I have not been writing on my blog quite as much with all of my graduate school writing.  I thought Indy Convergence would be a good time for me to try to get back into the habit.

One of the great things about the Dance MFA program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is that it allows all of us to explore opportunities that would be more challenging to pursue in other programs.  I am taking full advantage of that flexibility and getting to travel and create art with my Indy Convergence friends (I am quite the lucky gal).

This is the first Indy Convergence in Toronto, so I am very honored to be a part of it.  It is my second IC.  I am being housed at a great apartment that is only a 10 minute walk from the subway station, a Tim Hortons (if you know me, you know about my passion for it), and a United Nations of amazing restaurants.  (One of the many things I love about Toronto is the diversity of people and the great food that comes with that).

The first day is the “ease into it” day.  We start a few hours later and end a few hours earlier than the other days.  Once I navigated the subway and made it on campus, I was very happy to see the familiar faces and some beautiful new ones.  We had our first rehearsal for the Umbrella Project (with phrase work by Ashely, yay dance!) and a great Improv class taught by Ian’s wife, Justine Garrett.  It was so much fun and a great way to start of Convergence.

Day 2 was the first full day.  You quickly remember that feeling of constantly pushing yourself emotional, physically, and creatively.  Of course we all love it, or we wouldn’t be here in Toronto.  I do predict I will feel it in the morning.  But it’s a labor of love.

We had a great first rehearsals with Kendra and Leila today and a fun puppet workshop taught by Leila.  I am amazed at how puppeteers can manipulate a puppet and make it seem alive.  They make it look so easy, but having tried it, I can tell you with absolute certainty that it requires great skill (and of course artistic talent and creativity).

I’m looking forward to day 3.  It will be the first rehearsal for my side project!