Back to Work on Philadelphia Dance Premiere

Contemplating a title change. January Dances was the working title. I understand the piece better now. It takes place over a single night, a single cold night. I'm feeling Long January Night right now, although any modern dance title with the word long in it may scare audiences. Maybe just January Night or Cold Night. The sections are more focused this way. Restless is the opening in which they roll out of a cozy slumber into space. In Awake, they battle insomnia. Sleepwalking is the section we are building now. Dream will follow. Not sure of the movement theme for this one, but looking forward to it.

Before Christmas and all that, we started on a sleepwalking duet for Alex and Amanda. Amanda sleepwalks, Alex catches her before she falls. This is extremely difficult to arrange without making it look contrived. Maybe improvisation is called for. I love the riskiness. Amanda is vulnerable with her eyes closed. It is especially challenging for her because she has a strong preference for Effort Space. She likes to see where she is. This adds an extra layer of tension. Alex is her rescuer, but does he manipulate her as well? There is a fine line between protector and jailer.

In the lead up to this section, Alex and Florencia slide upon, fly across the ramp. The energy rises before drifting down. What will Florencia do while Amanda sleepwalks with Alex. She must be background, but how? lie down and sleep? continue to fly across the ramp in a rolling Mobile State?

We have updated the website with photos and descriptions of repertory. For all the work we do on these dances, spreading the word about them seems always the last item on the list. I wish I could live two more lives to catch up on all of the work I have left undone in this one.

Human Landscape Dance and Anne-Marie Mulgrew and Dancers Co will perform in The Philadelphia/Washington DC Exchange May 29 at 7:30pm and May 30 at 3pm at the Painted Bride Arts Center, 230 Vine St in Philly. Come join us!