Currently I am choreographing a piece at Chapman University for one of the spring dance concerts. I am working with the musician Brian Wood to compose the music for my piece, and so far everything he has come up with is perfect! I have a cast of seven of the most talented dancers and could not be happier.
The concept of my piece is Proxemics, the nonverbal interpretation of how humans use space and structure to communicate. For example innate/cultural concepts of personal space, public space and intimate space. Choreographing, is to me, a cathartic release. Creating movement and watching other dancers make that their own, is so satisfying, and validates one's sense of style of individualism. Someone enjoys my movement, someone enjoys moving in ways that I have created. A major challenge in the choreographic process is to stay true to keeping the movement of your own design. After training with the same teachers, and performing in similar pieces creates a level of sameness to the dances. Innovation can become such an elusive feat, and when one is completely immersed in the same environment as the other choreographers it is even more tricky.
Prior to beginning this semester's choreographer I attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance winter intensive with Summer Lee Ratigan and Alex Ketley. Their 4 day workshop inspired and opened up myself in ways I didnt know. It reminded me that I am the decider of my movement, not the audience, not the performers. Movement does not always need a narrative driving force, but can simply play off of movement and shape. This might not seem like the most ground breaking of discoveries, but after academically training rigorously in dance one can forget the "play" aspect of dance and creating.
This video from New York City Ballet describes a fellow new choreographer going through the same process.
http://vimeo.com/1429617
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