Marbles trailer
Marbles Project Statement
Marbles represents isolation and its relationship to sanity. During this pandemic, the world has seemingly come to a standstill, with an emphasis on survival. There are countless news stories about death tolls and what countries are doing to mitigate the spread of the virus. The continual flood of information although necessary can also be overwhelming; Marbles is meant to give us permission to not feel ok but to makes sure that if you are struggling internally you know you are not alone. We aimed at creating something beautiful yet emotional. The video begins upbeat but chaotic, just like life at the beginning of the pandemic. Towards the end of the video, the beat slows and fades into a familiar song allowing viewers to take a breath. Thus, together we can acknowledge our pain while realizing isolation could be the breath of fresh air the world needed.
Isabel Tafoya Personal Artist Statement
My life growing up on a ranch in Northern New Mexico was filled with elements of culture needing to be explored; where magic, god and responsibility are intertwined. Who I am, is a question requiring continual investigation? Art acts as a prism allowing me to see the many facets of life so that I can make sense of the world around me; it is not a singular lens with a singular answer. I like to focus on the small: who we are internally, where we fit into the world, and why day- to-day experience matters. Art is how I evaluate topics that can feel complicated or overwhelming.
Joseline Mendoza’s artist statement
As an artist, I am essentially attentive in creating what I feel motivates me to learn. I continue to stay knowledge hungry so that every day that I work hard and push myself, something new helps me improve. I hope to share how meaningful and precious creating can be and what impact that can have on others and myself.
View the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=422XLIm9W50&feature=youtu.be
Observer as Poet Video Poster
Watch along with all of us here at UNM Fine Arts as the Spring 2020 Student Concert, 'Observer as Poet' premieres on YouTube this Friday at 6pm, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyM7VXZ3fwM
We are all exercising extraordinary flexibility to keep our students and community safe in the wake of the COVID 19 outbreak. For UNM’s Dance Program, this means the cancelation of our live student choreography show, Observer as Poet. While the show cannot go on as originally intended, Artistic Directors Vladimir Conde Reche and Brianna Figueroa have re-strategized to develop this show for a digital audience. We asked our students to produce a dance film, a medium they have varied familiarity and comfort with. And, we required that students work remotely with one another, or include only household members in their choreography, in order to maintain social distancing practices. Finally, we suggested the shared them of “quarantine” in recognition that our students, many of whom were already in the rehearsal process with fellow dancers, would be required to entirely restart their projects in order to adhere to the show’s new format. The result presents a window into the highly diversified experiences and creative impulses of our student body. While the virus has forced us into social isolation, these dances offer a remarkable level of intimacy that can be hard to express in a traditional theatre space. Students have invited us into their homes, featured their loved ones, and articulated their very real fears and hopes in a time of communal hardship. This collection of dance films document our historical moment while also demonstrating the resilience of our students and their art-making. We are reminded of Juno Diaz who said "The whole culture is telling you to hurry, while the art tells you to take your time. Always listen to the art," and we are grateful that we have slowed down, if only briefly, and the art is here, waiting for us to listen.
Suite “Pre-Flamenca,” by Daniel Doña
Suite “Pre-Flamenca,” by Daniel Doña was part of META/PHYSICAL the 2020 UNM Faculty Dance Concert.
Side note; In the second take here the snow dispenser released the snow from another dance piece all at once, it was just too beautiful not to share with you.
Suite “Pre-Flamenca,” by Daniel Doña
Suite “Pre-Flamenca,” by Daniel Doña was part of META/PHYSICAL the 2020 UNM Faculty Dance Concert.
12:46 or it’s the end of the world
Hey Lobos, check out this excerpt from the Faculty Dance Concert META/PHYSICAL. This is from the piece ’12:46 or it’s the end of the world’ a contemporary work by Fall 2019’s Dance Artist in Residence, Miguel Gutierrez.
UNM Fine Arts
Meta/Physical Faculty Dance Cincert Preview
Check out this sneak preview for the Faculty Dance Concert: Meta/Physical from an early Dance Rehearsal!
Artistic Director - Donna Jewell
Choreography by Daniel Doña, Jacqueline Garcia, Miguel Gutierrez, Amanda Hamp,
La Popi , Mercedes Ruiz
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The faculty dance concert, META/PHYSICAL, presents original choreography in both contemporary dance and flamenco by international guest artists and UNM’s distinguished resident faculty, highlighting the extraordinary talents of the students in the dance program for an evening of dance with strong theatrical elements that are innovative, insightful and inspiring.
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The UNM Department of Theatre and Dance presents faculty dance concert, META/PHYSICAL, February 28 through March 8 in Rodey Theatre. Original choreography in both contemporary dance and flamenco by international guest artists and UNM’s distinguished resident faculty, highlighting the extraordinary talents of the students in the dance program, for an evening of dance with strong theatrical elements that are innovative, insightful and inspiring. The concert displays collective, collaborative processes that heighten the choreographers point of view. Faculty and students in lighting and costume design areas co-curate alongside choreographers to enhance the production.
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META/PHYSICAL will feature 12:46 or it’s the end of the world, a contemporary work by Fall 2019’s visiting artist Miguel Gutierrez, M.E.A.D.O.W, a trio by Head of Dance Amanda Hamp and in the muddy bank ((where we lay)), by resident faculty member Jacqueline Garcia.
META/PHYSICAL will also feature, Suite “Pre-Flamenca,” by Daniel Doña, Predominio, by La Popi, and La Mirada También Baila, by Mercedes Ruiz, who are visiting artists of UNM’s unique flamenco training concentration.
https://facebook.com/events/s/faculty-dance-concert-metaphys/1201814276687944/?ti=icl
Miguel Gutierrez Dance Artist in Residence
We caught up with Dance Artist in Residence Miguel Gutierrez as he told us a little about his process working with UNM UNM Fine Arts students. Miguel’s work will be featured at the Faculty Dance Concert opening on the 28th.
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The UNM Department of Theatre and Dance presents faculty dance concert, META/PHYSICAL, February 28 through March 8 in Rodey Theatre. Original choreography in both contemporary dance and flamenco by international guest artists and UNM’s distinguished resident faculty, highlighting the extraordinary talents of the students in the dance program, for an evening of dance with strong theatrical elements that are innovative, insightful and inspiring. The concert displays collective, collaborative processes that heighten the choreographers’ point of view. Faculty and students in lighting and costume design areas co-curate alongside choreographers to enhance the production.
An interview with this week’s Faculty Spotlight, Rujeko Dumbutshena, from UNM Dance! Rujeko is a Zimbabwean-born dancer, pedagogue, and scholar who specializes in contemporary African dance. Rujeko recently took home one of The City of Albuquerque's Creative Bravos Awards. These Awards are dedicated to recognizing and honoring work that makes a significant impact on the lives of residents, neighborhoods, and/or communities.
UNM Fine Arts
UNM Senior Day Showcase Performance Flamenco was stunning! Look forward to more excerpts from our showcase! The University of New Mexico is the only university in the United States that has a degree program in dance with a concentration in flamenco.
Only three more chances to catch She Stoops to Comedy, tonight and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2pm!
Congratulations class of 2017!
Here's a slide show of photos by Pat Berrett from Ecce Etude
Choreography Danny Grossman
Dancers
Mariah Baker, Samantha Katz, Elicia Larribas, Madrone Matysiak, Natesa McGowan, Imeh McIver
Ecce Homo was inspired by religious paintings and sculptures of Michelangelo.
Ecce Etude is part of American Dance Legacy Initiative’s Repertory Etudes Collection, conceived and curated by Carolyn Adams and Julie Adams Strandberg.
Leaving Pusan, Choreography by Dana Tai Soon Burgess, from ARS...
Here's a slide show of photos by Pat Berrett of Leaving Pusan,
Choreography Dana Tai Soon Burgess, one of the featured works on ARS LONGA.
Dancers
Peter Bennett (guest artist/UNM Dance alum), Madrone Matysiak, Kellie Walsh, Elicia Larribas, Justice Miles, Julie Colleen Abeyta
Blithe Spirit
Images from Blithe Spirit, 2013 by Pat Berrett
Metamorphoses archival photos
Photos by Pat Berrett, Original music by Casey Mraz
Directed by Joe Alberti
Scenic Design Gordon Kennedy
Costume Design Sarah Wyman
Lighting Design Michael Hidalgo
Choreography Donna Jewell
Stage Manager Kim Jennings
Marisol Encinias
Marisol Encinias performs her MFA dance concert, Ilhuicamina, March 9 and 10, this Friday and Saturday in Rodey Theatre at 7:30pm. Get your tickets early!
Marisol Encinias performs her MFA concert, Ilhuicamina, this Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10, at 7:30 in Rodey Theatre. Get your tickets early!
