By: John Byrne
Laboratory: any place, situation, set of conditions, or the like, conducive to experimentation, investigation, observation, etc.; anything suggestive of a scientific laboratory.
We are closely approaching the presentation of this year’s Choreographer’s Laboratory. For the past two months a group of 30 dance-makers and dancers have been participating in an intense workshop where they have created over ten original dance pieces. During the Choreographer’s Lab Saturday afternoon sessions, participants have worked together in the shared space of FWDC’s dance studios. They have supplemented this with their own private rehearsal time.
Following a philosophy and practices created by post-modern choreographer Doris Humphrey, choreographers have experimented with their own original movement vocabulary to create unique dance phrases. These phrases were later expanded to create full narrative dances and the results have been breathtaking. During each session, choreographers have shared their dance creations during show-and-tell panels, and have received constructive feedback from fellow participants. Participants have been encouraged to scrutinize every moment their creations to answer the question: is this movement honest?
Each piece is strikingly different expression, and audiences can plan to see deep-rooted personal journeys in each dance.
This year’s presentation will not include audience surveys. One of the foundations for post-modern dance is the emphasis on making art that is honest, authentic with no outside influence. With choreography pioneers like José Limón, Martha Graham and Erick Hawkins came a new school of thought that shied away from trying to “please” the audience. These pioneers believed that if an artist makes something that is honest, personal and authentic, the audience would inevitably be affected. The idea of creating dances to please an audience was seen as contrived and commercial. This is why the work of our modern dance pioneers has become so iconic. Their personal struggles and journeys are still relatable today in pieces like Alvin Ailey’s Revelations and Martha Graham’s Lamentation– there is no veil upon them to “please” but their truth pulls us in, time and time again.
Audience seating will be different this year. Instead of the traditional proscenium seating, FWDC plans to present the work “in the round.” Audiences will have the opportunity to grasp the work from all angles, bringing them into the actual dance itself. This intimate setting will provide an opportunity for both artists and audiences to experience dance in a new way.
FWDC Choreographer’s Lab participants have embraced this intensive with vigilance. Audiences will see a collection of incredible personal stories during the presentation on April 23 and 24, 2016. Be sure to get your tickets in advance, as space is limited!
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