Musings

October 6, 2014

It was the first week back at school for Appleton West high school students and that Friday, I came in and met with the marching band for the first time.  Working with marching band director Michael Ross, we informed the students that this year they would be DANCING during their homecoming half-time show (some were more excited that others).  Third song in their set, Thriller, a classic, would be their chance to set down their instruments, and move.  

Choreographing this segment was a new adventure and challenge, as all of the movement would have to work in marching row formations, and move back and forth in a way that would not cause the musicians to step on their instruments or their neighbors.  Another challenge, working with 97+ band students, freshman-seniors.  I got my first look at marching formations drafting sheets and learned that in band you always start with your left-foot stepping first.  Pictured below is our dress rehearsal.

Their performance at the homecoming game Sept 26th, at the Banta Bowl in Appleton was great, the crowd went wild, and they received a standing ovation, with fireworks at the end and all!  So proud of my band students, some of whom now even call themselves dancers to their director. 

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June 26, 2014

My new work, Insecurity, premiered at the New Works Festival in Wausau, WI, June 21st, 2014.  This festival is put on annually by the non-profit organization, Introspect Arts.  There were two performances, 11am and 6pm.  I was one of 9 choreographers selected to create a new, political, choreographic work for this festival.  Meet my cast above! These dancers had never been a choreographic work together before, and they all collaborated beautifully.  We quickly created a harmonious ensemble, and worked together a few hours a week, over the course of 6-weeks. The cast was a blend of professional dancers, and high-school aged pre-professional dancers. This piece was inspired by George Orwell’s classic 1984, and is my commentary on the current security state within the United States of America.  

There was a Q and A for the audience after the showings to ask choreographers about their works.  There was a big buzz about my work Insecurity, and a lot of curiosity about what it was about (as well as a lot of interpretations!), how I crafted my use of silence, audio, and vocalization with movement, and the significance of the “ever-present” actor upstage.

Original music score created for the piece by: Estin Gee.  Our helpful and stage-presence, Actor: Ken Stetzer.  Choreography, costume, and lighting design: by me.

For a hand-recorded video of the 11am showing, see below.

I hope you enjoy, and would love to hear about your interpretation of the work!

-Courtney Anne 

June 1, 2014

I am currently working with 5 local dancers, ages 14-24, to create a New Work for the Introspect Arts New Works Festival 2014.  I hand-selected 5 area dancers to be in my new choreographic work titled “In Security”.  This past Wednesday was our first rehearsal, and we have 4 more schedule before our June 21st performance.  Working with 5 dancers, none of whom have ever worked together before, and only 2 of whom I’ve choreographed work on before has been going GREAT!  Movement is the common language that brings, even strangers, together.  I’m excited to share some rehearsal footage within the next week, and to see the piece continue to come together.  This Wednesday we will have our custom music score created by my fiancé, Estin Gee.  Adding the music to our phrase material will add that extra layer to what we’ve already been creating.  

April 14, 2014

I had the privilege to perform at the beautiful, Weill Recital Hall, in Carnegie this spring.  I did movement accompaniment to a choral piece sung by the Vivace group of the Badger State Girl Choir.  My 8-minute solo was accompanying a series of three civil war songs: Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier, When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, and We’re Tenting Tonight.  I had a beautiful blue Civil War gown that I wore with my tan jazz shoes. A stool helped frame the solo and tell a heartfelt narrative of a woman at home while her husband is away fighting in the war, paired with the sweet voices of girl choir, made for a worthwhile performance.