1100

There is something so special about performing for the first time in a space that you’ve only taken classes in. Studio 1100 is used almost everyday by dancers for class. Whether it’s ballet, jazz, improve, or simply for rehearsals.  The space has grey marley, black bars, huge mirrors, and a black curtain. It feels very neutral in the sense that depending on what class it is the emotions and energy in the space differs.  For example at 8am modern the space is uninviting, frigid, and blank. When I go for the Etude Ensemble at 4pm the space seems vast and warm. There are also two windows that allow natural light to come in. Depending on the time of day and how harsh the sun is these two windows create large rectangular spotlights on the ground. If it’s overcast bright light enters in a kind of whisper to remind you that there is life beyond the studio. During the day when one looks up at the ceiling there are tremendous amounts of lights. The light we use during class seems to be fluorescent white light, almost as though we were in a doctor’s office. What is so special about this week is that the space gets to be transformed into something more than just a studio. We are in the midst of Senior Thesis, creating a whole dance show in 1100. We have set up black wings and pull the black curtain all the way shut.  Darren has been in charge of lighting Shirine’s Thesis, which I am dancing in. I was able to watch the two other choreographer’s dances that are in the show. The grey marley picks up all the light that is hit onto it and at times it seems like the dancers are performing on nothing but clouds of light. I really love when blue light hits the ground because it looks as if the dancers are dancing on water. It’s amazing what color and lighting can do to truly transform a space.