So yesterday we performed the Live Music Videos and today we put it all together and show our combinations and some poetry to a live audience. Right now according to the Facebook event invite, the first class has 68 people confirmed to join us and another 61 maybes. Our second class has 31 yesses and another 20 maybes. Either way, I'm expecting a good crowd of supportive people.
The show will be less than professional and after seeing some of the performances yesterday, I am a little worried about a few of the large group numbers. But we will have a fun time.
For your viewing pleasure, here's a down and dirty video of one of the best dances from my second class.
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Birth of Miss Lonely Hearts
So last night after class I biked over to Wyatt's for a little band practice. When I got there he and Barbara were still eating dinner so I joined them outside for conversation and a can of Bud. I am not usually a fan of canned beer but I have to say it was quite refreshing.
Soon later Barbara was replaced by the knitting Stephanie and we started working through the songs. Stephanie, as a violin player has a great musical ear and can play with harmonies well. I'm super jealous since it takes me a while to lock in. Luckily I worked on some of the music during the day yesterday so I was able to duplicate the harmonies from the down and dirty recording that Wyatt did.
When we got to From the Big Oak Tree, I was finally able to ask about altering lyrics. The song is supposed to be a creepy stalker song, but I don't think it's quite icky yet. He was a little hesitant at first, but Stephanie came up with some great changes. Like instead the narrator of the song "seeing" the woman he loves with another man, he "spies" on them. And after he stabs her the final line of the song was changed from "No man will have my love again." to "No man will ever have her heart again." So much creepier.
I also opened the conversation about just what our roles are. Are Stephanie and I back-up singers for Wyatt's leads? Or will we be more collaborative? Luckily, Wyatt was more in the collaborative camp. He said that eventually he would like to write songs for each of us. That sounds good to me, however I mentioned that there's one song of his that I would like to sing. It's told from a man's perspective but it's about a man who is about to kill another man and is obsessed with guns. Wyatt was a little shaken with that comment, I think, so I'm going to let it go for now. Out of all the songs, it's the only one I really connected with. I think it's the theatricality of the song and (of course) not the subject matter.
I did a quick recording last night in Garage Band just so I will remember the harmonies I sang, but it was a good way to hear where we need work. I sat closest to the laptop so my voice was much louder than everyone else's. it also allowed us the start the conversation about what we all want. For example, I did a pure "oo" in our back-up stuff and Stephanie had a less defined "oh." I asked Wyatt which one he wanted since I thought mine sounded a little too much. But we will continue to play and mold our styles together. Wyatt is building a My Space page, so as soon as that's up and running I will post the link so you can hear.
And in terms of the name Miss Lonelyhearts is the title of a book by Terry Southern. Wyatt really liked the homage to the perversion in the book and then the ring of the title itself. It sounds good to me. And hopefully our music will, too!
Soon later Barbara was replaced by the knitting Stephanie and we started working through the songs. Stephanie, as a violin player has a great musical ear and can play with harmonies well. I'm super jealous since it takes me a while to lock in. Luckily I worked on some of the music during the day yesterday so I was able to duplicate the harmonies from the down and dirty recording that Wyatt did.
When we got to From the Big Oak Tree, I was finally able to ask about altering lyrics. The song is supposed to be a creepy stalker song, but I don't think it's quite icky yet. He was a little hesitant at first, but Stephanie came up with some great changes. Like instead the narrator of the song "seeing" the woman he loves with another man, he "spies" on them. And after he stabs her the final line of the song was changed from "No man will have my love again." to "No man will ever have her heart again." So much creepier.
I also opened the conversation about just what our roles are. Are Stephanie and I back-up singers for Wyatt's leads? Or will we be more collaborative? Luckily, Wyatt was more in the collaborative camp. He said that eventually he would like to write songs for each of us. That sounds good to me, however I mentioned that there's one song of his that I would like to sing. It's told from a man's perspective but it's about a man who is about to kill another man and is obsessed with guns. Wyatt was a little shaken with that comment, I think, so I'm going to let it go for now. Out of all the songs, it's the only one I really connected with. I think it's the theatricality of the song and (of course) not the subject matter.
I did a quick recording last night in Garage Band just so I will remember the harmonies I sang, but it was a good way to hear where we need work. I sat closest to the laptop so my voice was much louder than everyone else's. it also allowed us the start the conversation about what we all want. For example, I did a pure "oo" in our back-up stuff and Stephanie had a less defined "oh." I asked Wyatt which one he wanted since I thought mine sounded a little too much. But we will continue to play and mold our styles together. Wyatt is building a My Space page, so as soon as that's up and running I will post the link so you can hear.
And in terms of the name Miss Lonelyhearts is the title of a book by Terry Southern. Wyatt really liked the homage to the perversion in the book and then the ring of the title itself. It sounds good to me. And hopefully our music will, too!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Half Way There (and general update)
Well, almost. This is the sixth and final week of Summer Session 1 and I start SS2 on Monday. I did wind up giving my Jazz class to Kerry Mehling who teaches Ballet this session and who teaches Jazz and Modern during the school year. My body continues to feel the strain of dance 4 days a week, but luckily it's gradually less and less.
The students are doing well, but I see the stress of their final project. It looks as if I needed to give them more time throughout the session. I may abandon the movies and other videos and give them more time for poetry and their final music video. I wonder if I needed to show them examples.
Our final showing is on Thursday and I created Facebook events for each class. Only my first class has sent invites out to their friends. The second class has not done it at all. This surprised me because my second class was so excited about the idea of a public showing and my first class was not.
What else is new?
On Sunday I took the train in to San Francisco with Tony to do some exploring. He was in town for Randy's birthday and since I hadn't done the train thing, I thought it would be less scary to do it with a friend. There's not a train that goes directly into the city, so you have to transfer from Amtrak to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). When we left Davis it was a bright and sunny 75 degrees. When we got into Richmond to make the transfer it was a windy 55. I was not happy. We ate dim sum in Chinatown, then walked through North Beach to the Wharf and got a little sample of Ghiradelli. From there we walked back to the other side of town -- I honestly don't know where we were -- and climbed one of the steepest hills ever. After a burger in the Civic Center area, we hopped on BART and then went our separate ways. As I arrived at the Richmond Station, I saw the Amtrak leave the station. That meant that I had to wait over an hour for another train. And the area is not the best. There was NO ONE around and I was finally accosted by a few pan handlers. I gave up my burger left overs and wrote in my comedy journal until I got too freaked out to be cool. Gradually the platform started to fill so I put on my ipod and grooved around.
I finally got home to Davis at 8:30PM. I was hungry and tired and needed a hot shower.
Last night I went to the quad to see one of the free music events the Mondavi presents. Del Castillo out of Austin, TX. I went by myself since Chad had something come up at work. I stayed for about 50 minutes and when it got chilly and I got lonely I went home.
Tonight I will be getting together with Wyatt to go over music for the band. I need to listen to the music again and feel some of these harmonies. His music reminds me of The Goodies. Remember them?
The students are doing well, but I see the stress of their final project. It looks as if I needed to give them more time throughout the session. I may abandon the movies and other videos and give them more time for poetry and their final music video. I wonder if I needed to show them examples.
Our final showing is on Thursday and I created Facebook events for each class. Only my first class has sent invites out to their friends. The second class has not done it at all. This surprised me because my second class was so excited about the idea of a public showing and my first class was not.
What else is new?
On Sunday I took the train in to San Francisco with Tony to do some exploring. He was in town for Randy's birthday and since I hadn't done the train thing, I thought it would be less scary to do it with a friend. There's not a train that goes directly into the city, so you have to transfer from Amtrak to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). When we left Davis it was a bright and sunny 75 degrees. When we got into Richmond to make the transfer it was a windy 55. I was not happy. We ate dim sum in Chinatown, then walked through North Beach to the Wharf and got a little sample of Ghiradelli. From there we walked back to the other side of town -- I honestly don't know where we were -- and climbed one of the steepest hills ever. After a burger in the Civic Center area, we hopped on BART and then went our separate ways. As I arrived at the Richmond Station, I saw the Amtrak leave the station. That meant that I had to wait over an hour for another train. And the area is not the best. There was NO ONE around and I was finally accosted by a few pan handlers. I gave up my burger left overs and wrote in my comedy journal until I got too freaked out to be cool. Gradually the platform started to fill so I put on my ipod and grooved around.
I finally got home to Davis at 8:30PM. I was hungry and tired and needed a hot shower.
Last night I went to the quad to see one of the free music events the Mondavi presents. Del Castillo out of Austin, TX. I went by myself since Chad had something come up at work. I stayed for about 50 minutes and when it got chilly and I got lonely I went home.
Tonight I will be getting together with Wyatt to go over music for the band. I need to listen to the music again and feel some of these harmonies. His music reminds me of The Goodies. Remember them?
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Help from the Spirits
For most of you that know me, I have been very much into psychics and spiritual advisors. My mother had a woman who helped find missing children for the police department come to our house when I was 17 and we had a little psychic party. One by one we went into the kitchen and she gave us a reading. Mine was considerably shorter than everyone else's. When I asked why, she said, "well, you're only 17. There's not much past yet." The reading was scarily accurate that I have searched for similar experiences since and have always been disappointed. The last one I spoke to was over the phone and there were a few things she said that touched buttons, but for the most part her reading left way too many questions. Or just puzzled expressions. For example, she said there was a deceased male relative who was watching down over me. He wore demin overalls and liked hard candy. I asked my parents about it and they could not assist.I have not thought about going to one again, but it would be nice for someone to tell me what the heck I am going to do when I graduate, since I don't have a clue. The last psychic said that I would start another theatre company. Gosh, I hope not. Even though when I drove with Tony on the way home from dim sum in Sac last weekend, he said the same thing. Sigh.
This still does not stop me from adding my horoscope to my google homepage or adding my chinese horoscope to my facebook page. A few days ago my google one said that it was a good time to go back to school. And today I got this one.
Perhaps you cannot just walk away from your responsibilities today, but it may be fine to just do the bare minimum and then take the rest of the day off. You really have nothing to prove. You'll gain more by treating yourself to a bit of rest and relaxation than by pushing yourself. You can always finish up your work tomorrow.
As if I needed a reason to avoid cleaning my apartment...
Friday, July 25, 2008
A Little Progress
Maxie started the exciting head-butting game at 4:30 (!!) this morning. I eventually got up to give them wet food and went back to sleep until 9:30AM. I am not sure what his problem is, but it's got to stop. My body is tired from a-dancin' and I just don't pop up with that vim and vigor that early.
I cooked a mediocre breakfast and then after dilly-dallying online for WAY too long, I got dressed and went to do my laundry. I threw my 3 loads in and then went to the car wash and the Co-Op. I saw the creepy attendant at the laundry so once I put my stuff in the dryer, I grabbed the nigiri from the Co-Op and found a bench in front of the Ace Hardware. I forgot chopsticks so I had to eat with my fingers. Eel sauce and soy all over my hands. Now, that's hot.
When I got back the dryers were done, but I had been spotted by the attendant. I asked to use the sink to wash my hands and he pointed at me and said, "Hope?" This is the same dude that got me putting more money in the machines than was needed a few months ago because he was talking at me. He also came to see Fate & Spinoza and wrote me a letter. When I got it in my school mailbox it took me a while to figure out who the heck it was from. The last 2 times I was there I didn't see him so I figured he didn't work there anymore. For the last 2 laundry sessions, I went to Tony's apartment complex, but it wound up costing more money and the place smelled.
Anyway, as I folded my laundry John sat on the other folding table telling me about all of the papers he wrote and how Fate & Spinoza affected him. He also added some other stories about hiking and this 70 year old friend he has. I would love to know what the other older gentleman that was doing his laundry next to me thought about all of this. But enough about that and more about me.
Because...
I cooked a mediocre breakfast and then after dilly-dallying online for WAY too long, I got dressed and went to do my laundry. I threw my 3 loads in and then went to the car wash and the Co-Op. I saw the creepy attendant at the laundry so once I put my stuff in the dryer, I grabbed the nigiri from the Co-Op and found a bench in front of the Ace Hardware. I forgot chopsticks so I had to eat with my fingers. Eel sauce and soy all over my hands. Now, that's hot.
When I got back the dryers were done, but I had been spotted by the attendant. I asked to use the sink to wash my hands and he pointed at me and said, "Hope?" This is the same dude that got me putting more money in the machines than was needed a few months ago because he was talking at me. He also came to see Fate & Spinoza and wrote me a letter. When I got it in my school mailbox it took me a while to figure out who the heck it was from. The last 2 times I was there I didn't see him so I figured he didn't work there anymore. For the last 2 laundry sessions, I went to Tony's apartment complex, but it wound up costing more money and the place smelled.
Anyway, as I folded my laundry John sat on the other folding table telling me about all of the papers he wrote and how Fate & Spinoza affected him. He also added some other stories about hiking and this 70 year old friend he has. I would love to know what the other older gentleman that was doing his laundry next to me thought about all of this. But enough about that and more about me.
Because...
You Are Occasionally a Narcissist |
 While you have healthy self esteem, you're really not that full of yourself. Compared to most people, you're quite humble! Though occasionally, you can't help and reflect on how great you are. There's nothing wrong with being proud of yourself - as long as you don't let it go to your head! |
Thursday, July 24, 2008
OMG!
I'm having one of those days. It's 12:34PM, I just made big glass of iced coffee, but I'm still in my jammies with literally one mediocre clean outfit left to wear to hip hop today. I keep thinking that it's very comfortable on the couch and since my knees hurt, maybe I can just cancel class today.
However, I did the nice "butter-em-up" trick yesterday so I can give my students the departmental evaluations today and also, we have very little time left before their final projects and their showings. The butter trick was meeting with each poetry group indvidually yesterday and letting them each know that they got an A and asking a few groups to perform their poems for the showing. They all left class with smiles on their faces.
Nice, huh?
For the past 2 nights I got home from class and just about crashed. Tuesday I made myself some dinner and poured a glass of wine and was asleep within 30 minutes. Last night I made plans with Sara Zimmerman to talk about DRA 141, but she also invited Christine Chen so it mostly was a jam session on our teaching experiences and Sara getting some exercises from Christine. The 3 of sat on the lawn in Central Park after getting some food at the Farmer's Market. It was super crowded so I went to the place with the shortest line -- a little Indian stand and got a naan wrap with veggies and lamb. I wanted to wash it down with a little lemonade, but all of the lines were just too long and I needed to pop a squat.
Tonight I am heading over to JTs to watch Batman Begins, since I didn't realize there was a prequel to The Dark Knight when I saw it with Tony in the theatre last weekend.
I'm not only dim, but also a wimp. Maybe I really should stay in my pajamas! Anything to avoid a little laundry.
However, I did the nice "butter-em-up" trick yesterday so I can give my students the departmental evaluations today and also, we have very little time left before their final projects and their showings. The butter trick was meeting with each poetry group indvidually yesterday and letting them each know that they got an A and asking a few groups to perform their poems for the showing. They all left class with smiles on their faces.
Nice, huh?
For the past 2 nights I got home from class and just about crashed. Tuesday I made myself some dinner and poured a glass of wine and was asleep within 30 minutes. Last night I made plans with Sara Zimmerman to talk about DRA 141, but she also invited Christine Chen so it mostly was a jam session on our teaching experiences and Sara getting some exercises from Christine. The 3 of sat on the lawn in Central Park after getting some food at the Farmer's Market. It was super crowded so I went to the place with the shortest line -- a little Indian stand and got a naan wrap with veggies and lamb. I wanted to wash it down with a little lemonade, but all of the lines were just too long and I needed to pop a squat.
Tonight I am heading over to JTs to watch Batman Begins, since I didn't realize there was a prequel to The Dark Knight when I saw it with Tony in the theatre last weekend.
I'm not only dim, but also a wimp. Maybe I really should stay in my pajamas! Anything to avoid a little laundry.
You Are Occasionally a Wimp |
 You're pretty tough in every day life. You don't back down easily. However, you can be a wimp at times, especially in stressful situations. You can be overwhelmed or intimidated or just plain scared when life gets rough. While these are natural reactions, you may want to face your fears a little more. |
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I'm a Decision Maker!
I remember early on last Fall quarter someone making the comment that when your students are staring at you and the room is quiet, they are waiting for you to say something. I believe it was referred to as "the deer in head lights." And you hope to god that you (as teacher) are not staring back. It's amazing how much work goes into teaching and how it feels to guide a group of students.
In Hip-Hop we are on our final project -- The Music Video. I placed all students in groups of 5 or 6 to create 6 groups in each class. After my second class yesterday, Lisa, one of my stronger students came talk to me about wanting to form her own group rather than go with the one I selected. Really, there's a group of 3 that want to work together. I spoke with her buddy, Adam the day before and told him the same thing. I got a little angry when he and another woman sent the third to talk to me AGAIN. The 3 worked together on their poetry assignment and I would like them to try working with others. In fact I let the students pick their own groups for the Hip Hop Poetry.
I can see Lisa, Adam and Lucy's argument -- as strong students they do not want to be burdened by those with less experience. They want to be able to push themselves and don't want to be responsible for putting their project together. However, the weaker students need a little push. And I don't think forming their own group will do it.
Lisa was understanding and very complimentary about my teaching. I always take that with a grain of salt -- because SHE WANTED SOMETHING. But the long and the short of it is that it's just too late to make any more changes.
There were 2 students in my first class that each either emailed me or spoke with me the day I made the assignments, so I was able to move things around without much trouble. The one guy, Alex spoke with me in class said that he had been working with Paul already and would have liked to be in his group. I told him that there was a method to my madness and I would prefer to keep him where he was. However that evening I got an email from Holly asking to be placed in a mixed gender group, since she was with only women and wanted a new challenge.
Since I was changing Holly, I thought I could honor Alex's request, as well. However, once I made those changes, I got an email from Paul asking to keep Kai the guy I switched with Alex. Oy, the drama! So, I switched the guys back. Yesterday in class, Alex came up to me to ask what was going on. Since his emails all bounced back, I was not surprised when he said that he was not aware of the online conversation with Paul and Kai. Alex was in Paul's poetry group, so I figured that it would come up in conversation. Or perhaps Alex was playing dumb.
Ah, the endless curveballs, mind games and decisions. I put my little foot down.
In Hip-Hop we are on our final project -- The Music Video. I placed all students in groups of 5 or 6 to create 6 groups in each class. After my second class yesterday, Lisa, one of my stronger students came talk to me about wanting to form her own group rather than go with the one I selected. Really, there's a group of 3 that want to work together. I spoke with her buddy, Adam the day before and told him the same thing. I got a little angry when he and another woman sent the third to talk to me AGAIN. The 3 worked together on their poetry assignment and I would like them to try working with others. In fact I let the students pick their own groups for the Hip Hop Poetry.
I can see Lisa, Adam and Lucy's argument -- as strong students they do not want to be burdened by those with less experience. They want to be able to push themselves and don't want to be responsible for putting their project together. However, the weaker students need a little push. And I don't think forming their own group will do it.
Lisa was understanding and very complimentary about my teaching. I always take that with a grain of salt -- because SHE WANTED SOMETHING. But the long and the short of it is that it's just too late to make any more changes.
There were 2 students in my first class that each either emailed me or spoke with me the day I made the assignments, so I was able to move things around without much trouble. The one guy, Alex spoke with me in class said that he had been working with Paul already and would have liked to be in his group. I told him that there was a method to my madness and I would prefer to keep him where he was. However that evening I got an email from Holly asking to be placed in a mixed gender group, since she was with only women and wanted a new challenge.
Since I was changing Holly, I thought I could honor Alex's request, as well. However, once I made those changes, I got an email from Paul asking to keep Kai the guy I switched with Alex. Oy, the drama! So, I switched the guys back. Yesterday in class, Alex came up to me to ask what was going on. Since his emails all bounced back, I was not surprised when he said that he was not aware of the online conversation with Paul and Kai. Alex was in Paul's poetry group, so I figured that it would come up in conversation. Or perhaps Alex was playing dumb.
Ah, the endless curveballs, mind games and decisions. I put my little foot down.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Things are Looking Up
It's Friday and I am so happy to still be in bed at 9:23AM. Lincoln just joined me and I would like to crank out an entry before I feed my grumbling tummy. I got up super early to talk to Angela about the Souper Jenny cookbook and after a lovely chat, I called Jenny and we chatted too. It was nice to get in some personal gabber as we discussed publishing and distribution.
After tons of bitching and complaining, I am proud to say that I HAD A GOOD WEEK.
(break for breakfast-and a short video)
We had a good performance of The Tempest last night, and I got tons of positive feedback from hip hop classes on Wednesday. I'm getting buff and I even have some plans on my calendar outside of work. Like yesterday I had Jennifer Chuang over for scones and tea and then met Randy for lunch where I had a burger and beer before class. I know, I know I'm so reckless!
This morning I had a left over scone and some tea out of the beautiful pot that Jennifer Levison gave me before I left Atlanta. The weather is sunny an breezy and I'm back in bed at 10:49AM. What could be better?
After tons of bitching and complaining, I am proud to say that I HAD A GOOD WEEK.
(break for breakfast-and a short video)
We had a good performance of The Tempest last night, and I got tons of positive feedback from hip hop classes on Wednesday. I'm getting buff and I even have some plans on my calendar outside of work. Like yesterday I had Jennifer Chuang over for scones and tea and then met Randy for lunch where I had a burger and beer before class. I know, I know I'm so reckless!
This morning I had a left over scone and some tea out of the beautiful pot that Jennifer Levison gave me before I left Atlanta. The weather is sunny an breezy and I'm back in bed at 10:49AM. What could be better?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Is it over yet?
That's what I say to Cara Patton at least twice a night during the hell week that is Winters Shakespeare Workshop. Due to the fact that we rehearse 3 hours a night and the play is over 2 hours, we now stay 'til 11PM every night. And let me tell you the kids are tired and the parents are not happy.
This festival is completely disorganized and there is SO much sitting around that it drives me crazy. There is so much good and so much support, but it's not enough. And right now the play looks like shit. The actors are still calling line, our Prospero is directing the other kids onstage ("No, you don't stand up yet.") and Russell speaks badly of people in front of way too many others. I am glad I did this for the experience and the little bit of money, but never again.
I meant to share one of my amazing successes from last week, but failed to. Like the other exciting things, I talked about it all the way home to Cara and actually Russell complimented the following day.
So, last Tuesday or Wednesday, Russell was working with the clowns primarily and gave us the lords and the lovers. I had the ariels work by themselves and I grabbed Burt and Reanna, our Ferdinand and Miranda. They have to do a stage kiss and I am not sure if they've kissed in real life yet. It was clear they were frightened about it and I had a feeling that Russell would not be very sensitive about it. Cara had been working with them, but not making too much progress. So, on our ride home I told her to just have to them do the stinkin' kiss already. Cara had a mini-freak out, so I said that I could take it on. I told Russell that I planned to work with them that evening and that I would run the kiss. He got a little weird about it and requested that I ask Reanna first. To make sure she felt comfortable. I told him sure, but knew in my mind that I would do no such thing.
Burt and Reanna were testing each other on lines and I came over to the them and said that I would like to be on book for them and asked which scene they wanted to work on. Luckily they said III.1, the one with the kiss! So, they ran through their lines, but they failed to look at each other or really connect in any way. The scene is such a good love scene that it hurt my heart to see this. When we got to the end of the scene, I said plainly and simply okay, now do the kiss. They both looked at me with looks of surprise and said, "now?" and I said, "yes, indeed." Burt requested that we go behind the bathrooms because he had some family member in attendance and didn't want them to see. So, we moved our little scene, backed up a little on the lines and when we got to the kiss they were asking all sorts of questions. Which way to I tilt my head, where do I put my hands? So, I just coaxed them to DO IT. Don't think about it, just do it.
ah, one out of the way.
We ran the end a few more times to get the logistics down and they were so much more comfortable. It was lovely. I was able to drop my teacher/director persona and become a giggling girl for just a moment.
I then led them in an exercise that Melanie taught us last fall. Scene partners stand on a line facing each other. You walk forward if you are attracted to the other character and back if they or something they say is repulsive. You can also step forward and back depending on your status or your view of your status. So, forward if you feel higher in status than your partner or back if you feel lower.
This gave Burt and Reanna a lot more to play with a some added dimensions. The following day, the scene was lovely.
This festival is completely disorganized and there is SO much sitting around that it drives me crazy. There is so much good and so much support, but it's not enough. And right now the play looks like shit. The actors are still calling line, our Prospero is directing the other kids onstage ("No, you don't stand up yet.") and Russell speaks badly of people in front of way too many others. I am glad I did this for the experience and the little bit of money, but never again.
I meant to share one of my amazing successes from last week, but failed to. Like the other exciting things, I talked about it all the way home to Cara and actually Russell complimented the following day.
So, last Tuesday or Wednesday, Russell was working with the clowns primarily and gave us the lords and the lovers. I had the ariels work by themselves and I grabbed Burt and Reanna, our Ferdinand and Miranda. They have to do a stage kiss and I am not sure if they've kissed in real life yet. It was clear they were frightened about it and I had a feeling that Russell would not be very sensitive about it. Cara had been working with them, but not making too much progress. So, on our ride home I told her to just have to them do the stinkin' kiss already. Cara had a mini-freak out, so I said that I could take it on. I told Russell that I planned to work with them that evening and that I would run the kiss. He got a little weird about it and requested that I ask Reanna first. To make sure she felt comfortable. I told him sure, but knew in my mind that I would do no such thing.
Burt and Reanna were testing each other on lines and I came over to the them and said that I would like to be on book for them and asked which scene they wanted to work on. Luckily they said III.1, the one with the kiss! So, they ran through their lines, but they failed to look at each other or really connect in any way. The scene is such a good love scene that it hurt my heart to see this. When we got to the end of the scene, I said plainly and simply okay, now do the kiss. They both looked at me with looks of surprise and said, "now?" and I said, "yes, indeed." Burt requested that we go behind the bathrooms because he had some family member in attendance and didn't want them to see. So, we moved our little scene, backed up a little on the lines and when we got to the kiss they were asking all sorts of questions. Which way to I tilt my head, where do I put my hands? So, I just coaxed them to DO IT. Don't think about it, just do it.
ah, one out of the way.
We ran the end a few more times to get the logistics down and they were so much more comfortable. It was lovely. I was able to drop my teacher/director persona and become a giggling girl for just a moment.
I then led them in an exercise that Melanie taught us last fall. Scene partners stand on a line facing each other. You walk forward if you are attracted to the other character and back if they or something they say is repulsive. You can also step forward and back depending on your status or your view of your status. So, forward if you feel higher in status than your partner or back if you feel lower.
This gave Burt and Reanna a lot more to play with a some added dimensions. The following day, the scene was lovely.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Holy Lack of Communication, Batman
This week has been a doozy and I can honestly say that I am not really sure where it went. On Monday I can distinctly recall bitching about the long week ahead and now it's Friday and I don't have to be anywhere and I can truly feel my body hurt.
I have been polling both of my hip hop classes and they're hurting, too. I feel much better about that. It is a good hurt, since I know I am getting back into shape, but my feet also hurt, which is not the best. If it wasn't for my slightly missing toenail I would go and get a pedicure. Hmmmm, maybe next week.
There have been numerous successes and set backs this week. In terms of hip hop, I feel that my choreography is always different and I have been coming up with SO MANY new playlists. However, one of my students sent me an email on Wednesday that pushed me into the dumps all morning. It read:
Hi Hope,
This is Paul from your section 1 hiphop class, and I have some
personal thoughts that I would like to share with you. First of all, I think our dance steps are a little bit too soft, and they seem more like jazz dance to me, because I think hiphop dance has much stronger and more powerful movements. And as well as the music. Second, as a dance class, I think we should spend more time on practicing our dance steps, like one and half hour maybe? Or we can apply those styles that we saw in the video [the David LaChapelle film, RIZE] to our dance. So all of these are only my personal opinions, I don't even know if I am right or wrong, I just want to share it with you, and its definitely no offense to you. Thank you so much for spending your time reading it. Have a great day.
Best,
Paul Lei
Right after I read it, I went into the studio and started choreographing and changing some of the current routine. He did come up to me in class and thanked me for my emailed response. In our conversation I came to find out that he didn't realize that this was Lyrical Hip Hop week. When I taught the routine on Monday I did so without counts. It allowed us to learn the movement and then place any song to it. I would then be able to tailor the piece to the song. Both classes chose to work more lyrically this week rather than the hard beats of more "traditional" hip hop music. A good idea in theory, but both classes picked totally different lyrical songs and the counts were very different from each other. Therefore it was difficult to keep them separate in my mind. Anyway, Paul was just talking about THIS week and he also thought that the class was 2 hours, rather than an hour 40. I started to feel better as I began the class and started the webcam up.
My mini-freak out that I am a bad teacher and have no right teaching hip hop did push me into two decisions. 1) Scheduling the teaching resource center (TRC) to come to both classes on Monday and survey my students and then give me feedback on the classes. and 2) on Monday on our drive home from Winters I will stop and talk with Q, the hip hop teacher I studied with last year.
I do feel like I have good dialogue with my students, but the TRC is such a good resource that it would be stupid not to use them. Especially since I am teaching the classes again in second session. In terms of meeting with Q, I feel like I am a little stuck in terms of choreography and it would be great to have a session with him to have him tweak my stuff. I realize that my choreography does not really use arms very much. I would love to play with that more. And unfortunately watching hours of youtube cannot offer the assistance I need.
I also spoke with Christine Chen who teaches the jazz class before me about how she structures her class. She gave me a great exercise which I used yesterday to wonderful outcomes. In most dance classes, you split the class in half and allow one half to dance at a time. It allows each half to perform for their classmates and to really spread out. I usually do this to encourage one half to "give love" to the other class. This usually includes a bit of a-hootin' and a-hollerin' and then smiles on the dancers faces. But what Christine recommended is having them pair up -- one from group A and one from group B. When group A dances their group B counterparts watch and give feedback afterwards. It really allowed my students to talk about the dance and give feedback and praise. Ah, the power of communication.
It gets me super excited about our hip hop poetry next week.
I have been polling both of my hip hop classes and they're hurting, too. I feel much better about that. It is a good hurt, since I know I am getting back into shape, but my feet also hurt, which is not the best. If it wasn't for my slightly missing toenail I would go and get a pedicure. Hmmmm, maybe next week.
There have been numerous successes and set backs this week. In terms of hip hop, I feel that my choreography is always different and I have been coming up with SO MANY new playlists. However, one of my students sent me an email on Wednesday that pushed me into the dumps all morning. It read:
Hi Hope,
This is Paul from your section 1 hiphop class, and I have some
personal thoughts that I would like to share with you. First of all, I think our dance steps are a little bit too soft, and they seem more like jazz dance to me, because I think hiphop dance has much stronger and more powerful movements. And as well as the music. Second, as a dance class, I think we should spend more time on practicing our dance steps, like one and half hour maybe? Or we can apply those styles that we saw in the video [the David LaChapelle film, RIZE] to our dance. So all of these are only my personal opinions, I don't even know if I am right or wrong, I just want to share it with you, and its definitely no offense to you. Thank you so much for spending your time reading it. Have a great day.
Best,
Paul Lei
Right after I read it, I went into the studio and started choreographing and changing some of the current routine. He did come up to me in class and thanked me for my emailed response. In our conversation I came to find out that he didn't realize that this was Lyrical Hip Hop week. When I taught the routine on Monday I did so without counts. It allowed us to learn the movement and then place any song to it. I would then be able to tailor the piece to the song. Both classes chose to work more lyrically this week rather than the hard beats of more "traditional" hip hop music. A good idea in theory, but both classes picked totally different lyrical songs and the counts were very different from each other. Therefore it was difficult to keep them separate in my mind. Anyway, Paul was just talking about THIS week and he also thought that the class was 2 hours, rather than an hour 40. I started to feel better as I began the class and started the webcam up.
My mini-freak out that I am a bad teacher and have no right teaching hip hop did push me into two decisions. 1) Scheduling the teaching resource center (TRC) to come to both classes on Monday and survey my students and then give me feedback on the classes. and 2) on Monday on our drive home from Winters I will stop and talk with Q, the hip hop teacher I studied with last year.
I do feel like I have good dialogue with my students, but the TRC is such a good resource that it would be stupid not to use them. Especially since I am teaching the classes again in second session. In terms of meeting with Q, I feel like I am a little stuck in terms of choreography and it would be great to have a session with him to have him tweak my stuff. I realize that my choreography does not really use arms very much. I would love to play with that more. And unfortunately watching hours of youtube cannot offer the assistance I need.
I also spoke with Christine Chen who teaches the jazz class before me about how she structures her class. She gave me a great exercise which I used yesterday to wonderful outcomes. In most dance classes, you split the class in half and allow one half to dance at a time. It allows each half to perform for their classmates and to really spread out. I usually do this to encourage one half to "give love" to the other class. This usually includes a bit of a-hootin' and a-hollerin' and then smiles on the dancers faces. But what Christine recommended is having them pair up -- one from group A and one from group B. When group A dances their group B counterparts watch and give feedback afterwards. It really allowed my students to talk about the dance and give feedback and praise. Ah, the power of communication.
It gets me super excited about our hip hop poetry next week.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Perspectives
Yesterday was a pretty lazy day. I hung around in the morning and walked into town to find a big bike race. After lunch at Cafe Bernardo where I watched the race, I went to see Wall-E on F Street. The previews looked bad, but all the comments on facebook gave it praise. I have to admit it was pretty great. An environmental scare movie for the young and old. There was an older gentleman behind me who laughed at just about everything and it made me laugh, too. A little robot alone in the world.At 5:30, I got home and took a nap. But honestly, I could not stay in once I awoke. I put feelers out earlier in the day with Chad, Jennifer and JT but as of 8PM there was no word back. Chad went hiking and might have been back by 6 or 7, Jennifer was in San Francisco and JT went to his brother's house. There were fireworks in Davis at the Community Park off of B Street and 14th starting at 9:30PM. So just before 8PM, still a little drowsy from my nap, I got on my bicycle and headed over to the park. I saw the advertised skydivers advancing, but I really was not sure where to go, so I parked my bike and followed the crowd. There were tons of people around and I grabbed a slice of pizza and a beer and found a place to park my towel and my butt. I really don't like being alone in such a large crowd, but it was so much better than being at home. I took out my phone to check the time and noticed that JT had called 20 minutes prior. He was on his way to the fireworks with Binky and he would let me know where he was so we could meet up.
It was good to see the friendly faces of JT and Binky. We sat with Jossie and Joey and their mother and then another group of their friends joined in. The fireworks were truly fantastic. I was quite surprised at the size and professional quality of the show. I was so glad that I went and happy that I was not by myself.
After the fireworks I made the round of goodbyes and met Jossie's friend, Laura. She arrived just as the fireworks started. Jossie kept saying how talented she was. She graduated last year and is the accompanist for Mindy Cooper's Musical Theatre class. When I finally met Laura she said "oh, you're Hope, the famous actress." Upon my surprise, Jossie added, "everyone talks about you." JT then added "didn't you know that?"
Um, no.
I know I'm doing well at UCD and the few reviews I've seen have been favorable, but I don't get a huge sense of accomplishment from my professors. Actually, I get little from them. So, there lies the disconnect. Either way the comment made me humbled.
In any case, there's no reason to worry about an enlarged ego, because I am truly aware of the scale. I am still a big fish in a small pond and right now I'm just a grad student alone in the world.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Wanna Hear Something Shitty?
So yesterday when Russell pulled Cara aside at the top of workshop, he actually assigned her to be prop mistress. They were supposed to get some high school kid to volunteer her time, but alas, that didn't work out. Cara was not very happy about it, but took it like a champ. I am not sure when she will be handling the props since she has a full course load at UCD and doesn't have a car (I think.)
Anyway, during Cara's conversation with Russell, he mentioned to her yesterday's luau image exchange and that me giving him a copy of those images was like I was saying "fuck you, this isn't part of my job description." She was perplexed and corrected him by saying that no, I had done some online research and I printed those images out for him. He kind of nodded and said "sure" and went on with his business.
When I heard this at the top of rehearsal, I was livid. I planned to speak to him to make sure our relationship was okay and make sure that he knew that I follow the chain of command. But I decided not too. He obviously still feels threatened by me for some reason.
Honestly, I really don't care what he thinks about me and opening up that conversation would have taken WAY too much time and effort.
Ah, the weekend is here. Yiiippeeee!
Anyway, during Cara's conversation with Russell, he mentioned to her yesterday's luau image exchange and that me giving him a copy of those images was like I was saying "fuck you, this isn't part of my job description." She was perplexed and corrected him by saying that no, I had done some online research and I printed those images out for him. He kind of nodded and said "sure" and went on with his business.
When I heard this at the top of rehearsal, I was livid. I planned to speak to him to make sure our relationship was okay and make sure that he knew that I follow the chain of command. But I decided not too. He obviously still feels threatened by me for some reason.
Honestly, I really don't care what he thinks about me and opening up that conversation would have taken WAY too much time and effort.
Ah, the weekend is here. Yiiippeeee!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
WSW Remix!
After almost three weeks, I FINALLY had a great night at Winters Shakespeare Workshop. It's pretty laughable every night how much Cara and I bitch on the way home. The snotty kids, the outspoken parents and then all things Russell.
At our production meeting on Sunday, Jeff, one of the neighborhood Dad's came over to talk props. Actually, it's Wyatt's dad. The musician dude who is working with me on my thesis and dada. His father, Jeff.
Anyway, he disrupts our meeting and upon joining us takes over the conversation. It was actually not mean spirited, it just happened. It amazed me that someone can just do that. It was pretty brilliant. He gave an air of authority and respect -- and everyone else just let him do it.
He is building the platters for the big feast that the Ariel's bring in. In our Tahitian style, the scene has become a Luau. He plans to build these things out of molded plexi and paint them, however he needed some images to guide him. Apparently, in years past he's painted some set pieces and then Russell said he didn't like them and Jeff had to redo them. However on Sunday when Jeff asked for images of food platters he looked at ME! I was a little perplexed, but took the job on. Later that evening Russell was questioning Jeff's request, but again, I said I would bring some images for Russell to approve.
I brought them on Tuesday. And Russell looked at them and said "how can we get these to transfer to our platters?" I shrugged my shoulders and then Russell sighed and made some comment that he would now have to take care of it himself. On that way home that night, Cara was livid that Russell didn't even thank me for doing research and printing out photos for him. I let it slide. Like most of the bitching from the teens.
However, last night things finally clicked into place. Russell pulled Cara at the top of workshop last night so I had to lead warm-ups by myself. As I walked over to the circle, I dreaded what was to come, but they were actually pretty quiet and responsive. After warm-up we went back to the stage area, but Russell was deep in conversation with Laura (the musical director) and Michelle (the choreographer). I asked him how long he would be and he said he didn't know. So, I made an executive decision and pulled the kids back and Cara and I lead some games. We did one word at a time stories and then they wanted to do the human knot again. They worked like a well oiled machine. It was quite impressive. So, I decided, since we had all of the kids, that we should do one final trust exercise. I had them make two lines facing each other and one at a time they had to run down the center to me WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED. It was great to see them vulnerable and trusting. After that they ran in pairs.
I then explained the importance of trust and ensured them that just as I had guided them to safety at the end of the line -- Cara and I can be trusted to do the same as they get closer to performance. A little dorky, yes, but they finally all realized that Cara and I were on their team.
(sigh)
At our production meeting on Sunday, Jeff, one of the neighborhood Dad's came over to talk props. Actually, it's Wyatt's dad. The musician dude who is working with me on my thesis and dada. His father, Jeff.
Anyway, he disrupts our meeting and upon joining us takes over the conversation. It was actually not mean spirited, it just happened. It amazed me that someone can just do that. It was pretty brilliant. He gave an air of authority and respect -- and everyone else just let him do it.
He is building the platters for the big feast that the Ariel's bring in. In our Tahitian style, the scene has become a Luau. He plans to build these things out of molded plexi and paint them, however he needed some images to guide him. Apparently, in years past he's painted some set pieces and then Russell said he didn't like them and Jeff had to redo them. However on Sunday when Jeff asked for images of food platters he looked at ME! I was a little perplexed, but took the job on. Later that evening Russell was questioning Jeff's request, but again, I said I would bring some images for Russell to approve.
I brought them on Tuesday. And Russell looked at them and said "how can we get these to transfer to our platters?" I shrugged my shoulders and then Russell sighed and made some comment that he would now have to take care of it himself. On that way home that night, Cara was livid that Russell didn't even thank me for doing research and printing out photos for him. I let it slide. Like most of the bitching from the teens.
However, last night things finally clicked into place. Russell pulled Cara at the top of workshop last night so I had to lead warm-ups by myself. As I walked over to the circle, I dreaded what was to come, but they were actually pretty quiet and responsive. After warm-up we went back to the stage area, but Russell was deep in conversation with Laura (the musical director) and Michelle (the choreographer). I asked him how long he would be and he said he didn't know. So, I made an executive decision and pulled the kids back and Cara and I lead some games. We did one word at a time stories and then they wanted to do the human knot again. They worked like a well oiled machine. It was quite impressive. So, I decided, since we had all of the kids, that we should do one final trust exercise. I had them make two lines facing each other and one at a time they had to run down the center to me WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED. It was great to see them vulnerable and trusting. After that they ran in pairs.
I then explained the importance of trust and ensured them that just as I had guided them to safety at the end of the line -- Cara and I can be trusted to do the same as they get closer to performance. A little dorky, yes, but they finally all realized that Cara and I were on their team.
(sigh)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Vous Ja De
Since I teach two hip hop classes in a row, sometimes I get a little lost. Am I repeating the same notes about keeping the moves small and sharp or is it new to this class? I also forgot my smart pills on Monday and for my first class of the day, I for the life of me could not remember the combination for the day. I kept having to consult my notes -- THAT WERE WRONG! Maybe it's because I choreographed it only an hour before class. Or maybe Denise Arribas did not wish me the luck I asked for when we IM-ed during my choreography session.
Either way, yesterday I had to go in and fix all of the crappy parts and add some cool moves. If any of you are interested, I am a sneaky one and I turn on my webcam during class. You can watch the live footage of class (uploaded every 30 seconds) on secrethideout.net. My square is in the upper right hand corner. It's running from 2:10-3:50 and 4:10-5:50 Monday-Thursday Pacific Time.
This morning I woke to a very tired body. One of the students in my first class has asked for more strength training and with the addition of this one squatting step, my quads are not happy.
So, from bed I pulled my laptop onto my chest to read my emails. I got one from Ashley, the real estate agent who sold my condo in Atlanta. For just a moment I lost time. I was not quite sure if I was viewing an old message and who the subject was. Pretty eerie. The email read:
Hope meet Michele, Michele meet Hope.
Michele is driving today (Wednesday) out to Davis, CA for a job and new adventure. I am selling her condo here in Atlanta. Does this sound familiar, Hope?
Anyway Michele is great and will be new to Davis, she just graduated from Emory and is now Dr. Flagge. Michele, you can catch up on Hope's unbelievable life below. She is a crazy multi-task woman and taking on the world of teaching, acting, dancing, and writing one moment at a time.
Hope, you will appreciate that for whatever reason Michele's car did not get picked up and taken out to CA as promised, so she is now driving with her Dad to Davis. Road Trip, love it.
Good Luck to all. Hope, your life sounds fabulous. Michele, I will get your pad sold, so you will not have dead-weight here in Atlanta.
--Ashley
Either way, yesterday I had to go in and fix all of the crappy parts and add some cool moves. If any of you are interested, I am a sneaky one and I turn on my webcam during class. You can watch the live footage of class (uploaded every 30 seconds) on secrethideout.net. My square is in the upper right hand corner. It's running from 2:10-3:50 and 4:10-5:50 Monday-Thursday Pacific Time.
This morning I woke to a very tired body. One of the students in my first class has asked for more strength training and with the addition of this one squatting step, my quads are not happy.
So, from bed I pulled my laptop onto my chest to read my emails. I got one from Ashley, the real estate agent who sold my condo in Atlanta. For just a moment I lost time. I was not quite sure if I was viewing an old message and who the subject was. Pretty eerie. The email read:
Hope meet Michele, Michele meet Hope.
Michele is driving today (Wednesday) out to Davis, CA for a job and new adventure. I am selling her condo here in Atlanta. Does this sound familiar, Hope?
Anyway Michele is great and will be new to Davis, she just graduated from Emory and is now Dr. Flagge. Michele, you can catch up on Hope's unbelievable life below. She is a crazy multi-task woman and taking on the world of teaching, acting, dancing, and writing one moment at a time.
Hope, you will appreciate that for whatever reason Michele's car did not get picked up and taken out to CA as promised, so she is now driving with her Dad to Davis. Road Trip, love it.
Good Luck to all. Hope, your life sounds fabulous. Michele, I will get your pad sold, so you will not have dead-weight here in Atlanta.
--Ashley
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