Making the final touches

With the MFA Concert just around the corner, Glabe and dancers are putting their strengths to the test and putting in all the necessary extra rehearsal time - that I was allowed to sit in on.  

The first group of dancers went through their
portion of their routine to music before cleaning it
in more detail. Photo Credit: Nichole Hamilton


Sitting in on their rehearsal was eye-opening, for many reasons. These dancers put in a substantial amount of time to rehearse their piece, The Art of the Breathing by their very accomodating choreographer, Jessica Kondrath. They allowed me to enter their world, and watch what keeps them going. The concert begins next weekend, putting the pressure on these dedicated dancers to finish and perfect their choreographer's vision.



While Glabe is a graduate student performing in the piece, a large majority of the group consists of undergraduates. With 15 plus performers, rehearsal time is essential in making everyone look like one unified group with the same goal in their movements.

 

Glabe, standing, performing with other
dancers to music before cleaning
the next  portion of the piece.
Photo Credit: Nichole Hamilton

For the process of the rehearsal itself, it seemed to have a very mechanical way that it worked. The choreographer, Kondrath, would select a portion of the material that she wanted to go over and perfect. The dancers would then line up in formation, and they would do that portion to music. Then, the next step began.



After they performed it once to music, they would spend around five minutes in between performances to ask multiple questions and recieve clarifications on movements they were performing. There was constant interaction between students and teacher, and really made for a wonderful learning environment. With that I feel that I must mention, that these young dancers had a very cohesive bond that was extremely evident right when I entered the room. Everyone welcomed each other, and that closeness really adds to their interaction in the piece.

 

Glabe, center, and her fellow dancers going over
a portion of their piece.
Photo Credit: Nichole Hamilton



After the five minute or so cleaning, they would then perform it to music again, and review their changes to see if they worked as they had hoped. Once that portion was cleaned to Kondrath's liking, they would move on to the next portion, and repeat the process over again.

 Overall, the process was very relaxed. While they were constantly working hard at achieving their set goals for that portion, the girls had time to laugh and really enjoy what they were doing. There was no tension in the room, and it allowed them to really express themselves in a peaceful environment, rather than stressing out over the upcoming performance.

The way that their rehearsals are held really help make the piece what it is. With only one week left to finalize all of the finishing touches, the dancers were all excited at the opportunity to perform and display their hard work.

Glabe and dancers perform their piece in its entirety while their choreographer,
Kondrath, observes. Photo Credit: Nichole Hamilton