Today I did another phone interview for the same article I was working on yesterday...and I myself was interviewed for an article in my college paper, where I was Features Editor before I graduated.
I have to say, it's nice to be asked to be interviewed and to be quoted in print and all, but I really prefer ASKING questions and listening quietly rather than rambling on uncomfortably, haha. I'm no conversationalist and it's not like I was asked rocket science questions, but I get all tongue tied when put on the spot. You'd think as a writer I'd be able to swiftly come up with beautiful prose to run off when asked questions I know the answers to inside and out - how I graduated so fast, what I've been doing since finishing college, advice for future grads, etc - but somehow I couldn't find the words today. I'm sure when it's printed I'll regret my verbal stupidity, haha. Oh well, what can you do. I guess it wasn't THAT bad.
I spent the rest of the day at The New Yorker. That's all going really well...they're putting together a book with all the cartoon caption contests from the past 3 years and I'm helping a lot with that, so that's exciting. Fun stuff.
I'm so behind on my own work, though. Being sick last week put me in slow motion and now I'm fighting to catch up with articles and papers for school and the like. So much to do and so little time.
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
cool interview!!!
Ahhh!
I'm such a loser, haha.
I just did a VERY COOL phone interview for an article I'm doing...
with a member of OUTKAST!
I'm such a loser, haha.
I just did a VERY COOL phone interview for an article I'm doing...
with a member of OUTKAST!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
computer issues
I didn't blog yesterday and haven't been blogging in detail lately largely because my laptop is misbehaving and dies every two seconds. SO I'm am very happy to report that I'm buying a new laptop today!!!! Yay. It is very exciting, haha. You don't know how annoying it is to be writing an article or a paper for school and have to click save every two words in case it freezes or dies. No fun. But today that will be solved!
Anyway
Yesterday I had a busy ballet day...I had rehearsal again with this choreographer who's doing a piece on my for our little June student showcase, but we were in a studio with a wooden floor rather than marley. It was a plus because that meant no pointe shoes (his choreography is basically physically impossible on point, as I learned last week). BUT it was a tough tough tough rehearsal. I'm SO sore today it's insane. His style is so unnatural for me, so it's a big adjustment. I'm sure I'll get it eventually, but it was kind of frustrating yesterday. My teacher who's there helping can see my annoyance, haha, but what can you do but keep trying...
My weekend at home for Easter was nice. Brief but nice. I got to see my dogs :) haha
What else...I did several phone interviews this morning for one of my many articles due in the next week. It's so cool to talk to some of these people...phone interviews are way harder than real life ones though. And on top of awkward cell phone reception, they were cleaning the carpets in my hallway outside my apartment this morning, so it was SO loud. Ugh, haha.
Tonight I'm meeting up with some fellow bloggers for a lively conversation like we had at movmnt's office a few weeks ago. Looking forward to that.
Lot's going on...as always.
Anyway
Yesterday I had a busy ballet day...I had rehearsal again with this choreographer who's doing a piece on my for our little June student showcase, but we were in a studio with a wooden floor rather than marley. It was a plus because that meant no pointe shoes (his choreography is basically physically impossible on point, as I learned last week). BUT it was a tough tough tough rehearsal. I'm SO sore today it's insane. His style is so unnatural for me, so it's a big adjustment. I'm sure I'll get it eventually, but it was kind of frustrating yesterday. My teacher who's there helping can see my annoyance, haha, but what can you do but keep trying...
My weekend at home for Easter was nice. Brief but nice. I got to see my dogs :) haha
What else...I did several phone interviews this morning for one of my many articles due in the next week. It's so cool to talk to some of these people...phone interviews are way harder than real life ones though. And on top of awkward cell phone reception, they were cleaning the carpets in my hallway outside my apartment this morning, so it was SO loud. Ugh, haha.
Tonight I'm meeting up with some fellow bloggers for a lively conversation like we had at movmnt's office a few weeks ago. Looking forward to that.
Lot's going on...as always.
Friday, March 21, 2008
"i'm the giraffe that opens the show..."
Thanks to my favorite role as writer, I just got to go backstage at The Lion King on Broadway!!!
Haha I'm such a starstruck loser, but it's okay.
I'm doing a profile on one of the dancers and though I offered to have the interview at a coffee shop like I usually do, he emailed this morning saying we could do it at the theater. How amazing!!!
Details soon because as always I'm in a rush right now, but it was SO cool. Hyena heads staring at me, lion scenery...the works. We spoke in this big open reception area type room overlooking Times Square (though I must admit, The New Yorker has a better view...being on the same level of all the billboard lights is distracting). And MTV was below us, so there was the pounding of music to complement the pounding of my heart at being backstage. Hah!
I love my job(s).
Running to class. New Yorker was less stressful today :). Heading home for Easter weekend tomorrow. More details of everything to come soon, promise!
Haha I'm such a starstruck loser, but it's okay.
I'm doing a profile on one of the dancers and though I offered to have the interview at a coffee shop like I usually do, he emailed this morning saying we could do it at the theater. How amazing!!!
Details soon because as always I'm in a rush right now, but it was SO cool. Hyena heads staring at me, lion scenery...the works. We spoke in this big open reception area type room overlooking Times Square (though I must admit, The New Yorker has a better view...being on the same level of all the billboard lights is distracting). And MTV was below us, so there was the pounding of music to complement the pounding of my heart at being backstage. Hah!
I love my job(s).
Running to class. New Yorker was less stressful today :). Heading home for Easter weekend tomorrow. More details of everything to come soon, promise!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
busy day
Today has been a day similar to the many I had last semester where I have a million places to be at the same time and everything seems to be happening at once. Luckily I thrive of this, but it's been a little stressful.
Earlier a friend and I rented a studio to rehearse our variations for this weekend's little performance since our normal teacher/coach has been away the past few days. I'm glad we did it, but it's kind of hard to get stuff done when you don't have someone there yelling at you, haha. My teacher yells a lot...but in a good way :)
After that I had an interview for a paid internship at this one magazine...it sounds like a great opportunity, but it's full time which is a little daunting to me at this point. We'll see what happens.
Tonight I'm rehearsing with ANOTHER friend because we're trying to get it together to make audition videos to send to companies. I haven't made time to do this the past 3 audition seasons, haha, so I definitely have to now. We're working on it...
Then I'm going to see New York City Ballet tonight for the last time this season. I'm excited to see their West Side Story Suite...they sing! Review to come on ExploreDance later this week.
That's all for now...
Earlier a friend and I rented a studio to rehearse our variations for this weekend's little performance since our normal teacher/coach has been away the past few days. I'm glad we did it, but it's kind of hard to get stuff done when you don't have someone there yelling at you, haha. My teacher yells a lot...but in a good way :)
After that I had an interview for a paid internship at this one magazine...it sounds like a great opportunity, but it's full time which is a little daunting to me at this point. We'll see what happens.
Tonight I'm rehearsing with ANOTHER friend because we're trying to get it together to make audition videos to send to companies. I haven't made time to do this the past 3 audition seasons, haha, so I definitely have to now. We're working on it...
Then I'm going to see New York City Ballet tonight for the last time this season. I'm excited to see their West Side Story Suite...they sing! Review to come on ExploreDance later this week.
That's all for now...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
bae interviews
As some may know, I recently was asked to take over the studio newsletter for my old school, Ballet Academy East. I'm basically a one-woman team putting together an 8 page newsletter about studio events since the last issue came out in early 2006. It's quite a bit of work, but it's stuff I enjoy doing and for a place I spent 2 years of my life.
Today I interviewed a friend of mine, which will go in the newsletter in the alumni section. She graduated with me from BAE last year and currently dances at Vassar college.
Meet Amanda:
Taylor: Are you a dance major at Vassar?
Amanda: No, they don’t have a major in dance. I do get academic credit for dance classes and for working with the dance company though.
Taylor: What is your schedule like?
Amanda: I have ballet 3 times a week, which is definitely different. And I’m going to try to take a Grahm class this semester. Most of my time is spent in rehearsals 5 days a week.
Taylor: Do you get to perform a lot?
Amanda: We’ve had a few performances. In October we had our first showing, which was mostly for works in process. Then in November we had our final showing that included all of the work choreographed by students and professors. In March we’ll have our big show with costumes and everything.
Taylor: Do they have a theater right there on campus?
Amanda: They just recently renovated the dance building and they have a theater. It’s a big stage, but not really the biggest audience. It’s really nice, though, and you don’t have to go far to get to performances.
Taylor: How are the teachers?
Amanda: They’re really different. There’s only 1 ballet teacher and she’s been there for years. It took a while to get used to having only 1 teacher. I thought I might go insane having only 1 for all 4 years.
Taylor: Do you have to audition to get into the classes?
Amanda: You audition for classes but you do to get into the company. They had auditions right around when we started classes and I was really nervous. There are about 25 girls in 10 boys, but none of the boys are very balletic. It’s mostly modern.
Taylor: How has BAE prepared you for your experiences there?
Amanda: The ballet at BAE teaches you discipline and how to accept corrections and correct yourself. They expect you to act a certain way and that trained me how to act at Vassar. We have bigger classes there, so we don’t get as much attention.
Taylor: What do you miss most about BAE?
Amanda: I miss the teachers a lot. They are all so different, and I grew up at BAE so the atmosphere in class is like family. I also miss the high level of the classes. There aren’t as many serious dancers at Vassar and we don’t do as much pointe.
Taylor: What do you do to keep your technique up?
Amanda: I try to keep pushing myself as hard as I can. Even if the classes aren’t that challenging I sometimes add beats or something to make it harder. It’s also good to go back to a lower level sometimes to analyze yourself.
Taylor: How has the college experience been outside of ballet?
Amanda: It’s really different, and it took a while to get used to it, but I love it now. It’s such a change. You’re always with this huge student body and the academics are harder. But dancing constantly makes it familiar and I don’t get too bored.
Taylor: Was it hard to set up your schedule with all that?
Amanda: I’m insanely organized and over compulsive when it comes to that. I made lots of lists and managed to work around everything.
Taylor: Do you have any advice for future BAE graduates who are choosing between companies or college?
Amanda: You need to think about what you really want to do in the future and think honestly about where you’ll be happy. For me, I thought that college was the best option. It’s important to be organized in the college process to make it less stressful, even when you have lots of BAE rehearsals going on!
Taylor: Anything else you want to add?
Amanda: I miss BAE a lot and everyone who’s still there should appreciate the time they have there, because once you’re gone you really miss it.
Today I interviewed a friend of mine, which will go in the newsletter in the alumni section. She graduated with me from BAE last year and currently dances at Vassar college.
Meet Amanda:
Taylor: Are you a dance major at Vassar?
Amanda: No, they don’t have a major in dance. I do get academic credit for dance classes and for working with the dance company though.
Taylor: What is your schedule like?
Amanda: I have ballet 3 times a week, which is definitely different. And I’m going to try to take a Grahm class this semester. Most of my time is spent in rehearsals 5 days a week.
Taylor: Do you get to perform a lot?
Amanda: We’ve had a few performances. In October we had our first showing, which was mostly for works in process. Then in November we had our final showing that included all of the work choreographed by students and professors. In March we’ll have our big show with costumes and everything.
Taylor: Do they have a theater right there on campus?
Amanda: They just recently renovated the dance building and they have a theater. It’s a big stage, but not really the biggest audience. It’s really nice, though, and you don’t have to go far to get to performances.
Taylor: How are the teachers?
Amanda: They’re really different. There’s only 1 ballet teacher and she’s been there for years. It took a while to get used to having only 1 teacher. I thought I might go insane having only 1 for all 4 years.
Taylor: Do you have to audition to get into the classes?
Amanda: You audition for classes but you do to get into the company. They had auditions right around when we started classes and I was really nervous. There are about 25 girls in 10 boys, but none of the boys are very balletic. It’s mostly modern.
Taylor: How has BAE prepared you for your experiences there?
Amanda: The ballet at BAE teaches you discipline and how to accept corrections and correct yourself. They expect you to act a certain way and that trained me how to act at Vassar. We have bigger classes there, so we don’t get as much attention.
Taylor: What do you miss most about BAE?
Amanda: I miss the teachers a lot. They are all so different, and I grew up at BAE so the atmosphere in class is like family. I also miss the high level of the classes. There aren’t as many serious dancers at Vassar and we don’t do as much pointe.
Taylor: What do you do to keep your technique up?
Amanda: I try to keep pushing myself as hard as I can. Even if the classes aren’t that challenging I sometimes add beats or something to make it harder. It’s also good to go back to a lower level sometimes to analyze yourself.
Taylor: How has the college experience been outside of ballet?
Amanda: It’s really different, and it took a while to get used to it, but I love it now. It’s such a change. You’re always with this huge student body and the academics are harder. But dancing constantly makes it familiar and I don’t get too bored.
Taylor: Was it hard to set up your schedule with all that?
Amanda: I’m insanely organized and over compulsive when it comes to that. I made lots of lists and managed to work around everything.
Taylor: Do you have any advice for future BAE graduates who are choosing between companies or college?
Amanda: You need to think about what you really want to do in the future and think honestly about where you’ll be happy. For me, I thought that college was the best option. It’s important to be organized in the college process to make it less stressful, even when you have lots of BAE rehearsals going on!
Taylor: Anything else you want to add?
Amanda: I miss BAE a lot and everyone who’s still there should appreciate the time they have there, because once you’re gone you really miss it.
Friday, November 30, 2007
on being interviewed
I was just interviewed for this other ballet website and it was quite amusing.
The interview itself was fine, but I can't help but laugh at myself when I hear myself talking about certain things. For instance: Quesion- You do so much, do you have any kind of a social life? Answer- Ummm no
Okay, it wasn't quite as blunt as that, but I tend to ramble on and on about things and I just crack myself up. I guess that's a good thing...
Also, I hate the fact that I continue to talk about certain things and experiences as if they were so wonderful when in fact that were some of the worst times of my life. No details, but it's hard to denounce certain things in public even though it's true.
Being interviewed myself gave me some insight into what it's like for the people that I interview for MY articles and such. It's like, there are certain things you want to say and touch upon but the questions don't really lend themselves to that, so you find a way to finagle an answer in where it doesn't fit. I'm afraid when you read the transcribed interview it won't make much sense, but it did in my mind, haha. I'm not much of a conversationalist (especially when I'm sick, like now) but it should be a fun read when it comes online in a week or two!
The interview itself was fine, but I can't help but laugh at myself when I hear myself talking about certain things. For instance: Quesion- You do so much, do you have any kind of a social life? Answer- Ummm no
Okay, it wasn't quite as blunt as that, but I tend to ramble on and on about things and I just crack myself up. I guess that's a good thing...
Also, I hate the fact that I continue to talk about certain things and experiences as if they were so wonderful when in fact that were some of the worst times of my life. No details, but it's hard to denounce certain things in public even though it's true.
Being interviewed myself gave me some insight into what it's like for the people that I interview for MY articles and such. It's like, there are certain things you want to say and touch upon but the questions don't really lend themselves to that, so you find a way to finagle an answer in where it doesn't fit. I'm afraid when you read the transcribed interview it won't make much sense, but it did in my mind, haha. I'm not much of a conversationalist (especially when I'm sick, like now) but it should be a fun read when it comes online in a week or two!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
more opportunity
Tonight I had my last class of my 'intro to dance' course at school. It may have seemed like a joke to take it, but it has paid off...
First of all, I had to present my final paper tonight, which was an excerpt from my thesis. I brought a whole bunch of magazines and my laptop to show websites (like The Winger and Explore Dance). After class my teacher (who teaches at a performing arts high school in the city) asked if I would come lecture her students on dance criticism and my experiences in dancing and such. How fun! Too bad I'm like the same age as some of them, haha. But it should be interesting...
She also asked if I was interested in choreographing on them for their spring show. I think I'm going to do it, but it will be my first big-scale choreography project! I've done little solos for myself here and there, and helped some friends choreograph (for Rock graduation, a BAE show, etc) but this is all me. I'm kind of excited about it even though it adds still more work to the crazy life of Taylor.
Well anyways, that's the news for the evening. Tomorrow I'm being interviewed for this new ballet website BalletConnections.com . For once, I'm not doing the interviewing, haha. The guy thought I'd be interesting to talk to because I'm in both dance and journalism...little does everyone know that I have about 5 lives going on at once (school, grad school, freelance writing, ballet, internships). So much to do and say and so little time! But also he mentioned something about a potential writing project because he runs a book publishing company. THAT would be amazing.
We'll see how everything works out.
First of all, I had to present my final paper tonight, which was an excerpt from my thesis. I brought a whole bunch of magazines and my laptop to show websites (like The Winger and Explore Dance). After class my teacher (who teaches at a performing arts high school in the city) asked if I would come lecture her students on dance criticism and my experiences in dancing and such. How fun! Too bad I'm like the same age as some of them, haha. But it should be interesting...
She also asked if I was interested in choreographing on them for their spring show. I think I'm going to do it, but it will be my first big-scale choreography project! I've done little solos for myself here and there, and helped some friends choreograph (for Rock graduation, a BAE show, etc) but this is all me. I'm kind of excited about it even though it adds still more work to the crazy life of Taylor.
Well anyways, that's the news for the evening. Tomorrow I'm being interviewed for this new ballet website BalletConnections.com . For once, I'm not doing the interviewing, haha. The guy thought I'd be interesting to talk to because I'm in both dance and journalism...little does everyone know that I have about 5 lives going on at once (school, grad school, freelance writing, ballet, internships). So much to do and say and so little time! But also he mentioned something about a potential writing project because he runs a book publishing company. THAT would be amazing.
We'll see how everything works out.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
so tired
I am dead tired tonight from this crazy week!
The rest of my afternoon after this morning's post was quite busy. I had an internship interview that went well, but it was kind of intense! Hard to explain but it was different from what I was used to as far as those things go. Seems like a nice opportunity, and the lady said she thought it went well, but we'll see. I have some other potential opportunities for next semester coming up lately and I don't know where it will take me yet.
After that I did another interview for my other article. Mystery person #4 (who might be revealed sooner than the others) was nice and helpful like the others. I'm starting to get a sense of exactly where this article is going, so now I just have to sit down and write it!
After all that I took class and rehearsal all night as my Friday nights usually go. It probably wasn't a smart idea to take most of the week off and then hit 3 technique classes in one day. I'm quite in pain this evening, and I was feeling my foot a bit in class which hasn't bothered me in a while now, so I don't know. The last thing I need is to be injured, haha. No, I'm fine though. That's my motto: I'm fine.
Alrighty, well I really need to do some work (even though it's late!) and then get to bed. Tomorrow after school (yes, Saturday mornings I have my graduate class) and ballet I'm going to see Pennsylvania ballet at City Center to review for ExploreDance, so I'm looking forward to that. Then Nutcracker rehearsal all day Sunday. 2 more Sundays before we're in the theater! Yes!
The rest of my afternoon after this morning's post was quite busy. I had an internship interview that went well, but it was kind of intense! Hard to explain but it was different from what I was used to as far as those things go. Seems like a nice opportunity, and the lady said she thought it went well, but we'll see. I have some other potential opportunities for next semester coming up lately and I don't know where it will take me yet.
After that I did another interview for my other article. Mystery person #4 (who might be revealed sooner than the others) was nice and helpful like the others. I'm starting to get a sense of exactly where this article is going, so now I just have to sit down and write it!
After all that I took class and rehearsal all night as my Friday nights usually go. It probably wasn't a smart idea to take most of the week off and then hit 3 technique classes in one day. I'm quite in pain this evening, and I was feeling my foot a bit in class which hasn't bothered me in a while now, so I don't know. The last thing I need is to be injured, haha. No, I'm fine though. That's my motto: I'm fine.
Alrighty, well I really need to do some work (even though it's late!) and then get to bed. Tomorrow after school (yes, Saturday mornings I have my graduate class) and ballet I'm going to see Pennsylvania ballet at City Center to review for ExploreDance, so I'm looking forward to that. Then Nutcracker rehearsal all day Sunday. 2 more Sundays before we're in the theater! Yes!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Complexions review posted
My review of Complexions is now up over at ExploreDance.com.
Click here.
I just did an interview with my ballet teacher for an article for that site as well. Oh my goodness, what a conversation! I cannot wait to write this one. She is amazing. Just you wait.
Click here.
I just did an interview with my ballet teacher for an article for that site as well. Oh my goodness, what a conversation! I cannot wait to write this one. She is amazing. Just you wait.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
the energizer bunny
I feel like the Energizer Bunny this week...I just keep going and going and going, haha.
I had work all day today. Whenever I say work, I mean my internship. And it only feels like "work" because it's in an office. It's really quite enjoyable. Today I got to go to another press event, this time for Walmart, and my boss came with me. Like Target the other day, they had some nice things they showed us that are set to be in stores in the spring. Got some nice swag (aka free stuff) out of the deal :) and got to talk more to my boss (she's too nice to be a "boss") about jobs and such.
School tonight was the usual. I'm starting to realize how little time there is left in the semester. I only have 3 more Thursday nights of classes thanks to Thanksgiving next week. This semester has flown by! Probably because I've done ten thousand things in the span of 3 months.
I've gotten some more comments on my thesis post over at The Winger if you want to check 'em out. It's so nice to hear from people! More people should comment on THIS blog too, since lately I've been getting some new readers...
Another super busy day tomorrow like yesterday. I finally have a chance to take class since I've barely had time to do so all week. After morning class I'm interviewing my teacher (she's amazing) for an ExploreDance article. Then I have an internship interview (the first interview in a while where I'm not the one asking the questions, haha). Then another interview for my other article (4th of 5). Then taking class the rest of the evening as I usually do on Friday nights. It's funny how right now class is like my reward for getting everything else done, whereas many times it feels like something I just have to do or have to get over with. Maybe that makes me appreciate it more.
I had work all day today. Whenever I say work, I mean my internship. And it only feels like "work" because it's in an office. It's really quite enjoyable. Today I got to go to another press event, this time for Walmart, and my boss came with me. Like Target the other day, they had some nice things they showed us that are set to be in stores in the spring. Got some nice swag (aka free stuff) out of the deal :) and got to talk more to my boss (she's too nice to be a "boss") about jobs and such.
School tonight was the usual. I'm starting to realize how little time there is left in the semester. I only have 3 more Thursday nights of classes thanks to Thanksgiving next week. This semester has flown by! Probably because I've done ten thousand things in the span of 3 months.
I've gotten some more comments on my thesis post over at The Winger if you want to check 'em out. It's so nice to hear from people! More people should comment on THIS blog too, since lately I've been getting some new readers...
Another super busy day tomorrow like yesterday. I finally have a chance to take class since I've barely had time to do so all week. After morning class I'm interviewing my teacher (she's amazing) for an ExploreDance article. Then I have an internship interview (the first interview in a while where I'm not the one asking the questions, haha). Then another interview for my other article (4th of 5). Then taking class the rest of the evening as I usually do on Friday nights. It's funny how right now class is like my reward for getting everything else done, whereas many times it feels like something I just have to do or have to get over with. Maybe that makes me appreciate it more.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
SO busy!
This day, and week, has been insane!
This morning I did another interview for movmnt. Mystery person #2 was also really nice and gave me GREAT anecdotes to use in the article.
Then I just got out of a lonnnng audition for Rebecca Kelly Ballet, this contemporary company downtown. It was a really nice audition -- I liked the choreography a lot, and it wasn't too crowded. She has another audition in December before she makes any decisions or whatever, so I won't hear back for a while. It felt more like a good class than an audition, so...think positive.
Now I'm fumbling around trying to respond to many many messages I got while in the audition...I got last minute press tickets to review Complexions tonight, so I'm arranging for that to happen. I've been playing phone tag with another movmnt interviewee and I'm try to get that squared away. I got a call from a very important internship asking for references and an interview, so I'm in the process of that as well. Crazy! You know I'm busy when I can even find time to take class! I guess the audition counted though.
Anyway, I better get to work on organizing my life and stop rambling on here, haha. Report on Complexions coming later tonight :)
This morning I did another interview for movmnt. Mystery person #2 was also really nice and gave me GREAT anecdotes to use in the article.
Then I just got out of a lonnnng audition for Rebecca Kelly Ballet, this contemporary company downtown. It was a really nice audition -- I liked the choreography a lot, and it wasn't too crowded. She has another audition in December before she makes any decisions or whatever, so I won't hear back for a while. It felt more like a good class than an audition, so...think positive.
Now I'm fumbling around trying to respond to many many messages I got while in the audition...I got last minute press tickets to review Complexions tonight, so I'm arranging for that to happen. I've been playing phone tag with another movmnt interviewee and I'm try to get that squared away. I got a call from a very important internship asking for references and an interview, so I'm in the process of that as well. Crazy! You know I'm busy when I can even find time to take class! I guess the audition counted though.
Anyway, I better get to work on organizing my life and stop rambling on here, haha. Report on Complexions coming later tonight :)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
more intern fun
Today was another fun day at work (internship).
I got to go to a press event for a new design collection for Target. Fun! They have some cute stuff coming out in January.
The rest of the day we had another photo shoot. I like the days when we shoot because I'm not at a desk all day (as much as I enjoy my cubicle...and I'm not being sarcastic!). It's more interactive and fun. Everyone at the magazine is so nice. Today was exciting because the photo editor made cupcakes and brought them in, haha. Oh the things that brighten a day...
More interviews coming up this week. For this website I'm going to write for I get to interview my ballet teacher! Pretty excited about that one...haha I'm a dork beyond words.
This week is going by really fast and I have sooo much work to do. I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week! I'm going home to the family, which will be a nice (short!) break. So much to do before then though...just trying to keep everything in control.
I got to go to a press event for a new design collection for Target. Fun! They have some cute stuff coming out in January.
The rest of the day we had another photo shoot. I like the days when we shoot because I'm not at a desk all day (as much as I enjoy my cubicle...and I'm not being sarcastic!). It's more interactive and fun. Everyone at the magazine is so nice. Today was exciting because the photo editor made cupcakes and brought them in, haha. Oh the things that brighten a day...
More interviews coming up this week. For this website I'm going to write for I get to interview my ballet teacher! Pretty excited about that one...haha I'm a dork beyond words.
This week is going by really fast and I have sooo much work to do. I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week! I'm going home to the family, which will be a nice (short!) break. So much to do before then though...just trying to keep everything in control.
Monday, November 12, 2007
movmnt interview #1
This morning I did my first interview for my article for movmnt magazine. I don't want to give away who it was (to leave suspense for the article to come out, haha) but it went really well!
Mystery person #1 was really nice and had some interesting things to say. I can't wait to get this article on paper! It would be so nice if there were all the print space in the world to share full interviews with everyone, but as my thesis topic shows yet again, it cannot be done. So you'll have to settle for a few quotes in the final draft of the article printed in January!
Mystery person #1 was really nice and had some interesting things to say. I can't wait to get this article on paper! It would be so nice if there were all the print space in the world to share full interviews with everyone, but as my thesis topic shows yet again, it cannot be done. So you'll have to settle for a few quotes in the final draft of the article printed in January!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
the write stuff
Today I met with the editor of movmnt magazine - a new(ish) quarterly dance and pop culture magazine - and received my first BIG writing assignment.
I'm incredibly excited that this worked out! We came in contact with each other over the new dance social networking site, THE (INTER) MISSION and after some back and forth conversation he offered me an article for the next issue!
It's a nice 4 page spread (my work to this point has been maybe 1/2 a page, max!), and I have to interview a few big names in the dance world(!). This is a big big step for me and lots of work, but I'm so excited to get this opportunity!
Also of note is that I may start writing for another dance criticism website, Explore Dance. Through the Winger the editor saw my writing and thought I'd be a good fit. No details on this yet, but it's in the works.
At my internship they are starting to let me write for the magazine as well, so things are looking up! I wrote a short piece yesterday (mostly product descriptions...more like ad copy really) but next week I actually get to do an interview and write it up. More published clips!
This is an exciting time for at least one of my hopeful careers.
I'm incredibly excited that this worked out! We came in contact with each other over the new dance social networking site, THE (INTER) MISSION and after some back and forth conversation he offered me an article for the next issue!
It's a nice 4 page spread (my work to this point has been maybe 1/2 a page, max!), and I have to interview a few big names in the dance world(!). This is a big big step for me and lots of work, but I'm so excited to get this opportunity!
Also of note is that I may start writing for another dance criticism website, Explore Dance. Through the Winger the editor saw my writing and thought I'd be a good fit. No details on this yet, but it's in the works.
At my internship they are starting to let me write for the magazine as well, so things are looking up! I wrote a short piece yesterday (mostly product descriptions...more like ad copy really) but next week I actually get to do an interview and write it up. More published clips!
This is an exciting time for at least one of my hopeful careers.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
DAW Interviews part 1
For the next issue of our school paper, The Monitor, I'm doing a series of interviews with student choreographers in the Dance Department who are involved in Dancers At Work (DAW), a showcase in November for student work. There are 9 of them, and by press time I will have spoken to all of them in depth but will have eliminated many important details due to print space.
Going along with my general thesis musings about dance writing moving to the internet I thought it would be fitting for me to post my full interviews with them on here. I am amazed at what they have to say and the depth of their work and I want to share everything that won't make it to the Monitor article.
So here is the first interview transcribed. It is with Meghan (M) and Bianca (B). Last names have been eliminated for privacy purposes. It starts with a few notes describing DAW and then goes into my questions.
My personal and editorial commentary have been left out for the moment until the article comes together at deadline next week.
DAW INTERVIEWS FOR MONITOR - part 1 - 10/17/07
Meghan(2nd time DAW)
Bianca(1st time DAW)
M- Reach Me, 9 dancers, composed by Chris Lancaster (electric cello)
B- (untitled to date), 5 dancers, music: Finnish Symphony, about sexual abuse and interconnected
-started rehearsals 2nd week of school, for all BFA dancers
-auditions
-they give audition phrase (approved by faculty the week before) and get 20 mins to see dancers
-they make list of their choice dancers, faculty makes choices, final cast determined by combination of both and schedules
-mentors come once a week
TAYLOR: What’s the rehearsal process like?
M- It’s been easy this year. You know, if you get a great group of dancers and there’s no drama, nobody misses rehearsals, everyone works together then it goes smoothly.
TAYLOR: What is your choreographic process like?
M- We are totally different [Bianca and me]. I’m neurotic. I have to come in with something prepared. I come in on weekends to rehearse.
B- And I’m the exact opposite. I come in with nothing prepared, no set ideas, and I like to experiment with the dancers.
M- It works well for both of us.
B- I mean, I had my dancers improve the whole first rehearsal just to see how they move. I like to experiment on the spot.
M- And I experiment within the limits of what I’ve already come up with.
TAYLOR: How much influence do the dancers have on your choreography?
M- I don’t think either of us actually let anyone actually come up with steps, but I do ask them, you know, what is comfortable, what happens naturally. I’m working with partnering for the first time, so if we’re having a problem the dancers either solve it and I use what they’ve done or that makes me think of something else that would work.
B- Yeah, they help with the quality of movement.
TAYLOR: Who are your faculty mentors and what is it like to work with them?
M- Mine is Pat C. She was my mentor last year (for DAW) and I’ve had her as a teacher, so I have a very strong relationship with her. She give critiques for what she thinks doesn’t fit or looks awkward, or the opposite, what does work. But she also likes to just throw ideas around, even if she knows they’re something I won’t use. They’re usually crazy ideas.
B- Mine is Nancy L. She was my modern teacher freshman year. She’s very helpful. She asks me questions about my intentions for every movement and from there I investigate the movement.
TAYLOR: What’s your inspiration? Is there any outside choreographer you admire?
M- I always like to go see concerts. Watching other dancers outside of class, outside of rehearsal, outside of being in or watching someone else’s rehearsal – just being in the audience to sit back and observe is great.
B- For me I think it’s socially what’s happening in the world.
M- And taking time to think too. I think a lot, and at the weirdest times! Like when I’m brushing my teeth…or when I go home on the bus. It consumes your thoughts. And before I go to bed.
B- I have dreams about it.
TAYLOR: What has been your biggest challenge thus far with these pieces?
M- I think this year pacing myself has been hardest. My piece is twice as long as the one I did last year. Last year it was 6 minutes, this year it’s 12. So setting the pace definitely now that we’re getting to crunch time.
B- Beginning and ending. I can do all the in between, but I like to tell stories with my dances.
TAYLOR: Have you choreographed before DAW?
B- Yes, at New World School of Performing Arts. I was a big part of that.
M- At one of my old schools I used to dance at my teacher was really good about letting us help out with that. It started with just working with my friends and moved to doing some opening acts for shows and then some solo works in high school. I’m also big into theater so I’ve worked with some musical theater choreography.
B- I also choreographed this summer at a festival in Italy. Every summer they have a big festival with all the companies, and I was with ProDanca. We had a performance in Florence and…
M- I want to go to Italy!
TAYLOR: What’s been the best part about DAW?
M- The whole thing! It truly is a great experience and process to be part of. I mean most schools don’t give student choreographers as much leeway as they do here. It’s absolutely 100% student run, from the auditions, choosing the dancers, the costumes the lighting, everything! Even things like designing the postcard.
B- I’m like a kid in a candy store. It’s extremely exciting. It’s rejuvenating. It’s spiritual. It’s a way to have your voice heard.
M- And it’s so different from class. It’s like raising a baby: it starts out as an idea in your head over the summer, which grows to a phrase, which grows to a dance, which grows to a performance, and then you send your work out into the world and hope it doesn’t screw up too badly.
TAYLOR: Do you want to choreograph after you graduate?
M- I can see myself doing it. I don’t know about it as a career because I want to perform, but I can definitely see myself doing it.
B- Yes. I want to start my own company and tour the world. I want to take my choreography to Africa, South America…
TAYLOR: Do you have any advice for future choreographers?
M- Give it a try. I meet a lot of people with ideas about pieces they want to do but they’re not sure. Just go for it.
B- Yeah, don’t be scared. Everyone has something to say, that’s why we’re artists, and it’s just a great way to have your voice heard.
copyright (2007) Taylor Gordon
Going along with my general thesis musings about dance writing moving to the internet I thought it would be fitting for me to post my full interviews with them on here. I am amazed at what they have to say and the depth of their work and I want to share everything that won't make it to the Monitor article.
So here is the first interview transcribed. It is with Meghan (M) and Bianca (B). Last names have been eliminated for privacy purposes. It starts with a few notes describing DAW and then goes into my questions.
My personal and editorial commentary have been left out for the moment until the article comes together at deadline next week.
DAW INTERVIEWS FOR MONITOR - part 1 - 10/17/07
Meghan(2nd time DAW)
Bianca(1st time DAW)
M- Reach Me, 9 dancers, composed by Chris Lancaster (electric cello)
B- (untitled to date), 5 dancers, music: Finnish Symphony, about sexual abuse and interconnected
-started rehearsals 2nd week of school, for all BFA dancers
-auditions
-they give audition phrase (approved by faculty the week before) and get 20 mins to see dancers
-they make list of their choice dancers, faculty makes choices, final cast determined by combination of both and schedules
-mentors come once a week
TAYLOR: What’s the rehearsal process like?
M- It’s been easy this year. You know, if you get a great group of dancers and there’s no drama, nobody misses rehearsals, everyone works together then it goes smoothly.
TAYLOR: What is your choreographic process like?
M- We are totally different [Bianca and me]. I’m neurotic. I have to come in with something prepared. I come in on weekends to rehearse.
B- And I’m the exact opposite. I come in with nothing prepared, no set ideas, and I like to experiment with the dancers.
M- It works well for both of us.
B- I mean, I had my dancers improve the whole first rehearsal just to see how they move. I like to experiment on the spot.
M- And I experiment within the limits of what I’ve already come up with.
TAYLOR: How much influence do the dancers have on your choreography?
M- I don’t think either of us actually let anyone actually come up with steps, but I do ask them, you know, what is comfortable, what happens naturally. I’m working with partnering for the first time, so if we’re having a problem the dancers either solve it and I use what they’ve done or that makes me think of something else that would work.
B- Yeah, they help with the quality of movement.
TAYLOR: Who are your faculty mentors and what is it like to work with them?
M- Mine is Pat C. She was my mentor last year (for DAW) and I’ve had her as a teacher, so I have a very strong relationship with her. She give critiques for what she thinks doesn’t fit or looks awkward, or the opposite, what does work. But she also likes to just throw ideas around, even if she knows they’re something I won’t use. They’re usually crazy ideas.
B- Mine is Nancy L. She was my modern teacher freshman year. She’s very helpful. She asks me questions about my intentions for every movement and from there I investigate the movement.
TAYLOR: What’s your inspiration? Is there any outside choreographer you admire?
M- I always like to go see concerts. Watching other dancers outside of class, outside of rehearsal, outside of being in or watching someone else’s rehearsal – just being in the audience to sit back and observe is great.
B- For me I think it’s socially what’s happening in the world.
M- And taking time to think too. I think a lot, and at the weirdest times! Like when I’m brushing my teeth…or when I go home on the bus. It consumes your thoughts. And before I go to bed.
B- I have dreams about it.
TAYLOR: What has been your biggest challenge thus far with these pieces?
M- I think this year pacing myself has been hardest. My piece is twice as long as the one I did last year. Last year it was 6 minutes, this year it’s 12. So setting the pace definitely now that we’re getting to crunch time.
B- Beginning and ending. I can do all the in between, but I like to tell stories with my dances.
TAYLOR: Have you choreographed before DAW?
B- Yes, at New World School of Performing Arts. I was a big part of that.
M- At one of my old schools I used to dance at my teacher was really good about letting us help out with that. It started with just working with my friends and moved to doing some opening acts for shows and then some solo works in high school. I’m also big into theater so I’ve worked with some musical theater choreography.
B- I also choreographed this summer at a festival in Italy. Every summer they have a big festival with all the companies, and I was with ProDanca. We had a performance in Florence and…
M- I want to go to Italy!
TAYLOR: What’s been the best part about DAW?
M- The whole thing! It truly is a great experience and process to be part of. I mean most schools don’t give student choreographers as much leeway as they do here. It’s absolutely 100% student run, from the auditions, choosing the dancers, the costumes the lighting, everything! Even things like designing the postcard.
B- I’m like a kid in a candy store. It’s extremely exciting. It’s rejuvenating. It’s spiritual. It’s a way to have your voice heard.
M- And it’s so different from class. It’s like raising a baby: it starts out as an idea in your head over the summer, which grows to a phrase, which grows to a dance, which grows to a performance, and then you send your work out into the world and hope it doesn’t screw up too badly.
TAYLOR: Do you want to choreograph after you graduate?
M- I can see myself doing it. I don’t know about it as a career because I want to perform, but I can definitely see myself doing it.
B- Yes. I want to start my own company and tour the world. I want to take my choreography to Africa, South America…
TAYLOR: Do you have any advice for future choreographers?
M- Give it a try. I meet a lot of people with ideas about pieces they want to do but they’re not sure. Just go for it.
B- Yeah, don’t be scared. Everyone has something to say, that’s why we’re artists, and it’s just a great way to have your voice heard.
copyright (2007) Taylor Gordon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)