Finally! Snow In May.

There hasn't been much dancing in any sense on this blog recently.  Of course the circumstances are keeping me from the studio but I think this video comes at a great time.  It will certainly help to break up the monotony of my "sick" posts!  Depressing as it may be (to see myself dancing, to see some parts of the choreography, chunks that are missed due to the editing and various other frustrations) I thought it might be a nice thing to share for the weekend.  My dad uploaded the performance video of my Snow choreography from this past December yesterday and it's in two parts below. 

Looking back on it now there is so much that I would change.  That is the struggle and the glory of removing yourself from a situation for so long is that suddnely the answers to problem areas seem clear when months ago I couldn't figure out how to make it work.  Oh well, there is always next time!  Enjoy.

Part One

Part Two

Comments

[tonya]

Oh, it's so pretty! You look SO good and your jumps are excellent! (I know, I'm a bad pyrotechnic-lover :) -- just kind of though). Thanks so much for sharing the videos!

I just got an email from Katie Workum announcing her and Terry's Dance Off and I thought of you! Nicole's going to be in it -- if you're not dancing by then, are you going out for a break to watch it? I'll probably go on the 16th since I may be watching your friend, the erstwhile Winger, dance in Bayadere on the 17th if my TDF offer of discount tkts comes through...

Thanks so much for sharing the video -- it is really beautiful, and you're such a great dancer! (as is Jackie!) I hope you get well soon...

[M]

Thank you so much for the compliments Tonya. I still can't get over how beautiful Jackie looks in this and how she ALWAYS out-balances me in everything :-) Such an over achiever!

I was so frustrated (when I found out in the fall) that Dance Off! was going to be overlapping with Met because I really wanted to get another piece in. Of course that would have been impossible given the state of things now but perhaps next fall. Things are creeping slowly uphill so maybe by then I will be out of this ditch healthwise and will make it over to see. Seeing that Terry and Nicole are involved, I would very much like to. We'll see.

[Urszula Maria]

I agree with Tonya! Your jumps are amazing! And I really like the choreography. I hope you feel better very soon!

[Rob]

That was really fun to watch, and the choreography was great too. Thanks for sharing.

[Cathy]

wow matt I really loved it! the choreography is amazing, you are amazing, she is amazing...wow seriously! congrats congrats!
snow part is so beautiful, I wish i could dance it again!

[Jennifer]

love the modern touches you put in the classical ballet choreography. what a refreshing detail! the music for snow is probably one of my favorite pieces in the Nutcracker.

we need to see you do more solos at abt, m :)

[Chi girl in Chi town....]

Matt,

That was very lovely dancing and cor.! You & Jackie were wonderful together and individually, but then I guess that's why you're in ABT! Best

[Larry]

Depressing as it may be (to see myself dancing, to see some parts of the choreography, chunks that are missed due to the editing and various other frustrations) I thought it might be a nice thing to share for the weekend.

I regret, Matthew, that I cannot share your low opinion of your own choreography and performance. What this video made me realize is that this is the first time I've seen you take center stage in a classical role. And though I'm no expert on dance, I thought both as a choreographer and performer you came across just fine.

[M]

Thanks so much Larry!

Insecurities are a bitch aren't they? :-) We are our own worst critics for sure....nevertheless I'm proud of the work Jackie and I did on this and can't imagine it without her!

[Dan]

I know I'm late in posting a comment, but when I first saw your post, the video links weren't working.

I've finally watched the videos, and I have to agree with the others. Jackie and you look great. I was especially struck by how beautiful your arms are. (I enjoyed the jumps and turns too.) You are a beautiful dancer. I hope we get to see more of you when you're dancing with the company again. Thank you for sharing this.