Cerebrum Reflection

For Retrograde’s 2019 dance production, Cerebrum, I had the roles of

choreographer, performer. I was responsible for creating and teaching two different
choreographies, a larger group piece and a solo. As a performer, I was responsible for
learning multiple choreographies, rehearsing them, and performing them. For this
production, I also had the responsibility to create a poster design for the show. Like
every Retrograde company member, I also worked closely in the conceptual
brainstorming and creation of the show.
During the creation of this show, like every other big group project, there were a
few challenges we experienced. The main challenge we ran into was schedule conflicts.
Because most performers on stage are a part of other dance groups and companies
and have other extracurricular activities after school, it was difficult for everyone to be at
every rehearsal. This challenge was resolved by the director making the decision to cut
anyone who could not make that days rehearsal from the pieces being rehearsed.
Through the process of creating Cerebrum, I was able to explore new
choreographic styles. For my large group piece, I started with phrase work instead of a
solid concept and throughout the creation of the piece, the story began to naturally
unfold instead of the dance being forced into a concept. Through our workshops with
Melecio, I was also exposed to new choreographic processes and processes to creating
a production.
Because the process of creating the show was largely a collaborative process, I
further developed my ability to work with a large group. If I chose to pursue a career in
the arts or performing arts, it is important that I know how to work with others on a
creative endeavor. Time management was also an important skill throughout the
process, because like many of the dancers, I had to make sure I had no schedule
conflicts with rehearsals and that my schedule allowed me to give the most effort into
the production of this piece.
The overall creation of this production allowed me to explore new choreographic
processes and explore new conceptual creation work. Despite small challenges along
the way, the reaction received from audiences made the production worth it. It was
fulfilling to see that audience members could connect with pieces of the production and
admire the artistry of the production. Because company members have worked together
for a few years now, the production process was better than last years process and
working together felt more natural and connected.