Archive for the ‘dance’ Category

The Moving Beauty Dance series

April 13, 2013

beginning next week on 4/15/13 through 4/21/13 at the Secret Theater i have the pleasure of working with a friend/dancer who is producing this week. my part of this is designing the lighting and what ever else is needed to make this successful.

The-Series-II_inv

that’s Juan Michael Porter with a bag over his head. yes in the subway he’s always pushing the limits. that’s one of the reasons why i like him. this should be an interesting week with 18 different companies on the bill, three each night a culture cross section of small dance companies in the city. wow.

who would want to miss this? all week i’ve been contacted by the various companies asking about the lighting plot while they share with links to their work. one of them is Yoshito Sakuraba Artistic Director/www.Abarukas.org   just saying they are open to interpretation. others have different needs. i am never sure after seeing videos what the are performing but hey i love this stuff see michael mao dances here.

as i am writing this the energy is building up around me. a lot of work yes, climbing ladders at my age yes but i wouldn’t have it any other way. this is what i do, this is what i love. having my partner/wife to share it with me is even better.

please come out and join us. it would be our pleasure to meet you and hopefully your pleasure seeing all this wonderful work by so many talented people.

here is the performance run down

The Moving Beauty Series presents
The Series
7 nights of dance. 3 companies a night.
www.danceseries.org

Monday April 15th through Sunday April 21st @ 8 PM

Tickets: $15 for Artists and Students
$20 General Admission
Available at the door or online at www.wepay.com/events/the-series

In keeping with it’s mission statement of producing ‘artistically provocative yet commercially viable art’, The Moving Beauty Series has created ‘The Series’ as a platform to present 20 exciting dance companies in concert at The Secret Theatre.

The Series kicks into high gear on April 15th, 2013 with the live premiere of Lost in Between, a dance and music collaboration between ‘Together Alone’ (Arielle Baron and Elnard Jones) and Juan Michael Porter II. The evening continues with stand-alone concert pieces from Hailey Lauren and Colleen Hoelscher, also in collaboration with Together Alone.

The Moving Beauty Series; beautymoving.com

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 features the brilliant Michael Mao Dance’s latest collaboration with the composer, Huang Ruo, Sandra Kramerova & Artists’ spiritual exploration of ‘Aqua(rius), and Charly Wenzel & Dancers’ hybrid of contemporary dance and LED light show. All three companies make vivid use of video art to accentuate their performances.

Michael Mao Dance; michaelmaodance.org
Sandra Kramerova & Artists; sandy006.wix.com/sandrakramerova
Charly Wenzel & Dancers; charly-wenzel.com

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013 showcases a wide palette of concert dance with Undertoe Dance Project’s fusion of tap and concert jazz dancing, Caliince Dance’s dance theatre narrative of developing community across the globe and finally Nikki Nasto and Animal Mechanical’s presentation of experimental contemporary dance and performance art fused with jaw-dropping aerial feats.

Undertoe Dance Project; undertoedance.com
Caliince Dance; caliincedance.org
Nikki Nasto; nikkinasto.com
Animal Mechanical; animal-mechanical.com

Thursday, April 18th, 2013 delves into the world of spirituality and finding a sense of self with a collaborative multimedia work from Perceptions Dance and Studio Anya led by directors Melissa Gendreau and Courtney Bauer. The evening rounds itself off with a vision of lost connetions and recovery in Japan through the eyes of Abarukas’ artistic director, Yoshito Sakuraba.

Perceptions Dance; perceptionsdance.org
Studio Anya; studioanya.com
Abarukas; abarukas.org

Friday, April 19th, 2013 is a night of dance theatre of every variety.  First, with a magnificent opening from the ground breaking tap dancer, TED Artist, and Artist in Residence at Webster Hall, Andrew J. Nemr. The evening moves into the waters of musical theatre with an exciting premiere from Glitter Kitty Productions before returning to the shores of traditional jazz and contemporary dance as shown by DoubleTake Dance’s artistic Directors, Ashley Carter and Vanessa Martinez de Banos.

Andrew J. Nemr; andrewnemr.com
Glitter Kitty Productions; glitterkittyproductions.com
DoubleTake Dance; doubletakedanceco.com

Saturday, April 20th, 2013 is the concert with the greatest content variety. We have a story of community and Americana inspired narrative from ACB Dance Company, a tapestry of isolation inspired by the overuse of online communication as put forth by NonaLee Dance Theatre, and an incredible retelling of ‘Swan Lake’ from SUNPROJECT, wherein ‘The Swans’ assert their personalities and take over the tale. A vision of dance like no other from the geographical locations of Connecticut, the American South, and Korea.

NonaLee Dance Theatre; nonaleedt.org
ACB Dance Company; acbdance.org
SunProject; http://www.sunproject.co

Sunday, April 21st, 2013 features the perfect closing for The Series with a wide range of experience starting with the fearless and award winning Chris Ferris & Dancers, the incredible new contemporary dance company of Michael J. Clark & Artists, and a dazzling display of virtuoso hip-hop and jazz funk put together by Eric Samson’s The Beat Club.

Chris Ferris & Dancers; chrisferrisdance.com
Michael J. Clark & Artists; michaeljclark.weebly.com
The Beat Club; funktiondancecomplex.com

For more information or tickets, please visit:www.danceseries.org

 

The Secret Theatre | 4402 23rd St | Long Island City, NY
E, M, G or 7 train to Court SQ/23rd St.

The Clock, Christian Marclay @ The Lincoln Festival thru aug 1, 2012

July 13, 2012

are you looking for something to do in this sweltering summer heat here in the city that never sleeps. well this might be right up your alley at the Lincoln Center festival. see link here for line updates. for some reason new yorkers don’t mind standing in line because there are so many of us wanting to go somewhere from buying our groceries or being entertained.

Artwork That Runs Like Clockwork

Christian Marclay/Paula Cooper Gallery

Christian Marclay’s 24-hour film montage, “The Clock,” is coming to the David Rubenstein Atrium in Lincoln Center.

By
Published: June 21, 2012

This summer the city that never sleeps will have another glimpse of an artwork that doesn’t relent much either: “The Clock,” a spellbinding, time-telling 24-hour wonder of film and sound montage by Christian Marclay, the polymath composer, collagist, video artist and pioneer turntablist.

An assemblage of time-related movie moments that had its debut in London in autumn 2010, Mr. Marclay’s “Clock” is already a popular classic. It is also a functioning timepiece; a highly compressed, peripatetic history of film and film styles; an elaborate, rhythmic musical composition; and a relentlessly enthralling meditation on time as an inescapable fact of both cinematic artifice and everyday life. Perhaps the ultimate validation of appropriation art, it thoroughly demonstrates how existing works of art — in this case films — become raw material for new ones.

“The Clock” counts off the minutes of a 24-hour day using tiny segments from thousands of films. Bits of “High Noon,” “Gone With the Wind,” “Laura,” “On the Waterfront,” “The Godfather” and “A Clockwork Orange” speed past, mixed with early silent films and less familiar foreign ones.

As the action, music, sound effects and dialogue of one film bleed into those of another, each segment specifies a time, sometimes through spoken words, but mostly through shots of wristwatches, clocks, time clocks and the like. All are synced to real time. When it is 11:30 a.m. in “The Clock,” it will be 11:30 a.m. in the world outside. Exactly.

The first New York showing of “The Clock,” at the Paula Cooper Gallery in January 2011, had people lining up around the block in a relatively deserted west Chelsea in the dead of winter. Now, for 20 days starting on July 13, Lincoln Center will present the piece in a specially built theater in the David Rubenstein Atrium on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets. Admission will be first come first served in a setting — lined with movie-palace velvet curtains and outfitted with enormous couches that blur boundaries between living room and screening room — that accommodates only about 90 people at a time.

It may be a challenge to get in, even in the wee hours, which is when I want to go, but I intend to make every effort, and recommend that you do too. The piece will run Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and then settle in for three 38-hour weekend marathons beginning at 8 a.m. Fridays and running to 10 p.m. Sundays. It will be closed Mondays and ends on Aug. 1.

more information on the artist Christian Marclay can be found at the New Yorker here

enjoy, but i won’t be standing in line myself they give me the willies.

jene

Hell’s Kitchen Artists in Studio Tours Friday May 18 – Sunday May 20, 2012

May 15, 2012
once again i’ve decided to participate in this artist tour only this time i decided to show my pictures in a public coffee shop Kahve , 774 9th Ave, NY, NY so i didn’t have to baby sit them. i’ve so much work going on in my life right now i felt i couldn’t give it the time required. coffee shops in this area are a dying breed as landlords ask for higher rents making it hard for small businesses to survive and artist to stay in the neighborhood. i live here because it’s close to all the theaters where i work. how many people get to live within walking distance of where they work?
i chose some of my simple dance images

Blue Dancer

along with it’s partner

Orange Dancer

sometimes in these types of events not everything goes according to plans but i hope this one does. if you’re in New York City and want to see some of the local artist do download the map, i hope there is a map, and stop by to meet the us.

Press release:

The 4th Annual Hell’s Kitchen Artists in Studio Tours Friday May 18 – Sunday May 20, 2012.  

Fourth time’s the charm…

Is it the fourth year already? Call it tradition, call it grass-roots social movement, call it a permeating underground murmur waiting to erupt but it is a undeniably a standout fact – the independent & FREE Hell’s Kitchen arts festival has established itself as one of New York’s prominent art and social events and is here to stay.

Last year, for three frivolous entrancing days at 95 venues thousands of artists, performers and revelers opened their studios, businesses, clubs and have taken to the streets; With the support of gutsy local venues and a few visionary and generous finance and realty staples the vision thrived and gotten stronger and bigger.

A new audacious voice has been presented: At The Edge – A sprightly magazine pulsating and overflowing with vivaciously blunt, refreshingly outspoken, scorchingly authentic artistic and literary expression in all forms and colors, giving a stage to dozens of the neighborhood’s (and the city’s) diverse bubbly creative forces & leading art establishments.

This year’s event will celebrate a second issue – printed and circulated in over 10,000 copies to avid readers around Hell’s Kitchen, midtown, downtown, & selected hot Brooklyn ‘art-hoods’, it is a communal exclamation to be reckoned with.

We’re Gonna Set the Streets on Fire! (Not literally, except perhaps our stunning alumni fire and belly dancer….)

Smack in the heart of Manhattan, right beside the indulgent Chelsea, the fizzy debauched theater district and the financial dynamo of midtown, another juicy slice of the city dares you to take an outrageous bite.

The Fourth Annual Hell’s Kitchen Artist Studio Tour is a free event taking place May 18th  – 20th  where scores of artists and performers open their homes, galleries, theaters, businesses and studios (their hearts also) for a self-guided and mapped tour. Participating artists consist of individuals with well-established and honored careers, as well as emerging artists striving to get their voice out there and make their mark.

At this three day unruly, insatiable Art Bacchanalia all art forms and mediums will be represented, including fine art, sculpture, music, fashion, photography, theater, dance, comedy, body painting, public spectacle and much more.

With no less than six Parties featuring continual entertainment of all genres!  For 30 hours over 3 nights, major & informal after parties each evening, exhibiting some raw and refined local vibrant talent at venues from classy lounges to murky speakeasies to intimate Art salons, patrons and visitors are sure to be tickled with just the right thing to satisfy their taste and fancy.

Wealth of artists to tantalize your senses.

Batteries of blazing artists, from raging social commentators to crisp impressionists to sly, depraved surrealists – a singled out individual from this Armada of talent candy will undoubtedly hit your sweet spot.

We know you get it; give us a call for more sizzling inside details (galleries and venues maps, artists’ profiles), spread the word, pick up an issue, come impulsively knocking by – we’re here for this city and its people, we know you won’t leave us hanging.

Jene

PINA the movie in 3D by wim wenders at BAM

December 29, 2011

last night in the rain we drove out to brooklyn BAM to see PINA

the Wim Wenders 3D film on Pina Bausch work with Tanztheater Wuppertal. I’ve had the extreme pleasure of seeing the company perform at BAM during the Next Wave festival . My first ever experience seeing Pina’s work  was the Rite of Spring at BAM which blew me away.

Pina Bausch Krueger

at that time i was working with Ralph Holmes on Guiding Light for Procter & Gamble on CBS. Ralph lit Dance In America for PBS for years and was considered the preeminent  television dance Lighting Director. oh did i say we share an Emmy together. not to take anything away from Jennifer Tipton whom i also worked with, nor any of the other designers who worked on this series

I would tell him about the company, actually rave about the company and Next Wave to him. he would smile nod his head in acknowledgment of our shared love of dance and go about his work. he was a wonderful teacher and i sought his guidance, as we shared sets going from his studio to mine as to how he lit it to keep the show consistent.

but i digress from lasts night experience. I had apprehensions about seeing a 3D movie which i hadn’t seen since i was a kid remembering , PHANTOM IN THE RUE MORGUE  in 3D with heads flying, corpses falling in ones lap.but we were quite surprised at the intimacy the 3D achieved with  dance.

the movie starts i think with Rite of Spring after a few spoken words (see link for short opening sequence.) and it just doesn’t stop going from one piece to another interspaced between with dancer reminiscences of Pina, how she communicated with them.

what struck me was the phrase ‘when words end, DANCE’ or something like that. another piece in the film was Cafe Muller which again on seeing it at BAM left me speech less. so simple yet complex what did i think and i didn’t have a ready answer. dance theater that made you think. whoa nellie.

don’t know  if you can tell how much i love dance, as a child i would dance in front of our stand up radio in the living room when no one else was around and i loved the Fred Astair or Gene Kelly like ‘Singing In The Rain’ type movies it looked like so much fun. but i was buried in Schenectady with very little chance of breaking out, besides i was pretty young and wet behind the ears to wander world.

another Pina dance featured in the movie was Vollmond ( full Moon). Pina’s work is so sensual and the film captures that sensuality. the one disturbing aspect of the 3D technique is a slight loss of sharpness. after all you’re wearing these ill fitting glasses  and it distracts a bit from the total presentations but not enough to keep people out of the theater.

This movie is playing 4 times a day through Monday 1/2

and 3 times Tuesday 1/3 through Thursday 1/5 at the BAM Rose Cinema  $15 general admission but worth the price.

going back looking forward

December 14, 2011

it’s always interesting to look back through my archives, this look back instigated by contact with a model i had worked with in 2006 where i had asked her if she wanted copies of stuff we had done together. i had sent her lo-rez copies then but she never added them to her portfolio. i guess i was a little miffed that someone wouldn’t use my images, big ego talking here. but she was paid for her work and a couple of images from the session i loved.

sunrise

this is one of our favs. but as each moment of our lives is different, looking back i found other images i had never selected for one reason or the other. she and i did two session, this image is from the first session done in my studio as is the one below.

loving you

while the other images were done in a bigger studio along with a male modern dancer. mia isn’t a dancer per-say but moves very well and really gets what i am trying to do. she’s an experienced model, mostly fashion then, she was working at FIT then so working with me was something different, at least i like to think so. but models are models and work is work every penny helps. as i’ve been trained over the years is, do the work never refuse a job as long as you’re not being exploited it all goes into supporting me in my art.

now when i am  shooting dancers i always try to keep the whole body in frame and in focus, they seem to prefer that so when viewing the shoot i’ll pass over images that don’t quite make that grade. tis a shame because there are a lot of fine images that i don’t pull out into daylight. so with that i’ll post a couple here that i passed up the first time. some are outstanding i think some……………..well i’ll let you decide if you like them or not.

screaming angel

woman in red veil

both of these images have made my portfolio and this one looks spectacular in print. now i’ll post the overlooked images, well maybe they are not overlooked but as a second or third looking at seem more interesting.

red dress

i didn’t really like her hair here but it works with the image

graceful line

 so now these worked as a dance image so on to the not so perfect images.at least i managed to keep everything in frame.

veiled nude dancer

this images works as a dancer and as a nude having a nice body line along with the veil. the next image is footless but also a good line

footless nude

a bit overexposed on the veil but love her line. the next one not sure i like the pubic hair but can always fix that in PS.

female nude jumping

i thought i had cropped it too close on top but when working with dancers it’s better to be too wide then too narrow but there is something i really like about this image. so there you have it the overlooked images but wait there is more of my favs.

double exposure

but it’s not really what i did

ghost

so this week i had the pleasure to enjoy working while i recover from a flu shot a week ago that i am just getting over, had some vick’s vapor rub put on my chest last night and feel much better this morning. so i’ll close with this image

snow white

if anyone would like to contact this model her portfolio is at http://www.modelmayhem.com/84543  but please respect her as she’s a wonderful person living in San Francisco Ca.

well that is all i have the energy to with about now, until next time

jene

Laura Ward/Octavia cup at fringe nyc 2011

August 3, 2011

last week i met a dancer/choreographer Laura Ward/Octavia Cup Dance Theatre

through Linked-in about taking some pictures of her company. she replied that she was in rehearsals with a new piece ‘The Dreaming’ for The 15th Annual Fringenyc  so we agreed to meet downtown at the rehearsal studio. it’s always interested to meet new people and begin working with them especially if none of us have expectations. this suits me fine as i never know what i’d be interested in either.

laura ward, octavia cup

as you can see i start off pretty normal just trying to get a feel of what laura’s work is all about. well today it’s not going to happen because only a few of the dancers are there and they are rehearsing only parts of. why not?

laura ward, octavia cup

as you can see this is a large space with mixed lighting sources which of me is always interesting. hey what are those funny shoes? ballet dancers………….. holy smokes i don’t usually run into these types of dancers.

laura ward, octavia cup

 but i always like to see what would happen if i try this, so i turn towards the mirrors

laura ward & dancers

 then back towards the window

dancer

lets try something different as the dance pieces are all different

laura ward

so i attached my 580 flash with a grid attached for a couple of shots, sometimes the magic works sometimes it doesn’t.

laura and dancers

i am not sure i like this effect either or maybe i am just sick of using it. it really depends on the composition i guess.

another abstract experiment

laura ward

of all the images i took that day this is one of my favs and looking at the order i took them in it was one of the first so maybe i just need to take a fewer images in the beginning then go home.

most of the dancers i’ve worked with like my abstracts best yet i continue my people pleasing ways in trying to get good representational dance pictures. duh it’s not like i am being paid for this work, i do it because i love the art of dance and the ability of creating my own work.

laura’s octavia cup performances of  ‘The Dreaming’are at the 4th Street Theater, 83 East 4th street on 8/13 again on 8/18-8/19, 8/21-8/22 and last performance 8/24. do check the fringe web site  for specific time and place.

jene

www.jeneyoutt.com

BalaSole dance company, creativity talent and humor

August 2, 2011

this past saturday we were invited down to Dance Theater Workshop space to see this company by an old friend  and collaborator who was performing as part of the company. it’s also nice to keep in touch with special people, to know they think of you and want to share their life/work.

Juan Michael Porter II 'BLUE' © jene youtt

what we found is a dance company who’s vision statement says

The vision of BalaSole Dance Company is to promote a balance in the field of concert dance where the general public can experience a dance concert filled with diversity and where artists are able to fully demonstrate their individual artistry.

balasole-dance-company

By building the general public’s sensitivity to the imbalances that exist in the field of concert dance, BalaSole Dance Company hopes to:

–  Expand dance artists’ creative freedom and growth
–  Improve multiethnic representation in dance companies
–  Foster artistic and career mentorship of dance artists
–  Engender artistic collaboration in dance companies
–  Increase visibility for dance artists of all ages, shapes, and sizes
–  Promote versatility of dance artists in varied dance styles
–  Elevate compensation of many dance artists to an appropriate level
–  Increase outlets for emerging dance artists to learn from
professional dance artists
–  Provide dance artists a vehicle by which to showcase their full
artistic talents and identity to other companies for potential
employment
–  Make the art of dance accessible to everyone
–  Broaden opportunities for male and female dance artists to become
soloists
–  Encourage greater male viewership, interest, and participation in
concert dance
http://www.balasoledance.org/

if you’re a modern dancer who is looking for a company to join i would suggest this one. they come in all sizes, shapes, colors and sexes. go to their web site and click on auditions for the next opportunity to join.

the program we saw was a series of short solo pieces very well done with technical virtuosity, creativity and humor. here is a link to one reviewers blog highlighting each dancer http://oberon481.typepad.com/oberons_grove/2011/07/balasole-dance-company-dtw.html and an additional page at http://oberon481.typepad.com/oberons_grove/2011/07/balasole-gallery.html

so i’d suggest keeping an eye out for this highly creative dance company. living here in this city it’s so hard keeping on top of interesting things to do as we are almost overloaded. i know i am. but we are a social group of living organisms so what better place to socialize than in a cool theater watching young talent grow.

can life be better than that?

jene

www.jeneyoutt.com

Chashama Artist Space LIC subsidized space for rent

June 11, 2011

Looking for artists to rent subsidized space in Long Island City!
Long and short term rental opportunities now available.

25 – 25 44th Drive: 5,000 sq. ft. bank building with tile floors, lots of large windows, an outdoor performance area and possible gallery, event, and studio spaces.

26 – 09 Jackson Ave: 4,500 sq. ft., 3 levels. Top floor with great natural light and wood flooring; ground floor with high ceilings, wood floors and a garage door entrance; basement studio space.

26 – 19 Jackson Ave: 4,500 sq ft. of unobstructed space with high ceilings, garage door and concrete floors – ideal for film shoots and rehearsals.

Highlights of chashama blocka:
# Plans for future growth from 3 to 10 spaces
# Spaces available through 2014
# On-Site Parking

If you are interested in finding out more about chashama’s new
LIC spaces, please contact: janusz@chashama.org

Chashama, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, adopts temporarily vacant commercial properties that are donated by their owners and converts them into spaces available for artists to work and/or present their art. Chashama then re-grants these spaces to artists of all stripes, and cultural organizations at free or heavily subsidized rates. In a city of exorbitant rents and voracious gentrification, chashama is committed to literally opening doors for artists by providing them with the rarest commodity in New York City: affordable space. www.chashama.org

Martha Graham 2011 New York season

March 11, 2011

Rose Theater
Broadway at 60th Street
Columbus Circle
New York, NY  10023
Tel: (212) 258-9800
Visit Web Site

$48-$133

Dates

Wed, March 16, 2011 – Sun, March 20, 2011

Hours

Wed: 7:30 pm
Thurs, Fri: 8 pm
Sat: 2 pm, 8 pm
Sun: 3 pm

Program A: Wilson/Graham
Fri, March 18, 8 pm
Director Robert Wilson calls his Snow on the Mesa “a personal portrait of Martha Graham.” Not seen since 1996, it evokes the creative journey of the artist—“the path that chose her,” as Graham said. Maple Leaf Rag, Graham’s last ballet, is a humorous spoof of her work.

Program B: New Revival/ New Work;
Wed, March 16, 7:30 pm
Sat, March 19, 8 pm
Explore Graham’s 1943 Deaths and Entrances, inspired by the Brönte sisters. This program pairs the new production with an exciting world premiere by Taiwanese choreographer Bulareyaung Pagarlava that references the Graham ballet and its themes.

Program C: The Noguchi/Graham Connection;
Thurs, March 17, 8 pm
The company celebrates the collaboration between sculptor Isamu Noguchi and Martha Graham. The program features audience-favorite Appalachian Spring, Cave of the Heart, a 20th century retelling of the Medea story, and Embattled Garden, an erotic Adam-and-Eve tale of contemporary marriage.

Program D: Political Dance Project
Sat, March 19, 2 pm
Those who missed it last year will want to catch the reprise of Dance is a Weapon, a dance and multimedia montage including work by Graham, Isadora Duncan, Jane Dudley and others. Thirty New York City high school students take the stage in the 1935 Panorama, Graham’s great call to social action.

Program E: Wilson/Graham/Noguchi;
Sun, March 20, 3 pm
An official event of Carnegie Hall’s Japan/NYC Festival. Combining the Robert Wilson and JapanNYC programs, this matinee offers Snow on the Mesa and Embattled Garden during the popular Sunday afternoon time slot.

  • Directions: Subway: Trains to Columbus Circle

About this Organization

Martha Graham Dance Company
The Martha Graham Dance Center is the repository of 181 dances choreographed by Martha Graham, many of them astonishing works of great beauty. Since its inception in 1926, the company has performed in over 50 countries throughout the world.