Site-Specific Dance in the City

Though many of LRRP's clients produce shows in the traditional theater setting, many also make dances at other sites and often in public spaces, requiring a special approach to documentation.  These are some of my favorite shoots where the camera person has to be equally aware of the interrelated characterstics of the piece - its site, the performer's relationship to the site and the people in the site, the larger context of the location and time of day, how the viewer is directed (or not directed) to watch, along with the performance and presence of the bodies themselves. In honor of Epiphany Production's upcoming San Francisco Trolley Dances, I want to feature ODC Dance's Transit, choreography by KT Nelson, adapted for the 2011 "trolley tour."  This 10min. adapted version was just one stop (in front of SF's main library) along a full tour around town along public transit routes.  KT wanted to especially capture the different people walking through the dance as they entered or exited during the performance, and I think these moments flowed beautifully with the dance itself. (also the bike designs are pretty cool!)

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT9-hFqFTEc

Rainforest Action Network's REVEL

I'm looking forward to Rainforest Action Network's annual event, REVEL in a few weeks. It's held at the California Academy of Sciences, a really cool place to host a party, and RAN is a vital organization in an effort to save the planet, literally.  RAN is a leading force in challenging corporations and their energy and environmental practices.  REVEL is a fun way of recognizing all the work that's been done throughout the year while raising funds to continue and also to honor key players in this effort - this year, Indonesian forest expert Dr. Bayu Wirayudha will be honored with the World Rainforest Award.

Last year 2011, RAN worked with LRRP to put together a highlight video that was quickly turned around and shared with the participants and donors as a thank you.  It's also used to promote this year's event.  It was a blast to put together:

Also, check out an edited piece of one the honorees of 2011, Naomi Klein's speech - it was all happening as the Occupy movement was forming, so there was a special air of excitement and possibility in the room.

Eye Zen Art

One of LRRP's first beloved clients, Seth Eisen/Eye Zen Art, developed a really wonderful show in 2008-2010 called Blackbird.  It's comprised of a bunch of different characters (all played by Seth) to take us through decades of queer cabaret and "pansy divas".  All these artists "found radical ways to counter the severe repression of their eras" and I daresay Seth Eisen continues the tradition. Check out the highlights!

(Here's the one minute version to see how we further utilized the promo edit)

Seth Eisen's Homo File

Seth is now an artist in residence at CounterPULSE with an upcoming show, Homo File, alongside Xandra Ibarra's Fuck My Life (FML), running Sept. 20-30 - check them out!

Dance Communities are Wonderful!

One thing that comes to mind when considering the fundamentals of what I do is servicing communities, and all kinds of social spheres develop around the arts. The ODC Commons in San Francisco is one of those specials hubs that brings all walks of life under the same roof to get sweaty and DANCE, just because it feels good to MOVE! I love the joy and vibrancy of the people I interviewed for this promotional piece on the adult classes offered by the ODC School and Rhythm in Motion program - check it out. Maybe it will inspire an impromptu living room solo dance party (this happens to me all the time) or even get you to take a class...

Everybody Dance Now - ODC and Rhythm & Motion