Eclectic Edge Ensemble

This morning we returned back to rehearsal. EEE typically takes August and September off to rest, recoup and start plans for the following season. This year is going to be jammed packed and it will all culminate with our return to the Minneapolis Ritz Theatre July 15^th – 18^th, 2010, with sneak peaks available throughout the year.

It is true that as we returned to rehearsal in October that most of us had to drive through snow, which was a little strange. Even though it was freezing outside it was so wonderful to be back in a warm studio dancing with the EEE dancers. We have two new wonderful additions to our group. Both Vanessa and Sarah were thrown in to a full day of rehearsal and did a fabulous job.

The two pieces we started this morning were a ton of fun to watch unfold in the studio. One is about getting yourself in situations where you keep putting your foot in your mouth. For a split moment you may feel so incredibly cool, but in the end things come out of your mouth, that proves the opposite. The other one will be our first attempt to do a full piece, jumping, turning and throwing our bodies around in high heels. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

I never know as I dance around in my living room what will work and what just looks good in my head. I will listen to a piece of music over and over, and just see the images unfold in front of me. It is exciting to put those ideas on our dancers and see where they will take it.

This year we will be working on four new pieces including a chance to work with jazz legend Zoe Sealy. What a dream come true! We will also be working on a piece that will test whether sports have the power to solve all of the world’s problems. Any thoughts out there on that?

So we are back! Check back often as I, dancers and members of the EEE Arts Advisory board blog about our experiences.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH, 7-10PM
@ the historic CASKET ARTS building: 681 17th Ave NE Minneapolis, MN
(corner of 17th and Jefferson in Northeast Minneapolis)

Tickets $10 at the door
The evening will be filled with LIVE MUSIC, a DANCE CABARET made up of EEE repertory and choreography by company members, FOOD, DRINKS and a SILENT AUCTION that all support Eclectic Edge Ensemble’s upcoming production; "Reeling Over Love" July 16th-19th at the Ritz Theatre in NE Minneapolis.

Mark your calendar and join us for a fun and fabulous night! Thanks for your support!

It is so wonderful to be back in rehearsals with Eclectic Edge!  Needless to say, I am so excited for our show this summer. The work thus far is proving to be some of Karis' best, and is sure to give audience members of all types something to muse over.

Personally, Karis constantly challenges my sense of rhythm, and use of music. This is one of her strongest suits choreographically, and "#44," a piece we're currently working on, is no exception. The physicallity of it is actually quite extreme in parts, while in others, the footwork is challenging musically.  I've said, "can you show me that again?", more times than i'd like to admit! :)

I am loving the duet that Jeremy B. and I are working on, entitled, "I Know." I feel so personally connected to this piece, even after only four rehearsals. Jeremy and I have never danced together before, but the chemestry is very natural, and I feel extremely invested in the development of the movement and our relationship. Karis has taylored this piece to us perfectly, and when I'm dancing it I feel exposed, and am transported to a very meaningful place. What a gift to receive from a choreographer! She has indulged my love of contraction, pared with lenghtened limbs of extended energy. After working with Karis for four years now, she has me totally figured out!

We are also gearing up for the fundraiser set for June 20th that will include a performance, silent auction, and of course, great food and drink. We had a grand time last year and are looking forward to this year's event being even bigger and better.

Finally, I must mention all of the wonderful new members we've welcomed to the company this year. We are so fortunate to have so much of the fabulous talent in the Twin Cities dancing with us, and it has been a pleasure working with them thus far. They each bring something different to the table, which is what is so cool about this company. (I will spare you from using the word "eclectic" here.)

In Light,

Allison Doughty

Recently we had a photo shoot at Lace/Hanky Photography for our upcoming Summer show.

To see more Behind the Scene photos click here.

Naming a piece, be it the title of a little jig, epic 30 minute saga or the one thing that needs to encompass your entire show, is a quite difficult task. Sometimes they just jump in your head and you know it is perfect. I enjoy when that happens...no sweating, loss of sleep. The name just comes to you, and you feel like it is a perfect fit. Well, that is not always the case.

Sometimes it takes days, weeks, or as in this case months. I find myselfasking everyone I know for their suggestions. This can be from family members, friends and co-workers to waiters, cashiers and even my dentist, for their thoughts on titles. For some reason it just needs this much research. Well at least I am getting better at giving the 30 second synopsis of our summer show. I will quickly explain what the piece is about, what music we are using, and then ask people their thoughts on a title. This has proven to be very helpful in the past if my brain becomes road blocked on a title.

Or maybe sometimes you just need a vacation. Maybe you need to feel some sunshine on your face, and a cool breeze of relaxation to clear all of the past thoughts and doubts. Just some time to breathe, and not be running from one job to the next. That’s it a vacation is a must! I wonder if there is some way to work that into proposals...a needed getaway for creative rejuvenation. I highly recommend it. Now I feel ready to tackle new pieces, and have come up with ideas that I am really excited about. I think it is important for everyone to just take some time to refuel; otherwise you get to a point when you are running on empty.

So here is the title: “Reeling over Love.” It is gong to be a fun show, and I hope to see you all there. MN Ritz Theatre July 16^th-19^th, 2009!