Dance Fever

Dance Fever 29

2007-09-01T18:31:00.000+02:00

01 September 2007
Location: PAF, St Ermes, France
Inspiration: DREAMLOVER BE MY BABY BY MARIAH CAREY
A sneaky video made whilst attending an audition in rural France. A meeting place for performing artists in the country side in a crumbling ex-convent, with wireless. Fantastic.

Dance Fever 28

2007-08-23T15:10:00.000+02:00

23 August 2007
Location: Forsterstrasse, Berlin
Inspiration: ALWAYS BE MY BABY BY MARIAH CAREY
I did this one whilst packing up my room. This is probably the last video I will make in this room. Maybe. Actually - I doubt it.

Dance Fever 27

2007-08-23T15:04:00.000+02:00

22 August 2007
Location: Forsterstrasse, Berlin
Inspiration: HERO BY MARIAH CAREY
What does Emotion, Music Box, Merry Christmas, Day Dream, Butterfly, Rainbow, Charmbracelet and Glitter have in common?

Dance Fever 26

2007-08-22T13:15:00.000+02:00

22 August 2007
Location: Forsterstrasse, Berlin
Inspiration: UMBRELLA BY RIANNA
On a rainy Wednesday morning I was enormously inspired by pointe shoe wearer Rianna.

Dance Fever 25

2007-08-14T22:27:00.000+02:00

12 August 2007
Location: Kochhannstr, Berlin
Inspiration: HUNGRY EYES BY ERIC CARMEN
On a quiet Sunday evening in Berlin, Trish Wood and Holly Durant joined in to create another beautiful example of choreography in the YouTube style. Note the Anna Karenina - escape from on-coming train - ending from Trish.

Dance Fever 24

2007-08-14T22:05:00.000+02:00

12 August 2007
Location: Tanz Fabrik, Berlin
Inspiration: MY TOWN BY SIMON AND GARFUNKEL
It's surprising how a track from Simon and Garfunkel can elicit movement that would gel so well with the soundtrack of Dirty Dancing.

Dance Fever 23

2007-08-10T21:48:00.001+02:00

10 August 2007
Location: Forsterstrasse, Kreuzberg, Berlin
Inspiration: KINGS OF CONVENIENCE
One of the main concerns for this piece is its ability to be a success in other places, on different terms. Hence the flashing of the gold knickers in my nightie. Let's see how my friend's on YouTube respond to this one. So far:- 250 hits in 20 minutes.

Dance Fever 22

2007-07-18T12:21:00.000+02:00

18 July 2007
Location: Sparbarbachgasse, Graz
Inspiration: PONY BY GINUWINE
DIRTY DANCING is an everpresent part of my life. Not only is it great to watch and dance to, it's great to keep fit to!!! It is such a joy to open up and show you a little more of a dancers life.

Dance Fever Berlin

2007-07-13T13:31:00.001+02:00

3 ladies grabbed their hair brushes, ghetto blaster and pink nail polish and re-staged Dirty Dancing the movie.

Sat 07.07.07 - in a BLUMEN LADEN on Brunnerstrasse in Berlin

Photos: David Bergé

Dance Fever LIVE

2007-07-06T02:24:00.000+02:00

MAP

Dance Fever 21

2007-07-05T16:08:00.001+02:00

06 July 2007
Location: Tanz Fabrik, Berlin
Inspiration: SHE'S LIKE THE WIND BY PATRICK SWAYZEE
DANCE FEVER is an inclusive exploration into dance in society. We don't rule out anything. All is wonderful. From line-dance to crumping. This part of the work is an exploration of the ever-present, always lurking in the background, the reason long-sleeved full-skirted lycra dresses still exist, Liturgical Dance Solo. A God-breathed, friendly, non-judgmental, freedom-inducing gathering for all women.

Dance Fever 20

2007-07-05T16:08:00.000+02:00

06 July 2007
Location: Tanz Fabrik, Berlin
Inspiration: (I'VE HAD) THE TIME OF MY LIFE BY JENNIFER WARNES AND BILL MEDLEY
On a well earned break, cast member Kath Duhigg lightens up the air of the room by doing a silly duet with, of all things, a skeleton. Can you believe it? Mad.

Dance Fever 19

2007-07-03T00:10:00.000+02:00

02 July 2007
Location: Tanz Fabrik, Berlin
Inspiration: HUNGRY EYES BY ERIC CARMEN
Empty studio, reflection on the dance floor, arched windows, chunky white trainers and it was a rainy day. Does it get much more poignant than this in dance? Feel The Magic - of the line dancing. Note the inclusion of Dance Fever 7.

Dance Fever 18

2007-06-28T20:48:00.000+02:00

28 June 2007
Location: Tanz Fabrik, Berlin
Inspiration: (I'VE HAD) THE TIME OF MY LIFE BY JENIFER WARNE AND BILL MEDLEY
Whilst rehearsing for another piece Florencia & I had an outrageous "break out" into DIRTY DANCING FEVER. This is what it is all about.

Dance Fever 17

2007-06-28T20:33:00.000+02:00

28 June 2007
Location: Apartment in Kreuzberg
Inspiration: THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL BY WHITNEY HOUSTON
Inspired by Playstation Sing Star, Patrick Swayzee's true intentions come to life.

Dance Fever 16

2007-06-02T09:44:00.000+02:00

01 June 2007
Location: Jessyka's apartment
Inspiration: DON'T LOVE ME BY TV ON THE RADIO
I have been talking about "morphing" recently. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and YouTube morphing into stage shows. I have escaped the soundtrack here - but I like that this video morphs somewhere else. I had just done a show, I had had a few drinks, I finished an application that day and I had a nostalgic moment of missing all my friends who are dotted through out the world - sometimes it's just not possible to channel the film's vibe. But I like to think that I have created my own DIRTY DANCING vibe, and I see this here. Oh yes.

Dance Fever 15

2007-06-01T11:05:00.000+02:00

1 June 2007
Location: Jessyka's apartment
Inspiration: DON'T LOVE ME BY TV ON THE RADIO
Post-second night performance of another show. I watch this one and shake my head. What can I say? It's YouTube. It's fantastic. Nothing like a bit of ass and panty flashing... it's summer now. Hem-lines are short this season ;)

Dance Fever 14

2007-05-27T13:41:00.000+02:00

27 May 2007
Location: Jessyka's apartment
Inspiration: SUPERGALACTIC LOVER BY KOOL KEITH
Saturday night - somebody get me a ferrari to sleep in. What's good for Missy Elliot is good for me.

Dance Fever 13

2007-05-27T13:14:00.000+02:00

27 May 2007
Location: Clair's street in Kreuzberg
Inspiration: NONE
Saturday arvo - tap dancing in the street after a hailstorm is the ultimate. It's like we just stepped out of the Judson Church in NYC and I am tapping into my non-existent tap dance history:- just as Twyla Tharp did.

Dance Fever 12

2007-05-26T19:37:00.000+02:00

27 May 2007
Location: Clair's apartment.
Inspiration: HEY YA BY OUTKAST
Saturday arvo - Clair's apartment. Perched on the window sill during a short break in a summer hailstorm, two ladies perform sweet gestures almost in time.

Dance Fever 11

2007-05-26T19:27:00.000+02:00

27 May 2007
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: SOME SWEDISH SOUNDING CHICA
Clair's apartment - Saturday arvo - during an enormous spring hailstorm. Video art is easy.

Dance Fever 10

2007-05-26T12:04:00.000+02:00

27 May 2007
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: MANEATER BY NELLY FURTADO
Friday night. It goes like this. Dirty Dancing - how does it fit in with today? Nelly Furtado and her Maneater. Nelly Furtado and dancing. Nelly Furtado and MTV. Nelly Furtado and MTV and dancing. Nelly Furtado and MTV and dancing at home. Add YouTube and it IS Dirty Dancing. Totally trailer trash meets summer holiday resort in upstate New York.

Dance Fever 9

2007-05-24T11:26:00.000+02:00

25 May 2007
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: WHERE ARE YOU TONIGHT BY TOM JOHNSTON
Wednesday night. I bought some new white pants today at Kufurstendamm in Berlin. They are quite tight. This is a more generic "Contemporary Dance" foray into the world of Dirty Dancing, it starts in silence. I am tempted to say that finally the mirror editing effect has become classy again. And the Golden Globe in the corner of my room is so beautiful. It's Impulstanz, it's Jacob's Pillow, it's video art, it's YouTube - it all just works. Pls note:- The Adventure T-shirt made by Siegmar.

Dance Fever 8

2007-05-22T09:53:00.000+02:00

22 May 2007
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: HEY BABY BY BRUCE CHANNEL
Monday night, it was the first super hot day in Berlin. I had been in an internet cafe - and burning like a hot potato in my bag was the first costume for the show. By a famous, not so expensive, Italian fashion store. This was a huge impetus to be all girly (more Lisa than Baby) and jump up and down on the couch. It's just so YouTube - it's so summer games on the grassy area in front of the main house at at Kellerman's. The Catskills, Upstate NY. Can't you see the guy with the loudspeaker...

Dance Fever 7

2007-05-17T18:18:00.000+02:00

16.05.07
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: HUNGRY EYES BY ERIC CARMEN
After a mid-morning coffee and girlie chat Lea and jwg decided to whip it real good in the kitchen/laundry.

Dance Fever 6

2007-05-17T18:13:00.000+02:00

15.05.07
Location: Clair's apartment.
Inspiration: YOU NEVER GIVE ME YOUR MONEY BY THE BEATLES
Tuesday night in Kreuzberg. Clair got a new bed. Consider this it's YouTube christening. I hope it never makes it to BoobTube.

Dance Fever 5

2007-05-15T11:17:00.000+02:00

14.05.07
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: (I'VE HAD) THE TIME OF MY LIFE BY BILL MEDLEY AND JENNIFER WARNES
Monday night in Berlin with David B. This video smacks of YouTube-like choreographic and directorial decisions. It is Sublime.

Dance Fever 4

2007-05-10T15:20:00.000+02:00

09.05.07
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: OVERLOAD BY ALFIE ZAPPACOSTA
On another rainy night in Berlin, it was a Wednesday, I wanted to go to bed early. But I was doing a little research on the film, and I just couldn't resist making a little video before bed. And Alfie Zappacosta has just released a come-back album featuring all his greatest hits - perfect timing.

Dance Fever 3

2007-05-09T21:17:00.000+02:00

09.05.07
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: DIRTY DANCING Script
On a rainy Tuesday night in Berlin, post-Meg Stuart performance - I had the urge to experience what it is like to actually be in the film DIRTY DANCING. So I had a go at the scene where Baby has a tense heart to heart with her father. It has been blended with these modern times...

Dance Fever 2

2007-05-05T16:20:00.000+02:00

05.05.07
Location: Jessyka's apartment.
Inspiration: WHAT GOES AROUND... COMES AROUND BY JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
On a fresh Friday night in Berlin, post-take out Thai - David B and jwg bust some moves. This was after David watched the movie for the first time. He enjoyed it very much. He also told stories of his girl-friend having slumber parties as a teenager where they took turns to cover Baby's face and pash a poster of Johnny Castle(Patrick Swayze). Awesome.

Dance Fever 1

2007-05-02T10:54:00.000+02:00

29.04.07
Location: Paea's apartment.
Inspiration: THE MIRACLE OF LOVE BY THE EURYTHMICS.
The dance now exists - the first steps are here for you to see. On a fresh but Sunny afternoon in Berlin, post-Falafel - Paea Leach, Clair Peters and jwg spawned the first moves for the piece. With a celebratory can Paris Hilton Strawberry Frizzante. We then watched FUNNY FACE. Brilliant.

DANCE FEVER

2007-05-02T10:26:00.000+02:00

it's dirty dancing - the warm and good hearted coming-of-age fantasy - gone to the stage, not in the shape of the musical that is a direct re-creation of the film - but a different look at an icon. the movie is, in some ways, a celluloid "Mills & Boon" that's also akin to a "Star Wars" for girls... perfect.

this work is continuing in the methods and construction of the jwg celine dion piece. http://www.letstalkaboutlovevideo.blogspot.com

it is continuing with investigating the commercial representation of love. and wanting to bring that into the theatre - into the theoretical and performance realm with absolutely no concerns of being cringeworthy. avoiding being good - but without trying to be bad - and definitely not being cool. love is the root of all - all you need is love.

it continues to review current methods of contemporary dance production. avoiding perfection/consideration/ambiguity/the need for traditional tools - ie specific requirements of space, dancers, time...

it is continuing to find new ways to construct the viewing of a dance piece. extending its life beyond the stage time. providing further insight - encouraging a transparent process and multi-dimensional comprehension for the audience.

a myspace for a dance piece -
http://www.myspace.com/dirtydancingfever

it is diving into commercial and mass culture. valuing the instant recognition of commercial entities (the film - everyone has a relationship with this film...) and tools (myspace and youtube) and not dismissing them as cheap or not worthy of inclusion. it is valuing the literal and and everyday experience of the world and participating in it, through the production of dance - thus bringing to the dance the immediate/embarrassment/personal-made-public-on-a-whim thrill and experience and access. i am willing to lay a specific stereotype on the line to be celebrated, hated, laughed at and maybe looked at with a certain nostalgia.

my work and the commercial world are inseparable. it's about something so undeniably mainstream and it's processed through one of the most popular activities known to western culture today (film + upload). it is art knowingly and vivaciously smack bang in the middle of the commercial world. why? the commercial makes up every part of our lives. Who we are/what we do/what we buy/how we watch and consume the world, each other and ourselves. this is reason enough to give it some attention. plus I am completely seduced by it. i love it.

the important thing is to throw it all into the pot and see how it adds to the theatre experience. in a way jumping over existing hurdles and boring pre-occupations to get to new territory. does it make it more accessible? to who and how come? can this be more accessible to those already participating in contemporary dance? does it make more sense and hit a different nerve with audiences - raw or spongey nerves? by using communication tools and subject matter that are so much a part of our history, what does this do to ones ability to enjoy/experience theatre before, during and after... ?

and most of all have a bloody brilliant time - and find another excuse to drink Paris Hilton RICH prosecco...
___________________________________________________________________

Jessyka Watson-Galbraith was born in Perth, Western Australia. She trained at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, completing her BA (Hons) in 2004.

Since graduating she has been she has been working between Europe and Australia. First landing in Vienna with the DanceWEB Europe scholarship in 2005. She then moved on to work on projects in Vienna, Budapest, Berlin and London. In Australia she has performed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Next Wave Festival in Melbourne, the Artrage Festival in Perth and performed in/created works for STRUT, the Perth based Contemporary Dance performance platform. She has been commissioned to make work four works for the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and also created a solo Bitumen with sound artist Dave Miller. She has been part of the on-going project TWO with Paul Gazzola in Berlin. This will be performed at the Sophiensaele May/June 2007. For the past 18 months she has been based in London, where she created her Celine Dion extravaganza LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE which involved 13 dancers and was performed at The Place. Her work is currently pre-occupied with exploring web identities of dance pieces, generating collections of videos and stage shows based on pop, dance and love.