Entries from April 2006 ↓

Everyone, and I do mean everyone, must read Autiobiography of Red. I discovered this marvelous book thanks to Bronwen. Anne Carson weaves together a beautiful poem-novel, full of implausible things that one somehow finds oneself saying, “Of course. The boy has wings. Well, naturally.” I don’t think that I’ll ever be able to think of Heracles and Geryon the same way.

Speaking of books influenced by Greek mythology, I finally read The Thief, a novel people have been telling me for years that I must read. It was a thoroughly enjoyable book — great for late grade school especially. It had a great blend of adventure, mythology and plot twists. I felt at times that the characters weren’t quite consistent, but then — when are people really? I’m really looking forward to reading the second book in the series by Megan Whalen Turner.

If both these books get you in the mood to do some research into ancient Greece, check out The Art and Culture of Early Greece. The author, Jeffrey Hurwit, was one of the most memorable profs I took a class from. He took the subject that I was, to be honest, expecting to be a bit dry, and wove amazing stories. He told us about controversies in authenticity and date, and presented conflicting opinions by leading experts. Once in a while he’d slip in “and this piece was restored by me.”

By the way, Happpy Passover! And if you need a yarmulke for the occasion, you need look no further…

Finally, google has a calendar! Dustin brought it to my attention earlier today. My mind has started spinning about how useful this could be for scheduling dance rehearsals and performances. Speaking of the dance company, we finally have the first rehearsal scheduled. In a less one-track mind tack, google calendar will be a great way to let friends know about cool stuff going on without the constant e-mail bombardment. Look for a link to my calendar soon!

On my morning commute I hit the 4/5 at Union Square just right, and was able to squeeze onto the bench beside a diminutive old lady. She immediately turned to me, and began telling me about her life. She was a social worker for over 40 years — the cases with children being abused and dying that you hear about these days — those wouldn’t have happened on her watch. It’s a shame. Lovely outfit I have on, I’m a classy girl. Do I come from a traditional background? “But I shouldn’t just talk at you dear,” she said. I assured her that I didn’t mind. Why don’t more of us do that?

Scheduling, scheduling, scheduling. One of my dancers is in Spain for the next two weeks. Another potential dancer and I have been playing a lively game of phone tag for the last week. Those are the frustrating updates. On the upside, I have keys to two studio spaces now, and rehearsal times scheduled. I also have lots of ideas pushing around in my head. I’m trying to balance thinking in terms of individual pieces (the short term, to submit to various festivals, etc.) and a full evening program (the longer term — I’d like to do a show in the fall).
In other dance news, New York Dance Week is coming up, April 21-30, with lots of studios offering free classes.