Again friends, sorry for my lack of a post last week! Here's another double...
Week ten was pretty chill. I had two awesome sessions with Heather, and was supposed to have two awesome sessions with Max, but I had to cancel one because I was struck by a bad case of food poisoning. Any other time I have had food poisoning it has only lasted the one day, but not this time. One day out one direction, the next day the other, and the next day couldn't really digest any food normally, so needless to say, I have felt pretty weak lately. Because of this, my week was limited in shenanigans.
With Heather I relearned Buster Brown's Fascinating Rhythm/Just You Just Me, and started learning Eddie's blues. The thing about this rep is that you really can work on it for a life time and still find challenges. Knowing this whilst learning it gave me a bit of ease, but I am still so anxious to absorb the work! Patience... what a lesson. Its also frustrating knowing all of the adjustments to my technical work I need to face and approaching new material at the same time. It takes away an element of self trust in my learning process. Its strange to deal with, I'm very much in transition.
From Max I kept learning new patterns that circulate with the material I learned last week. There are always continuations in a progression and many different layers to fill in. So interesting, and challenging. I am so excited for all of this language to flow out of me influencing and interpolating into my creativity. My brain has been cracked open, nourished, and inspired.
On Thursday my friend Shauna Hoskin invited me to come see a run of Young Frankenstein. She's in the national touring company which will start this week. The show was on Broadway last season, it was a new Mel Brooks musical that closed in January. It was a great show! I am sad I didn't see it last year when I was here. So, right before the run started, I rushed in because I was running late, and just found the closest seat as fast as possible. Little did I know until the end was I sitting infront of Susan Stroman. For those that don't know, this woman is a broadway powerhouse. She is it, in many ways as far as I'm concerned for music theatre choreographers in the last 15 years on Broadway. Look her up, her work is insane! I sat infront of her for 2 hours and didn't even know until the end...my heart dropped a bit when I figured that out. Its almost like we hung out...right?? haha.
On Friday my friend Shaeffer who I know from Toronto via my excellent friend Kendyl, invited me out for dinner. We went to the restaurant where her husband has been the head chef for a few months now, and the food was pretty much the best meal I have had as long as I can remember. Seriously. She is originally from Alberta too, so she had 3 friends visiting, and thought I must come make the Alberta connection! So glad I did, it was such a nice night. On the way home I ended up bringing 2 of her friends to Fatcat and ending my night with another crazy time of beer and ping pong in NYC. Of course I can't just take er easy. Well, not when the opportunity for an emmense amount of fun arises! =)
Saturday I went for dinner with Allison Plamondon, and then we went to see a play off Broadway. We saw Epic Theatre Ensemble's Mahida's Extra Key to Heaven, and it was awful! We left at intermission. We were both so exhausted that day anyway, but it was crazy painful to try and keep our eyes open during the first act, so we decided to relieve ourselves of the torture. Its funny, I still expect everything I see in New York to be good, basically just because its New York! I have never walked out of a show here before. I was very happy to spend time with my wonderful friend, but man, what a disappointment!
Week eleven...
On Monday I had a session with Max, awesome as always, went to Michelle Dorrance's class, also bomb, and then finally went up to the Cotton Club to check out big band night! Lisa LaTouche dances with Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and her husband Omar every Monday. My friend Awoye also dances with them. It was awesome. It was such an authentic Harlem experience. It was pretty cool to sit in a legendary club, and watch tap as the main event. Pretty cool to see Lisa killing it! Such a big fan. She's so great, and such an amazing person. I hung out with her, and also ran into Joel Hanna who was in town. I met Joel in Vancouver. He is the only percussive dancer from Vancouver to ever have a run at the Joyce in New York. He combines step with tap and martial arts. His work is like nothing else, and as a person, so is he! Strong personality, but really nice, awesome guy. Inspiring in many ways. I felt pretty lucky to be in the company of these two Canadian powerhouses. We all hung out in Vancouver also with Dean Ozen! Excellent people, so fortunate to know them, and have time to hang.
On Tuesday I had a date. Yes, a New York date! The funny thing is that he isn't American, he's British. I met him at the dinner that Shaeffer invited me to. He went to U of A, so he is friends with one of Shaeffer's Alberta visitors. What can I really say about it in my blog? haha. What if he decides to google me and reads this??...thats embarresing. I'll just say that we hung out again on Saturday, and he is really nice, and I like him. That's all. haaa.
Wednesday was one of my favourite New York days yet. I went to see Alan Cumming perform at Barnes and Noble for his cd release and signing. I went for Rob, because he is one of Rob's biggest influences and inspirations. It was really cool to see him and meet him after his performance. I had a picture taken, but questioned it...because well, I couldn't resist, however, that could inspire a wack of jealousy for Rob to see me with his hero in a picture. It would make me crazy if the tables were turned!! I think the gift I got Rob will make up for it, but again, can't get into it on my blog because he just may read this. After that I headed over to City Centre to get in the cancellation line for the Fall For Dance Festival. SAVION was performing, and of course it was all sold out. I waited for an hour and half, and scored myself a ticket!! I SAW SAVION LIVE! It was sickening. I don't think I have ever experienced chills like this before. My entire body reacted to watching and listening to this. Throughout the festival 4 dance companies perform each night, and Savion closed the show. What was shocking to me is that I saw a handfull of groups leave during his performance. HOW COULD ANYONE LEAVE DURING THAT? Wack. He had the most massive applause, the entire audience was on their feet screaming! What I don't understand is how an audience can go see a multi form dance show and demonstrate the most support for tap, yet there is such little support for it in the world....???? Whaaaaat? The thing that can blow people's minds to that capacity doesn't have nearly enough recognition, but a ballet or contemporary dancer can go to a University program to major in their artform, and have the likelihood to dance in a professional company being funded by supporters, and government grants. Then go on to dance in these companies that have seasons guaranteeing them performances, all the while gaining a stronger sense of a chance at sustaining a professional life as a dancer. Now, I am not knocking other dance forms. I love all dance forms and believe any artform takes a wealth of determination and unfathomable hard work, and not for a second do I think one artist has it easier than another. I just witnessed a very intense experience with some baffling observations, thats all. But hey, that's a large part in what I am working towards. Changing tap's reputation amongst the status quo/the common public's understanding of it, developing a strong community, and staying true and authentic to an artform that needs to be celebrated and EXPOSED.
On the way home from seeing Savion, I was starving because I waited in that line and didn't really get to eat anything. So I got a sandwich and made my way to the subway. On the way I walked through Times Square, and whilst chewing, a man jumped out infront of me, and kindof trapped me from moving forward. He was asked where I got my hair done, with my mouth full, I said Canada, without any sense of sincerity he told me he thought I was beautiful, and that he loved me. He was trying to sell me a promotion that was going on at his salon...this happens all the time in New York, Toronto too actually, but never in this fashion! So, I tried to pass him and continue on my way, and he was like "why are you trying to run from me, I just told you I loved you." ...??? what! So, I had to deek him to get back on my way and as I continued, he yelled at me in Times Square calling me a racist Canadian....again....what??? why, because I don't respond to poorly executed agressive American consumerism? What a day. Ridiculous.
On Thursday I had another vocal lesson with Jay Clayton. It was awesome. Its really amazing to connect vocally again, especially in a way that will completely contribute to my dancing. It feels so good, and I am so glad that I got that happening again for myself.
Friday I had a session with Heather. She is currently getting all of the mould removed from her studio because there was some water dammage a while back, and she is pretty allergic to it. So, because the floor was not usable, we had a lesson outside on a tap mat. It was probably my favourite session yet. It was so beautiful out, and there is something so calming and celebratory about working artistically in nature. Pretty awesome. Nature you're thinking...in New York?? I don't know if I mentioned in previous entries that Heather lives in Valley Cottage which is about an hour out of the city, and its pretty beautiful. Her house is incredible, and the land she lives on is pretty amazing. It was awesome. Then when I got back into the city, I went and took Derek Grant's class, who is finally back in town for my last 2 weeks!
Saturday was another hilarious day. After exploring Williamsburg a bit, and spending 4 hours at Lincoln Centre Library I had another ridiculous New York experience. Last weekend the 4 and 5 trains weren't running in Brooklyn, so we had an announcement on the train that we needed to transfer. With this news I met a lady with a 3 month old baby, and another girl who was visiting for the weekend and didn't really know how to get around. So, of course I helped them out. In this endeavour of transfering trains and walking underground to make connections, the lady with the baby HANDED me her baby...what are you supposed to do when a person is in the process of handing you a baby and saying "do you want to hold her?" You can't say no, especially when the question is placed in the midst of the exchange. So, this lady trusted me, a complete stranger...a nice one, but still, trusted me with a life. THEN...as I am holding the baby, she's hungry and starts clawing for my breast...those may be big, but most definitely free of milk!!! So, the lady hands me a bottle...now I am feeding this baby and walking through a subway station in NYC....whaaaat?? My process: thought #1 OMG don't drop this stranger's baby, thought #2 I'm so nowhere near ready to be a mother, thought #3, WTF lady?? How about I hold your 3 bags and YOU hold and FEED your own damn baby!!! Unbelievable. Another one of a kind day.
On Sunday I went to Barbara Duffy's class, and then got to see Sheena for a short visit before she had to get back on the ship, then I had a drum lesson with Dan Weiss! It was a wicked lesson. I have been after him for a lesson for a long time, and finally got it! He is probably the most proficient, technically incredible and musically interesting drummer I have ever been exposed to. He's played at The Rex a lot, and I have gone to see him play with Dave Binney many times here at 55 Bar. So, first of all, due to the craziness of everything else, I haven't practiced or played drums since I came here. So the kit felt very unfamiliar, and on top of that, he wouldn't let me read any lines or use my book. I just had to play something, which shouldn't be a big deal, but I felt kind of trapped. So, of course the first thing I played was a groove that's really challenging for me. It was cool though, he gave me some elaborations on it, and also some technical adjustments that were helpful. For the second half of the lesson I put my shoes on, and we just focused on music. We did some call and response, and he also gave me some ideas to create some excersises for myself dealing with time signature flips and speed. I got a little nervous in my shoes dancing across from this guy who I find extremely musically intimidating, I forgot for a minute that he was my friend. It was such a great lesson though, especially the amount that I got from a non tap dancer. The kind of detail that I was forced to pay attention to was a shift, and is totally what I am after. Totally awesome. I can't wait to study further with him.
I can't stop emphasizing how fortunate I feel for the incredible knowledge that I am gaining from all of these amazing teachers. And again, I can't wait to spend some serious time pracitcing when I get home!! That is in a week...my next entry will be from my living room in Toronto summarizing the last week and the whole shebang. Leaving is so bittersweet. Till I get into it next entry...
at xo
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Week Nine
Wow, week nine...really? Why does it never cease to amaze us how time flies, sky rockets, jolts by when we are focused, happy? Crazy.
So, coming back from Vancouver was kind of a strange transition. I guess my body needed some rest! I couldn't just jump back into everything, at first I felt it was weird and then took a moment to realize everything that I have been doing for two months straight. I just needed a small fraction of down time! It didn't last long, but my body demanded a break!
In mentioning Vancouver, right off the top I should let you know that I have been offered a position to dance in the 2010 Olympic opening ceremonies. I'm pretty excited about it! Mostly because I get to reconnect with the tap fam from Van and move forward working together as a kickass Canadian unit! Well... and everything else that goes with dancing at a massive global event! Much looking forward to that experience!
My week started with taking Lynn Schwab's class. She dances with Max and Barbara's companies, and I have known about her for a while, but have never checked out her class. I am so glad I did. She's a great teacher. Really takes the time to suss out detail, and pay attention to specifics individually. I didn't take too much class last week because I was extremely focused on practicing for my upcoming two days with Max. So, this is the best...I practice to a pretty solid point that I feel I really have the material from the last sessions, and when I show him the success in what I've been working on, immediately he throws in yet another counter point. Really?? Yep, you think you have begun to master something that once seemed impossible, then it instantly goes right back down to impossible! No worries, no defeat, just more challenge! LOVE IT. To give you an idea of what I was dealing with: we're in 6/8, my feet are holding down 1 and 5, my right hand is holding down 3 and 6 on my leg, and my left hand is holding down a clave (2 bars = 1 3 5/2 4) on my chest....and when I got that, he throws in singing triplets accenting the ones over top. After a little bit of time practicing on my own, I have it now. =) Its incredible how much you can build on an idea when you find the complexities within a phrase. My mind is being stretched!!! I just can't tell you enough how incredible Max is! Such a wonderful teacher and brilliant artist. I really truly cherish my time with him. I get another round of two days this week, but before Max again I see Heather for two days. I also hope to book a drum and vocal lesson this week. Cramming it all in before I go!
On Thursday night I got the privilege to go see my treasured friend, teacher, and student Dave Clark play at the Miller Theatre with The Happiness Project. I saw this band at their label's party at NxNE (north by north east) music festival in Toronto, but was so happy to see it again and in New York! This band is one of Charles Spearin's side projects, he plays in Broken Social Scene. So for this project, Charles interviewed his neighbours, his daughter, his friends, all asking what happiness means to them. He then composed music inspired by the musical quality of their vocal patterns, and weaved in and out of the compositions looping the spoken track within the live music. Such a cool concept, AMAZING music, and really wicked musicians. It was great to see Dave and another friend Karen Ing play with them! I also ran into Myk Freedman who played guitar in my last show and hooked me up with my roommate in New York. It was a nice little reunion of sorts! So awesome to catch up with Dave. He is such a great inspiration and huge support to me. How great to meet up with him in the middle of this experience!
After the show, my friend Jen and I went to meet up with my friend Mike League at 55 Bar to see Tim Lefebvre play. Mike and Tim have both played at The Rex, Mike with Snarky Puppy, Tim with Rudder. I wrote about seeing Rudder a few weeks ago here in New York. All these musicians I get to hang with here just cuz I made friends at work in Toronto. Awesome!
The next night, Jen asked me to come out to a jam in Jersey. Jen is my friend who's into capoeira, and at the centre where she practices there was a little event! Every three or four months there is an arts event in Jersey City called JC Nights, and all of the local bars, art galleries, event spaces, and community centres throw special events as a celebration of arts in the community. So, at the centre there were salsa dancers, musicians, capoeira, break dancers, modern dancers, a belly dancer, and us tapping. It was a totally fun time and really great group of people. Everyone was so into each other's scene! So much support in the room of a group of strangers. Really glad I got the chance to dance and hang with these people.
On Saturday I had quite the treat! My friend Sheena was here! She is currently singing on a cruise ship and it ports out of New York for the next month and a half. So with the exception of last Saturday, every Sunday between the hours of 8am and 3pm I get to hang out with my girl! We'll go for breakfast, I'll go to a class, then we'll hang some more! How wonderful! Too bad that she won't be able to see any shows in that time frame, but we did go see Hair on Saturday. Y'know, I didn't love it. I was really looking forward to seeing it, but I don't know, it just didn't rise to the same level as The Toxic Avenger and Next to Normal. The music was incredible, the voices were stunning, the set was cool, the whole energy of it all was amazing, but it just didn't blow me away. Maybe if I would have seen it before the other two shows that did, it may have been a different story. Who knows? Also, there was an understudy for Will Swenson who plays Berger. Sometimes understudies are brilliant, they're on Broadway for a reason, but Berger has a really specific charisma that I don't think was met. I just didn't believe him. I'd like to try winning lottery tickets for it. That way it would only cost $25, and I could experience the whole show again. Sheena and I meant to try the lottery, but we were late! They were already calling names when we got to the theatre. Too bad, cuz I have excellent luck with Broadway lotteries!
After the show Sheena wanted to check out a cabaret bar, so I took her to Don't Tell Mama's on west 46th street. I have been there a few times, its a fun little place. There is a pianist for the night, people get up and sing tunes, and the bartenders have mic stands on the bar so they can sing backups. Sheena was going to get up, but she bailed. Probably because we got a little bit drunk. Only 2 martinis each, but when you have taken a hiatus from the booze, the liquor hits quicker, by far! On the way to the subway we had a little jump shot photo shoot in front of times square. This gaggle of teenage boys wanted in and tried to help us take it, but the results were not excellent. They were taken on Sheena's camera, so I will post them when she sends them to me. When we headed home, had found ourselves in a dance session on the subway platform! We were serenaded by a new friend playing a keyboard and singing Stevie Wonder tunes, and totally in dance party mode with the other listeners whilst waiting for the subway. Spontaneous excellence, really. The ride home was also interesting. We made more friends at 2am. Do we ever stop making new friends?? I might have a problem in the amount of joy talking to strangers brings me. I hope it doesn't get me in trouble one day. I had such a great time with Sheena, and am so happy I get it all again on Sunday! A magnificent bonus!
On Sunday I went exploring in Brooklyn. I know my way around Manhattan pretty well for the most part. Its where I spend most of my time and the only part of New York I have visited in the past. I hadn't yet taken the time to really explore further than the local spots in my area. So, I took the afternoon and discovered Brooklyn, some of it anyway! I love figuring out where I am and how to get around without asking anyone. It was a totally fun three hour walking excursion. I ended up at kinkos, printed some pictures, documents, and got my contract faxed in. Then went and bought some groceries, made my way home and had a super chill night. Just what I needed! I got chatting with my new friend, an actual new friend, Dean Ozen who I met in Vancouver. He's been really active in keeping the momentum of the conference running. He created a facebook group called The Tap Dancers Network of Canada. If you are a tap dancer or tap dance lover who would like to be involved, look it up and ask to be added. Its a closed group so I cannot just invited people to it, but its very well worth joining to be a part of the initiative amongst the national community! Dean has put forth a lot of effort, and is a very driven performer himself. We have very inspiring chats, and he blogs every day! He wrote a blog entry with a focus on me this week, which was so kind! Such a great human, so glad we met! Check out his blog: www.jazzyhoofer.wordpress.com Yaaaaa tap blogs!
So, that was my week. Sorry I am a little late writing again! I started on writing on Monday, but needed to head to bed to wake up for my day with Heather. So, next week I will fill you in on the last two days and the rest of the week. Till then....
at xo
So, coming back from Vancouver was kind of a strange transition. I guess my body needed some rest! I couldn't just jump back into everything, at first I felt it was weird and then took a moment to realize everything that I have been doing for two months straight. I just needed a small fraction of down time! It didn't last long, but my body demanded a break!
In mentioning Vancouver, right off the top I should let you know that I have been offered a position to dance in the 2010 Olympic opening ceremonies. I'm pretty excited about it! Mostly because I get to reconnect with the tap fam from Van and move forward working together as a kickass Canadian unit! Well... and everything else that goes with dancing at a massive global event! Much looking forward to that experience!
My week started with taking Lynn Schwab's class. She dances with Max and Barbara's companies, and I have known about her for a while, but have never checked out her class. I am so glad I did. She's a great teacher. Really takes the time to suss out detail, and pay attention to specifics individually. I didn't take too much class last week because I was extremely focused on practicing for my upcoming two days with Max. So, this is the best...I practice to a pretty solid point that I feel I really have the material from the last sessions, and when I show him the success in what I've been working on, immediately he throws in yet another counter point. Really?? Yep, you think you have begun to master something that once seemed impossible, then it instantly goes right back down to impossible! No worries, no defeat, just more challenge! LOVE IT. To give you an idea of what I was dealing with: we're in 6/8, my feet are holding down 1 and 5, my right hand is holding down 3 and 6 on my leg, and my left hand is holding down a clave (2 bars = 1 3 5/2 4) on my chest....and when I got that, he throws in singing triplets accenting the ones over top. After a little bit of time practicing on my own, I have it now. =) Its incredible how much you can build on an idea when you find the complexities within a phrase. My mind is being stretched!!! I just can't tell you enough how incredible Max is! Such a wonderful teacher and brilliant artist. I really truly cherish my time with him. I get another round of two days this week, but before Max again I see Heather for two days. I also hope to book a drum and vocal lesson this week. Cramming it all in before I go!
On Thursday night I got the privilege to go see my treasured friend, teacher, and student Dave Clark play at the Miller Theatre with The Happiness Project. I saw this band at their label's party at NxNE (north by north east) music festival in Toronto, but was so happy to see it again and in New York! This band is one of Charles Spearin's side projects, he plays in Broken Social Scene. So for this project, Charles interviewed his neighbours, his daughter, his friends, all asking what happiness means to them. He then composed music inspired by the musical quality of their vocal patterns, and weaved in and out of the compositions looping the spoken track within the live music. Such a cool concept, AMAZING music, and really wicked musicians. It was great to see Dave and another friend Karen Ing play with them! I also ran into Myk Freedman who played guitar in my last show and hooked me up with my roommate in New York. It was a nice little reunion of sorts! So awesome to catch up with Dave. He is such a great inspiration and huge support to me. How great to meet up with him in the middle of this experience!
After the show, my friend Jen and I went to meet up with my friend Mike League at 55 Bar to see Tim Lefebvre play. Mike and Tim have both played at The Rex, Mike with Snarky Puppy, Tim with Rudder. I wrote about seeing Rudder a few weeks ago here in New York. All these musicians I get to hang with here just cuz I made friends at work in Toronto. Awesome!
The next night, Jen asked me to come out to a jam in Jersey. Jen is my friend who's into capoeira, and at the centre where she practices there was a little event! Every three or four months there is an arts event in Jersey City called JC Nights, and all of the local bars, art galleries, event spaces, and community centres throw special events as a celebration of arts in the community. So, at the centre there were salsa dancers, musicians, capoeira, break dancers, modern dancers, a belly dancer, and us tapping. It was a totally fun time and really great group of people. Everyone was so into each other's scene! So much support in the room of a group of strangers. Really glad I got the chance to dance and hang with these people.
On Saturday I had quite the treat! My friend Sheena was here! She is currently singing on a cruise ship and it ports out of New York for the next month and a half. So with the exception of last Saturday, every Sunday between the hours of 8am and 3pm I get to hang out with my girl! We'll go for breakfast, I'll go to a class, then we'll hang some more! How wonderful! Too bad that she won't be able to see any shows in that time frame, but we did go see Hair on Saturday. Y'know, I didn't love it. I was really looking forward to seeing it, but I don't know, it just didn't rise to the same level as The Toxic Avenger and Next to Normal. The music was incredible, the voices were stunning, the set was cool, the whole energy of it all was amazing, but it just didn't blow me away. Maybe if I would have seen it before the other two shows that did, it may have been a different story. Who knows? Also, there was an understudy for Will Swenson who plays Berger. Sometimes understudies are brilliant, they're on Broadway for a reason, but Berger has a really specific charisma that I don't think was met. I just didn't believe him. I'd like to try winning lottery tickets for it. That way it would only cost $25, and I could experience the whole show again. Sheena and I meant to try the lottery, but we were late! They were already calling names when we got to the theatre. Too bad, cuz I have excellent luck with Broadway lotteries!
After the show Sheena wanted to check out a cabaret bar, so I took her to Don't Tell Mama's on west 46th street. I have been there a few times, its a fun little place. There is a pianist for the night, people get up and sing tunes, and the bartenders have mic stands on the bar so they can sing backups. Sheena was going to get up, but she bailed. Probably because we got a little bit drunk. Only 2 martinis each, but when you have taken a hiatus from the booze, the liquor hits quicker, by far! On the way to the subway we had a little jump shot photo shoot in front of times square. This gaggle of teenage boys wanted in and tried to help us take it, but the results were not excellent. They were taken on Sheena's camera, so I will post them when she sends them to me. When we headed home, had found ourselves in a dance session on the subway platform! We were serenaded by a new friend playing a keyboard and singing Stevie Wonder tunes, and totally in dance party mode with the other listeners whilst waiting for the subway. Spontaneous excellence, really. The ride home was also interesting. We made more friends at 2am. Do we ever stop making new friends?? I might have a problem in the amount of joy talking to strangers brings me. I hope it doesn't get me in trouble one day. I had such a great time with Sheena, and am so happy I get it all again on Sunday! A magnificent bonus!
On Sunday I went exploring in Brooklyn. I know my way around Manhattan pretty well for the most part. Its where I spend most of my time and the only part of New York I have visited in the past. I hadn't yet taken the time to really explore further than the local spots in my area. So, I took the afternoon and discovered Brooklyn, some of it anyway! I love figuring out where I am and how to get around without asking anyone. It was a totally fun three hour walking excursion. I ended up at kinkos, printed some pictures, documents, and got my contract faxed in. Then went and bought some groceries, made my way home and had a super chill night. Just what I needed! I got chatting with my new friend, an actual new friend, Dean Ozen who I met in Vancouver. He's been really active in keeping the momentum of the conference running. He created a facebook group called The Tap Dancers Network of Canada. If you are a tap dancer or tap dance lover who would like to be involved, look it up and ask to be added. Its a closed group so I cannot just invited people to it, but its very well worth joining to be a part of the initiative amongst the national community! Dean has put forth a lot of effort, and is a very driven performer himself. We have very inspiring chats, and he blogs every day! He wrote a blog entry with a focus on me this week, which was so kind! Such a great human, so glad we met! Check out his blog: www.jazzyhoofer.wordpress.com Yaaaaa tap blogs!
So, that was my week. Sorry I am a little late writing again! I started on writing on Monday, but needed to head to bed to wake up for my day with Heather. So, next week I will fill you in on the last two days and the rest of the week. Till then....
at xo
Monday, September 7, 2009
Week Seven & Eight
Week seven was pretty focused on preparing for the audition in Vancouver. I was told choreography would be given to me in the audition, but still to had a solo prepared just in case they wanted to see more, being that I was from out of town. So, of course, for some sick reason, I can't ever use something that I already have, I need to create something new! It was awesome, brought me a little bit of stress, but it was really fun to break away a little bit from what I've been working on, and create something new with some music I absolutely love! I used this piece called "The World Is Getting Smaller" by a band from Texas called Snarky Puppy who have played shows at The Rex. I am in love with my new piece! It was a drag that I didn't get to perform it for my audition, but hey, nothing is lost, I have invested in myself and have the beginnings of a new solo!
Also that week I had my first vocal lesson in three years. I had some heavy surgery in 2006. I got my tonsils and adenoids removed, a septoplasty and a turbinate reduction. That was 4 invasive procedures in my face and throat. I didn't look differently after, but it was a painful recovery! Just after the surgery I was studying voice again, but when I left Toronto for Edmonton to do a show in the Fringe that year, I unintentionally left it alone, and haven't really explored my voice since. In the meantime, I have grown quite sensitive about my voice, only because I haven't been exercising it and it still remains something that I really love. It can get frustrating reaching for something that used to naturally be a part of your everyday practice, but since, I can't expect for it to be in shape when I haven't been practicing regularly. So, now I've jumped back in, and it feels great. I had a lesson with Brenda's friend Jay Clayton who I mentioned in my last entry. She comes from the jazz land, not music theatre land, but all in all, the same kind of technical stuff was covered, just from a very different perspective. I liked it! I am really glad to put myself back in practice and am looking forward to studying further with Jay while I'm here. It can only serve my dancing, and also bring back some confidence in another tool that I have neglected.
Best part of the week...ROB'S VISIT! He arrived in the morning on Friday, I practiced for a few hours, and then we took on the town! First we went to go see Final Destination 4 in 3D. That was crazy, and fun! Then we went to see The Toxic Avenger. AMAZING SHOW! We were reeling from the talent of the cast for the rest of the night. There will be a Toronto production of the show coming soon which is exciting, but the quality of the show will completely rely on casting. It can be and will hopefully be amazing, but it also has the potential to be really bad. So, we'll see. Its a perfect show for Toronto audiences. I'm looking forward to see what happens! Following the show we tried to say hi to Nick Cordero, who played Melvin/the Toxic Avenger. Rob and Nick did Theatre Aquarius together in Hamilton! Rob let him know we were coming, so we had plans to say hello, but our timing must have been off, so we missed him. Next we headed to a Mexican restaurant for huge margaritas, and then onward to Fatcat, the jazz bar I mentioned a few weeks back with ping pong, pool, etc. We had an awesome time! We ran into Dean Armstrong, who's ping pong game we crashed, and then hung out with him and his friend for a long while! Then, I ran into Brandi Disterheft, I mentioned her a while back too, great bass player who I know from Toronto. So we just had a blast! We partied!!!!! It felt so great to party with one of my best friends! I felt like I could actually let my guard down, and party like I know I can. hahaha. Its true though, there's nothing like celebrating with the ones you love the most. So, that was quite the birthday!!! The next day we went to see Next to Normal. Now that was a change of pace! Incredible show. We were walking around New York emotionally drained and speechless all afternoon. Shortly after we both had to part, Rob heading back on the bus to Toronto, and I had to head out to JFK to fly to Vancouver. What an incredible birthday gift. we just had the best time, and it really reminded me...as if I need it...but really reminded me how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends. Rob definitely plays for keeps, and who at this point, I really couldn't do without.
Week eight...off to Vancouver!!!
So, firstly, the flight was awesome. Cathay Pacific Airways was a dream! Cheap, comfy, awesome. I kind of dreaded a huge and long flight, but I must say, it was pretty awesome as far as flights go! I arrived, and who welcomed me other than my treasured friend Anna, who I haven't seen in 2 years, wearing her T-shirt that Sandra and I had made for her birthday. Back in March, Sandra and I took a trip to the Walmart portrait studio, dressed up full out in 80's get up, to get our photos taken in an authentic nostalgic fashion for our girl Anna's birthday gift. That was probably one of the funnest experiences I have ever had. It was a total trip to see her wearing it! I wish Sandra could have been there for that moment! Following our long excited greeting, we traveled home, of course accompanied by a to-go container of gin and juice. Its just how we roll. hehehe. We stayed up drinking and chatting till about 4 am, (7am new york time) and Anna had to work at 8am. It didn't go smoothly. I woke up and booked some practice space while she was at work, and in the evening, we took on Vancouver. Now, when any combination of Anna, Sandra and I get together, its going to be loud, and potentially abnoxious. The citizens of Vancouver were half and half on our side. We made some awesome friends, and I may have loudly expressed my distaste in those who didn't appreciate our zest. Regardless of whose feelings were temporarily trampled, be it ours or theirs, we had an excellent time, tearing it up, as per guaranteed. I miss Anna so much. Again, reminder of the awesomeness that is my friends!
Anna left for a climbing trip in California on Tuesday, which was the day of my audition as well as the first day of the Rising Tide: Canadians in Tap conference. I missed her for the rest of my trip, but I was completely fulfilled with what I experienced!
Okay, so firstly, the audition went well. It was awesome to dance in the same room with the people who I had conversed with all day, and friends who I haven't seen in a while! We all had a lot of fun in the audition. Right now, there is some controversy amongst the tap community regarding Vanoc hiring an Australian production company vs a Canadian production company, but I don't really want to get into it in my blog. I may speak about it as it develops in a future entry, but for the purposes of this being the internet and that everything I write is publicly accessible, I don't want to tarnish an opportunity that I would be so grateful to be potentially presented with. Myself, as well as the Canadian tap community, have an extremely positive outlook on the whole situation, as well as lot of respect for those who may present us with the opportunity to dance on the world stage. If anything, to land this job would be amazing if just to be in touch and work with my peers who I met at this conference and move forward with what we are determined to do as professional tap dancers in Canada!
The conference was awesome. It was a pretty incredible experience to be in a room with about 40 other people who shared the same passion and love for an art form which so often gets ignored. In speaking about some issues, I actually surprised myself in that I didn't think I would get so passionate to a point of shaking when I was just involved in discussion. I bring that to my work, but didn't think that would pour out of me at discussion level. This passion we have, its a peculiar and powerful thing. I feel pretty lucky that its rooted so strongly within me. Now to get further on connecting all of that through the emotional level of my dancing...
Anyways, I had debated the choice of taking the trek to Vancouver in the middle of my time in New York...am I ever glad I went. It was the best and smartest thing I could have done for myself. I got completely connected with the people that are also determined to make things happen in Canada. I have never felt such a strong sense of community. I can't imagine not being a part of that. The people I met, who I have been deeply inspired by, will change my life.
I got to connect with my friend Dayna Szyndrowski who was in the fringe show with me in Edmonton 2006. When we did the show, we definitely connected, but since working together we have become very close. Long distance we have maintained a pretty awesome friendship and support for each other over the past three years. This girl is sooooo talented. I have the utmost respect for her, and wish we could be in the same city to actually build on the ideas we share. I truly cherish our hangs! Fingers crossed for the olympics gig....
I also got to reconnect with one my treasured teachers from Edmonton and her daughter who I used to dance with, Gail Ledger and Kelly Cameron. Kelly's married now...feels weird to call her by her new name! Dayna also danced with Gail, but we never really knew each other as kids. Funny how life goes. haa. It was awesome to see them and catch up. We all went for dinner the night I flew back to New York. It was just a really great experience to be able to sit with 3 people who I have had such rich experiences with and look forward to whats next for all of us! Awesome.
Another highlight was meeting Tasha Lawson. This woman moved me to the verge of tears. We got along right off the bat within the conference, but I saw her perform and it changed me. She is currently working on her own vocabulary of body percussion. Surprise surprise, I was inspired. She has created an entire tap vocabulary where she places the sounds on her body instead of using her feet for manipulations. Its kind of weird to describe, and completely different than Max's work, but just like how I feel about Max, everyone needs to see this!!!! She recreated in her new language the famous Atkins/Coles soft shoe "Taking a Chance on Love." It blew my mind!!! To even grasp the capacity of creativity required to execute this completely blew my mind. I'm so glad we're friends now. =)
It was also really wonderful to hang with EVERY CANADIAN that attended Heather's intensive. Amanda Buckingham is an excellent dancer from Vancouver who worked non stop all week! She drove everyone around, danced all day, and pretty much worked till she dropped, all the while carrying herself with grace and an incredible air of positivity. What a great soul. We have become really close in the short time we've known each other and I am looking forward to where that will carry us in the future. She is attending the Music Theatre program at Capilano University right now. I'm about 5 years ahead of her, and man we have some serious parallels. Again, I feel pretty lucky to have come across such excellent people.
It was also pretty special for me to hang with my good friend Travis Knights in Vancouver, amongst these quality people. Every time we hang, or dance, or I see him dance, I am so filled with happiness and inspiration. Truly. He has just got something so special about him, and its really infectious. I can't wait to get back home and dance with him. We have got a lot of work to do!! =)
All in all, the people that I met, the people I reconnected with, have all contributed to the strength and determination I have for making what we do actually happen, successfully in Canada. What a positive, incredible, inspiring experience.
At the end of all of it, I got to have a short visit with my excellent friend Kendyl! We used to work together at Volo in Toronto. She now lives in Montreal going to Concordia University, but is from Van and happened to be there for a few weeks in perfect time to see me! Excellent little finale to my trip! Any time spent with her is a dream.
So, now, back in New York for my final month, slowly polishing off the cheesecake my roommate Jessica so generously gave me for my birthday! The approach...stop eating cheesecake, and take full advantage to everything I can that is uniquely accessible in New York. I need to schedule my time, and budget wisely!!! I'll keep you posted on how that all works out...
till next week....
at xo
Also that week I had my first vocal lesson in three years. I had some heavy surgery in 2006. I got my tonsils and adenoids removed, a septoplasty and a turbinate reduction. That was 4 invasive procedures in my face and throat. I didn't look differently after, but it was a painful recovery! Just after the surgery I was studying voice again, but when I left Toronto for Edmonton to do a show in the Fringe that year, I unintentionally left it alone, and haven't really explored my voice since. In the meantime, I have grown quite sensitive about my voice, only because I haven't been exercising it and it still remains something that I really love. It can get frustrating reaching for something that used to naturally be a part of your everyday practice, but since, I can't expect for it to be in shape when I haven't been practicing regularly. So, now I've jumped back in, and it feels great. I had a lesson with Brenda's friend Jay Clayton who I mentioned in my last entry. She comes from the jazz land, not music theatre land, but all in all, the same kind of technical stuff was covered, just from a very different perspective. I liked it! I am really glad to put myself back in practice and am looking forward to studying further with Jay while I'm here. It can only serve my dancing, and also bring back some confidence in another tool that I have neglected.
Best part of the week...ROB'S VISIT! He arrived in the morning on Friday, I practiced for a few hours, and then we took on the town! First we went to go see Final Destination 4 in 3D. That was crazy, and fun! Then we went to see The Toxic Avenger. AMAZING SHOW! We were reeling from the talent of the cast for the rest of the night. There will be a Toronto production of the show coming soon which is exciting, but the quality of the show will completely rely on casting. It can be and will hopefully be amazing, but it also has the potential to be really bad. So, we'll see. Its a perfect show for Toronto audiences. I'm looking forward to see what happens! Following the show we tried to say hi to Nick Cordero, who played Melvin/the Toxic Avenger. Rob and Nick did Theatre Aquarius together in Hamilton! Rob let him know we were coming, so we had plans to say hello, but our timing must have been off, so we missed him. Next we headed to a Mexican restaurant for huge margaritas, and then onward to Fatcat, the jazz bar I mentioned a few weeks back with ping pong, pool, etc. We had an awesome time! We ran into Dean Armstrong, who's ping pong game we crashed, and then hung out with him and his friend for a long while! Then, I ran into Brandi Disterheft, I mentioned her a while back too, great bass player who I know from Toronto. So we just had a blast! We partied!!!!! It felt so great to party with one of my best friends! I felt like I could actually let my guard down, and party like I know I can. hahaha. Its true though, there's nothing like celebrating with the ones you love the most. So, that was quite the birthday!!! The next day we went to see Next to Normal. Now that was a change of pace! Incredible show. We were walking around New York emotionally drained and speechless all afternoon. Shortly after we both had to part, Rob heading back on the bus to Toronto, and I had to head out to JFK to fly to Vancouver. What an incredible birthday gift. we just had the best time, and it really reminded me...as if I need it...but really reminded me how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends. Rob definitely plays for keeps, and who at this point, I really couldn't do without.
Week eight...off to Vancouver!!!
So, firstly, the flight was awesome. Cathay Pacific Airways was a dream! Cheap, comfy, awesome. I kind of dreaded a huge and long flight, but I must say, it was pretty awesome as far as flights go! I arrived, and who welcomed me other than my treasured friend Anna, who I haven't seen in 2 years, wearing her T-shirt that Sandra and I had made for her birthday. Back in March, Sandra and I took a trip to the Walmart portrait studio, dressed up full out in 80's get up, to get our photos taken in an authentic nostalgic fashion for our girl Anna's birthday gift. That was probably one of the funnest experiences I have ever had. It was a total trip to see her wearing it! I wish Sandra could have been there for that moment! Following our long excited greeting, we traveled home, of course accompanied by a to-go container of gin and juice. Its just how we roll. hehehe. We stayed up drinking and chatting till about 4 am, (7am new york time) and Anna had to work at 8am. It didn't go smoothly. I woke up and booked some practice space while she was at work, and in the evening, we took on Vancouver. Now, when any combination of Anna, Sandra and I get together, its going to be loud, and potentially abnoxious. The citizens of Vancouver were half and half on our side. We made some awesome friends, and I may have loudly expressed my distaste in those who didn't appreciate our zest. Regardless of whose feelings were temporarily trampled, be it ours or theirs, we had an excellent time, tearing it up, as per guaranteed. I miss Anna so much. Again, reminder of the awesomeness that is my friends!
Anna left for a climbing trip in California on Tuesday, which was the day of my audition as well as the first day of the Rising Tide: Canadians in Tap conference. I missed her for the rest of my trip, but I was completely fulfilled with what I experienced!
Okay, so firstly, the audition went well. It was awesome to dance in the same room with the people who I had conversed with all day, and friends who I haven't seen in a while! We all had a lot of fun in the audition. Right now, there is some controversy amongst the tap community regarding Vanoc hiring an Australian production company vs a Canadian production company, but I don't really want to get into it in my blog. I may speak about it as it develops in a future entry, but for the purposes of this being the internet and that everything I write is publicly accessible, I don't want to tarnish an opportunity that I would be so grateful to be potentially presented with. Myself, as well as the Canadian tap community, have an extremely positive outlook on the whole situation, as well as lot of respect for those who may present us with the opportunity to dance on the world stage. If anything, to land this job would be amazing if just to be in touch and work with my peers who I met at this conference and move forward with what we are determined to do as professional tap dancers in Canada!
The conference was awesome. It was a pretty incredible experience to be in a room with about 40 other people who shared the same passion and love for an art form which so often gets ignored. In speaking about some issues, I actually surprised myself in that I didn't think I would get so passionate to a point of shaking when I was just involved in discussion. I bring that to my work, but didn't think that would pour out of me at discussion level. This passion we have, its a peculiar and powerful thing. I feel pretty lucky that its rooted so strongly within me. Now to get further on connecting all of that through the emotional level of my dancing...
Anyways, I had debated the choice of taking the trek to Vancouver in the middle of my time in New York...am I ever glad I went. It was the best and smartest thing I could have done for myself. I got completely connected with the people that are also determined to make things happen in Canada. I have never felt such a strong sense of community. I can't imagine not being a part of that. The people I met, who I have been deeply inspired by, will change my life.
I got to connect with my friend Dayna Szyndrowski who was in the fringe show with me in Edmonton 2006. When we did the show, we definitely connected, but since working together we have become very close. Long distance we have maintained a pretty awesome friendship and support for each other over the past three years. This girl is sooooo talented. I have the utmost respect for her, and wish we could be in the same city to actually build on the ideas we share. I truly cherish our hangs! Fingers crossed for the olympics gig....
I also got to reconnect with one my treasured teachers from Edmonton and her daughter who I used to dance with, Gail Ledger and Kelly Cameron. Kelly's married now...feels weird to call her by her new name! Dayna also danced with Gail, but we never really knew each other as kids. Funny how life goes. haa. It was awesome to see them and catch up. We all went for dinner the night I flew back to New York. It was just a really great experience to be able to sit with 3 people who I have had such rich experiences with and look forward to whats next for all of us! Awesome.
Another highlight was meeting Tasha Lawson. This woman moved me to the verge of tears. We got along right off the bat within the conference, but I saw her perform and it changed me. She is currently working on her own vocabulary of body percussion. Surprise surprise, I was inspired. She has created an entire tap vocabulary where she places the sounds on her body instead of using her feet for manipulations. Its kind of weird to describe, and completely different than Max's work, but just like how I feel about Max, everyone needs to see this!!!! She recreated in her new language the famous Atkins/Coles soft shoe "Taking a Chance on Love." It blew my mind!!! To even grasp the capacity of creativity required to execute this completely blew my mind. I'm so glad we're friends now. =)
It was also really wonderful to hang with EVERY CANADIAN that attended Heather's intensive. Amanda Buckingham is an excellent dancer from Vancouver who worked non stop all week! She drove everyone around, danced all day, and pretty much worked till she dropped, all the while carrying herself with grace and an incredible air of positivity. What a great soul. We have become really close in the short time we've known each other and I am looking forward to where that will carry us in the future. She is attending the Music Theatre program at Capilano University right now. I'm about 5 years ahead of her, and man we have some serious parallels. Again, I feel pretty lucky to have come across such excellent people.
It was also pretty special for me to hang with my good friend Travis Knights in Vancouver, amongst these quality people. Every time we hang, or dance, or I see him dance, I am so filled with happiness and inspiration. Truly. He has just got something so special about him, and its really infectious. I can't wait to get back home and dance with him. We have got a lot of work to do!! =)
All in all, the people that I met, the people I reconnected with, have all contributed to the strength and determination I have for making what we do actually happen, successfully in Canada. What a positive, incredible, inspiring experience.
At the end of all of it, I got to have a short visit with my excellent friend Kendyl! We used to work together at Volo in Toronto. She now lives in Montreal going to Concordia University, but is from Van and happened to be there for a few weeks in perfect time to see me! Excellent little finale to my trip! Any time spent with her is a dream.
So, now, back in New York for my final month, slowly polishing off the cheesecake my roommate Jessica so generously gave me for my birthday! The approach...stop eating cheesecake, and take full advantage to everything I can that is uniquely accessible in New York. I need to schedule my time, and budget wisely!!! I'll keep you posted on how that all works out...
till next week....
at xo
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