Click the link below and check out our MLK inspired improvisation session at Achieving Independence Center in Philadelphia. Add us on Facebook!!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Untitled
Did the untitled title draw you into reading this post? I enjoy being a bit mysterious, and did not want to mislead any reader to stumble upon a blog in which they will find any specified thoughts. I will admit, I'm quite guilty of rambling ... which may be for the better in some cases.
Prior to becoming a company member of CoEXISTdance, I was not sure what to expect of a professional company. Not having expectations in life has done me well in many ways. Dancing with these ladies has been quite a wonderful experience ... laughing. There are a lot of laughs. Laughing is my favorite (tis the secret to my somewhat flat belly). Aside from the fun, I have been learning a lot about myself artistically and have embraced all of the movement that I've encountered during this experience. If only I could be placed in a somewhat empty space occupied by only myself and the sounds of Zoe Keating ... here I go with the rambling. I am recovering from having my wisdom teeth removed, and have been instructed to lay on my couch, nothing more. Asking a dancer or artist of any sort to sit still is quite a request. Anyway, I am fascinated by how one passion can bring together so many individuals. All of the dancers lead different lives, busy lives, yet when we come together this performance machine feels so functional.
Prior to becoming a company member of CoEXISTdance, I was not sure what to expect of a professional company. Not having expectations in life has done me well in many ways. Dancing with these ladies has been quite a wonderful experience ... laughing. There are a lot of laughs. Laughing is my favorite (tis the secret to my somewhat flat belly). Aside from the fun, I have been learning a lot about myself artistically and have embraced all of the movement that I've encountered during this experience. If only I could be placed in a somewhat empty space occupied by only myself and the sounds of Zoe Keating ... here I go with the rambling. I am recovering from having my wisdom teeth removed, and have been instructed to lay on my couch, nothing more. Asking a dancer or artist of any sort to sit still is quite a request. Anyway, I am fascinated by how one passion can bring together so many individuals. All of the dancers lead different lives, busy lives, yet when we come together this performance machine feels so functional.
CHOP, Relay for Life, Dance for a Cure, New York...things. Things are good. Experience is good. Performing is good. Bonding is great.
Every week during rehearsal, we come from living our separate lives and once rehearsal has commenced we go our separate ways. Once we were together outside of the studio we learned more about each other, and began to understand each other. Once that began, we hit a breakthrough. Ever since, the laughing has increased.
I can feel myself wanting to ramble again.
I believe it is my time to wrap up this post. There will be more to come.
Every week during rehearsal, we come from living our separate lives and once rehearsal has commenced we go our separate ways. Once we were together outside of the studio we learned more about each other, and began to understand each other. Once that began, we hit a breakthrough. Ever since, the laughing has increased.
I can feel myself wanting to ramble again.
I believe it is my time to wrap up this post. There will be more to come.
Until then, tootles!
- Tia :)
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul and body."
- Martha Graham
What is coexisting (repost from old blog)
rehearsing. performing. choreographing. thinking. observing. supporting. talking. getting to know the other dancers. helping to bring out the company's vision in whatever way possible. These are the activities and roles I take as central to being a part of coexistdance. I have had the pleasure of being a part of Coexistdance since it's original inception a few years ago and I must say the original version was very different than our current state of existance. The dynamic shift includes moving the company to springfield, media, and the local suburbs of Philadelphia, performing in charity and outreach programs such as relay for life and CHOP, and engaging community and younger dancers as much as possible. I am constantly impressed by Glynn's bravery in jumping into this new vision - her ability to be specific and confident about her goals through movement art will carry her and our success a long way. I feel that more and more we are representing and exhibiting the title of this loving dance company. As I get to know the new girls in the company, I am struck by the sense of openness and ability to seamlessly transition from sharing thoughts and emotions both positive and negative to rehearsing a piece or working on new movement. Jenn's first post is a perfect example of the texture of this work; there is an acceptance of the ebb and flow of imperfect lives and the use of dance to confront and deal with the emotions that are inevitable in that truth. So, things that coexist: movement art and its audiences, dancers, each other and their choreographer, the trajectory of living and the hope for/in beauty, feet and a hole in the marley, integrity in dance and accessibility to all audiences, difficult times and support, strangers and unguarded honesty. passion and giving.
A Blessing in Disguise (repost from old blog)
Hello world!
I decided to be the first to add to this blog! Actually this will be the first blog I've ever written, but I'm very excited to be part of something cool like this! For the past 6 months, I have been interning with coEXISTdance, and I have loved EVERY second of it! Kathleen is extremely motivating and inspiring, I couldn't ask for someone better to intern for. I consider myself very lucky when I hear people complain about their boring, dull, worthless internships and evil supervisors, and I get to do work that I'm passionate about! :)
I also consider this internship a huge blessing on a very very personal note as well. A little over 6 months ago, the most shocking, devastating, and unbelievable news was delivered to me by my boyfriend. I will never forget that Saturday morning. I went to teach my dance classes, just as I normally did every Saturday morning. However, this Saturday would be far different from any I could imagine. My boyfriend called me right after class and told me to come to his house right away. So many thoughts were rushing through my head. . . Is everything okay at home? Did someone get hurt? Why does he sound so worried? As I pulled up to his house, I will never forget the devastated look on his face. He got in my car, pulled it to the side of the road, and told me my dad had a heart attack that morning and didn't make it.
In that moment, my life changed instantly. It was as if the whole world stopped and caved in on me. Even though the months following that Saturday morning were the hardest I've ever been through, I gained a new outlook on my life and goals. My dad was always the biggest supporter of my love for dance, and he never missed a single show. I have always dreamed of opening my own studio, starting a dance company, or working in the field of arts administration. People always say you can't make a career out of performing, teaching, or dance in general. However, after my dad's passing, it gave me a full force motivation to live out my dreams and make my daddy proud!
That is why I consider this internship experience a HUGE blessing. It has not only given me the experience and skills I need to be successful in a dance related career, but it has also shown me that I CAN live out my dreams and make them happen! During a time in my life when I've been experiencing enormous amounts of change, I have been thankful for the amazing opportunities that I've been blessed with, including my internship with coEXISTdance. I know my dad is extremely proud of everything I've been doing, and I can't wait for him to watch me continue living out my dreams!
-Jenn :)
Monday, January 21, 2013
AIC Performance
Here it is folks! The very first post of CoEXISTdance on this blog!
We had a great performance at the Achieving Independence Center in Philadelphia today. We were fortunate enough to share dance with a wonderful group of Philly youth! Thanks everyone for making this a great experience for CoEXISTdance!!
We had a great performance at the Achieving Independence Center in Philadelphia today. We were fortunate enough to share dance with a wonderful group of Philly youth! Thanks everyone for making this a great experience for CoEXISTdance!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)