Daniel,

I had a similar reflection... our two different approaches - and how there are infinite possibilities for creating success. The outdoor venue was so wonderful to explore... we had a great time rehearsing there throughout the week in preparation. Being in the space helped propel and develop the work in ways a prep for theater never could. Because there was always an "audience" of people walking by or stopping to observe, it felt as if we were on-stage at all times - it added depth and perspective to our rehearsals, aided in the editing process, and created a better performance for all of us.

Also, taking dance off the pedestal of a stage meant for it and bringing it directly to the people created dialog that I always hope for from audience members: people were asking questions, demanding answers, and wanting more information about who & what we were about... it was excellent.

Shall we do it again? :)

Kelly,

Yea, I'd love to do it more. I do have one questions - could you talk more about how the site influenced the work. How was the work different being in that space? What choices did you feel you made in response to the space or the environment? Was it the space or being public that changed things for you? I ask because I could see you doing the work you did last week on a stage with very little changes, so it makes me wonder what about being "site-specific" effected you?

Hmmmm... well, I had originally planned to perform the piece in the old Woody's Building, but the management was not open to performances there... so, when the library space became our destination I shifted my vision and built the work with the environmental factors in mind; however, I do want to present the piece in other venues, so it is meant to be flexible in some respects.

I saw the greatest challenges being a mobile/unknown audience (how to engage and captivate people to stay) weather as a possibility, potential for anger due to dancing w/ a flag at all (how do we handle possible outrage?) sound - it was important to me to include the texts we created from - and how much improvisation versus structure to work with... each section ended up being a combination of both. Several factors presented unique challenges - 1. the performance was the first time my entire cast was dancing together, 2. we never rehearsed with sound, as the equipment for the performance was borrowed from CityDance (THANK YOU!) and we needed to be prepared for the possibility of not having any, 3. the water, 4. the play-dough.

This project was about seeing what worked and what didn't. The feedback we've received has been priceless...

I would love to create more installation/site specific works; however, in order to truly do that without the piece needing to be flexible to another environment, we need funding. Meaning, the creative process is expensive - in both dollars and humanity. The cost of mentally, physically, and emotionally engaging a group of dancers for any project must be taken into account. As we are a very young company, part of the "pay" or "reward" for this work was knowing it would have a continued life later in the season.

Regardless, I am pleased with what we presented as a first draft. Now, I can go back and revise, tinker, and edit - crafting the work to the next environment: a non-proscenium raised stage space in a large room with no lighting. :)

The audience was wonderful.