Dancing for MORPHOSES: Kristi Boone

Kristi Boone is one of five dancers from ABT who will be appearing with MORPHOSES at the Guggenheim on October 3rd and 4th as part of the museum's Works & Process series.

I asked Kristi to tell me a little about working with MORPHOSES up at Martha's Vineyard this summer in preparation for the Guggenheim performances. She sent me this story:

"The setting here at the Vineyard Arts Project is serene, 
refreshing and perfect for creating ballets and close relationships.
I have really enjoyed the atmosphere that Lourdes has created
for us here. There are five of us from ABT (Isaac Stappas, Misty 
Copeland, Blaine Hoven, Eric Tamm and myself) and 7 other 
wonderful dancers from all over.  We have all had this 
great chance to become  close friends and share together
what we love to do.  

The first two weeks we were here we got to work with Jill Johnson
(formerly of Frankfurt Ballet under William Forsythe), who taught 
us some of the Forsythe technique in a workshop format.  We 
learned so much from her and it was such a pleasure to expand
out of the classical frame.  I hope to be able to use what I
learned and do a Forsythe ballet again soon! 

For the Guggenheim shows MORPHOSES are doing two pieces
by Pontus Lidberg and Jessica Lang. Both have been given the 
assignment of using a piece of music that composer David Lang
created especially for this project at the Guggenheim.  So it's 
unique in that you will see the interpretation of each choreographer
to the same score.  Unfortunately, I have been dealing with a foot
injury so I am only able to be in the first section of Jessica's 
piece. It is a rather hard piece of music to count, which is 
difficult for the choreographers, but I think it's a good challenge
to which the dancers to work together to create a rhythm to stay 
together.
 
I have grown up in American Ballet Theatre.  From the time I was 
15 years old I attended their summer programs, went through 
Studio Company and then to the main company. While I love 
being a soloist with ABT it is so amazing to work with other dancers
and staff in a different environment. It sparks new creativity and a 
more intimate feeling that you can't get in a big company. 

I really have enjoyed being here in Martha's Vineyard dancing with all 
these great artists including my husband. I hope to be able to work
with MORPHOSES again in the future, the friendships I have made 
here I will always hold on to. And even though we are closing in on 
week four here and have a little 'Islanditis' and can't wait to get 
back to NYC, we have enjoyed sharing this experience with each 
other immensely."

Comments

[Andrea]

That's a stunning photo!