Master Text & Movement Workshop in January 2010

We are pleased to announce that we are hosting our next Master Workshop!  This January, The Anthropologists will host Moving Memory, a text & movement workshop led by choreographer Paloma McGregor.  The workshop is an exploration into the weaving together of text and movement and we're so psyched that Paloma is able to teach this between touring with Urban Bush Women.

I met Paloma two summers ago at a weekend intensive workshop offered by the Laban Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies.  During a break one day, we got lunch and I got to know more about Paloma and her impressive and eclectic background.  Originally trained as a journalist, Paloma later became a dancer and choreographer. She also works with youth groups creating original movement-based performance that has roots in social justice.  At that very lunch we discussed the Moving Memory workshop.  So this only took two years in the making to come to fruition!

The Anthropologists believe in a strong foundation of training in order to propel our craft to the highest possible level so we are absolutely thrilled to be able to learn from Paloma in 2010.

What a great way to start the new year!

If you'd like to find out more information or to register, please email info@theanthropologists.org.  Space is limited so don't delay!

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MOVING MEMORY
Master Text & Movement Workshop
led by Paloma McGregor
Hosted by The Anthropologists

Sunday January 24, 3-7PM * Cost: $55 
Register early! Space is Limited!
To register email info@theanthropologists.org

Workshop Location: A.R.T./NY
520 8th Avenue, 3rd FL, New York, NY 10018

Registration closes Jan 21, 2010

Moving Memory, led by choreographer Paloma McGregor, investigates the crossroads of movement and text. Participants will learn tools for creating and developing a personal movement vocabulary along with exercises for crafting evocative writing.  Techniques include Bartenieff Fundamentals, Liz Lerman’s Toolbox and Paloma's Rooted/Reaching movement approach and more.  This workshop is designed for performers, directors, writers, multi-disciplinary and self-generating artists.  No formal dance/writing training is necessary, just a willingness to explore, create and have fun. 

Paloma teaches around the country, specializing in workshops that explore and deepen the connections between writing and dance, using those forms to unearth personal voice, build community and animate vision.

Paloma McGregor’s choreography has been presented throughout New York, including at The Kitchen and Tribeca Performing Arts Center as well as across the country. As a dancer, Paloma has performed at City Center, the Joyce Theater, the Kennedy Center, BAM and the United Nations. Since 2005, she has toured internationally with the critically acclaimed Urban Bush Women dance company.  Paloma co-founded Angela's Pulse, a performing arts company, with her sister Patricia McGregor.

Voice In Action

This past jam all participants were invited to bring in a classical monologue to use.

After doing floorwork to focus on breathing and playing on a virtual vocal playground (everything from a piano to the curtains were used to experiment with vocalizations) we spent some time exploring the concept of Sats.

Sats, developed by Eugenio Barba, is eloquently described like so in his book The Paper Canoe: the energy can be suspended.

It is the moment just before you are compelled to move, to speak or to act.  A useful example is found in the Viewpoints book where they talk about an archer pulling back her bow; the milisecond before the arrow is let go - that is Sats. 

Another useful piece of information from Barba:

The Greek word enirgbeia means just that: to be ready for action, on the verge of producing work.

I like that phrase: on the verge of producing work.

In the jam, we split up into groups to do some open improvisations but always with the idea of Sats in mind to help propel us from one state to the next.

The most striking result of this was that as we progressed, we noticed a shift in the improvisations.  The jammers became more constrained in when they moved.  That is to say, they showed restraint, moving only when necessary.  They held on to their energy for longer periods of time, stayed with one gesture or movement or shape for increased durations.  Thus, when they did change states, the impact was felt all the more strongly.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.  Please continue the conversation in the comments section.