Keep on Dancing

Marge Champion dances with Norton Owen,
Director of Preservation, Jacob's Pillow,
at Norman Rockwell Museum's June 2013
gala. Photo by Jeremy Clowe for
Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.

Happy Birthday to dance legend, Marge Champion— still the fairest of them all at age 95!

I had the great fortune of meeting this Astaire Award-winner a year ago, in connection with Norman Rockwell Museum's exhibition, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic. At age 14, Marge served as a live model for the lead character in Walt Disney's first feature-length, animated feature, which was something of a risk for the animator at the time. Her expressive moments can be seen in the groundbreaking film, as well as subsequent Disney animated features (Pinocchio, Fantasia), however her fairytale was just beginning—she went on to a highly successful career as a dancer/performer, appearing on stage and screen, including a popular series of movie musicals with then-husband Gower Champion in the 1950s.

In April of 2013, I visited Marge at her apartment in New York City, to conduct an interview for the Museum about her showbiz experiences. Needless to say, it was a great pleasure, and this past June I received "honorable mention" from the New England Museum Association Publications Competition Awards as one of the designers responsible for the marketing/pr materials for the exhibition, which included an edit of the video. The true honor, however, was being able to get to know this inspiring artist, with an age-defying spirit: "keep on dancing" is her advice... and I am taking note: watch for my moves in this fun promo video that my Museum colleagues and I took part in for Berkshire Visitors Bureau:

Related Links:

"Dancing on Air," blog post, June 17, 2013

"Fairest of Them All," blog post, April 7, 2013

airborne!

inside/out in the Berkshires... Photo ©Jeremy Clowe.
All rights reserve.

The week ended on a high note in the Berkshires... the Google Art Talk was a big success (so far, over 600 worldwide viewers), and there's already talk about the Museum getting involved with another one. For those who missed it, you can watch the archived talk (and even see a few minutes of me and my hastily tidied office at the beginning... lol) on YouTube.

Yesterday I spent part of the afternoon running around the Stockbridge Cemetery, taking photos for an upcoming TV commercial showing Halloween-themed events happening in Western Massachusetts. Sort of a bold way to spend Friday the 13th(!), but I came out alright... and so did the photos. Actually, I think I managed several rather eerie shots, which is what they were looking for (the Springfield visitor bureau representative sure was enthusiastic about the results). I'll see about sharing them at a later date.

Photo from "Dancers Among Us" by Jordan Matter.
©2012 Jordan Matter. All rights reserved.

Turning from the dead to the living, I thought I would take a moment to talk about a great photography book that is out right now called Dancers Among Us. Photographer Jordan Matter has taken some delightful photographs of dancers taking flight in everyday situations, and this collection is really a fun and inspiring collection for any coffee table (dance lover or not). The subheading for the book reads: "A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday."

Joie de vivre: Jordan Matter speaks in Blake's Barn,
Jacob's Pillow, August 23, 2013. Photo by Jeremy Clowe.
All rights reserved.

A few weeks ago, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in the Berkshires invited Mr. Matter to speak about his work and sign copies of his book in their Blake's Barn space (donated, in fact, by dancer Marge Champion, whose late son Blake had performed at the festival). A fan of his work, I decided to go check out the talk, and had the pleasure of chatting with Matter afterwards (my dancing wife and I now own an autographed copy of the book). I really enjoyed hearing his stories about getting involved with the project, some of the adventures/challenges along the way, and how he approaches his craft. It turns out that the affable photographer does little in the way of pre-planning the shoots, preferring to let the dancer and location inspire him on the spot. To me this seems like a perfect solution to overcoming intimidation or getting too hung up on the details of a work. His next project will be a book looking at athletes in similar situations.

The Festival posts many of these "Pillow Talks," but I have not seen the lecture posted yet. I did find this fun clip of Matter working on a shoot up in the forests surrounding Jacob's Pillow itself (you get a sense for his outgoing personality here as well):

Meeting Matter at Jacob's Pillow, August 2013.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

After the talk we stayed around to watch a dance performance at the venue's Inside/Out stage, where dancers literally perform against the beautiful countryside of the Berkshires. I started taking a few non-flash photos, but was asked to refrain by the Pillow staff... understandable, as they have it all very well-documented (photographers, videographers, etc.). I have documenting dance in the past... I'll have to see if I can find some of my work as I start to organize my old files here in the Electric City. 


Of course, I have also always loved dancing (indeed, Sarah used that quote that he dances "like no one is watching" to describe me at our wedding). The spirit of Matter's work reminds me that we should definitely look into taking some more classes soon. So on this Yom Kippur weekend I say "L'chaim!"

Related Links:

www.jordanmatter.com

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival

Dancing on Air

With Snow White model Marge Champion at the press 
conference for "Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs: 
The Creation of a Classic" at Norman Rockwell Museum, 
June 7, 2013. Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic is a hit! We had a successful opening last weekend, and our Enchanted Evening Gala was enjoyed by all who attended. I was asked to help out with an auction held during the event− as a performer, it made me conscious of how to speak effectively from the diaphragm, and in an engaging way in order to entice potential bidders. There is an art to this public speaking thing, for sure... but I did alright.

One person who seems to have mastered the skill is Marge Champion, the famed dancer/choreographer who also served as the live reference model for Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She was our guest of honor during our gala event, and also joined us for a well-attended press preview to talk about her experience working on the groundbreaking film. I was impressed by her energy and spark, and her words were often inspiring (hope I'm like this when I reach 93). During the gala, Sarah I and took the dance floor and so did Marge... I must admit, there was a part of me that wanted to impress the award-winning performer with my own dancing ability (here's a little video my co-worker filmed of us; you can also see Marge Champion waltzing away in the background).  

During my last post I mentioned my planned interview with the Berkshire program Well Talk Radio about the exhibition. I thought it turned out well... here is a link to the segment, where you can also hear portions of my April interview with Marge Champion. And... without further delay, here is a very quick clip I put together from that same interview... I hope to put a longer piece together when I can find the time... right?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic will be on view through October 27, 2013 at Norman Rockwell Museum.

Related Links:

"'Snow White' in the Press," Norman Rockwell Museum website

Enchanted Evening Gala photos (includes shots taken by your's truly), Norman Rockwell Museum Facebook page

Fairest of Them All

Switching gears from performing to interviewing, over the past couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of getting to know acclaimed dancer/choreographer Marge Champion. In the 1940s and 50s, she teamed up with her then-husband Gower Champion to become quite an successful dance team, performing on Broadway, TV, and such MGM musicals as Showboat and Lovely To Look At (here's a beautiful routine from the latter film):



One of Ms. Champion's other big claims to fame was serving as the live action model for Walt Disney's first feature-length animated film, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. "Uncle Walt" and the other Disney animators filmed her movements as a reference, which they later used to bring Snow White to life. Only a teenager at the time, it was Champion's first big break: every scene you see of the character in the 1937 film was actually based on her movements, many of which were improvised.

Reference photos of Marge Champion, who at the age of 14, began
serving as a live reference model for Walt Disney's "Snow White and The
Seven Dwarfs." Photos courtesy Marge Champion. ©Disney.

Dancer Marge Champion in New York.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe for Norman Rockwell
Museum. ©Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.

This summer Norman Rockwell Museum is hosting the traveling exhibition, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of this classic 1937 film that is beloved by viewers of all ages. Organized by The Walt Disney Family Museum, the exhibition explores the development of the animated masterpiece− from conceptual drawings and character studies, to watercolor backgrounds and colorful cels that brought Disney's ambitious project to life. 

As you can imagine, Marge Champion has considerable insight into the creation of the film, and I had the exciting opportunity to visit with her at her homes in New York City and the Berkshires (she has a part-time residence in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where our Museum is located) to conduct a videotaped interview and learn more. She had plenty of interesting stories to tell, including the fact that she went on provide model reference for Disney's Pinocchio (the Blue Fairy) and Fantasia (some key insight and ideas for the dancing hippos). She was even married for a short time to Art Babbitt, one of Disney's early animators (credited with the creation of Goofy). I have to thank my friends at CTSB-TV, who allowed me to use their Sony AVCHD camera to conduct the interview− the recording looked great, and I look forward to sharing the material in the coming months to help promote the exhibition.

Jeremy meets Snow White (Marge Champion).
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Of course I also asked her about her career in dance and connection with the Berkshires− she served for a long time as a board member of Jacob's Pillow, the dance festival that initially attracted me to the area. I think the most inspiring thing about Ms. Champion is that she is 93, but you would never believe it. She's mentally sharp and in great shape, reinforcing the idea that keeping your mind and body active over the years has its benefits.

The Museum will be honoring Champion as the guest of honor at a special opening gala for the exhibition on the evening of Saturday, June 8. I look forward to meeting her again at that time, and maybe learning a few new dance steps. I also look forward to seeing the art in the exhibition− my father was a big Walt Disney fan (he even got the animator's autograph back in the day), so here's another opportunity I'm sure he would be amazed to learn I was involved with.



Related Links: 

"The Real-Life Snow White," CBS News, October 13, 2009

"Snow White: Marge Champion, a Model Princess," Animated Views, October 7, 2009

Seventh Heaven

I know, I've been blogging an awful lot about my marriage. Well, I can't help it... here's another...

On this date seven years ago I met a beautiful girl out dancing... and this year we celebrated our first dance as husband and wife! Here's to many, many more!

Photo by John Whipple. All rights reserved.

Pure Movement

For a couple who barely left the neighborhood this weekend, we sure got a lot accomplished! It's funny how the prospect of moving can light a bit of fire under your feet... we set about organizing our current place and I swear, it's the most comfortable I have seen it! Things can get a little overwhelming when you let clutter take over, and I'm pleased with how Sarah and I finally took the time to get on top of that. I hope we can continue to keep good feng shui in mind while starting our new home--I work so much better as a result.

So we have two apartments that have really caught our eye--both nice places that I can see us living in... I guess it might come down to location. Hopefully we can figure things out by the end of the month.

Tonight we drove down to Scotia's Freedom Park to meet friends and family for a free, live dance performance of the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company. It was held outside, close to the banks of the Mohawk River, and the evening benefitted from pleasant late summer air. The dancers were good--they did one work that related to the river, some audience participation for children, as well as a couple Latin-themed numbers... I thought those worked best... I mean, how can you not respond to that music?

On the way home Sarah and I reviewed the performance, and thought it was funny that we both watch dance with more of a critical eye these days. We're not professional dancers, but I guess when you are continually exposed to So You Think You Can Dance and The Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, you become conscious of the high bar being set by some performers. 

I mentioned last week that I found my way out to the Berkshires via Jacob's Pillow. I had been dating a dancer (who subsequently broke my heart), and was curious to learn more about that world. Sure, I had taken some classes back in Rochester--swing, ballroom, and with such modern dance groups as Garth Fagan Dance, but I knew there was a whole other level of understanding... this girl used to talk in such an insightful way, that I hoped to gain that same level of original thought. Well, imagine my surprise when I arrived at the Pillow and watched a documentary on the Paul Taylor Dance Company... and heard many of her once inspired words repeated right back to me. Not only that, but I got to see a whole other level of dance... I mean the kind that is weightless... joyful... effortless... I'm not saying that old girlfriend wasn't a good dancer (I guess she was in some technical kind of way), but there is something about honest expression and, in this case, originality that I guess you either have or not.

Ok, maybe I'm just bitter... that girl really did a number on me in the disrespect department (if I were to choreograph the experience, I would use this song). But I hate to taint a blog intended to be about the beauty of dance, so I'll just say... lesson learned about sticking up for myself.

Sarah and I both love dance, and I look forward to learning more... perhaps some more modern dance lessons... it really is one of the most pure art forms. When you're losing yourself in honest, creative movement... that's what I want to be and experience in my life. Moving on...

www.sinopolidances.org

Royal Beserkshires

Last night's show with the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe went well−it was my first post-wedding, a fact that was duly noted in the opening introduction (I think Sarah was the only audience member to get kissed by a member of the Troupe last night... well, make that all members!). We tried out a couple new games, got to know a new troupe member, and played to an enthusiastic crowd−I think we would be even tighter with more regular rehearsals. It is nice what the Student Educational Development Fund is doing for my old town of Lee, and I am happy to be contributing as one of the regular performers of the Berkshire Visual and Performing Arts Center. 

Speaking of performing arts in the Berkshires, we're heading back to the Berks tonight to catch a hip-hop dance company called Compagnie Käfig perform at Jacob's Pillow. This looks promising:

Jacob's Pillow is the reason I ended up in the Berkshires... long story (good and bad), but it's worked out... found my dancing partner!

Photos by Sarah Clowe for Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe. All rights reserved.

Strange Effect... Gone Viral

View from the Music Haven Stage.
Left to right: Diego, Sarah, JClowe Experience.
Photo courtesy Bob Fiorini. All rights reserved.

Whoa. I emailed Diego Garcia on Facebook to thank him for playing our wedding song for us last night in Schenectady, and added the link to the video that my friend Margaret shot from the wedding. He went ahead and shared it with his fans, and the blessed thing has gone viral! (well, at least I know he reads his emails)...

Hey, maybe it will get me a spot on the next Dancing With The Stars... or better yet, So You Think You Can Dance. 

It's Monday... back to the grind... back to other business. Moving on up...

Back to the Future

Today is National Dance Day, so tonight we are heading to... where else? The Fuze Box! Where it all began!

Photo by John Whipple. All rights reserved.

Let's Dance

First dance!



Video courtesy Margaret W. (aka Mrs. Batman).


Promising news today about another potential party... let the dancing continue!

Karnaval!

Montreal sure knows how to party!...

Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing...

Swing dance class again tonight. We learned the Texas Tommy...

I'm realizing just how many variations there are in swing. At the moment we're learning east coast, but there is also west coast, lindy hop... hmm... we'll see what we can absorb before the wedding. 

Yeah, I want to be a dancing machine during the reception... maybe I need to watch more James Brown:

And, of course, the mother and son dance... love you, Mom.

Jump Jive an' Wail!

Back to swing dance class tonight. Jason is a good instructor and manages to slow it down enough so that we can clearly see each follow-through of movement. 

During last week's class we felt like we didn't spend enough time dancing together, but this time out I found the switching of partners to be beneficial (in dancing!!!), because it allowed me to get a feel for the right amount of tension needed to sustain the dance. 

Yes, soon we will get to this level...

Possessed!

There are times I think I have seen everything on So You Think You Can Dance (I mean, it has been nine seasons)... but then I witness routines like this:








You get the idea... such creativity and physicality! Tonight they had on three hip-hop dancers that were even better than the ones posted above. Man... yeah, that inspires me to dance more. Swing dance is a different thing, but I would love to try and do more modern-based... and, yeah, learn those James Brown splits.


Tonight we worked off some calories at the gym--I'm on a pretty good track right now, with mid-July in sight. Strengthening my core... feels good.


www.fox.com/dance

Get Up Offa That Thing

Tonight Sarah and I started a month-long swing dance class. We had taken classes in the past, but it has been awhile since we have practiced it regularly. We thought it couldn't hurt to brush up on our moves in time for next month's festivities.

Sarah and I met out dancing, so it feels nice to bring it full-circle. The instructor was good, and broke down the steps in an easy-to-understand manner. He also had us switch partners throughout the class, so in reality we didn't dance together that much tonight... but it's not a bad way to learn from those of varying skill sets and styles.

We also enjoy watching dance. One of our favorite TV shows, So You Think You Can Dance, has just returned for a new season. I'm not usually a fan of these reality/competition shows, but feel that SYTYCD is a little classier and serious about the subject than others. We have seen some amazing dancers on this program over the years that we have watched it faithfully... pretty much every one since we met! Hip-hop, modern, latin... they do it all! I think our favorite is still season two... we couldn't get enough, and even drove out to Buffalo, New York, in 2006 to see the top ten dancers perform at the Shea's Theatre--it was great! The winner of that season, Benji Schwimmer, and his very charming cousin Heidi, were actually trained in swing dance--here is Benji's audition:

There is also a great dance festival called Jacob's Pillow that runs through the summer in the Berkshires. We have seen great performances there as well. That's how I originally discovered the Berkshires (good and bad, I guess), but it brought me to my current path, and forever sweetheart, who I am more than happy to lead.

Related Links:

www.fox.com/dance

www.jacobspillow.org

It's The Word, Love

It was a gorgeous spring day out today... but I was stuck inside by my computer. That can mean only one thing: yup... I have been busy creating visuals for The Spoken Word Almanac Project again. 

Actually, I have budgeted my time fairly well this go-round. I have visuals for a good number of poems already gathered, so it should be an easy transition and completion in time for the New York City-based mid-year show next month. So yeah, while the sun was shining, and birds were chirping, I was busy watching footage of Rush Limbaugh insulting a college student, and Mitt Romney declaring his indifference to poor people... to make poetry out of these dissonant topics will be no small feat. 

Google is my best friend when I am working on these shows. Basically I brainstorm possible visual ideas by combing through the Google Images database, and video elements through YouTube... it is hilarious what I have come up with at times (try it, any topic)! Other times I stumble upon something that is quite moving, thought-provoking or artistically done, like this video clip that was created to support the recent student protests over tuition hikes in Montreal, Quebec, and proposed law enforcement required before they take place:




Now that's what I call an effective protest.


After I have collected a number of suitable images for SWAP, I usually edit the works together in Final Cut, and then convert each individual clip into .mov files that we add a playlist that is run during the live show. I have been trying to get more abstract with my visuals, but for this show I am under a bit of a time constraint... so it is mostly straightforward visual representation. That doesn't mean that I am any less thoughtful in my construction of the clips, and still utilize my artistic insight in terms of the rhythm of the sequenced images, and effective storytelling structure that hopefully complements the spoken word.

For the Romney poem, I thought I had the killer ending visual... I had seen it going around: a photo of the Republican Presidential candidate seemingly staging a group of kids in t-shirts to spell out his name, but they mixed up the letters to read M-O-N-E-Y! 

However after trying to find the source of the actual image, I now realize it was actually Photoshopped. It's still funny, but I think I'll hold off on using it... there are enough strange but true photos out there that are funny enough. Speaking of the real Mitt, I once "met" the former Governor of Massachusetts when he did a whirlwind tour of the Museum. It was strange... felt almost like a choreographed dance routine in and out the door... I think it was all over in about ten minutes.

By this evening, I was ready to dance myself. After a day of staring at the computer screen, I was happy to get out into the open air of the Hudson Valley countryside. Everything smells so fresh and looks so lush... a great time of year. From there, Sarah and I drove on to the Berkshires to take in a performance by the dance group Noche Flamenca. It was a dramatic performance, with live Spanish guitar and often spirited tap/flamenco dance routines. I only wish they had more colorful costuming to match the mood outdoors... 

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, and we have quite a bit to do. One thing to add to our list: I would like to look into practicing some swing and/or ballroom dance again... it has been awhile, but it would be great to brush up on our moves in time for the wedding. Last night we went over some of the songs we are thinking about for the reception. Like everything, it takes some time... but I know a few "must-have" Blue-eyed Soul selections that should be there.


Related Links:


"Montreal Pots And Pans Video Of Protest Against Bill 78 Goes Viral," Huffington Post, May 26, 2012

our dance card is full!

Well, we didn't make it to the Dance Flurry Festival. Our first no-show for the annual event since I can remember. Too bad, but we had good reason to miss it, as the day was literally consumed with trying to finalize the design and order of our invitations, reply cards, and other printed materials for the wedding. Through this D.I.Y. endeavor we experienced a crash course in using graphics, advanced Photoshop applications, and creating for print (I tell you, this class is perfect timing). The printed materials have a nice overall design and color scheme, which feels good and was worth the effort.

The improv show went well last night. We had great feedback, including from another group of performers who had come to see us from out near the Boston area. I still can't believe we get paid to do this! Afterwards, the fun continued at our local karaoke pub, where I continued to perfect my rock star routine. So between improv and karaoke, I got my dance on well and good... I just hope Sarah and I can get back to taking some proper swing or ballroom lessons again soon.

Far from being a "Bridezilla," I enjoyed getting creative with Sarah this weekend-- she even joined us for our pre-show warm up last night. Here's some fun shots that she took during the show:

Dancing Machine

In just a couple hours we'll be doing the improv thing again at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, MA (show starts at 7:30 p.m.). Apparently the show is being presented as part of the week-long Cabin Fever Festival-- who knew? 


Speaking of shaking off those winter blues, I think I have been "officially" chosen as RBIT's resident dance artist. Fine by me... any chance I can get to get my dance on. There should be quite a bit of fancy footwork this weekend, as Sarah and I also plan on attending the Annual Dance Flurry Festival in Saratoga, New York. All genres of performance and participatory dance will be presented, and should give us a chance to work on some proper moves for the wedding... maybe a little capoeira?


To get ready, here's a vid passed on by the great Fitz & The Tantrums this week:





Dance = L.O.V. for you and me!