tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67084173461798260292024-03-19T05:05:01.790-07:00The Leaping LizardRobin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-4065315310651969252008-09-14T17:36:00.000-07:002008-09-15T07:49:18.056-07:00Singing space songs on our spider web sitar.....wow. wow. wow.<br /><br />I can't remember such a powerful opening weekend for me. Ever.<br /><br />I am completely drained. Emotionally, physically and some-what spiritually. I found myself feeling depressed this morning. There will be three days before we meet again...What kind of stalker tendencies do I have? huh? I really enjoy this show and the tribe this much. It is truly amazing. The kicker....we have almost 20 more performances!!<br /><br />I just can't get enough. In fact on my way to the airport, I started my car to realize that my Hair CD was playing Aquarius...it was 8:02pm! Exactly the number that we would have been performing at that exact time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Flippin</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">weird</span>.<br /><br />There have been shows that I have left the theatre and had a celebratory drink because the hell was FINALLY over. Not Hair. I am already fearful that I may spiral into another bout of depression the day after the closing show. God bless you, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Paxil</span>, baby!<br /><br />If you haven't seen the show...do yourself a favor...go!<br /><br />I'm not saying to go because I'm in it...I would honestly tell you if it sucked........<br /><br />This is a very wonderful theatrical experience with a stellar cast. <br /><br />Please come to the Be-in!Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-88379796490160294352008-09-04T20:42:00.000-07:002008-09-05T19:12:53.078-07:00We All Know Where It's At...I know where it's at.<br /><br />For me, it's with the Osage tribe. Never in my adult life have I experienced such unity. I witnessed it again after rehearsal tonight. When one member is low the rest all come to the rescue. When one member needs support someone notices and tries to be there to heal. And it is all genuine. Never a "put-on". Real.<br /><br />Thank you Osage tribe for being real. Real friends, real people, genuine. I am so proud and blessed to be a member of the Osage.Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-43837413862742285302008-08-31T18:51:00.000-07:002008-08-31T19:06:49.422-07:00my eyes are open ...wide.It is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ironic</span> that I am in the cast of HAIR during a period of major personal transition. I honestly believe that everything happens for a reason and has a purpose. Although I cannot disclose all , I have had some major decisions to make recently. I have made those decisions and I feel positive they are correct for me and my family. 100% No doubts and I feel great!<br /><br />Depression has been my enemy over the past four years. Post-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">partum</span> is a bitch...take your sexist B.S. Tom Cruise and shove it up your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Scientologist</span> bum hole! I have a great marriage, kids, home, friends, career. What was my problem? (besides hormone imbalance) What was missing? Why I am not feeling completely happy? Where is the "Robin" that I have always known?<br /><br />Then at a point when I needed it most I became <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">immersed</span> once again in the world of theatre. Thanks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Scotty</span>! Not as a staff member, but as one of the cast. I love choreographing, but the actor in me had been severely neglected for 8 years. Eight years without being in a show. I had to ask myself what was missing? Sometimes we need a push to discover the obvious.<br /><br />Thanks to the tribe for your support and friendship. What wonderful people...New Line has always felt like home and once again I feel whole.Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-30205595521348032772008-08-18T08:32:00.000-07:002008-08-18T08:46:28.706-07:00Hair today. Hair tomorrow.I can't wait to see everyone tonight!!!! Yea! I love the Osage tribe!<br /><br />I also can't wait to see what is going to take place during "The Bed" . At first I thought-What the hell is this doing in this show? It has nothing to do with anything. It's just a number stuck in the middle of Act II. Ugh, I hate that. <br /><br />But, just like the rest of the show, it belongs right where it is in Act II. I've been thinking about this song all weekend. (Now I need to memorize the words) The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to me. This song does many things in my opinion:<br /><br />Speaks of the everyday freedoms that we all enjoy - which Claude will be losing by going to war.<br />Acts as a reminder to Claude of these freedoms.<br />Tribe's protest and disagreement of Claude's decision to go to Vietnam.<br />A celebration of all the things the tribe holds dear - freedom to be who they are!<br /><br />Peace to the OsageRobin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-87276181620861667282008-08-13T15:26:00.000-07:002008-08-14T20:17:47.119-07:00Unfathomable InfinitiesI love Jeanie. She is unique, wise, eternally optimistic..and usually stoned. I am so excited to learn more about her.<br /><br />This is what I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">have</span> discovered thus far:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jeanette Ruth Ann <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bolstein</span></span></span></span> <br />Age: 19<br /><br />Jeanie is the second daughter of three from a working class family residing in Yonkers, NY. Her father works for the railroad and her mother has an at-home sewing business. Jeanie grew up in a strict Roman Catholic environment. While both sisters conformed to the teachings of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">their</span> parents and church, Jeanie always questioned her life and faith. Being an avid reader, she <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">immersed</span> herself in books about eastern religions and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">philosophies</span>. She is confident that her chosen "path" will lead to enlightenment. Her spiritual beliefs will lead to internal happiness. She endured a strict Catholic girls' school while working part-time at a used book store in Manhattan. Upon meeting Claude Hooper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bukowski</span></span> at the book store, she felt an immediate soul connection. A feeling deeper than love that cannot be replaced. Claude felt a physical connection with Jeanie, but doesn't love her. With the impending draft, he wants to continue his sexual exploration and is in love with his best friend's girl, Sheila.<br /><br /> Jeanie will never admit that she is carrying Claude's baby. That disclosure would change everything. Both Jeanie and Claude would lose the freedoms that they cherish. Claude would no longer feel free to make life choices and Jeanie would lose her maternal freedom. Jeanie's love for Claude is genuine and through this love she finds the strength to let him go. All she wants from him now is friendship (with occasional benefits) and respect.<br /><br />When her family refused to support her pregnancy, she left home. Jeanie believes that her baby is better served by a positive, loving environment. The rest: food, clothes, a place to live, will happen when the time is right. Now she lives <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wherever</span> she can, with whomever extends a helping hand. Through <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Claude</span> she became an integral member of the "tribe". The "tribe" helps to support her financially and emotionally and she in turn supports them spiritually. Jeanie knows every member of the tribe better than they will ever know themselves. She sees a "deeper", beautiful being in everyone around her. Spirituality has given her clarity. Through her, they receive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">infinite</span> optimism, mental support and kindness. Through her optimistic spirituality she has found her "tribe".Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-10416922568572157522008-08-04T10:29:00.000-07:002008-08-04T14:41:56.345-07:00Peyote root...So I was told to be less "cynical Robin Berger" and more "high, happy and semi-clueless Jeanie" by Director <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Scotty</span></span>. I mean what does he want from me? Does he want me to act or something? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Geesh</span></span>! He also told me to speak an octave higher. Can I help it if I was blessed with my father's voice?<br /><br />So, knowing that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Scotty</span></span> is completely and utterly correct, I am channeling the spirits of all of the smelly, wanna-be-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hippie</span> art majors that assaulted my nasal passages for five years at Webster U. You know the types...made up names because they couldn't connect with the "normal" ones that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">their</span> parents gave them. They walk around sporting the name of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">their</span> favorite song from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">their</span> favorite band. Usually an 80's band. How "hippie" is that? Like I said..."wanna-be".<br /><br />But seriously, I am so excited about the challenge, vibe and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">genius</span> that is HAIR. There is positive growth potential for me as an actor. How wonderful to be a part of this historical show. Thanks for including me in the tribe!<br /><br />Now, I must channel the spirits of the stinky...<br /><br />Play some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lynerd</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Skynerd</span> man!<br /><br />Later losers...Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-59753082876348077852008-07-28T19:48:00.000-07:002008-08-04T10:29:02.195-07:00How Dare I Try To End This Beauty....Okay..so it has been almost a year since my last entry. Well, I'm back!<br /><br />What a great cast!!!! Five rehearsals and HAIR is already a blast. After an 8 year hiatus, I have returned to the world of "cast member"! Although I've been choreographing, performing tap, and teaching for those eight years there are several areas that have escaped me.<br /><br />#1: my voice. My range has suffered and my vocal strength has completely walked out on me. I've been abandoned. Left to die right in the middle of "Let The Sunshine In". The ten previous years of voice training (eight years ago) seem utterly in vain right now.<br /><br />#2: my ear. What in the hell was that note again? -and-what is thie squiggly thingy at m.17?<br /><br />#3: my confidence...yes...I admit it. At least I have long hair.........I may be one of the oldest in the cast, but I got hair, life and freedom dammit!<br /><br />So now I have to buck up and deal with it and as a jazz instructor at my studio says 'grow a pair'.<br /><br />Pardon me everyone, I have to eat dinner now and "grow" a pair.<br /><br />Later losers<br /><br />PS: Did I mention that I am thrilled to be back?!Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-80574767326254607802007-09-21T20:48:00.001-07:002007-09-21T20:57:34.476-07:00Super Lizard DivaAs I was at home indulging in a wonderful (and necessary) facial, a luminous glow in the sky caught my eye. Holy bat guano, Bat Munch! It was the "Lizard Signal"! Super Lizard Diva was off in a rhinestone be-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">speckled</span> whirlwind. The signal was hailing from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carondelet</span></span> Neighborhood. As I flew south over Steak n' Shake a craving for a peanut butter cup shake overcame me. With great will-power, I stayed the course. "In the name of all that is theatre...I go to save the show!"<br /><br />The bold signal in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Midwest</span> sky lead me to the unfinished Ivory Theatre. Scott Miller of New Line Theatre was distraught. No bathrooms were installed yet and his lead female had to pee!<br /><br />Can Super Lizard Diva save the day????<br /><br />To be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">continued</span>....<br /><br /><br />Later losers......Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-2617032431780007722007-07-17T14:42:00.000-07:002007-07-23T20:04:48.413-07:00Sex, Drugs And Rock & Roll. Oh My!Well <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Skanks</span> and Losers, it's time for yet another show with New Line. The Lizard couldn't be happier about it! I LOVE New Line with all of it's drama and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">weirdness</span>. What a great theatre company.<br /><br />Scene:<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Scotty</span> (the big boss Director) pounded on my front door and begged me on bended knee with tear in eye, to choreograph the phone sex number for "Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll". I immediately said, "Um, Gosh, I don't know. I'll have to think about it." As I started to close the door, he tore it off the hinges, grabbed my leg and said "Please! Please! Please! Oh god please....We simply won't sell any tickets without your supreme choreographic knowledge." Then he completely broke down, started to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hyperventilate</span>. I kicked him two or three times in the ribs to regulate his breathing. At this point, he begged for mercy and my expertise of course. I said, "How pathetic. If you stop sniveling I may consider." Another fast kick to the abs. After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Scotty</span> crawled to the doorstep and gave several offers to wash my car (with his tongue), I whispered in his ear "okay, B-hotch".<br /><br />So, sue me. My dream has always been to write Soap Operas. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Geez</span>. Erica Kane rocks!!!<br /><br />Reality:<br />Scotty has always been a gentlemen to me. Thanks Scott. You know I'm always ready and willing to choreograph for New Line!<br /><br />So now I have to research phone sex...bummer...Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-44693178441942697322007-05-03T13:54:00.000-07:002007-05-09T22:52:49.997-07:00Cut the Crap<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Urinetown</span> is my kind of town! Once again, I am blessed with a wonderful cast. Everyone moves very well. Rehearsals have been running very smoothly and pain-free. Nothing more painful than a rehearsal filled with repetition because the cast members have two left feet or can't remember the material from rehearsal to rehearsal.<br /><br />Unrelated to the cast of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Urinetown</span>....<br /><br />okay...people here's the poop scoop.<br /><br />Adults in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">STL</span> have this notion that it is enough to just muddle <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">their</span> way through a dance audition. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HMMMMM</span>. Interesting. Don't you want to be good at everything?<br /><br />I have one thing to say: Cut the crap!<br /><br />There are several great classes out there for ADULTS to learn the basics of dance needed for Musical Theatre. In fact, I can think of one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">phenomenal</span> place that puts Adults with Adults. The biggest concern that I hear is "will I be in a class with teenagers?". Well, here's how it works.... If all adults have that fear and don't sign up for classes. Yes, you will be in class with teenagers, because they signed up, they come to class, and they stick with it for more than three lessons.<br />The tuition is needed from the teenagers to pay the teacher. If enough Adults sign-up, then they can have a class all to themselves away from the dreaded teenager....(they are actually truly great people. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Remember</span>, we were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">all</span> teenagers once...)<br /><br />ADULTS: If you want Adult dance classes get out there and sign up (at Leaping Lizards of course). -AND- Get your friends to sign up. - AND- Be committed. Know that three lessons does not make a great dancer. If the class dwindles down to nothing than the class goes bye-bye.<br /><br />In a couple of months you will know enough to be comfortable at that next audition. You will also relieve everyone from the pain of having to watch you freak out. Oh yeah, its good for ya too. Dancing is a great way to work out.<br /><br />Who knows? In a couple years you might look like Jeff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pruett</span> on stage.<br /><br />If you don't know Jeff, just picture a beautiful man who moves like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">buttah</span>!<br /><br />Check out our classes. The link is on the right.Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-41968637023523686182007-04-13T22:17:00.000-07:002007-04-13T22:28:35.954-07:00eter i er icked a eck of ickled e ers....(I noticed that almost everyone had "Pee" in thier headline, so I resisted the urge.)<br /><br />Another show. Cool! I am so thrilled to be choreographing two shows for New Line this season. Usually I do my standard one show a season. I am so NOT bitching, just merely stating how thankful I am to be spending twice as much time working with top-notch, awesome, talented peeps & coming up with *&%@ed up moves. (I can't curse in this blog because some of my 13 year old students want to start reading my blog. Once a role model, always a role model!)<br /><br />I am also psyched because Urinetown lends for the off-the wall type of movement I love to do.<br /><br />Okay, I am very sleep deprived and there is a batch of chocolate chip cookies waiting...I'll get all choroegraphically philosophical on your arses later. <br /><br />Stanks.<br /><br />Later losers,<br /><br />The Lizard<br /><br />Next blog: choreographic stuff boowah!Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-33750767238514180762007-03-22T19:59:00.001-07:002007-03-22T19:59:02.077-07:00Night of 100 Stars (1985)- <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/24qPaopYrRg' name='movie'></param><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/24qPaopYrRg'></embed></object></p><p>THIS is Dancin' with the stars. Goes to prove that once the rhythm is in your blood it never goes away!<br />May we all know this kind of joy...</p></div>Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-11969155555204300512007-03-21T19:28:00.000-07:002007-03-21T20:17:45.196-07:00Boys vs. GirlsMy poor neglected blog!<br /><br />So, it has been awhile my friends of dance. But I am back to continue on with my choreographic philosophies...<br /><br />Boys vs. Girls.<br /><br />Ah yes, that age old battle between the sexes. This, however, is not about who the alpha is but a battle of styles. Just as no two dance pieces are never exactly alike, neither are the stylistic movements of men and women. Men and women naturally move different from one another. NEWS FLASH!!!<br /><br />What looks great being performed by a woman will not necessarily look appropriate for a man. And visa versa. Leave the hip swivels, ankle pivots and flared hands for the girls and "Guuuurls" of the theatrical world.<br /><br />Why would any choreographer have the male ingenue present himself exactly in the same manner of the showgirls sharing the stage with him? Now it goes without saying that shows such as "La Cage Aux Folles" are fair game. Anything goes for the big Guuuurls!<br /><br />There are many music pieces that are not gender specific. With these pieces, the movement should be geared toward the ensemble as a whole. Once again, <span style="font-style: italic;">understanding</span> the material is where it's at!Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-76435645864276511152007-03-20T10:34:00.001-07:002007-03-20T10:34:54.840-07:00Tap dance Van Porter and Ted Levy<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/DYFw0kMY92o' name='movie'></param><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/DYFw0kMY92o'></embed></object></p><p>Totally groovy, Baby!!!!<br /><br />Enjoy the "flash steps" of these two tap greats!<br /><br />Put it on your calendar: National Tap Dance Day is May 25th!</p></div>Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-66699402867009947202007-02-28T08:02:00.000-08:002007-02-28T08:36:06.772-08:00Every Number is Special...How true.<br />Once the choreographer has researched and has a feel for the style, then each number must be analyzed separately. For the audience member there are two types of dance numbers:<br /><br />1. Audience invitation. Does this piece make the audience feel as if they are invited? The audience should feel as if they are "in" the room with the characters. At the dance. Invited to the party. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ie</span>: the beginning of the "Hand Jive" prom scene in Grease. The front proscenium should become less important. The actors' focus should not be just straight forward (downstage). Movements are less presentational. Everything should seem spontaneous. The movements need to be identifiable by the audience. Movements that they can relate to or feel that that they could do themselves.<br />Your goals is to make the audience member:<br />a- feel that they would be welcome to jump up and join the cast<br />b -if they did go crazy and joined the cast, they could do all of the same steps.<br />c- excited and tired (in a good way) at the end of the number as if they REALLY were in the number.<br />You can tell by the applause if you achieved the desired effect. The audience will cheer as if they were on the dance floor of a great concert. They feel a part of the music and movement. <br /><br />2. Spectator. The audience is on the outside watching. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ie</span>: "Greased Lightning" or "We Go Together". The audience is there to merely witness the craziness.<br /><br />With this type of number the proscenium matters more. Now the audience is beyond the "fourth wall" merely catching a glimpse of a private moment. A fly on the wall. Now the movements and stray a little from familiarity. This is a time to "Wow" the audience by showcasing the talents of the performers.<br /><br />The prom scene in Grease really calls for both, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">invitation</span> and spectator. The audience is a part of the action until Danny and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cha</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cha</span> are left dancing in the contest. Then, both audience and performer are watching the fun.<br /><br />Next blog: Boys vs. Girls!Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-62407077457767850392007-02-22T19:40:00.000-08:002007-02-23T19:07:16.254-08:00How A South STL Choreographer Thinks...I was thinking about my blog and realized that I haven't really written much about the choreographic process of GREASE!. Actually, I have NEVER written about the choreographic process of any show <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">of</span> which I was involved.<br /><br />Wow. Where do I start?<br /><br />Well, research is probably THE most important part of the job. Jazz squares, grapevines and pivot turns repeated over and over does not make an interesting evening at the theatre. On the same note, just having a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">minuscule</span> dance <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">vocabulary</span> does not make a dancer a choreographer. This is lost to many who subject <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">their</span> poor cast members to endless choruses of lame, mind-numbing, lack-luster, inappropriate suck ass crap. Meanwhile I sit in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">audience</span> reaching for the barf bag that just isn't there because it's a theatre not a plane. Sounds harsh? Bite me...;-P<br /><br />When I am commissioned to choreograph, I research the show- music, script, & time period. Not only how people danced, but how they lived, dressed, social life, and influences that came before that time period. For instance: The kids in GREASE would have still done some basic swing moves. That's the style that they would have seen their parents do at weddings and social events. These kids were not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">privileged</span> and would not have gone to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cotillions</span>. Any dance they know they learned from their folks, TV and each other while adding the latest moves. They would have picked up on the latest crazes because they were completely tuned in to the more eccentric and hippest influences. At this time in history the musicians were shaking and moving all they had to the new Rock & Roll sounds. Elvis was already a huge figure, but let's not forget Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bill Haley and The Comets to name a few. Motown was huge with all of the singing groups performing choreography by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Cholly</span> Atkins.<br />The "cool world" was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">mooooooooovin</span>' and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">shakin</span>'!<br /><br />Style is the key. It is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">extremely</span> important that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">seize</span> the style of dance of the time. Once I have a feel for the steps and flavor of the choreography, I now have to ask myself, "If I was a teenager in 1959 working-class Chicago how would my friends and I present this stuff?" The answer in my mind - crazy and wild- pajama party style. Organized chaos.<br />There is a very fine line in this situation. On one hand, you want the numbers to look spontaneous and "teen-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ager"</span> fun and free, but on the other hand you could end up with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">disastrous,</span> messy pile of steaming <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">dookie</span>. To get the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">achieved</span> effect, you need a top notch cast. A cast that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">truly</span> understands their character's role in the theatre cosmos. Just like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">every</span> person moves differently, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">every</span> character must also move within his or her own personality. "Cookie cutter" choreography may work fine for some shows, but too many choreographers cannot leave that box. Small cast shows set within a certain time period can especially <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">suffer</span> from "Cookie Cutter Syndrome". This is very serious syndrome where every move is executed exactly alike and every dancer looks like a copied version of the next. Like I said, it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">works (and is even necessary)</span> for some large cast shows...but not every show. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Remember</span>, shows are like the characters themselves- different personalities and histories.<br /><br />Please I beg of you, the shows just want to be themselves. If you let them breathe and speak, they will shine!<br /><br />In the next blog -- each number is special in its own way!Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-63976467833808508532007-02-20T10:53:00.001-08:002007-02-20T10:53:31.068-08:00Bill Bojangles Robinson Deleted Scene #1<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/C_Qz0gnA9rY' name='movie'></param><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/C_Qz0gnA9rY'></embed></object></p><p>A "Dapper Dan" of his time! One of the greatest tappers ever. Such grace...such style.<br /><br />Thanks Mr. Bojangles!</p></div>Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-19591305810121352582007-02-11T16:12:00.000-08:002007-02-11T16:35:34.783-08:00William Shattner ROCKS!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXp01nuTWRNMADgyVgc4mZAs_wCtSPRKnw3146IEZfIXjIRUbPbfnNEQAxZE3-St4tPaspzo_s5NkaTStQRJJLyOOXfX-OQBi56o5jPqiISBKTAuFklKM3VIQ9rO7of_TWxLxMheWGpg/s1600-h/vp2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXp01nuTWRNMADgyVgc4mZAs_wCtSPRKnw3146IEZfIXjIRUbPbfnNEQAxZE3-St4tPaspzo_s5NkaTStQRJJLyOOXfX-OQBi56o5jPqiISBKTAuFklKM3VIQ9rO7of_TWxLxMheWGpg/s200/vp2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5030439723709515266" border="0" /></a><br />First in this blog, I just want to give big kudos to Mara (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cha</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cha</span>) and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brendan</span> (Danny) for two great dance rehearsals. We have finished the Dance Contest and they totally deserve to win! Due to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">their</span> talents, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">perseverance</span> and killer moves courtesy of our Dance Captain, Jeffery <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pruette</span>, I think we may be ready for one of those suck ass-dance-reality- prime time shows. The ratings will soar through the roof. Move over David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hasselhoff</span>, William <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Shattner</span>, and the entire cast of "Cop Rock", the New Line Grease Dancers are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">comin</span>' to Hollywood!<br /><br />... and I haven't even had my Amaretto Sour yet....<br /><br />Second...<br />I need a theatre, bad. The studio's show is this spring and I am having a horrible time finding AFFORDABLE theatre space. Okay, maybe I should have looked sooner, but I've been busy having a baby, moving, taking 20 kids + 9 adults to Disney, choreographing a New Line hit show, being a wife & Mom, and running a business. Damn, I'm a lazy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">skank</span>!<br /><br />If you have any ideas concerning my theatre <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">dilemma</span>, please reply.<br /><br />Stanks.Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-72487705586952667072007-02-02T21:18:00.000-08:002007-02-02T21:32:11.954-08:00Here's to bein' a kid again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0uODr_tYD0_YiH4H1cNXYNln-Es8RLdvKeW4UUNrCpBBm0ihGLH0Y4SWeKhBqnKUZVB3FYOXu2z4U2cjTcggnlHn2S_gcx2HGvMJQxVhPdinId4pvanh2BuoFOtjrVi-WCW5jJM5pFg/s1600-h/robin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0uODr_tYD0_YiH4H1cNXYNln-Es8RLdvKeW4UUNrCpBBm0ihGLH0Y4SWeKhBqnKUZVB3FYOXu2z4U2cjTcggnlHn2S_gcx2HGvMJQxVhPdinId4pvanh2BuoFOtjrVi-WCW5jJM5pFg/s320/robin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027176060443502674" border="0" /></a><br />Scotty The Director and I had an enjoyable conversation today. During this enjoyable conversation, we discussed how most adults have had the "kid" squeezed out of them. This is mainly due to our everyday jobs insisting that we act maturely and responsibly. What a shame. I have a tear in my eye. I miss those days that I felt indestructible. Taking silly risks with my health, pride or both. Everything seemed brighter, bigger and more colorful.<br /><br />So, let's make a pact... everyday we adults must do something silly or learn something new. It doesn't matter how small and insignificant it my seem. Remember, to kids NOTHING is insignificant...everything matters! Grab those crayolas and color a picture for your Mom. Ten bucks says that she will still proudly put it on the fridge.Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-31582224623109306162007-01-28T20:19:00.000-08:002007-01-28T20:28:24.583-08:00Wow. Cool! and OUCH!Wow! What a great cast! Okay, I know I have said that before, but I don't give compliments unless they are REALLY due. So relish in it! We learned a ton of dance today. AMAZING. Even got the director, Scotty on the floor for a little Cha Cha and Box Step.<br /><br />Major Shout Out to the Dance Captain: Jeffrey Pruett - you are a god-send. Thanks for your dance and input.<br /><br />Downside: I feel as if I was hit by a MAC truck and then ran over by a parade of Shriners. After rehearsal with New Line, I had a rehearsal with my tap company "Diva La Tap". We look hot and we rock.<br /><br />But enough dancing, looking hot and rockin' for me today. I'm going to eat some cookies and crawl to bed to die.......................................................................Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-29959523250951677872007-01-18T19:41:00.000-08:002007-01-18T23:40:37.108-08:00To "PT" or not to "PT"?Okay,<br />this has nothing to do with Grease!.<br />However, I have made an observation that I find interesting (I'm probably the only one to find this interesting...typical!). <br />I am the proud owner of a PT Cruiser. When looking for a parking spot, which drivers often do, I am always amused when there is an open spot next to another PT Cruiser. Of course I take that perfect spot every time! Something about the way two or more of the Cruisers look together I suppose. You know, cars feeling a fondness for <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">their</span> own kind. Then it dawned on me the other day that I am not the only PT owner who does this. Scene: I parked at Walgreen's between two empty spots the other day. Upon my exit, my silver beauty was flanked by another silver and a blue PT! Three in a row. Cool.<br />My question is: Does "PT Cruiser" mean "Park Together Cruiser"? <span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmmmmm</span>............Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-22061415239865009482007-01-15T12:28:00.000-08:002007-01-15T12:34:12.433-08:00GREASE! is the word!I had my first dance rehearsal with the cast of New Line Theatre's production of "Grease" yesterday. What a great cast! The casting is superb. Everyone is so into the show and gave 100% the whole time. I feel very fortunate! Can't wait for the next rehearsal....if yesterday is any indication, Grease is going to be a riot in two acts!Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708417346179826029.post-26100099087462833432007-01-10T02:21:00.000-08:002007-01-10T02:28:57.438-08:00I should be sleeping...Couldn't sleep so I thought I would create a blog instead...at 4am... Maybe I'll work on some choreography for New Line's production of Grease!. Dunno. <br /><br />First of all, let me mention how excited I am to be working with such a fun cast. Second, let me mention how excited I am to be working with such a talented cast. And third, let me mention how excited I am to be working with such a talented director. Some of you may be feeling a little queezy right now, but just remember that I have no reason to suck up to anyone. <br /><br />I meant what I said, I said what I meant, a Lizard is faithful 100 percent!<br /><br />I'm going back to bed now...Chiao...Robin Michelle Bergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03902815764290077836noreply@blogger.com0