Well, one more week to go and it has been a ride. This weekend not only did we perform, I also managed to check out the second Chew On it, which was brilliant and inspiring, I really felt all the performers openning up their process and selves to us.
Observations about INHABIT week 4. Much more social. I saw lots of folks talking to others who they didn't know, and also it seemed to take longer for people to figure out and tune in to the dancing as it trickled in to the space. That is one of my favorite moments, that shift of attention as seemingly simultaneusly 12 people look up and notice a duet in the space. I wonder if we are relaxing in some subtle way which is creating a more social quality to the space.
We also put into effect a simple communication technique to try and enable us to step into the moments that we might otherwise feel constrained to enter due to the agreement of the choreography. KTs blog talks about this a lot. I felt an increased relaxation from having this language as a prearranged element of the show even though it was not used much. We call it clarifications and simple revelations. Basically such things as, "I'm going to step out for a moment", "Are you going on?", "I'm ready now", "Are we late?". Just basic statements that primarilly allow us to understand where the others are at, but also a slight insight into the inner landscape of our thoughts.
Another change we made or talked about was in the space after the peice, the shifted social. I had been feeling awkward, waiting for people to congratulate me, feeling myself in an old post performance pattern that didn't interest me much. Others shared this sense (though not Dustin so much) so we talked about being a bit more proactive, seeking out people we felt connected with, asking more questions about memories and experiences rather than judgement or analysis. I really felt the difference. Not only did I have good conversations, I had more of them, because I had a way not only in but also out of them, heading off to search for the next person I was hoping to touch base with. Some thoughts/experiences that came up. Feeling like he was on drugs about half way through due to the richness of attention. Him noticing a peice of paper being passed, the shadow it cast on the wall and the dancer behind it all as one woven tapestry. Another guest having someone step in front of him and him just taking it as a cue to move to another spot in the room, a seemingly small but actually massive shift. Repeated movement as an opportunity to try on a new lens. The loveliness of lying down, the bird calls and lullaby. The increased participation felt when we went to our respective corners and worlds. Imagining what we are feeling as we lie on the floor, noticing there is space in the light for one more next to us. Looking at the other guests during the circle. Having certain moments of intimacy that really stood out for them personally.
Funny how quickly the memories fade and blur, its back to the boy for me now.
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Did you get a lift up a hill? This is a place to post your thoughts about what just happened.
Find The Lift 2008: Schedule
All Lifts At The Market (at the base of Virginia Street)
Wednesday, August 27, 1pm
Friday, August 29, 1pm
Saturday, August 30, 1pm
Wednesday, August 27, 1pm
Friday, August 29, 1pm
Saturday, August 30, 1pm
What Is The Lift?
Juxtaposing the vibrant activity of Seattle’s busy streets, Lingo presents a one on one dance experience called "The Lift" – a humorous and helpful push up various steep city blocks. This 6 day project will culminate in a finale involving multiple hills and dozens of guest participants offering “Lifts” to hundreds of people.
The impetus for the project stems from a desire to plant the seed for meaningful interactions between strangers in the world. That said, we expect the reactions of those approached to run the gamut - from confused to delighted, intrigued to irritated. The advances of the performer will be accepted sometimes, but often not, and the whole experience will be documented here on Lingo’s blog. Recipients of The Lift are encouraged to post their reactions as well.
The Lift is a project about the attempt. The art may happen in the moment, but it certainly happens afterwards – in the conversations the performers have (or don’t have) with the strangers they connect with, and the explanations those strangers give later to friends who weren’t there.
The Lift is unpredictable, sometimes humorous, sometimes confusing, sometimes scary. Lingo performers set a catalyst in play as art and let the outcome decide itself.
The Lift is made possible by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
The impetus for the project stems from a desire to plant the seed for meaningful interactions between strangers in the world. That said, we expect the reactions of those approached to run the gamut - from confused to delighted, intrigued to irritated. The advances of the performer will be accepted sometimes, but often not, and the whole experience will be documented here on Lingo’s blog. Recipients of The Lift are encouraged to post their reactions as well.
The Lift is a project about the attempt. The art may happen in the moment, but it certainly happens afterwards – in the conversations the performers have (or don’t have) with the strangers they connect with, and the explanations those strangers give later to friends who weren’t there.
The Lift is unpredictable, sometimes humorous, sometimes confusing, sometimes scary. Lingo performers set a catalyst in play as art and let the outcome decide itself.
The Lift is made possible by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
About Lingo
- LINGO
- Lingo is an inspired group of contemporary artists, athletes, actors, bravehearts, lunatics. . . and yes, dancers. They are drawn to the circumstances that provide common ground, inspire surprising connections and shift the entry point of how the public interfaces with dance. They seek platforms for work outside the limitations of proscenium-based performance, such as art "events" including food, drink, gathering and dancing, museum installations and one on one encounters in urban, public settings.
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