In her book, The Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp reveals that she keeps all of her choreographic research in a box - one for each new project or idea. I don't have a box (maybe I should), but I do have a journal, a pintrest page, this blog, and a folder for each project that contain ingredients for the choreographic soup.
(Read more about how I cook a choreographic soup)
In no particular order, here are the ingredients for the soup I'm presenting on Friday night:
1. Working title: Silence(d)
2. A single white chair
3. A long white costume
4. Notes and articles from "real" and "fake" news sources from the past few weeks. (ie, The Washington Post and NY Times)
5. Memories.
Particularly one. About 10 years ago, we were at a community fair and there were several old women in a booth with some very loud (and by any terms obnoxious) callers. The booth was promoting anti-gay ideas and for some reason they became louder when we passed by. Justin (my husband and combat veteran) got really offended. "I've had a lot of friends die so you could stand here and voice your opinion. But they also died so that those people that you're condemming could live peacefully. You don't get to pick and choose which freedoms or rights you have and which ones other people can have. I fought for the freedoms of everyone. That includes you and that includes people who are gay." The women kept screaming and we ended up walking away. That wasn't the first or last time I listened to Justin defend the rights of people to respectfually and authentically think, look, act, believe, live, love, or choose what to do with their bodies without fear or threat of violence. I'm honored and humbled by his model.
6. Veteran, artist, and high school art teacher, Ron Whitehead's "FACADE". Thanks, Ron for allowing me to share this!
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| "FACADE" by Ron Whitehead |
7. The Act of Valor Soundtrack
8. Previous performances and research for the HOMEFRONTLINES series
9. Jim and Lynna Woolsey's "Freedom". Thank you, both, for sharing your artistry and allowing me to share it, as well! Included below is a verson of the song:
I follow Ron Whitehead's work on VAP. I wish you well in this project. I am in total sympathy with your husband. It disturbs me deeply when those in a majority think they are safely hurting someone in a minority. I THINK AS MUCH AS ANYTHING THEY ARE CULTURAL BULLIES. America has always done this well. the Indians, other religions, women (burning witches). Hang your bad vibes on a scapegoat has long traditions of vague inabilities to deal with your own angst. Reaching out in love or kindness is often futile, often provoking a violent response, equally futile. It takes time, perseverance, and remaining on the moral high ground, Your dance takes the aesthetic and moral high ground...be as good as you can be; you are important dear heart, actually crucial. You are the best.
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