Creative Update (Round #2): Here comes Mama!
I’ve decided to make this my M.O.: I will provide a similar update each week per my previous post. This will include a summary of key learnings + a daily break-down and insights into the exploration of my latest research-based performance project, “Mothership Virginia.”
3 lessons learned thus far:
- I’ve decided that on days I do not dance in the studio, I want to practice the Feldenkrais Method, specifically Awareness Through Movement. I may write an article on that topic, but remain curious how this impacts all parts of my life.
- When I am focusing on my what, I am in studio-mode. This is making art, experimenting with ideas, creating content, and deepening my research as a choreographer.
- As a soon-to-be local artist of the Alexandria, Virginia area, I’m oddly obsessed with Martha Washington. #GetItMartha
Now, here’s a daily breakdown:
Thursday
I went for a walk today, along the beach. Water is my muse. And it was inspiring to listen to my music, use my body, and hear the ocean around me. And, I appreciate the sense of sexual freedom & self-expression in Cherry Grove, Fire Island. I took this picture & contemplated what makes a place a home. What we do to make a place our home. I’ve made Cherry Grove my home (at least for a few weeks out of the year). Others like me have done the same— this is a community:

Shortly thereafter, I discovered a piece of trash floating in the ocean. What you see in the distance is a balloon. I thought it was a piece of metal at first, or perhaps a dead Horseshoe Crab. As it finally rolled to shore, delivered by the ocean’s waves, I noticed that it said, “Happy Birthday” — coincidence*?
Friday
I made a phrase last night. My best friend, Mr. Price, applied an affect to the video. It was perfect! That phrase looks like this (excerpt):
I was inspired to expand on that idea, and explore related movement material. I’m interested in how media changes meaning:
Saturday
I woke up and discovered a TEDxBrussels video, “Dance your PhD” with John Bohannon & Black Label Movement. I was inspired, because it demonstrated the power of dance to communicate a message (several in fact, covering everything from scientific demonstrations to the importance of arts education). And, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there seem to be a good number of TEDx videos that discuss dance. Cool!
And, this inspiring video gave me the energy I needed to tackle my Dream Project Planning Document. This is a tool Michael Miller offered in our sessions in order to help break down the details of my project, including my intentions, measurable objectives, milestones and key resources needed. Though I’m still working on the details — much of which will be shared via Left Side Labs’ Facebook page — here’s a snippet:
What is “Mothership Virginia?”
I was first influenced to start this project when thinking about my mother and how important she is to me, especially as I come to more deeply understand the importance of family. I am also working harder to understand my work in the world — that of being a dance maker. So, I’ve been working with a coach and trying to break-through my craft — and wanted to make something for her (my mother) because I had observed that she had not ever seen me do my best work.
I am also in the process of relocating from New York City to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. This is a major change. And in making sense of the move from an artistic perspective, which seems to be another pattern of mine, I’ve discovered an inspiration to know this city as a local artist — to experience the energy of a community, it’s history, it’s people, and the experience of adding value to that local conversation. I like to believe that Virginia is truly for lovers, so I hope to fall in love with this place and give back to it in my art.
Which brings us to ‘Mothership Virginia.’ Well, I feel like an alien landing in a foreign place. I am a person that has come in from the outside, bringing all that I am, and I have landed in this location to understand, to explore, to investigate— and to see myself in it, to build a connection and make it my own. My ship has landed.
Sunday
I’ve narrowed my focus for the October 14th performance to the topic of Martha Washington, the first lady of America and wife to George Washington. They called the area of Alexandria, VA home. In my research, I discovered this gem of a video about Mother Martha!
What’ I’ve come to discover in thinking about this woman further is her significance as a character in the history of motherhood. And, I want to ask locals, “Who was Mamma Martha?” I want to do research on her, to understand the history and the significance of women in the formation of this country. I’m drawn to this topic, because I will be in the heart of it — and I wonder how this research will inform my understanding of my own mother and the female identity. In the meantime, I’ve started this list of books. We’ll see where it goes…
Monday
We made our way home from Fire Island. And as I walked down the boardwalk listening to “Pick Up” by Midnight Magic, I imagined the other side of our founding mother. Bad ass, sexual, owning it.
Tuesday… I made this:

That’s good enough for this week…
Want to stay tuned on how “Mothership Virginia” evolves? Then I’d suggest (HINT, HINT) you Like Left Side Labs on Facebook. I’m thinking this work is going to transform into a full-length ballet, but we shall see. If you’re curious, join me on October 14th, 2017 to find out what happens next.
*Coincidence, because the 14th is my birthday! Weird, right!
