Musical Michigan Madness.

(The first dinner party of the weekend with future stars of Broadway: Michael, Jessica, Lauren and Benton.)

Escape from New York 2006 has begun. No, I am not talking about some bad Kurt Russell movie, I am referring to my Ann Arbor vacation that is well under way. Even though vacation has begun I am completely exhausted as I sit here typing this so forgive me if things seem a bit scatterbrained.

You may be asking yourself why I am in Michigan…so let me explain. My best friend since first grade is currently a super star musical theater major at the University of Michigan, which has quickly become a favorite place of mine. I showed up last year and had what I refer to as my artistic awakening. I immediately hit it off with all of his incredible friends and was able to do some ballet coaching with the fabulous Judy Rice (a teacher of mine since I was 8.) Suddenly I was visiting not only to see Michael but getting work accomplished, spending time with amazing people and being exposed to a whole new arts world.

I feel that within my group of friends in New York musical theater doesn’t have a very good reputation. Having grown up on a healthy dose of Hostess Cupcakes and Sondheim musicals (sometimes combining the two) I have nothing but appreciation for the art form. Then I came here and was completely amazed at how hard these people are working and my appreciation grew. Within my three visits to Mich thus far, I have had the privilege to sit in on a handful of classes and watch these budding stars thrive.

Today I went to what has become my favorite class, one simply called “Studio” where a goddess of a voice teacher named Melody coaches individuals through the vocal work of songs. I’ve always been a bit naïve when it comes to singing, appreciating it but not realizing the meticulousness of the craft. It is every bit as controlled as the muscles I use in my body to dance if not more so. The class consists of one person getting up and singing for their peers, then it is opened up for critiquing from all and work shopped a bit to improve upon, what already seems to me to be, perfection. Were I do a variation in front of ABT and have my peers give constructive criticism I think I might shit my dance belt (cannot believe I just typed that.)

While here I feed off the energy of these studious friends of mine and like a greedy little leprechaun, learn what I can from them and have to leave within a week. When I get here I almost forget the life that I lead in New York because I feel like I have been adopted. Walking around the campus today I had the thought, which I know has crossed every dancers mind at some point, “what if I had chosen the school route?” I live my life with no regrets but I do wish that I could live two lives simultaneously sometimes. Over the past year the weeks here have become some of the most anticipated.

Earlier today I sat in on a Shakespeare class that just happened to be studying “Othello,” which ABT will be performing in a little over a month. The professor spoke like a drunken Scottish man, analyzing the play with an unrivaled intensity but hitting some of the most lucid observations I have ever heard. I wish I had a video of this man because as he ran around the room, with fingers the length of pencils extending in every direction, he was able to inspire people even through the hilarity of it. Knowledge of the texts of the ballets we dance should be required and this class made me realize that even more; I went and purchased a copy of "Othello" upon leaving.

(Just a hint of what Mr. Pencilhands looks like as I pretend to be a part of a giant college lecture.)

Now that I have rambled on for long enough, my friends Jess, Benton and Ted and yelling at me to stop living in blog world. I have to teach two classes tomorrow so in the words of my least favorite musical “so long, farewell.” Eww I cannot believe I just quoted “Sound of Music.” There will be more Michigan adventures to come.

(A few of the Musical Theater majors work on some choreography as I spy on them in the corner, realizing my choreography awaits me in a few days.)

Comments

[Tania]

Oh my God, you sat in on Ralph Williams's Shakespeare class? That is quite an apt description of him, and his imfamous hands, you just gave. I took that class a year ago. YOu have now had a true Michigan experience--that is one of the most in-demand classes on campus. It's like watching a Shakespeare play in itself. it is actually a big thing here about who can do a good Williams impression, seeing as how he as such a, shall we say, distinct lecturing style. And Othello is wonderful, by far one of my absolute favorite Shakespeare plays. I hope you enjoy reading it.

I'm glad you are having fun in Ann Arbor.

[tonya]

I was just going to suggest you meet up with Tania, but I see she's already posted!

I thought you all had to study the texts of the ballets you were doing -- you don't? Well, It think it's awesome that you have been led to this great Shakespeare play by this infamous pencil-fingered brilliant drunk Scotsman!

Regarding school: I realize it's not the same as having the complete campus experience, but didn't Gillian set up a program with Long Island University for you guys? She's awesome for doing that. You can have both worlds!

Love the dance belt reference, by the way. And now female Wingers know what such a thing is, thanks to Chimene and DAVID!!!!!

[tonya]

btw, did you see Kristin gave you a shout out on the Winger?

[Tania]

I swear to God I just saw you, going into studio D as I was leaving it in the dance building. I take a ballet class there at 10:00. I am almost positive that it was you, and I don't know whether it's cool or creepy that I can recognize you just by reading this blog. I really wanted to say something something but then I felt like a stalker. BUt here I am posting it on your blog...which is probably at least as stalkerish if not more so. Is the 11:00 class the one you were talking about teaching? Nuts...I know people in that class. SUCH a small world. I hope it goes well for you!

[jolene]

it's interesting how you wistfully post the picture of the classroom the same way i would look at rehearsal photos - with hope and a dreaminess at a world i can only peer in from the outside! i posted a picture of my blog of my daily classroom life for u. :) enjoy~ altho I know for sure I enjoy your rehearsal photos more than you will of mine!

[Anonymous]

I enjoy reading your blog because I feel that I can relate to what you think about and wonder. Oh and I randomly found this online http://www.ncarts.edu/visitorscenter/daylife1.htm

I was looking for something on Marcelo Gomes and David Hallberg but this came up.

[M]

A few things....
1) Tania, that was me and I cannot believe you didn't say hello! I would have loved to meet you but was completely in my own world when I entered the studio so wasn't looking around.
2) I saw that Kristin gave me a shout out which was incredibly sweet of her. It was great to finally meet her and nice to have her direct some attention at my page.
3) That NCSA picture makes me so angry/amused because its just terrible that of all the pictures they took that day they chose to use one of me yawning. Oh well :-)

[tania]

Aww now I am really sorry I didn't say hello! Sometimes my shyness gets the better of me. It's rare but it does happen. It's also kind of weird with this whole internet thing, you read people's blogs and you feel kind of like you know them, but the truth is that you dont, and it becomes a little hard to tell where that line is between friendly and inappropriate. If our paths cross again any time in the next couple of days I will be sure to be more bold.

[Larry R.]

Matthew,

Please do not stop with Othello! There are 30-something more Shakespeares, many of which are just as fantastic. And plenty of productions here in the city, starting with free Shakespeare in the Park each summer.

I am resisting the temptation to comment on your dance belt line.

[tonya]

Tania -- I find that most writers are kind of shy! My friend had to FORCE me to go up and say hi to Matt after his performance at PS122! Larry -- please don't resist any temptations!! The dance belt thing is too funny :)

[Larry R.]

It was nothing really. I was just hoping Matthew was not wearing white tights.

[Larry R.]

It gives a new meaning to the dancer's version of "break a leg" -"Merde!"

[The Skeptical Arab]

Just started reading your blog and I find it to be a reallllly fun read. I don't know crap about ballet but love learning about dance. You and I share a magical taste in music, Sufjan and Regina rock my world as well.