Grey and Lauren...
Shellie, Michelle, Melissa & Margaret...
Lynn and David...
Justin practicing his jumps and turns at the Cast Party...Sunday, October 11, 2009
Dances Fall Behind the Scenes and Cast Party
Grey and Lauren...
Shellie, Michelle, Melissa & Margaret...
Lynn and David... Justin practicing his jumps and turns at the Cast Party...Friday, October 9, 2009
Dances Fall this Weekend
Friday and Saturday (7:30) and Sunday (2:30).
LIVE music by Abram & Sarah 30 minutes before curtain.
Performance by guest artist David Appel Fri. and Sun.
Visual art by Anna Alford Nelson.
CDF Studio Theatre
1715 27th Court South, Birmingham
buy Tickets, $10, HERE
Photos by Bobbie Aldridge:
LIVE music by Abram & Sarah 30 minutes before curtain.
Performance by guest artist David Appel Fri. and Sun.
Visual art by Anna Alford Nelson.
CDF Studio Theatre
1715 27th Court South, Birmingham
buy Tickets, $10, HERE
Photos by Bobbie Aldridge:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Art at Dances Fall
Sanspointe is excited to feature the art of Anna Alford Nelson at Dances Fall. Anna's pieces will be on display and for sale at all three performances.
I met Anna a few years ago when she moved to Birmingham from New Orleans. She was working for Skirt Magazine (and had some of the best skirts I have ever seen). I had no idea that she was an artist, too. One day I complimented her fantastic colorful pumps that she informed me she had painted! I was impressed! I invited Anna to share more of her work at our show.
She calls her artisitic expression "Free-Fly." Anna applies non-traditionalism to her design on anything from canvas to shoes and purses often inspired by quotes and music.
Here's a sampling of some Anna originals:
I met Anna a few years ago when she moved to Birmingham from New Orleans. She was working for Skirt Magazine (and had some of the best skirts I have ever seen). I had no idea that she was an artist, too. One day I complimented her fantastic colorful pumps that she informed me she had painted! I was impressed! I invited Anna to share more of her work at our show.
She calls her artisitic expression "Free-Fly." Anna applies non-traditionalism to her design on anything from canvas to shoes and purses often inspired by quotes and music.
Here's a sampling of some Anna originals:
Friday, September 25, 2009
Dances Fall features guest artist David Appel
Dance artist David Appel will soon be back in Birmingham for his first visit since 1989 to share his work with the community.
Mary Foshee introduced the company to David this past summer, and we immediately began planning his trip down South.
David will perform his work "Scattered Songs (everyday is redbluegreen)" in Dances Fall on Friday evening (Oct. 9) and Sunday afternoon (Oct. 11).
David is active primarily as a solo artist, doggedly seeking to uncover what might be revealed through more intimate and detailed dancing, and how this can function as either a metaphor for and/or a means of directly addressing aspects of our daily lives. What he does arises from (and asks) recurring questions about the options at our disposal, and how we make choices from them. His performances—often blending improvised and set material in intricate and unusual fashion—invariably celebrate the body’s innate and quirky musicality, an ever more subtle yet expansive quality of articulation, and a movement language that is paradoxically singular and familiar, idiosyncratic yet somehow connects.
In addition, David is teaching a class on Saturday afternoon open to the community. Join Sanspointe artists and others in his class 2-4pm Saturday, Oct. 10th at Children's Dance Foundation. Then, join us for us for the Saturday evening program of Dances Fall as well, featuring the duet by Universtiy of Alabama faculty Sarah Barry and Alison Hetzel.
The Class: "Inhabiting a Moving Universe"
Let’s start by envisioning dancing as an act of acute engagement—moving comfortably and decisively, solo and with others. Using a primarily improvisational lens, we will explore: articulating specific movement choices while maintaining a fluid capacity for change; some of the many possibilities that can arise by focusing on weight flow, breath, and subtle neuro-muscular activity; and drawing upon the linkage between our internal world and our external environment, as reciprocal sources and mutual support structures. Embracing confusion and clarity, encountering the simple and the not-so-simple, we can hone our ability to wield both active and receptive powers of attention. In the end, it’s about finding greater substance, inviting nuance, and gathering presence—however you choose to move.
David is a choreographer, performer.and teacher. His work has been presented to acclaim throughout North America, Europe, and in Mexico since 1973. David has also performed with Simone Forti, City Dance Theater of Boston (a company touring innovative pieces during the early 1970s), several dance/music collaborative groups, and with many other individual artists in a variety of media. He has received a number of grants and awards for his choreography, including three Choreographers’ Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and has been invited to festivals in both the U.S. and abroad.
Photos of David by Mark Von Holden
Mary Foshee introduced the company to David this past summer, and we immediately began planning his trip down South.
David will perform his work "Scattered Songs (everyday is redbluegreen)" in Dances Fall on Friday evening (Oct. 9) and Sunday afternoon (Oct. 11).
David is active primarily as a solo artist, doggedly seeking to uncover what might be revealed through more intimate and detailed dancing, and how this can function as either a metaphor for and/or a means of directly addressing aspects of our daily lives. What he does arises from (and asks) recurring questions about the options at our disposal, and how we make choices from them. His performances—often blending improvised and set material in intricate and unusual fashion—invariably celebrate the body’s innate and quirky musicality, an ever more subtle yet expansive quality of articulation, and a movement language that is paradoxically singular and familiar, idiosyncratic yet somehow connects.
In addition, David is teaching a class on Saturday afternoon open to the community. Join Sanspointe artists and others in his class 2-4pm Saturday, Oct. 10th at Children's Dance Foundation. Then, join us for us for the Saturday evening program of Dances Fall as well, featuring the duet by Universtiy of Alabama faculty Sarah Barry and Alison Hetzel.
The Class: "Inhabiting a Moving Universe"
Let’s start by envisioning dancing as an act of acute engagement—moving comfortably and decisively, solo and with others. Using a primarily improvisational lens, we will explore: articulating specific movement choices while maintaining a fluid capacity for change; some of the many possibilities that can arise by focusing on weight flow, breath, and subtle neuro-muscular activity; and drawing upon the linkage between our internal world and our external environment, as reciprocal sources and mutual support structures. Embracing confusion and clarity, encountering the simple and the not-so-simple, we can hone our ability to wield both active and receptive powers of attention. In the end, it’s about finding greater substance, inviting nuance, and gathering presence—however you choose to move.
David is a choreographer, performer.and teacher. His work has been presented to acclaim throughout North America, Europe, and in Mexico since 1973. David has also performed with Simone Forti, City Dance Theater of Boston (a company touring innovative pieces during the early 1970s), several dance/music collaborative groups, and with many other individual artists in a variety of media. He has received a number of grants and awards for his choreography, including three Choreographers’ Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and has been invited to festivals in both the U.S. and abroad.
Photos of David by Mark Von Holden
Monday, September 14, 2009
Dances Fall line up
featuring new and favorite works...
(photos below by Bobbie Aldridge and Jim Willet)
New Works:
"A Very Dry Spell"
choreographed by Lynn Bowman
"so you want me always to paint flowers..."
conceived and performed by Sarah Barry and Allison Hetzel (Saturday evening)
"This Place"
choreographed and performed by Rhea Speights with live music written and performed by Kayde and Karoline Parker of Abram and Sarah
"Scattered Songs"
choreographed and performed by guest artist David Appel (Friday and Sunday)
Favorites:
"Burden of Choice" to music by Mogwai
choreographed by Shellie Chambers
"It's Only Paper"
choreographed by Rhea Speights
"Trick or Treat Me Like a Fool" to a Soundscore including excerpts from Jacques Offenbach, Dirty Three, Mabel John, Igor Stravinsky, Alexander Borodin and Romanian and Polish Folk Music.
choreographed by Rhea Speights
(photos below by Bobbie Aldridge and Jim Willet)
New Works:
"A Very Dry Spell"
choreographed by Lynn Bowman
"so you want me always to paint flowers..."
conceived and performed by Sarah Barry and Allison Hetzel (Saturday evening)
"This Place"
choreographed and performed by Rhea Speights with live music written and performed by Kayde and Karoline Parker of Abram and Sarah
"Scattered Songs"
choreographed and performed by guest artist David Appel (Friday and Sunday)
Favorites:
"Burden of Choice" to music by Mogwai
choreographed by Shellie Chambers
"It's Only Paper"choreographed by Rhea Speights
Featuring the following poems by Pablo Neruda...
"Poetry," "If You Forget Me," "Ode to the Sea," "I Like to Be Still" and "Integrations"
"Trick or Treat Me Like a Fool" to a Soundscore including excerpts from Jacques Offenbach, Dirty Three, Mabel John, Igor Stravinsky, Alexander Borodin and Romanian and Polish Folk Music.
choreographed by Rhea Speights
Thursday, September 10, 2009
2009 ARTWALK
This weekend, get over to the 8th Annual ARTWALK.
Friday, September 11th: 5-10pm
Saturday, September 12th: Noon-6pm
Saturday, September 12th: Noon-6pm
Downtown Birmingham
MORRIS, 1st & 2nd AVENUES NORTH between 22nd & 25th STREETS
MORRIS, 1st & 2nd AVENUES NORTH between 22nd & 25th STREETS
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Music of Dances Fall
What is it that you like about watching concert dance? The choreography? Seeing a story unfold? Costumes? For many, it's the music. Sanspointe's upcoming concert Dances Fall features a rich and exciting array of music. Here's what to expect:
There will be live music before the show even begins, so don't be late. Sisters Kayde and Karoline Parker of the Indie/Folk music group Abram and Sarah will perform 30 minutes before curtain for all three days of "Dances Fall." They will also join dance artist Rhea Speights on stage in the second half with their song "It Takes a lot of Love." Get a preview of Abram and Sarah below, featuring Kayde and Karoline with Justin Wallace at Bottletree.
Additional music credits in Dances Fall include:
Sigur Ros
Robert Een
Dances Fall
New and favorite works choreographed by Sarah Barry, Lynn Bowman, Shellie Chambers, Michelle Hamff, Allison Hetzel, Rhea Speights and guest artist David Appel.
There will be live music before the show even begins, so don't be late. Sisters Kayde and Karoline Parker of the Indie/Folk music group Abram and Sarah will perform 30 minutes before curtain for all three days of "Dances Fall." They will also join dance artist Rhea Speights on stage in the second half with their song "It Takes a lot of Love." Get a preview of Abram and Sarah below, featuring Kayde and Karoline with Justin Wallace at Bottletree.
Additional music credits in Dances Fall include:
Sigur Ros
Robert Een
Mickey Hart
Mogwai
Hazmat Modine
Stars of the Lid
Poems by Pablo Neruda, recorded by celebrities
And a unique soundscore including excerpts by Jacques Offenbach, Igor Stravinsky, Alexander Borodin, Dirty Three, Mabel John and Romanian Folk music.
Mogwai
Hazmat Modine
Stars of the Lid
Poems by Pablo Neruda, recorded by celebrities
And a unique soundscore including excerpts by Jacques Offenbach, Igor Stravinsky, Alexander Borodin, Dirty Three, Mabel John and Romanian Folk music.
Dances FallNew and favorite works choreographed by Sarah Barry, Lynn Bowman, Shellie Chambers, Michelle Hamff, Allison Hetzel, Rhea Speights and guest artist David Appel.
October 9 & 10 / 7:30pm
October 11 / 2:30pm
CDF Studio Theatre
1715 27th Ct.S., Birmingham
205-799-2602
Tickets, $10, ar
e on sale now!
October 11 / 2:30pm
CDF Studio Theatre
1715 27th Ct.S., Birmingham
205-799-2602
Tickets, $10, ar
e on sale now! Sunday, August 23, 2009
Dances Fall
Sanspointe is pleased to present Dances Fall Friday, October 9th through Sunday October 11th at the CDF Studio Theatre in Birmingham, featuring new and favorite works choreographed by Sarah Barry, Lynn Bowman, Shellie Chambers, Michelle Hamff, Allison Hetzel, Rhea Speights and New York City-based guest artist David Apell. Preshow live music will be performed by the group Abram and Sarah, who will also provide the accompaniment for a solo dance performance in the second half.
Included in Dances Fall is "It’s Only Paper” with dancers costumed in paper dresses and “Trick or Treat Me Like a Fool,” featuring four masked characters, both by Speights. Speights will also perform a solo to music performed live by the local folk music group Abram and Sarah. Chambers’ recent works “Retrospect” to music by Robert Een, Sigur Ros and Mickey Hart, and the solo “Burden of Choice" to music by Mogwai will also be performed. New to the group from Iowa, Lynn Bowman, has set a lively work for three dancers that will open the second half. Hamff’s “Neruda No. 5,” features five solos to poems by Pablo Neruda.
Also featured on Friday and Sunday only is a solo performance by guest artist David Appel. On Saturday evening only, Tuscaloosa-based artists Barry and Hetzel will perform their collaborative new work that recently premiered in Switzerland titled, “so you want me always to paint flowers…”. Appel will also teach a master class at Children’s Dance Foundation on Saturday, October 10th at 2pm open to the community.
Connecting to the community is part of Sanspointe’s mission. Fine arts students at Vestavia High School will get a sneak peek of Dances Fall on September 15th with a performance at their school. The company will also take Dances Fall to Tuscaloosa later in October for a public performance at The University of Alabama, where many of Sanspointe’s artists graduated. Company members will speak to the dance majors in their weekly convocation at UA preceding the performance. Chambers, Artistic Director of Sanspointe, is excited to provide an opportunity for students to see local professionals working in dance and the arts.
Chambers said, “It takes a lot of motivated and committed people to keep a professional dance company going. Many of our company members work other jobs full-time, some are mothers, a few attend graduate school, and several travel an hour for rehearsals. Each of us is passionate about presenting modern dance for Birmingham audiences.”
Sanspointe was founded by Michelle Hamff in 2003. Hamff said, “I wanted to present a modern dance concert, and that’s how it all started.” Today, the company exists to provide choreographers and dancers with an opportunity to create new work, collaborate artistically and present high-quality modern dance performances for the community. Sanspointe presents at least one concert of original choreography each year for audiences in its hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, and performs at events during the year around the Southeast.
Under the artistic direction of Shellie Chambers, Sanspointe has been recognized as a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization, with 18 company artists and seven members on its board of directors and is campaigning now for financial support. Sanspointe’s members bring a diversity of interests, experiences and talents to the company. This unique fusion of artistic ideas and inspirations allows Sanspointe to constantly evolve and challenges its members and the audience’s expectations of what modern dance is.
Dances Fall will be performed in an intimate theatre setting at Children’s Dance Foundation’s Community Arts Center Studio Theatre in Downtown Homewood (1715 27th Court South) May 28-31. Tickets, $10, can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ and at the door. Seating is limited.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Dances Fall October 9-11
Go ahead, mark your calendar!
Dances Fall
October 9-11
Sanspointe presents a concert of new work plus some favorites from the past including the most recent, Trick or Treat Me Like a Fool by Rhea Speights (pictured here).
Also featured in Dances Fall:
Retrospect, 2008, by Shellie Chambers
Neruda No. 5, 2008, by Michelle Hamff
It's Only Paper, 2006, by Rhea Speights
Burden of Choice, 2007, by Shellie Chambers
New works by Lynn Bowman and Sarah Barry
Follow our blog for more on Dances Fall!
October 9 & 10, 7:30
October 11, 2:30
CDF Studio Theatre, 1715 27th Court South
Birmingham, Alabama
Tickets, $10, on sale Sept. 15
Join Sanspointe for Class with Guest Artist
Sanspointe will host a series of modern dance classes with guest teaching artist Killian Manning beginning this Saturday. Please join us!
Saturday, August 1, 9-10:30am
Monday, August 3, 5:30-7:00
Wednesday, August 5, 5:30-7:00
Single Class: $13
All three classes: $30
at Children's Dance Foundation
1715 27th Court South,
Birmingham AL 35209
205-799-2602
Manning will be choreographing for Sanspointe this Winter for the company's May 2010 concert. Sanspointe does not hold formal audtion, but dancers who would like to be invited to work with Sanspointe should attend these classes and bring a dance resume.
BIO for Killian:Killian Manning is on the faculty at UNC-Greensboro in Communication Studies and teaches dance at the Ballet School of Chapel Hill. As Artistic Director of No Forwarding Address, she has received funding from numerous N.C. state and local arts agencies and was named "Best in The Triangle" in dance for four years. Killian has presented her award-winning choreography in Salt Lake City, Boston, Chicago, Birmingham, and North Carolina. She served on the dance faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill from 1989 to 1995, and has also taught at Radcliffe, the Boston Conservatory, Repertory Dance Theater School, and Samford University. Prior to that, she studied, performed, and choreographed in Boston from 1980-1987, where she was a member of Susan Rose and DanceWorks. Most recently she has enjoyed creating new dances at Durham Academy and the Carolina Friends School.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Review of SixbySix by Daniel Hurst
A lovely review of SixbySix by Daniel Hurst, an Alabama lawyer encouraging his inner artist, on Birmingham Verse.
Many thanks, Daniel!
Daniel’s Bio
Growing up, I frequently was reminded to be sensible, get an education, and start my careerbefore pursuing anything as foolish as making art. After four somewhat sensible years at Auburn University, three very sensible years at Alabama’s fine law school, and then several increasingly sensible years practicing law, I figured it was about time that I actively pursued some of my own interests. This website is part of my recovery process.
I’ve played music since high school, but rarely played out loud for anyone. I’ve painted since law school, but only recently showed it to anyone. And I’ve been observing, listening, appreciating, and writing since forever, but never put it out there for anyone. Until now.
As a recovering attorney currently living in Birmingham, Alabama, I wholeheartedly encourage you to contact me at hurstdm@yahoo.com and let me know what you’re thinking, where you’re going in town to experience art, and how you go about creating.
Many thanks, Daniel!
Daniel’s BioGrowing up, I frequently was reminded to be sensible, get an education, and start my careerbefore pursuing anything as foolish as making art. After four somewhat sensible years at Auburn University, three very sensible years at Alabama’s fine law school, and then several increasingly sensible years practicing law, I figured it was about time that I actively pursued some of my own interests. This website is part of my recovery process.
I’ve played music since high school, but rarely played out loud for anyone. I’ve painted since law school, but only recently showed it to anyone. And I’ve been observing, listening, appreciating, and writing since forever, but never put it out there for anyone. Until now.
As a recovering attorney currently living in Birmingham, Alabama, I wholeheartedly encourage you to contact me at hurstdm@yahoo.com and let me know what you’re thinking, where you’re going in town to experience art, and how you go about creating.
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