Back in Fall 2017, Life as a Modern Dancer launched a new concept for post-performance discussion and writing. The goals were multi-fold:
- What are new ways to invite post-performance writing (since so few publications now print dance reviews, and there are fewer and fewer dance critics in the United States)?
- How can choreographers hear and read more from audience members about their impressions and experiences of dance events?
- Can we offer new mechanisms for choreographers to gather language about their work, to further their work and to promote their work?
The premise is simple, and 7 years later, still offers a valuable platform for artists and audience members alike. This month if you experienced the live performance of Mia J. Chong's EIGHT/MOVES (Season 1) at Z Space in San Francisco on August 16, 17, or 18, please take a few minutes to leave a comment. Write down images, impressions, appreciations, and questions from the performance. These can be words, phrases, or a few sentences.
We thank you for your time, support, and thoughtfulness. Here's to more dialogue, more reflection, and more writing on the dance performance experience. As choreographer Mariah Steele noted, we are "democratizing dance criticism."
I am still abuzz after seeing opening night. Beauty, power, hope, commitment. The three pieces were beautiful chapters unto themselves, but came together as a set with the ensemble of 7 dancing throughout the evening.
Thank you for this incredible offering. I loved the peek into inner worlds.
Posted by: Jill Randall | 08/17/2024 at 12:28 PM
Incredibly moving. So many emotions felt in these thoughtful and flawless pieces. I am so honored to have witnessed this— brilliant and beautiful; impressively impactful, dare I say impeccable in its delivery.
Posted by: Yves Chu | 08/21/2024 at 10:55 PM
I saw the show on opening night and really loved it. I was so impressed by how highly-skilled and technically talented the dancers were, how intricate and muscular the choreography was, and how distinct the three pieces that made up the program were from one another. It seemed like the dancers were really enjoying themselves which was a thrill to watch. I especially loved the second piece—the movement was so specific and athletic, and the commitment from the dancers was incredible. The arc of the piece was unexpected and delightful and took me on a full journey from nostalgic, to reflective, to sexy and fierce, to sweet and tender. Looking forward to seeing whatever comes next from EIGHT/MOVES and Mia Chong!
Posted by: Molly | 08/23/2024 at 12:59 PM