I found a source of inspiration!

I've been dabbling in photography for a few months, barely. However, just as with any hobby, we develop particular abilities and discover preferences. I somehow always knew I wanted to try my hand at taking photos, and only hoped that a talent might someday blossom. I am a far distance from calling myself a photographer but what I can say, is that I've definitely gotten the bug.

In a very similar manner, I have fallen in love with swing dancing. It is social, it's fun, it's crazy and challenging, it's creative and keeps me on my toes (quite literally) and it just embodies the part of dance that had not yet been fulfilled for me. I had been dancing for years, but this new zest for life that I've been blessed with has only swept me off my feet since I've discovered the swing family of dances (and naturally, the community that sustains it, here in Ottawa). I have thought of taking up photography for a while, but never got around to it. Now that I have started immersing myself in it - and only those who've taken up an entirely foreign technical hobby can understand the learning curve - I have really started to feel the vast realm of creative possibilities and how I could possibly grow as a multi-layered artist. From now on, I benefit from three platforms of self-expression; written, danced and photographed.

I believe that photography gives me an opportunity to express my inner "artist", in a way that writing validates the existence of my inner "poet" if you will. Writing satisfies my need for the spectrum of introspection and communication, which is more of an intellectual exercise. Photography (or visual arts in general) satisfies my irrepressible thirst for aesthetic and art, whether it be in a traditional or unconventional form; I see the beauty in "imperfectness" of life. When reality meets ideas, I sense a creative urge is born somewhere. And I feel that words fall short. It's like being fed when all you want is a tall glass of water. That must be it; language is my bread and butter, and visual arts are my water.

So last night, I had the opportunity to start taking shots of my friends' swing dance practice. I was disappointed to find my regular 18 mm - 55 mm lens to be inadequate, but I got a rush from trying to get the movement just... right. You know? I caught a knickerbocker in mid-air, swivels at their hippiest, charleston kicks at their craziest and trucking at it's geekiest looking moment. I felt like I was catching glimpses of the dancers' vibe.

If you are still wondering... Dance is the air I breathe and the fire that consumes me.

Now you can imagine how excited I was when I found out about Lois Greenfield (http://www.loisgreenfield.com/index.html). This woman is an artist and she has perfected the art of studio dance photography. She portrays the body as a flexible sculpture of beauty and vulnerability. She creates lines, plays with light and color, bends time and captures motion thus painting a canvas of dance as an art form, but also of a tribute to the human body. My mind is blown. She would definitely be an inspiration to me in my future endeavors in this world of images.

This is what life is about... Learning, loving, believing and never ceasing to be amazed!

RWB's Moulin Rouge: Can you Can-Can? I sure can Can-Can!

Notably, one of the best theatrical ballets I’ve seen so far, it was colourful, dynamic and the sets were properly used. Why was it a memorable production?

Some might think that because I’ve got a dance background I wouldn’t be critical of dance shows. Quite the contrary; I’ve seen so many that they eventually blend together and unless they’ve done something to set themselves apart from the many other performances or pieces I’ve seen of the same genre, I consider them “ordinary”. There are dance companies who constantly offer refreshing choreographies that grab the spectator’s attention and keeps it for a long time after delivery, if you will. Others have produced a few very original pieces with a extended stage-life. That’s how dance companies become “main stream”; they manage to create something that is so authentic that it transcends the dance community and reaches the masses... well, the ones who bother to go to the theatre once in a while or read the paper at least. For instance, most people have heard of Lalala Human Steps (contemporary dance troupe) and its director, Edouard Lock, of Marie Chouinard dance company or of Rubberband Dance (hip hop group from Montreal).

That being said, all of these troupes produce numbers that are still respectful of their genres, to a certain extent. Otherwise, they produce hybrids, like the circus-theater group called “Les sept doigts de la main”, which is a fabulous Montreal showbiz product, by the way. However, the hybrids are hardly categorized in a specific form of performing arts. I could elaborate on how I distinguish an "artistic" production that has reached larger audiences from a pop production; I'll spare you. This post isn’t so much about my philosophy on performing arts, but I find it important to draw a bit of background in order to explain why I’ve appreciated RWB’s Moulin Rouge.

Sure, in the tradition of ballet, it told a story and used pantomime to do so. Old school? Yes. But… might I remind you that ballet was at a height during Louis the XIV’s rule? Was there a love story and drama? Yes, there was. Were there comic reliefs? Yes. Were there pretty costumes? Yes, of course, this is ballet!

So was so different, might you ask then? It had pizzazz. There was flow in every scene, the performers were dynamic, they wore their roles comfortably, the choreography was fresh and technically clean. Even the tango inspired number was quite passionate, without losing the technical strength behind every movement. The can-can was performed traditionally but with enthusiasm and funky costumes and it managed to get the crowd clapping and all. Not something you see every day in a ballet. The men wore suits and not tights and the sets actually looked like a Parisian cabaret of the turn of the century.

I especially liked the turning windmill and the colour-appropriate skyline lighting. The storyline was close enough to the feature film, except a few minor details which were probably stage-adapted. Although, I have to say, the “falling in love” bit and the “dying” scene, were very cliché. I felt I could predict the pas-de-deux, the kiss, the drinking binge, the fight scene and the sound of death approaching... Someone please explain to me WHY no one ever told a choreographer that characters in stories, if they are to reflect “real people”, don’t dance for a whole song as they are agonizing to their death. I would really like to know. I just think it completely ridiculous. Then again, we don’t “dance around each other” to demonstrate we are falling for someone... maybe I’m wrong. I do have victory dances when I’m over-joyed... but I doubt I would dance in extreme physical pain.

"Look at me! I'm dying!"... pas de bourré, jeté..."I'm agonizing..." piqué, arabesque..."Good-bye, my love" pirouette, lunge. Yeah.

All things considered, it remains a very entertaining ballet worth while seeing. "Can you Can-Can? I sure can Can-Can! Wooooo!" :)

Defining this blog, for sustainability

Water Ceiling, National Gallery

There are so many things I would like this blog to be about, but like most people in our fast-paced world, I tend to shrug off as unimportant anything that doesn't "have a point"... or doesn't seem to have a clearly defined niche. How could I expect anyone to read my blog if I don't define its purpose?

Actually, I sense I might even give in to leisurely activities other than write here and I will find no solid reason to be loyal to this blog. Afterall, there are so many novels to read, so many drinks to share, movies to watch, dances to be danced, shows to see, galleries to visit, so many people to text or facecreep... Getting carried away in the endless opportunities that await, here. Therefore, I've decided to devote this to my two passions: Dance and Photography.

Ok, so perhaps I'm jumping the gun a little by saying that photography is a passion at this stage. Let's say, it is my glorified hobby. Dance remains my passion, no doubt about that. I was a dancer for 14 years before I took 4 years off to attend a Communications and Philosophy programme at the University of Ottawa and dabble in journalism and freelancing for a short while. Needless to say, I've joined the workforce like a good little soldier and now dedicated my career to communications. However much my professional field feels validating so far, there's something missing. Could it be my creative outlet? I think so.

Last summer (2009), I wanted to start applying my "do-er" philosophy. "What is a 'do-er' ?" you might ask. Well, simply put, my interpretation of it is, that instead of simply talking of things you wish to improve in your life, you ACTUALLY do it. Hence the "do-er" philosophy.

I began to search for dance styles and schools that might renew my fire for this artform I had been away for so long. Let's just say belly-dancing, not my forte. I did try contemporary dance, which I very much liked. But when I started swing dancing... that was love, baby.

The process continued... I had always wanted to learn about photography. So 2010 was my year! No time like right now, huh? I went ahead and bought the nicest, most polyfunctional DSLR my budget could afford (really, it couldn't but that's beside the point). I registered for a workshop, which I've completed this week-end with Harry Nowell Photography (best invested 350 $ in a long time, might I add). And the photo saga begins. I've even named my camera: Caleb.

Oh yeah, and back when I was freelancing for Le Droit and a few obscure papers, writing use to be my "thing" too, so hopefully, this blog will be a delightful melting pot of my interests, passions, likes, hobbies and discoveries.

In the hope that this might find some kindred spirits somewhere whom may appreciate these posts, I will embark on this journey with you. Cheers and let's dance!