REHEARSAL #8

Wednesday, May 11, 2016
 
PROCESS DETAILS
 
TECHNICAL

​SHERRI

• Jonathan and Maggie were unable to rehearse last week.
• Traffic jams and logistical challenges cut rehearsal time in half.
• As Jonathan and Maggie discuss rehearsal scheduling difficulties, Jonathan expresses the hope that he can finish developing the work in enough time for Maggie to be able to understand her role in the piece.  The more she can “live in” her character and make it her own, the more nuanced her performance becomes.  Although there is no deadline for this project, Jonathan habitually thinks in these terms.

JONTHAN

• Adds on a phrase that travels Maggie from downstage to upstage.  Phrase serves as a “denouement of sorts” -- brings her to a recap of the beginning, but ending in a final pose that is a departure from the beginning (A’). 

 
In choreographic terminology:
A = Opening material
B = Contrasting material
A’ (prime) = Variation on opening material
 
The traveling phrase is technically tricky.  There is not enough time today to hone it and craft it.  As a result, Jonathan plans to video it and review it later.  At least he now has a clear idea to consider.

• Jonathan has now sketched out whole first section.  Because this was accomplished so quickly, he may not be 100% satisfied with it yet.

MAGGIE

• Feels prepared and present emotionally and physically.

PSYCHOLOGICAL/EMOTIONAL

​JONATHAN

• Given the reduced rehearsal time, Jonathan adjusts his expectations accordingly.  While waiting for Maggie, he tries to focus on himself, do his own mental work on the piece, warm up, and listen to music so he is ready when Maggie arrives.  In addition, he is able to step back and evaluate the entire completed section.  This assessment evokes excitement, immediately followed by the question, “why?”  Is he excited because they have arrived at a milestone?  Or because the piece is as good as he wants it to be?  It’s hard to make sense of his feelings at this time.
• Admits feeling afraid when he shares videos of this work in progress on Facebook.  He always wants to “show a fleshed out product,” so it is challenging to allow his work to be seen at different stages of development.  His inner voice pleads, “Please don’t judge me; this is not my fullest intention.”
• Since most dance videos posted on Facebook seem to be brief, flashy, and rather frenetic, it is difficult to take a different approach and post material that is slow, minimalist, and somewhat longer in length.  Moreover, if Jonathan is not getting “glowing” comments, he worries how his piece is being received.  Then he reminds himself that he can’t control or interpret people’s reactions to his work.  Instead, he needs to create for himself and make his own record of his process.

MAGGIE

• “Great rehearsal and day!”