Dear all,
I have realized that I have managed to write several blog posts without going into detail about much at all. I thought that since I have some time to actually sit and write a thorough note, that I’d let you know a little more about what I’ve been doing.
Let’s start with the dancing: We have pretty full days here at the kibbutz as far as dance in concerned. In the mornings we usually start off with a technique class. Most days, we begin with ballet in the early morning. The ballet classes have been very freeing. We have had two teachers thus far, one used to dance in Cullberg Ballet and I’m not quite sure where the other danced. The class is contemporary and usually danced to pop music. Because we are welcomed to wear what we desire, I have found my movement not only becoming larger but also more fluid. I am still maintaining all of my technique, but I am also learning to dance the steps. As I become more immersed in the dancing aspect of it, I think that my technique and my confidence are taking hold and transporting me to new dancing places.
Our modern classes range from Graham-based technique to floor-work. I am actually amazed at how rooted in Graham the vast majority of our modern technique classes have been. I say “Graham-based” because we rarely do a traditional exercise, however the movement usually initiates from a contraction/ release or spiral or other Graham fundamentals. Some of the classes sometimes feel more like boot-camp than dancing. Sometimes we do very simple exercises that isolate certain muscles. I don’t really mind it so much because I feel myself getting stronger and I also have the opportunity to dance through the repertoire. One of our teachers who leads one of these Graham-based classes about which I speak, ends the class with some salsa moves and then a quick dance party with vocals. She is pretty hilarious. I’m glad I came straight from the Graham intensive to here because I feel totally prepared for classes. Our floor class – on the flip side of things – is phenomenal. We literally never leave the floor, but I still managed to sweat buckets and feel like I am flying through space. I also managed to end up with all sorts of dust on me. I am a human mop!
Our afternoons usually consist of repertoire. We are currently learning KCDC rep as well as Mats Ek/ Cullberg Ballet rep. For the Cullberg rep, we are learning sections from Giselle. The Mats Ek story goes that Giselle, instead of dying, ends up in a mental institution and the Willies are just mentally insane women running around in hospital gowns. It’s pretty hilarious, if you ask me. The whole thing is full of sex and humor. The group sections are pretty simple and angular, but the solos, which we just started learning are technically very challenging. Honestly, Giselle is not my favorite piece of rep that I have seen or danced, but I’m thankful to have the experience. Our teacher, Yamit, is also lovely to work with. Here’s a clip from the first act of Mats Ek Giselle. We’re learning act II right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXPeLT6XSiI&feature=related
The KCDC rep, on the other hand, is an absolute joy to dance. I feel like I’ve seen primarily two different types of movement in KCDC rep. The first is primarily gesture oriented. We learned an entire section our first week that is stationary, yet full of beautiful gestures. The woman who is setting the rep, Mika, told me that I was breathing nicely in the movement which is a huge surprise to me as I feel I’ve constantly heard that I actually need to find my breath. The other type of movement seems to be full-bodied, fast and flies through space. It’s quite aerobic, but lots of fun. Here, check out this section that we learned our first week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1EW7JJ2DQ4 We learned the section starting at 1:00.
Other mildly exciting things: At the top of this next month I think I’ll attempt my first big audition: Inbal Pinto. I sent in the video clips, CV and headshot that were required and got invited to audition on the 6th. I don’t expect anything to happen, but I am pretty excited for the experience/free master class essentially!!
One last thing: I am trying desperately to figure out what I want to choreograph while I am here. I had a grand plan to expand one of my pieces to at least 20 minutes in length, but we are only allowed to present 5 minutes of choreography. I am a bit disappointed. It feels like I am in school again. I am hoping that within the next few days I get inspired by something Israeli and ideas start flying. I will keep you all updated!
Alright, friends. That is all for now. I am going to go ahead and start to plan my trip to Tel Aviv this weekend! I am going to hang out with a few friends and see Inbal Pinto dance. Sending love! Marissa
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