We watched some old LSU dance tapes because we were in a modern piece together in 2006 that she hadn't seen since. Also, we looked at the other dance I choreographed. As fun as it is, it also kind of sucks to watch old dance vids because everything looks dinkier than you remembered it being. You remember working so hard and getting so excited and nervous to perform. You remember thinking this dance is awesome; it's my favorite or I knocked that out of the park or I fucked that up beyond belief. On the tape, it's just a dance that looks a bit dated and dull. Including your own choreography from seven years ago.
I showed her my song and explained about my ideas for the new dance. She liked it and said everything made sense and sounded like it was going to come out well. I asked her a bunch of questions about her process and she gave me some tips, like
- let the music inspire movement and don't think about every move before you do it
- not every move will serve the theme of the piece
- don't necessarily try to avoid "dance steps" (like certain ballet- or modern- based movement) to try to make the whole thing creative and pedestrian
- sometimes it works to just sit in a chair and listen to the music over and over again until you get ideas for movement phrases
- let formations happen organically and then set them
I thought that would have plenty of energy right about now, what with the kids being in the library for research (I forgot how much individual attention they need and how I am on my feet all day with them). I thought I'd be down to choreograph and plan my class this afternoon. Alas, I'm the mood to rest and to procrastinate. I'll at least force myself to make notes on the music and keep listening to it until ideas come. Look at me, making this potentially fun thing into a chore. That's what excessive fear and self-doubt will do to a project. At least Leif made me a green juice.
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