Music – Sacred To Some Choreographers

Yesterday Jess and I were conversing over Gchat, and she sent me a link to this awesome video. Zoe Keating, professional musician, talks about quitting her corporate 9-5 day job to join a rock band and tour with them full time.

I immediately was smitten, as I love Zoe’s work. I inquired if Jess knew of her and she mentioned that she had a song in mind she wanted to choreograph with. Instantly I thought, Please don’t say Tetrishead, Please Don’t Say Tetrishead.

Jess responded with a link to “Sun Will Set” another beautiful song by Zoe. I was relieved as I had had been envisioning a whole piece to “Tetrishead” and didn’t want to have to compete with Jess for the opportunity.

This got me thinking. For some choreographers, such as myself, song choice is sacred almost.

I have a tendency of selecting songs to choreograph to that aren’t really popular, but by the time my piece is finished, the song will have shot to fame either via the radio, or being featured on a television show. (Even more so, it gets featured on So You Think You Can Dance – then I feel like a sellout). So much for trying to be different huh?

I also try not to choreograph to songs that others have worked with, out of respect for their work. Even though I usually think Damn, I wish I had heard that song first.  Another reason I try to refrain from using music others have already choreographed to, is to keep my work from being influenced by other dances using the same song.

Albeit, I draw inspiration from all over the place, I just don’t want to draw too many parallels between my piece and another using the same music.

Here are the two songs by Zoe Keating. Jess and I are hoping for a future collaboration with these.

– Michael

Tetrishead

Sun Will Set

“Find someone at work, preferably as bored as you…”

The most enervating part of the 9 – 5 is the wholly unnatural task of sitting in a chair 8 hours a day staring at a light bulb. Unless we make active choices to  move, we only are moved by cars, trains, or casters.

This passiveness becomes my whole state of being on some days. It is perfect for my boss, because it trains me to forget that things could be different. It trains me to direct my energy only towards what benefits the company and not me; passively sitting all day suppressing my breath, movement, blood flow.  How can I shift my world if I can’t breathe?

A way to find this breath is this lovely experiment suggested by Summer Pierre in her book The Artist in the Office:

I haven’t been able to get anyone to commit to this fully, but soon I hope to move past the awkward half dance in the break room with the tech guy.

Also happening at 3pm today is Dance Anywhere, a global call to move together wherever you are. Sign up here: http://www.danceanywhere.org/

Happy Friday everyone!

– Jess