stagnant

oh for a whoosh, spit, drip or drizzle, a splash, rush, swirl or eddy...any stirrers ??

Reminders

I got a CD of photos from Stir the other day. Just spent a very enjoying time looking through them. It's amazing that over a month later there are a number of individual moments captured that I can still remember experiencing - they have truly stuck in my mind.

I obviously have a few favourites, and unsurprisingly a fair number of them feature yours truly, but I'm again blown away by the quality of the photography - well done Adam! There's some serendipitous moments that made me laugh out loud, some carefully captured perspectives that made me notice things I never would have seen, and just some lovely expressions and shapes captured that I would never have got to see otherwise.

I really appreciate getting a copy of the photos and am keeping them close to hand as a reminder and inspiration for the future.

A selection of photos

Hi all
Images published on the Cheshire Dance website this time.
A selection from the whole project.
Enjoy
http://www.cheshiredance.org/gallery.html
Adam

Souvenir bruises and Thank yous

After returning from a relaxing, celebratory drink on Sunday night, I was sore, but contented after a job well done. A couple of hot baths later and I'm fully recovered and raring to go.

Just wanted to say a big thank you to Jacqueline and Ruth for inviting me onto the project and helping me find my dancing body again. I'm even more certain now that I've done the right thing heading back into the community dance world. I would definitely not be feeling as ready, as confident and as excited to get started if I hadn't had the privilege to participate in Stir.

Thanks also to Jody who did a fab job keeping everything organised. Thanks to Trisha for inspiring me to get my Yoga video back out!

Thanks again to the group...it couldn't have been a friendlier bunch (and Facebook me as well as James! ). I look forward to our crossing paths in the near future...and also any more collaborations...let's get the next project on the go!

See y'all soon

xx

Unofficial photography

Kazik found it, I'm sharing it...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/urbandigital/3871554258/in/set-72157622129343710/

Reflection

In the aftermath of the project, as my body starts the healing process, I wanted to write about my experience as a whole, as well as how the last week's work has been.

Our final week had a very different feel to before, though I cannot contribute that all to the difference in focus. Having now spent two weeks working with Ruth and Jacqueline, as part of this group of supportive dancers, and had some time between each session to let the experience settle in my mind and body, I find that my initial reaction to such a different process (namely shock and confusion) has subsided and now I have been able to not only embrace this new way for me to work but actually embrace and enjoy it. The focus has been entirely different too, however.

Our first session, the residential/retreat week out in the beautiful greenery of that place whose name I've forgotten, was a very grounding experience. As a group we introduced our movement to each other and studied in quite a lot of depth some particular types of movement without the distraction of thinking about how this would be used in the space. When we did visit the space briefly it was to play and have fun.

The second session served a different purpose, to now intentionally explore the space, the movement that reflected it, and to develop ideas, movements and phrases that could be used in the piece. Again, in order to protect us from getting too fixed, we kept each moment as a separate idea, with only a brief glimpse of how it might develop into a piece in order to prepare us for our latest time together.

This third and final session moved gears into creation, shaping and setting of the final work. Some work was forgotten, some rejected and others mourned as limitations made them unavailable to the piece. Getting into the more familiar territory of planning, rehearsal and performance I will admit to feeling much more comfortable with this session. This coupled with the now close connections I have with the individuals in the group meant that the whole week has been a joy.

I'm massively grateful to have been able to go through such a different project in such a safe and supported way. The fact that I couldn't see how it would work out in the end has been an excellent exercise in allowing events to unfold and to not resist them.

In the work I have previously been involved in I have seen a lot of the second and third structures, the exploration and setting of movement, but the ideas introduced to me by having a session to explore some more underlying thoughts and concepts before going into movement will be invaluable to my dance work in the future.

As well as a new and improved way of working, I have been fortunate enough to meet some truly beautiful people through this project. Whilst it is natural to bond more with some that others, through circumstance or personal resonance, I am delighted that there is no-one who is a stranger to me at the end of this project. To have been surrounded by folks with open hearts and minds, eager to connect and find common ground, is such a radically different experience to that which most of us experience from day to day that I am truly grateful to have been immersed in that for even a short length of time. I have a renewed sense of determination, shared with others in the group, to ensure that this experience does not end with this project.

Personally, this project is part of my 'Summer of 2009' which is going to be a landmark in my life for years to come. I have talked about 2009 being my year of personal exploration within the group and this summer has been a turning point for me, with the Stir project forming part of that transformation. I still don't know where I'm going, but at least I can be at peace with that now. I don't know how things will work out, but I have a great lesson in Stir of going with, rather than against, what I am experiencing in the moment. I have had amazing conversations that have helped me to clarify and explore ideas fundamental to my way of seeing the world and it is not an exaggeration to say that I am a completely different person to when I first came along to the project, and that is not limited to the surface level.

I'm searching for more ways to express the impact that this project, and the time which it has spanned, has had on me. Perhaps for now I will have to let it settle some more and come back here to reflect on the impact that will be felt in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone involved, and if you're on Facebook then friend me!

let's try that again with the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je1KOcBYGjM

MJ tribute

beat it

couple of things before you arrive

Hi Stirrers,

Please arrive promptly Wednesday 26th August, Ruth will open up Stanley Palace at 9.30am for a prompt 10am start. Do begin warming up as soon as you arrive. We are going to get right out on the street and walk/talk through the piece before starting to add in the Creative Crewe group from 11-2pm. So it will mean a later lunch (2pm) Bring a snack to eat on the street! That's for you James especially.

Other things to bring if you are not returning to your home (by now you have your stay sorted?) are a long sleeved T or leggings (grey/slate, purple, sea green/blue) The costumes are finished, everyone has a top or bottom, some of you have a few extra bits. There are also bits to sew onto your own bits to coordinate the whole ensemble. Trinny (J)and Suzanna (R)will be along to pull it all together.

So let us in our own stylish way present a performance to stir up the energy of the groups, street, city and beyond. Stay calm and present when all about might flap ( this is word to myself-feel free to remind me)

love Jacqueline, wearing the panelled skirt and halter top-pray for sun

Oh, and....

Forgot to mention...

I stayed to watch the Stir preview on the night of the launch. As Adam networked inside the building and got the view from indoors, I got a more direct view from outside. Some very simple but beautiful moments e.g. the trio in unison on the church railings, the solo at the traffic lights (both performed in the rain) Corrie barely in view outside the bar and Karen static amonst the networkers.

It was a shame that it couldn't fully be seen by those at the party, however, regular punters at the pub were mesmerised....a couple of them asked me what on earth was happening. After a brief explanation about the wonders of community dance and dance improvisation, they seemed convinced and threatened to join in after a couple more beers!

How did they know??

Oh my goodness, James..how did those Aliens get into our rehearsals?? (twightight zone music)

I'm back online now after a minor glitch involving a cat and a wire.

Looking forward to getting a costume fitting on Thursday ...and looking forward to next week's rehearsals and performance. Feeling assured about the format that was starting to take place by the end of our last sessions (I bet it's all been changed since then?lol) and enjoying the freedom of movement within that structure.

I can't speak for everyone, but I know some of us were ready for the 'whip to be cracked' in terms of rehearsals, so Jaq there's no need to apologise if you get demanding, we can take it! Excited about getting it polished, slick and ready for the performance.

The pictures look great (well done Adam), it was good to see those with the Mulberry group, as I was away that afternoon.

Anyway, that's it for now

catch y'all next week ; )

Seeing Scores everywhere

I couldn't help but want to share this example of cartoon aliens with you all. Can you see why?

Current Schedule and final costume fitting!

Hi Stirrers,

Two things!

· Please check your emails for the current draft of the August schedule. This may be subject to some slight adjustments; we will inform you of any changes as soon as we know.

· Thank you to those who responded about the costume fitting with Heloise this week. The next and final fitting for the Stirrers will take place on Thursday 20 August 7pm at her house:

**address hidden for privacy - check your email for the address and phone number

We appreciate this is quite far for some people to travel, please try your best to make it; it will give you an opportunity to see what pieces work best with your body type. If you absolutely can’t attend we understand but please bear with us in terms of what you are given to wear for the performance (!)

Please contact us asap if you have any issues with the rehearsal or performance dates and ensure you have contacted your host/hosts to organise where you will be staying over this period.

Thanks all!

Jody :-)

P.S: Thank you to all who stayed to perform at the Roam the Rows launch event on Tuesday 28th July – Jacqueline and Ruth were really pleased and Amber Knipe Programme Manager Chester Performs has given us some very positive feedback!

costume fittings

costume fittings for stirrers are:
wed Aug 12th at 7pm at Helouise's house, Liverpool
thurs Aug 20th at 7pm at Helouise's house, Liverpool

these are the only opportunities to make adjustments to your costume so if there is any way you can be there please come.

see you all soon

Snippet

'......madness takes it's toll'

Just a quick one till I return from sunny Bournemouth..

Sorry J, can't make Monday eve, will try and make one of the other days.

As James said at the end of his myriad memories, it's much clearer where things are heading after our last sessions in Chester.

Full details to follow....

finding costume fitting times

hi stirrers,

Helouise is working on costumes for the stirrers a few different pieces. Soon we will need to do some fitting, as in make it look made for your body! Is any one about this monday evening aug 10th around 7pm in liverpool? We will make some other times too. Remember to look for leggings, long sleeve shirt, in purples/greys to go underneath. Also what are you wearing on your feet? Any questions?

'Time is fleeting...(finish that song!)

Time's flying

It's August already and I haven't even written anything about our time in July. Only a few weeks to go before we're putting it all together, performing it and then going our separate ways *sniff* *sniff*.

But before I start thinking about that (and crying) here's my little memories of July's research time.

• Rain. Rain. More rain. Thanks to Jan for lending me a waterproof (I really must get me one of those) and to Chester for putting the rows themselves under cover.
• On a related note, soaking my shoes on the first day and taking 3 days for them to dry out. Lesson learnt in that one.
• Getting to know some of the shopkeepers and locals. Shout out goes to the awesome sandwich shop at the bottom of Watergate who looked after us. We shall not mention the one at the top that was rude!
• The weirdness of the street suddenly coming back to life on Monday after the steady quietening of the pace from Friday to Sunday. It was like they'd invaded our space!
• Getting to make piles of bodies in odd shapes and fun places.
• Working with the Mulberry group who then got really creative.
• Working with Hayley and Briony who also got up to some crazy antics with us.
• Bollards!
• Telling a story in the stairwell to the solicitors.
• Getting all sorts of comments from passers by.
• Such as "mind my trousers"
• "They're on an organised acid trip"
• "I were like that last night"
• "Are you all right mate?"
  
• Finally finding my own version of the solo duets.
• Walking past Matthew Corbett's house (of Sooty fame)!
• Getting to know more of the group with a bit more late night chatting time
• Watching Ruth pull faces with a couple of lads she met
• Seeing how far over the street we dare lean - especially when the floor is sloping that way.
• Climbing up walls
• Hiding in corners & doorways, behind pillars, up stairways, on ramps, behind bins, under signs, next to bollards, and in plain sight.
  
• Running full pelt up the street to find a new hiding spot
• Getting asked to move occasionally, but usually being well received
• Discovering Honey Naan (plain Naan with honey poured over it - genius)
• Getting everyone to massage my shoulders (Yes, lets!)
• Rolling around in a big heap and enjoying every second of it.
• Using my in-built Tannoy system (i.e. big pair of lungs) to get people's attention up the street
• Trying not to scare the elderly too much
• Trying to scare the others as much as possible
• Walking round the corner and suddenly feeling like you'd walked out of a dance studio and into a public space again
• Finding smoothies made from chocolate bars!
• Parking out by Chester Zoo and having to fight the temptation to pull a 'sickie' and spend the day with the animals.
• Sleeping in Jan's car.
• Eating toast in Jan's car.
• Being massively grateful to Jan and her whole family who were brilliantly welcoming.
• The food at Jan's! Nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom.
• Rolling around in dubious smells and puddles (though it has to be said that Watergate street is very clean).
• Banging my head on a wooden beam.
• Kazik banging his head on the only wooden beam with a "Caution Low Headroom" sign on it. (Or rather "aution ow Head oon")
• Flocking all over the place.
• Not caring that no-one was really watching us on Tuesday when having great fun by the Guildhall
• Getting noticed when we went and hid in the doorway to warm-up and quickly doing improv!
• Getting a tray of snacks from a very kind waitress for us to share.
• Reading that Stanley Palace is named after the Earl of Derby.
• Seeing the War Games set up on Tuesday evening. Tape measures out!
• Getting dressed up
• Feeling a bit left out because all the girls were having fun dressing each other
• Being told I couldn't wear Corrie's nightie (I think it so could have worked with a bit of effort)
• Slightly wrecking the nicer pair of shoes I'd brought because I'd soaked my others and spent 3 days dancing on the street in them (including jamming my foot between rocks for my solo).
• Being spotted by the same lady with two kids in my statue spot at two different times of the same day! She joked that I'd been there all day.
• Finding Karen curled up inside the shop window - genius!
• Having Clare do capoiera over my head.
• Picking up Corrie and Briony at the same time.
• Being dragged around by my jumper by Jacqueline in boss mode.
• Finding funky shapes and spaces with Kazik.
• Having excellent warm-ups in Stanley Palace when we all arrived feeling bleurgh.
• Watching Ads taking photos.
• Tracey leaving for the afternoon and Ruth not realising till the end of the day.
  
• Finding the spaces where we could relax and regroup without being in the way.
• Getting wound up, fed up, tired, wet, exhausted and still keeping going.
• Dashing around Chester trying to find exactly the right kind of nummy treat to keep me going for the rest of the afternoon.
• Sneaking off mid-morning to get my lunch order in quick. And then starting to eat it.
• The amazing Tardis of a trolley that contained everything we could ever need.
• Poor Jody dragging it all around with her.
• Starting to get an idea where all this is heading.
  

Images from Monday 27th July

Here's some more, starting from the top this time.
Adam