Back to “work.”

My friend, Alison De La Cruz, has started a new creative venture as the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of the Outside In Theatre; a community space emerging in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. In August (2021) she asked me to capture some images for a workshop that the Outside In Theatre was facilitating: a week long Suzuki and Viewpoints workshop in collaboration with the Siti Dance Company of New York City.

What a great opportunity to get back out in the world and “work.” It was the first shoot I had done in a very long time thanks to Covid. It was nice to get back on the horse, or remember how to ride the bike. In particular, I’ve always enjoyed anything related to dance and performing arts, and Alison has provided me with ample opportunities to capture such moments. The workshop took place at Stomping Ground LA in El Sereno. Naturally, I asked myself beforehand, “what exactly is the workshop all about?”

I learned something new this day, the Suzuki Method of actor training. From the Siti Dance website:

Developed by internationally acclaimed director Tadashi Suzuki and the Suzuki Company of Toga, the Suzuki Method’s principle concern is with restoring the wholeness of the human body to the theatrical context and uncovering the actor’s innate expressive abilities. A rigorous physical discipline drawn from such diverse influences as ballet, traditional Japanese and Greek theater, and martial arts, the training seeks to heighten the actor’s emotional and physical power and commitment to each moment on the stage.

I found the workshop very fascinating. The group participating consisted of various artists: directors, actors, and writers. That is to say, they were not dancers by trade, but the commitment everyone had to the process was very inspiring. There was full effort and a sense of community and camaraderie as everyone graciously coached one another on their technique. Towards the end of the set, you’ll see more abstract body poses which were part of a great exercise in the 2nd half of the day. Talk about having body awareness and control…

Lastly, it was great to meet and watch the work of instructor, Ellen Lauren, along with her team from NY. Much gratitude to Alison and Jessica Hanna for the invitation.

(Click images to enlarge)