SYREN is in the midst of a program entitled “Dance on Canvas” through which we hold rehearsals in Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery at The Art Students League in Manhattan, and the students are invited to draw, paint, sketch and photograph while we just …work!
It’s a great inspiration to be in the space with these artists. The time is just so filled with energy.
We are in the thick of getting ready for the New York Season. We are getting “Pelleas et Melisande” back up and running, and creating the new piece (to John Adams, “Shaker loops”).
The whole idea that we are going to be on stage with a live orchestra in eight weeks is starting to become a reality. It definitely brings a certain awareness to the complexity of the music in a way that is new for me. I try to always create with the music leading me, but in this situation, the music could lead us in many different directions live on stage (faster than we are used to, slower than we are used to, fluctuating tempos, different sounds, people breathing..) all the beautiful things that make live music so breathtaking..and also make a choreographer sweat a little bit!
Click here for sneak peak at rehearsal videos!
Happy Snow Storm for those of you in the northeast USA!
bill
That’s an inspired concept. How was the space as a rehearsal studio? After you got going, did you treat it more as a rehearsal or as a performance in front of the students?
Jan 30, 2009 @ 21:27
kate
hey Bill!
The space is turning out to be a great rehearsal space. SO dynamic with art up 360 degrees around us! I would be fibbing if I didn’t say that, yes, at times, it feels as if we ran something an extra time or two because there were people watching, but on the whole, I have to say that both me and the company stayed really focused on the tasks at hand. We are just working through a lot of ideas right now, and we really did just that. We go back on Monday, so hopefully it will continue to be productive and inspiring!
Thanks so much for being in touch..
Jan 30, 2009 @ 23:25
liz
Love your concept of dancers rehearsing within the majestic walls of an art gallery.Envious as i just would love the chance to have the luxury of sketching dymamic dancers in strong atomical poses.Great imagery.Liz Millsom(try hard artist,Australia)
Aug 05, 2010 @ 12:42