I’m going to be a great film star!

That is, if booze and sex don’t get me first.

Today I saw a film on Valeska Gert and Anita Berber.  They have both become instant idols in my heart.

Also, came across an amazing video clip:

That’s all.

Anything could happen

It’s been a weekend full of performances.  On Halloween, a few dancers and I performed Michael Jackson’s Thriller at Martini Park, Easton Center.  I sported my 80’s-inspired red jacket and black leather pants (a gift from my Grandmother — she thought I needed them in my wardrobe) and full Zombie make-up.  We had rehearsed the number anticipating a few different scenarios, ie. music wasn’t the right version, they wanted us to dance in a 5′X5′ space, random drunk girl trying to join us, etc.  Fortunately, we lucked out on all fronts.  The number went well and we were in and out within 1.5 hours.  Afterwards, the Thriller Zombies decided to hop a few bars and bust a move anytime the dj played our song — we had to have heard the halloween theme song at least 6 times again afterwards.

Today, a large portion of the 1st year grads (+ 1st year PhD) gathered to do some performance improvisation at the Wexner Center’s Luc Tuymans exhibit.  Each of us picked two paintings to spend 15 minutes with.  Destruction and Our New Quarters were my inspiration.  I could have danced a lot longer than the alloted time…if you aren’t aware of Tuymans, his art is really interesting and intense.

There is something satisfying about performing and knowing anything could happen.  It’s exciting to have some mystery of the space you’ll be performing in, wondering if people will wonder into your space and how to acknowledge them, or what the hell am I going to do for 15 minutes!  In the end, it always works itself out.

Another performance at the Wexner Center starts in 45 mins.  Check it out | 4:30

let the madness begin

So, this is my first official blog post.  I consider myself to be, for the most part, up-to-speed with social media developments but, for whatever reason, I’ve put off jumping onto the Blog bandwagon.  Nevertheless, here I am, and ready to rant.

My name is Erik, and I’m currently a graduate student pursuing an MFA in Dance at The Ohio State University.  I did my undergraduate work in Theatre Arts & Dance at Eastern Michigan University, a charming hipster-centric school in Ypsilanti (the name is Greek, I think).  Out of undergrad, I danced with Louise Richilin in LA, Michigan Dance Project, and Peter Sparling Dance Co, as well as continued to pursue my own choreography projects & other odd jobs (marketing for a handful of non-profits, graphic & PR design.  I judged a beauty pageant once…that was interesting).  Now, I’m here in Columbus enrolled in dance/tech seminar, hence the reason for creating this blog, and immersed again in the world of academia.  So far, it’s been wonderful.

So, what am I going to use this space for?  Ranting, of course.  Most folks are ranting on blogs anyway, so let’s call a spade a spade.  I’d also like to use this as a platform to share current thoughts, projects, and maybe some random photos and other funny items too.  Perhaps some of it will be of interest.  

Bon appetit.