Lex Leifheit » Dance

Contract Disputes in the Dance World

lexlei — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:26:08 +0000

There are few good resources for thoughtful, specific writing about conflicts between artists and institutions. Plenty has been written about successful collaborations. But when things go awry, nobody wants to talk about how and why on the record. Often it’s very painful, everyone’s afraid of losing money and other support, and there are legal complications. I wish there were a book of case studies about collaborations-gone-wrong and what was learned by all parties. It would be useful, particularly for emerging leaders (on both sides) who know about best practices but have not yet learned from experience when to prioritize a gut feeling or a red flag, when to seek outside help, and when to compromise.

With that in mind, Claudia La Rocco’s New York Times article about negotiations between the 92nd Street Y and choreographer Pavel Zustiak is a fascinating look behind the scenes of a contract dispute.

Uncovered: The Diary Project

lexlei — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:23:38 +0000

Seeing Sean Dorsey’s Uncovered: The Diary Project inspired me to start keeping track of the many artists, exhibitions, performances and organizations I am seeing for the first time. Not long analyses, just a written record, so I remember. This is entry #1.

Merce’s Ocean: Rock Bottom, or Soaring Spectacle?

lexlei — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:50:56 +0000

I think Graydon Royce’s insightful feature about the process of bringing Merce Cunningham’s “Ocean” to Waite Park, MN is so much more interesting than the reviews . Although … what pops up on the StarTribune’s site after a search is not a review, it is more a collection of sound bites from the audience.

The LA Times offers something a little more substantial , and Minnesota Public Radio touches on the film aspects of the production.

Despite mixed reviews, the production is sold out … perhaps a testimony to the value of deep programming, meaningful partnerships and giant spectacle?

(photo: Cameron Wittig, Walker Art Center)

Friend: David Polon

lexlei — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:57:22 +0000

The fabulous, Hartford-based dancer David Polon makes my job a little easier by bringing his Salsa heat to the Green Street Arts Center’s classes (it’s not too late to register for summer—he teaches ballroom, too). This weekend, David performed at the Green Street Arts Fest. I used my Flip to catch it, along with some of the other performances. Pretty amazing!

Art Agenda: Feet to the Fire

lexlei — Sat, 03 May 2008 04:04:28 +0000

Interview with Ann Carlson, choreographer and participant in the Creative Campus initiative of Association of Performing Arts Presenters. Ann Carlson is participating in Wesleyan University’s Creative Campus project, “Feet to the Fire.”

Interview excerpted from The Art Agenda. Originally broadcast on 88.1fm, WESU, Middletown on May 1, 2008.

An Arts Benefit, In Brief

lexlei — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:55:50 +0000

Courtesy of Weekend Party Update (all real quotes, in real order, with many omissions)

“How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing. Art you having fun? It’s really great. Are you having fun? I’m having fun. Absolutely. We’re having a great time. Are you having a good time? Having a great time. Do you love [name of arts organization]? Uh, yeah? It’s a great place. This is a wonderful night. Are you having a great time? I’m having a great time! It’s a great place. You always look great. No you look great! You’re not leaving. [Martini break]. So, you’re having an okay time? We’re having a great time. We’re having a great time. We do a lot of corporate events. This has been wonderful. Everyone’s so excited. You’re doing a great job, and you look great. You look really good. So, are you having an okay time tonight? It’s really cool, yeah, it’s really fun. Well, you look good. Thanks. You’re welcome. You look good too. Thank God you’re here. I’m out of cigarettes. We were at the opera gala before this. People love opera. [Silence]. [Dancing]. [Making out while dancing]. Okay, so we’re saying good night. Have a good night. Buh-bye.”

Jey-jey “Wantek” Danse electro

lexlei — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:32:34 +0000

Tecktonik

Art Agenda: Elizabeth Streb

lexlei — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:18:35 +0000

Interview with choreographer Elizabeth Streb, excerpted from The Art Agenda. Originally broadcast on 88.1fm, WESU, Middletown on June 7, 2006.