January Dreaming on Such a Summer's Day

A magnificent summer day: sun bleeds through the upper layer of leaves on the tree above my head, which cast shadows on lower layers, a jangled chiaroscuro. A chill breeze mercifully runs through the leaves and against my bare knees--so refreshing!

I am struck by how much my mood depends on ordinary comforts: a mild temperature, enough food and sleep, dry clothes, etc. How easy it is to ruin my ease with a simple change of environment: heat or cold, hunger, etc. This delicate balance is, I believe, what draws me to explore winter in this new piece.

January Dances (working title), not March or December. I am intrigued by the sheer force of January: high winds, shivering, bare fields and trees--the chill ferocity of a season of withholding. I crave comfort in January because it is in short supply. I seek out bread and chocolate, warm blankets, hot drinks, cheap entertainment. I want board games and backrubs, familiar company, long baths. I am interest to see how cravings become represented in this dance. I know they will appear, but I don't know how.

What relationship will the performers share? My dances are always about relationships: a family on the point of separation, a family sharing a bed, a couple drawn to and away from each other, lovers with too many secrets…. What will it be this time?