SurrealisT poetics

 

New dances created at Hillsdale College

Guiding themes:
What would the audience experience be like to watch a group dance woven together with material that had already been seen in a different context? This was also an exploration of juxtaposition, skewing expectation, and objects whose presence immediately define a scene - such as a microphone, or a beach umbrella.

Process:
I created three short works - two solos, and a duet - all to shorter pieces of contrasting cello music. These worlds were unique, self-contained, and separate, which highlighted surprising connectedness when viewed on stage together in a fourth, final dance. The familiar stage elements, costumes, and choreography collided in new and gratifying ways.

 
Dancer in releve with arms stretched above at high diagonals. A beach chair and umbrella are on the left side of the photo.

Surrealist Poem 1

Music:
Make Haste, by Angus MacRae

Performer:
Hope Huisman

Surrealist Poem 2

Music:
Berlin By Overnight, by Max Richter

Performer:
Isabella Walsh

One dancer in a black jumpsuit is leaning back, supported by the back of another dancer in a silver dress.

Surrealist Poem 3

Music:
Christmas, by Asaf Avidan

Performers:
Angelina Gardner, Audrey Lang

Three dancers across stage: the left one in sunglasses, sitting in a low beach chair; the center one facing upstage in a pose looking toward a bent right arm; the right one seemingly singing into a microphone, with a neon "open" sign above her head.

A Spotlight and an Umbrella

Music:
It Can Feel So Good, by Zammuto

Performers:
Angelina Gardner, Hope Huisman, Audrey Lang, Isabella Walsh

Dancer reaching left leg long, and right arm under left in a cross-body suspension pose.
Dancer on knees facing away from the camera, but leaning back and reaching toward, with her gaze at the camera.

Photos © Sophia Rome.