May 3, 2017greenupe

An Interview with improvisor, choreographer, Yvonne Meier

Meeting Yvonne Meier, our first guest in Spring Studio Series and guest artist in the making of Spring Dance Concert, was overwhelmingly fresh and stimulating.

 

Nhi Cao (NC): “Durch Nacht und Nebel”, what does it mean?

Yvonne Meier (YM): It means “Through Night and Fog”, a saying in German. For me, basically, you have to travel through these foggy night-ly, somber subjects. There are many subjects, and a lot of which is about my body, how I see my body, different ways I want to see my body. But then there are also subjects of having children, what the children are doing, etc. There are subjects about the wolf, transformation into a wolf, transformation into getting painted black and painting with a giant paint brush. There’s a subject about shaving a fur coat, and then coming out of the fur coat and being covered in a thousand band-aids, and naked.

 

NC: The invitation to “Durch Nacht und Nebel” was introduced with the tagline: “Need a laugh? Come check out Yvonne Meier next week.” What does this say about your performance?

YM: It has a big sense of humor. It’s somber and it’s funny.

 

NC: How do you make that possible, somber and funny at the same time?

YM: I don’t know. There’s just a sense of humor about everything. The shaking dance with the band-aids is kind of funny; it’s kind of shocking but also funny because it’s so blatant.

 

NC: Do you choreograph or do you dance also?

YM: Somebody will perform it for me. The performance, “Durch Natch und Nebel”, was the last dance I did. I used to be a dancer, but then I have big knee injuries, so I had to stop dancing and start choreographing for other people mainly.

 

NC: What inspired you to come up with the idea for this particular work?

YM: I think it came from different ends of it. One part was the visual arts, like I had visual ideas. One part was how I feel about my body, how I feel how it looks. And I put the two together. I imagined situations. A lot of it had to do with doing authentic movement. It’s a movement technique and you deal a lot with inner impulses. You can’t perform it; it’s not to be performed and recreated. It’s a technique you work with your partner; you move with your eyes closed the whole time and you move with your inner impulses. And the inner impulses can be from various subjects. It can be physical, emotional, the sound you hear, memories… You keep moving for a certain time, and then you talk about it with your partner.

 

NC: How can you recreate what you experience and bring them back to the work?

YM: You don’t really recreate. I think it gives you a way to look at your body in a creative way. I come from two ends. I come from releasing work in dance, which gives you a body and also how the body supposed looks, and the body alone. In authentic movement, I can deal with muscles’ impulses, emotional impulses. You feel where you are at, the physical injuries.

 

NC: What do you find is the most challenging and interesting in the making of this work as well as performing it?

YM: It’s definitely very tough to perform because you’re going through all these life hardships. Each costume is a hardship. It’s like you have a pile of gravel and you have to go through the gravels and dig in the gravels, so it’s hard on the body. You have a suit made of babies, 800 babies glued on the suit, and you have to roll on the floor, or you get painted till you’re totall black and you rip the band-aids off, and you paint with your body. So I think the hardships are really in performance. It’s really tough to do. It’s making ideas work, visual ideas, emotional ideas and making them actually happen with the props. That’s the problem. You’d have to put a thousand band-aids on a body; that’s like 2 hours, and then the paint comes on to the band-aids, and taking off takes another 2 hours. And 80 pounds of gravels. So making it actually happen, I think is the hardest thing.

 

NC: What is the connection between you and the dancer that is performing this work for you?

YM: She was helping me to make it, the piece, so she’s close to the work. She performed it before, and she used to be a student of mine many many many years ago. She wanted to be in my work, and that happened. She was first my assistant, and she only works with me on this performance. It’s been about two year. We were working maybe half a year on the performance and doing the performance, and her doing it again, and now we’re just re-visiting. She’s also going to be in my future piece, in the fall.

 

NC: I think when you give something to the work, and it’s the other way also—the work does something to you…

YM: Exactly.

 

NC: So I’m curious, what has the work done to you and the other dancer in previous performances?

YM: The work is like an experience, going through it will change you. So each phrase is going through it like you have such a deep experience, it will change you, physically changed, emotionally changed. I mean it’s an experience, for the audience, too. Something you have to experience, you can’t not step away and watch from far away. There is a lot of performance arts which I am close to. The less I can dance myself, the more I go into performance arts.

 

NC: Before it was brought to Harper Joy Theater, where else have you performed this work?

YM: We did it on two different occasions in New York and a part of it with the band-aids, the beginning and another part of it with the fur coat was performed in Zurich, Switzerland. It was outside and it was raining (laugh). It was raining, perfect.

 

NC: How different was it between performing in New York and Switzerland?

YM: It was so fresh in Switzerland. It was outside, and it was raining with all these strange people around. Maybe that was really intense with all these people putting band-aids on me and everything; trying it out the first time was intense. I knew it was going to be intense being naked with thousand of band-aids on, and the rain, but I didn’t know how intense it was going to be. When I did it in New York, it’s just the fact that the piece was so large it was almost impossible to do. It grew so much from the beginning scene, as just part of it, and then it kept going on and on (laugh).

 

————–

 

NC: How did you come to accept the invitation to the Spring Dance Concert?

YM: Renée (Archibald) asked me. She saw me performing “Durch Nacht und Nebel” in New York. I was like OK that would be nice to do a group work.

 

NC: What is your involvement with the Spring Dance Concert specifically?

YM: I just met with the students yesterday. I think what’s gonna happen is that there is going to be a lot of improvisation. I’m gonna have a microphone, and I’m gonna give them the scores that they will be improvising with on stage. So they will have to listen to what I say and then they will all do it; I will share with the audience so they know what the score is.

 

NC: Will you have rehearsals?

YM: Yes. I think we’re gonna do a lot with the scores, slowly getting into it and learn about it. And then some of them will be surprises.

 

NC: How did you come up with the scores, the whole idea?

YM: I came to the scores, the rules of how to move, with releasing technique and authentic movement together. I was working personally in the studio with the scores from my body. And when I stopped dancing, I started to think how to make people move like how I want them to move. So I started using these scores for my dancers, to get what I wanted. But when I found that nobody was knowing the scores (because there’s a wall between the audience and the performers) and they didn’t like it, so I wanted to share what the score is, and the audience can look at it in a different way.

 

NC: What do you think about working with students and Whitman, and what are the challenges?

YM: Well, at first I was a little worried that they don’t have a lot of ready access to improvisation. I don’t know how much improvisation they had done because it takes a lot of practice. It’s the hardest. Well, because you have to make art in the moment. You have to make choices, creative choices, and that takes a lot of practice. But yesterday I met them (the students), and they were doing great. In Europe, a lot of the time I worked with people who have done it a lot and they’re very experienced dancers. So it will be a little different, the scores will be a little simpler. I’ll have to see. Well, first of all, I tell them what to do. It could be something like grasshopper has a picnic and dies a long and painful death. That’s not what we’re gonna do today (laugh). It could be this, or it could be what we’re gonna today: your spine gets possessed by crazy rhythms, and your limbs gets flying through the space. It could be things that are physical like that. It could be tripping; tripping and adding a beautiful combination. It comes from all ends.

 

NC: What are you hoping to give the audience and also the students that are under your instruction?

YM: I think it’s gonna be highly entertaining. There’s going to be a lot of humor in it. Usually, the scores are funny because they are impossible. So it’s always fun to watch somebody try doing them because it’s impossible and everybody knows it’s impossible.
NC: This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever had. Thank you!

114 comments

  1. Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to
    help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for
    some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good
    gains. If you know of any please share. Many thanks!
    You can read similar art here: Wool product

  3. sugar defender reviews I have actually fought with blood sugar level fluctuations for many years, and it truly affected my power
    degrees throughout the day. Given that beginning Sugar Defender, I really
    feel much more balanced and alert, and I don’t experience
    those afternoon sags anymore! I enjoy that it’s an all-natural remedy that works with no harsh negative
    effects. It’s genuinely been a game-changer for me

  5. Hi there! This blog post could not be written much better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this information to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!

  6. You made some decent points there. I looked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.

  7. Can I simply just say what a comfort to find somebody who actually knows what they are discussing over the internet. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people should check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular since you certainly possess the gift.

  10. After looking at a handful of the blog articles on your site, I really like your way of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let me know your opinion.

  11. I simply had to appreciate you once again. I am not sure the things I would’ve taken care of in the absence of those hints shown by you regarding that industry. Entirely was a very difficult dilemma in my circumstances, nevertheless being able to view the very skilled approach you treated the issue forced me to weep over delight. Now i am happier for the work and then pray you recognize what a great job you have been carrying out training people today all through a web site. Most probably you have never come across any of us.

  13. I discovered your blog site internet site on the search engines and appearance a few of your early posts. Keep on the very good operate. I recently extra the Rss to my MSN News Reader. Looking for toward reading more by you at a later time!…

  16. These moles may possibly be irregular in size and color and that is what can make them this type of wellness danger. When you have been born with this particular problem you might also be more likely to develop Melanoma and so you might have to get the required precautions with regards to protecting your pores and skin and your well being.

  17. Good ? I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..

  20. Thanks a bunch for another valuable post. Ive been checking this web site regularly for the past few months, and its now one of my favorite sites! . I work on a web site that has terribly similar content, would you’ve got any interest write a guest post on it? Shoot me an email if you’re interested!

  26. Your style is really unique compared to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this page.

  27. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming as well. Actually your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a great example of it.

  30. Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

  33. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  35. I am only in order that willing to ought to see this. It’s the version of handbook that is loaned and never the very animal falsehoods might be on extra content. Recognize the value of your main showing such largest file.

  36. An impressive share, I simply given this onto a colleague who had previously been doing small analysis with this. And the man in reality bought me breakfast because I came across it for him.. smile. So allow me to reword that: Thnx for your treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending some time to talk about this, I am strongly concerning this and adore reading more on this topic. When possible, as you become expertise, do you mind updating your blog site with more details? It is highly ideal for me. Huge thumb up just for this post!

  37. I am now not sure where you’re getting your info, however great topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or figuring out more. Thanks for great info I used to be in search of this information for my mission.

  39. I’d ought to seek advice from you here. Which is not some thing It’s my job to do! I love reading a post that can get people to think. Also, appreciate your permitting me to comment!

  41. The next occasion Someone said a weblog, I am hoping that this doesnt disappoint me as much as this. Come on, man, I know it was my choice to read, but I just thought youd have something intriguing to talk about. All I hear is a couple of whining about something you could fix when you werent too busy trying to find attention.

  42. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i’m happy to convey that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this website and give it a look regularly.

  43. I am often to blogging and i also truly appreciate your content. Your content has really peaks my interest. Let me bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  45. There are solutions by which exceptional behavior procedures are employed more info to support folks recognize the particular desire to draw tresses prior to urge gets far too formidable for you to fight. The patient finds approaches to withstand the actual want so the actual need becomes less strong then goes away completely.

  46. Can I just say thats a relief to seek out someone that actually knows what theyre referring to on the net. You actually realize how to bring a challenge to light and work out it critical. Lots more people ought to check out this and see why side on the story. I cant believe youre no more common simply because you absolutely develop the gift.

  47. It’s a good shame you don’t contain a give money button! I’d definitely give money for this fantastic webpage! That i suppose for the time being i’ll be satisfied bookmarking together with including an individual’s Feed that will my best Msn balance. That i appearance forward that will recent messages and definitely will share the web site utilizing my best Facebook or twitter team: )

  49. For illustration, create suppliers have worked with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure that the industry criteria developed outcome in the most beneficial and most successful processes. And to communicate any public announcements, the marketplace has formulated relationships with associations like the Nationwide Grocer’s Association (NGA).

  54. I know high quality work when I see it. Your content is of high quality and it’s apparent you hold yourself to a higher standard than most. Keep writing like this and I’ll be back.

  55. Possessing read this I thought it had been quite beneficial. I value you taking time and work to put this article together. I when once again locate myself paying method to significantly time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was nonetheless worth it!

  56. Aw, this was a really good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  57. Hello there, I believe your web site could be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic website!

  59. You made some really good points there. I checked on the internet for additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.

  62. Hi there! This article couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I am going to send this post to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!

  64. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I came across this during my hunt for something concerning this.

  69. Hi! I simply wish to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent info you have here on this post. I am returning to your blog for more soon.

  71. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it.

  72. Hey – good weblog, simply wanting around some blogs, seems a reasonably nice platform You Are using. I’m currently using Drupal for a couple of of my websites however seeking to change one among them over to a platform very a lot the identical to yours as a trial run. Anything particularly you’d advocate about it?

  73. I blog often and I seriously appreciate your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

  76. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little homework on this. And he actually bought me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this topic here on your website.

  81. Can I simply say that of a relief to seek out somebody who truly knows what theyre speaking about over the internet. You actually know how to bring a concern to light and earn it important. The diet ought to ought to see this and fully grasp this side in the story. I cant think youre less popular because you undoubtedly possess the gift.

  90. Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. In concept I would like to place in writing such as this moreover – spending time and actual effort to create a excellent article… but so what can I say… I procrastinate alot through no indicates find a way to go completed.

  91. Right here is the right website for anybody who would like to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful.

  96. Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this web site.

  98. May I simply say what a relief to discover someone who really understands what they are discussing on the net. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to look at this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular given that you definitely possess the gift.

  100. I really love your site.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you create this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Thanks.

  101. Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your site is very helpful. Thank you for sharing.

  103. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was conducting a little research on this. And he actually bought me dinner due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this topic here on your blog.

  107. Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t understand why I can’t join it. Is there anyone else having the same RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks.

  108. After looking at a few of the blog posts on your website, I truly like your way of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my web site too and tell me what you think.

  109. I was very happy to discover this website. I wanted to thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely liked every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new stuff in your blog.

  110. You’re so interesting! I do not believe I’ve read something like that before. So great to discover another person with a few genuine thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality.

  113. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal site now 😉

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *