The frog II-The artistic Odyssey/Panacea

How “the frog” did work during the rehearsal days?

         We had our first VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) meeting in which we set the objectives, artistic concept, structure and timetable of the project. We also checked technological devices that we were going to be able to use during the performance. After setting these general aspects, we had our first choreographic rehearsal. At that moment, we realized about the limitations of the 2D technology internet communication. We lacked effective tools to create the choreography easily. The three of us had been working together at least for four years before this project but we were communicating through a screen now; and feeling powerless to correct our bodies to each other. It was a kind of difficult at the beginning but not hard at all.

          At this rehearsal we tried some phrases and combinations in neo-classical style. Additionally, we improvised movements that we think could work for the screen scenario. In my case, as  a former Paula and Lucia´s  teacher and choreographer, it was a kind of difficult to avoid correcting them. I had to remind myself constantly that this is a collaborative project. The common working is encouraged and the unilateral vision is not allowed anymore.

           We had three more rehearsals immersed in a creative process which followed the old way of creating choreographies: fitting movements inside a song and thinking of aesthetical images for the audience. Personally, I think this was the best way to work in this project since it is the first one and we had to take care of other aspects such as the technological devices. Being comfortable working in a new environment it was the priority rather than coming up with an interesting and innovating artistic concept for the choreography.

            In general, the rehearsing process was smooth in spite of my tendency to give corrections and give artistic directions to improve the aesthetic quality of the dance movements. However, not having the 3D sensations in our bodies when we dance together felt weird. At the fourth and last rehearsal, we were more accustomed to working using the VoIP software. The cold communication that we felt at the beginning of the project—because of the screen—had disappeared. Our brain had understood the new patterns of communication. We felt more comfortable talking about feelings, desires and artistic ideas in a really long distance system.

           Other limitations arise because of the use of technologic devices. For example, I was the only person who rehearsed with the image that I will receive during performance from Ecuador. Paula and Lucia never could see the final image (video) that I will be send to them. We did not have a dress rehearsal because the time limitations of the conference room where the project will be presented. This is the first time for the three of us that we are going to perform without having a dress rehearsal. Hopefully, we will check audio and video settings before the presentation and we will be able to mark once or twice the choreography.

           We do not know what to expect during the performance because it is a completely new experience for the three of us. How will the sensation of having remote audience be? What emotions will the audience have from a 2D performance? How about the feelings and sensations that dancers should feel when they dance together? Certainly, this is a vibrant new experience that we are eager to experiment and live.

            Our project, “The Frog”, will be presented in March 26^th,  4:55 pm NY time 3:55pm Ecuador time. After presenting the project, we will know how our first experience doing internet distributed performances was.