One Good Quote: Lipstick Lumberjacks, Losers, and Leapfrogs (Vella & Merrell)

May 13, 2019

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In Fall 2017, Life as a Modern Dancer launched a new concept for post-performance discussion and writing. The goals are multi-fold:

What are new ways to invite post-performance writing (since so few publications now print dance reviews, and there are fewer and fewer dance critics in the United States)?
How can choreographers hear and read more from audience members about their impressions and experiences of dance events?
Can we offer new mechanisms for choreographers to gather language about their work, to further their work and to promote their work?

The premise is simple. If you experienced Vella and Merrell's Lipstick Lumberjacks, Losers, and Leapfrogs at Humanist Hall in Oakland May 11-12, 2019, please take a few minutes to leave a comment. Write down images, impressions, appreciations, and questions from the performance. These can be words, phrases, or a few sentences.

We thank you for your time, support, and thoughtfulness. Here's to more dialogue, more reflection, and more writing on the dance performance experience. As choreographer Mariah Steele noted, we are "democratizing dance criticism."

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4 responses to “One Good Quote: Lipstick Lumberjacks, Losers, and Leapfrogs (Vella & Merrell)”

KJ Dahlaw

May 14, 2019 at 8:33 am

Lipstick, Lumberjacks, Losers and Leapfrogs was delightful. Felt like a big, queer sleepover. It was easy to drop in with the performers. Transitions were exciting. Loved the use of space and stage design. Great show.

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Todd Courage

May 15, 2019 at 8:23 am

Multiple moving slices of life cohered by flawless transitions

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Jill Randall

May 18, 2019 at 9:01 am

Love
Duets
Eye contact
Laughter
Babies adding to the conversation
Humor in transitions
There were so many moments I loved and appreciated. Looking back on the performance, one week ago, I am thinking about the commitment to the duet form. The presence and play of each of the cast members. I can scan through the series of duets, and find a potent moment/image in each and every one, to keep holding onto.
Thank you to Andrew and to Shaunna for bringing people together last weekend, for offering levity, for showing love, and for choreography with big movement and big possibilities.

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Rebecca

May 22, 2019 at 11:10 am

True heart. Truthful minds. Truth to power. I absolutely adored the way the show built up, fell apart, commented on itself, challenged me in my own identity and allowed dancers to shine like diamonds. Thank you.

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