A wonderful day at Summer Stages Dance! Dan Wagoner and Jennifer Tipton graced us. They spoke in dialogue for our workshop participants. Their life, art and philosophy generously revealed to us through stories, humorous and moving. When Jennifer speaks about technical matters of lighting she has a way of approaching the metaphysical ("Focus does fade unless it is tended.")The conversation clearly showed the worlds of thought Dan and Jennifer bring to their work. Greek versus Native American thought was discussed, the mystery and physics of light, the light and movement in the paintings of Brueghel, and the social inequalities for women in the producing of the works of male writers and chorographers. Dan spoke of the need to cherish the natural and handmade, the time it takes to make bread, and applesauce, and the way people gather around in that time. And how dancing is rooted in that same care and presence. And Jennifer spoke of the beauty of being in the moment, an innocent observer, wanting to see. She spoke of the pleasure in being told the problem not the solution, essential to her working process. Leaving yourself open to many possibilities, a broad array of possibilities, and choosing from this richness, not to narrow yourself too soon was a theme that both returned to. We could see this very broadening of thought in their beatific smiles as they spoke, their faces reflecting the light. I think Dan and Jennifer gave us enough energy today to propel us through the year! We thank them!
--Richard Colton
A wonderful day at Summer Stages Dance! Dan Wagoner and Jennifer Tipton graced us. They spoke in dialogue for our workshop participants. Their life, art and philosophy generously revealed to us through stories, humorous and moving. When Jennifer speaks about technical matters of lighting she has a way of approaching the metaphysical ("Focus does fade unless it is tended.")The conversation clearly showed the worlds of thought Dan and Jennifer bring to their work. Greek versus Native American thought was discussed, the mystery and physics of light, the light and movement in the paintings of Brueghel, and the social inequalities for women in the producing of the works of male writers and chorographers. Dan spoke of the need to cherish the natural and handmade, the time it takes to make bread, and applesauce, and the way people gather around in that time. And how dancing is rooted in that same care and presence. And Jennifer spoke of the beauty of being in the moment, an innocent observer, wanting to see. She spoke of the pleasure in being told the problem not the solution, essential to her working process. Leaving yourself open to many possibilities, a broad array of possibilities, and choosing from this richness, not to narrow yourself too soon was a theme that both returned to. We could see this very broadening of thought in their beatific smiles as they spoke, their faces reflecting the light. I think Dan and Jennifer gave us enough energy today to propel us through the year! We thank them! --Richard Colton
1 comment:
ANA ISABEL KEILSON, CPF '10 comments:
The title of this post is “Dan Wagoner and Jennifer Tipton graced us with their presence” and I can’t think of a better way to describe it. Their conversation yesterday was so wonderful, casual and relaxed, yet at the same time charged with so much force, wisdom, and honesty. Thank you both.
Today, after the work-in-progress-showings for us Choreographic Fellows, I was lucky enough to have a talk with Dan about his time dancing with Merce Cunningham, who I worked for as the company's film and video archivist (under the tutelage of David Vaughan) for about a year and a half. My conversation with Dan spanned many topics—not just Merce—and one of the things so striking about Dan is the incredible amount of texture in his work and life. From serving in the Korean War, to meeting Mary Wigman (!!!) when she came to New York to see the Graham Studio, to the musicals he choreographed with Al Carmines in the heyday of Judson Church: all of Dan’s experiences and stories are told with a fullness of detail, an earnestness, and a rhythm of articulation that is absolutely inspiring. Dan: when will you write your memoir?! We emerging artists thirst for more.
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