York City.