So what does a dancer do every day? I sat down with Katie Dehler and
Sam Chittenden, dancers with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, to discuss just
this.
Aspen is fortunate to have a world-class ballet company as the jewel in
the crown of our many outstanding arts organizations.
A day begins with a 90-minute technique class taught by ASFB directors
or visiting choreographers to warm up their muscles and prevent injury.
"Dance is an everyday learning experience so I concentrate on my
technique and what I can do better to help with the varied choreography
opportunities we have," says Dehler.
Then comes rehearsal, learning a new piece, or restaging a former piece.
"We are currently rehearsing 10 ballets with many more in repertoire
that have previously been performed in our 12 years," says Chittenden.
"The current pieces represent everything from 'Noir Blanc,' which is
about imagery, to other works with a huge range of movement styles to
showcase ASFB's diversity and depth of talent," adds Chittenden.
That's followed by costume fittings, photo sessions and visits with
chiropractors and physical or massage therapists. Many of the dancers
are attending school, so there's always studying. And because
they are normal people, the dancers also like to hike, read, write,
paint, etc. Evening performances add another list of "to dos."
With a revolving door of choreographers visiting Aspen, working with each one offers a different way of looking at dance.
"I think discovering their style and interpretation of movement is the most rewarding for me," says Chittenden.
Dehler adds that "It's also gaining a new perspective of their concept and creative interpretation of their piece,"
On the flip side, there are also challenges in working with a new choreographer.
They both chimed in that it is important to remain focused on the
choreographer's requests. It's also challenging to move in a different
way that's a departure from their own comfort zone; favorite
choreographers for both dancers are Nicolo Fonte and Jorma Elo and the
pieces they created for Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.
"We have the opportunity to tour in many varied locations including
Hawaii, New York, Italy, Greece and France to name a few," says Dehler,
with a huge smile. "Sometimes we have some time to explore and hang out
with each other, which is exciting and really broadens our perspective
of the country."
ASFB returns to perform at Jacob's Pillow in Beckett, Mass., on Aug. 12-17, for its third visit.
"The Pillow is very nature-oriented performing place like no other
place we've ever experienced," she says. "The theater is a converted
big wooden barn with a very unique feeling. There's wonderful
camaraderie with the other companies and students attending for the
summer. We'll dance six performances, which also affords us the
opportunity to really become comfortable with the unique theater," adds
Dehler.
Both feel fortunate to live here and be a part of a great company with
a family atmosphere. They love the small town feeling and Aspen
lifestyle, especially after a long tour schedule.
Aspen audiences are fortunate to see the return of the Aspen Dance
Festival this summer, after a hiatus last year when improvements were
made to the theater on the Aspen School District campus.
"It's always exciting to perform for our home audience," she says.
"We're also excited about returning to collaborate with the Aspen Music
Festival and perform at the beautiful Benedict Music Tent on Aug. 6."
It's a chance to dance for a different audience, he adds.
ASFB also hosts Ballet Boyz on July 24 and 25, and Dance Brazil on Aug. 8 and 9.
Audiences can see Aspen Santa Fe in performance with new pieces on July
17 and 19 with a sneak peak at 7:30 p.m. of Aspen's Ballet Folklorico
student outreach performers. And Hubbard Street returns July 29-31.
Aspen Dance Festival perform at the District Theatre (School campus
on Maroon Creek Rd.). Tickets are available from Aspen Show Tickets,
(Wheeler Opera House) 920-5770, or 866-449-0464, or visit
aspenshowtickets.com.
