This piece is a collaborative effort between myself and choreographer Azeb Frietas. This piece was created for National Choreographers Month (NACHMO) in 2021. The goal of NACHMO is a month-long challenge to create a piece in January. This year, I worked with Azeb to create a piece for dancers at all levels from all over the country. We created this piece in just a few sessions over the course of one month. The goal was to capture the fun of being with friends, going out, and having a good time, even though at the time everyone was still isolating and staying at home. The movements were inspired by disco, 80s and 90s music videos, Las Vegas performances, musical theater, dancing in your bedroom while singing into a hairbrush, and every feel good movement in between (especially shaking your butt).
It was taught remotely through instructional videos and was filmed by the dancers wherever they were. This projects had nine dancers from Georgia, Massachusetts, and Michigan learn the choreography from videos, film themselves and submit the videos. I took the videos and created a film that was fun, high energy, and collaborative despite quarantine, distance, and different dance experiences. Reminiscent of home videos and MTV style music videos, the editing is quick and sets a fast pace. Overall the video was designed to put a smile on your face and inspire you to have fun.We wanted to bring joy to our audiences and boost moods. The fast cuts keep energy high and each dancer has different their own quality of movements and timing. It is fun, genuine, and just a good time.
This piece was premiered at National Choreographers Month on February 13, 2021 and has since been performed at Malden Dance Mile on June 12, 2021.
