Gallim Dance

     The idea of technology and dance is starting to really evolve within the performance aspect of the art form. I just recently saw Gallim Dance company perform at Kasser Theater right on the Montclair state campus. The show the dancers performed was titled Fold Here. I was extremely intrigued by not only the way the dancers moved but the way the show integrated technology in such a beneficial way. The dancers were absolutely phenomenal and at times moved like they were being operated by a machine. This already brought a technological feel to the stage. The piece was based around the idea of a cube. The dance started with an abstract view of the cube, and then evolved into a more narrative feel. It was clear that the company did a lot of research and found many great ideas using technology. Within the process the company developed an extremely creative movement vocabulary. While creating the piece the company members worked with Tal Rosner who is a well known film maker. He helped Andrea Miller the artistic director figure out a way that they could successfully translate the idea they were going with onto the stage so that an audience could appreciate it. There was a screen in the background with visual aids that would change throughout the piece supporting the strong intent Miller was working toward. Another resource that the company used to guide them through the process was the famous photographer MuyBridge. His work portrays the motion in which things happen. His work is somewhat repetitive but beautiful. The company created there own type of picture that MuyBridge may have created at sometime during his career. This show was extremely successful, the company clearly put a lot of work and effort into the show. I was extremely impressed by the uses of technology not only in the show, but behind the scenes and the process that went into it. Andrea Miller and her company are a group of extremely talented dancers that took the simple idea of a card board box and evolved it into an extremely powerful piece. Andrea Miller is an extremely talented choreographer with really interesting ideas. If anyone is interested in the process behind the piece, this link is extremely interesting and explains in greater detail the intent of this amazing piece. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-VVTDsK218#t=167