11/28/11

Circa 1989


The 80s
Originally uploaded by Jenita McGowan.
I wish getting dressed was still this easy.

11/19/11

Old Friend and New Ideas

I had dinner with my old friend Chung-Fu Chang on Tuesday. I performed in a piece of his in 2003 when he was teaching at Kent State University and I was in between dance companies. 


Golden Heat
My solo in "Golden Heat", Choreography by Chung-Fu Chang


He was in Cleveland setting a piece on Verb Ballets. We talked a lot about what it means to perform when your body changes as you get older, how virtuosity becomes impossible, and how constraints can lead to greater creativity.


Chung-Fu told me a story about having surgery and making a piece with a bathtub that he used for support because he was still weak. The piece won an award and was eventually performed at the Kennedy Center. (The video is below)





We got a little silly and reminisced about how fun jumping used to be--how fun it still is-- it is just the landing that stings. Of course, it spawned an idea to do a piece all about jumping, but using some kind of bungee contraption to soften the landing. 


We hadn't seen each other in eight years, but we still share a common philosophy about dance, authentic performance and honoring individual dancers in choreography. I also realized that he has had a deep influence on my own choreography, particularly in the use of fabrics and props. I hope we see each other again soon. 

11/8/11

Weeknight Cheater Pumpkin Pie

Yes, you too can bake after work and have pie by 8:30pm. Filling made by scratch although pumpkins cooked before. Crust: courtesy of graham crackers.

Tuesday night pumpkin pie

11/5/11

Ingenuity Fest Performance

We performed this 3 times in September at Ingenuity Fest on the streetcar level of the Detroit Superior Bridge. We had a great time performing and hope to do something for Ingenuity again next year.

11/4/11

your life to live

Our names are unimportant
Where we live, we're looking for it
What we know, we do believe in
That's the love of a friend.
On your right side, that's your brother
On your left side, that's your sister
Right behind you, that's your family
Right in front of you, that's your life to live

-We are many, Hackensaw Boys

10/28/11

Tuscany you are beautiful.


Tuscany you are beautiful.
Originally uploaded by Jenita McGowan.
Tuscany you are beautiful.

Cafe window with ash trays, San Gimignano

Cafe window with ash trays, San Gimignano

10/26/11

Firenze


Firenze
Originally uploaded by Jenita McGowan.
Firenze