Ranting Details

Ryan in the Mine

Ryan Scott Oliver and I were just in Montana for a few weeks, and we took it upon ourselves to shoot some promo shots for his website.  I'd be brainstorming over the past several months about what would be a suitable setting for the images--one that would merge the darkness and power of Ryan's work with a sense of theatricality--so when my parents mentioned an abandoned mine in Butte, MT, I knew it would be the perfect place. 

This was the type of location I could have spent at least a week in; every turn offered up a new backdrop of stunning industrial settings filled with history.  You can definitely expect to see more photo shoots at the Anselmo Mine in the future!

 

 

 

 

Positively Perfect

The past few weeks I've had the pleasure of working at Pasadena Musical Theater Program, a summer-long pre-professional training ground run by Ryan Scott Oliver.  Throughout my time here I've photographed rehearsals, headshots (for 125 kids!), and production photos of the show "Positively Wicked."  Having long since left the world of summer programs, I found it rather remarkable to witness the growth of the students over my time here and couldn't have been more thrilled to see the final product. 

The show tells the story of Ellie Schtick, who finds her new school to be a crazy institution where conformity means popularity, and popularity rules all.  Ellie seeks the help of six Outcasts to thwart the evilest of the Populars and turn the twisted high school upside-down...

(Dance Break, choreographed by Anna Schnaitter)

(October the Goth Outcast)

(Most popular girl in school, Linda, with her minion Vanessa #3)

(The founder and sole member of the drama club, Daisy Price)

(The Outcasts share their simple joys.)

 

(Spring Fling.)

(Lunchroom rivalry between Populars and Outcasts.)

(The Player asks, "Ain't it Good?")

(Phil the Outcast admits he's extraordinary.)

(Evil Vicki.)

(Making her popular.)

(Vanessa #1 being FIERCE.)

(The Outcasts.)

(The Finale.)

Lazy Post of the Day: So You Think You Can Switch

It's fairly evident that my interest in So You Think You Can Dance has declined since my blogging heyday (my disinterest is directly proportionate to Mia Michaels's interest in botox), but that doesn't mean I've stayed away completely.  In addition to the "all star" format the program instated this year--where each contestant performs with a dancer from seasons past instead of a fellow competitor--one of the most welcome changes (no, I'm not going to say the absence of Mary Murphy) is the fact that they have opened up the competition performances to include same-sex duets, which not only place the dancers in more varied situations but have seemingly inspired the choreographers.  (Has there been a better hip-hop routine than Beatrix and Geronimo's for Alex and Twitch?  Methinks not.) 

The following clip, choreographed by Travis Wall, is proof of just such inspiration.  It's one of my favorite pieces they've done on the show in a long time--all the more stunning for the fact that Nigel didn't just start screaming "gay, gay, fancy pants" after they finished.  Watch for yourself below!

Avi in the Woods

Last weekend I journeyed up to Jacob's Pillow with Avi Scher and Dancers to photograph their 2010 performance at Inside/Out.  Unfortunately, the performance was forced to move inside due to a torrential downpour, which meant I was faced with cramped spaces and less-than-ideal lighting.  It proved not to be too much of a problem, no doubt due to the excellent dancing that took place featuring some wonderful dancers from all over the country.  Here are a few of the shots. 

(Ashley Bouder)

(Ralph Ippolito)

(Ashley Bouder)

(Andrew Scordato and Ralph Ippolito)

(Ashley Bouder)

 

(Ashley Bouder and James Whiteside)