A Little Self Reflection...

When I look back to fall 2008, when this project really started, it’s incredible to think about all the research that went into even getting the fashion department and the university to approve Metanoia as an independent study, much less the costumes and show themselves. It is very satisfying to be making all my ideas finally come to life.

I’m so excited to be nearing completion, and even though there is still so much that needs to be done, I’m confident in myself and my amazing team and know we will achieve everything we set out to do.

Currently, my focus is on finalizing the designs for the dancers’ costumes, experimenting with the embellishment techniques I plan to use on the white jersey, and working with the dancers to develop their routine and improve the accessories they will use.

Photo Shoot - East and West Coast - Coming Soon

Once the dancers’ costumes are complete there will be a photo shoot in Syracuse with Erin and Marie Claire, and another in Seattle, where our choreographer Kendal is currently living.

The photos will be used by our graphic designer, Erika Bilbo, for the Metanoia booklet and promotional poster series. I have been working with Erika a lot lately, going over design ideas and planning for the photo shoot.

While the pressure is on to have the costumes finished for the shoot, it is helpful to have a deadline other than the premier to work towards. The photo shoot will also be a good opportunity for me to see my costumes in action and see what alterations I may want to make before the performance.

Final Costume (re)Designs

January 2010

I focused my first month back on pattern making for the new costume designs. In addition to the original patterns used for the costumes in the promo video, I plan to make 2-3 different costumes for the dancers. Each costume will be specifically designed to complement the specific accessory – each described in detail here – it is worn with and the purpose that accessory serves.

If you remember back in December, my designs for the promo video were forced to be reevaluated because of a time crunch. I have already revised the pattern for the original bodysuit the dancers wore in December, and plan to use January and February to make all the things I wish I had been able to earlier.

Accessories: Design and Purpose

November 30, 2009

The following is a breakdown of the three accessories I created for the dancers to wear in the promo video.

Two Person Leather Belt aka “The Counter Balance Harness”
The idea for this harness originated from the group auditions held at the beginning of last semester. I had Mary Claire and Erin both wear a harness that connected them to each other with two ropes, each about eight yards long. The purpose of the harness was to constrict the dancers’ movements. Each was forced to respond to every shift in weight experienced by the other. The “Counter Balance Harness” took on a life of its own when I re-designed it with a focus on what the dancers needed to move freely and comfortably. Together, Mary Claire, Erin, and I decided to use leather, as it provided enough structure, flexibility, and stability. This harness became our favorite dance accessory because of the sense of freedom and experimental ability it provided for the dancers.

Three Person Belt
The choice to design a three person belt was an obvious one once we started working on the two person belt. Having three people in belts allows for two dancers to stabilize one dancer as they perform. More weight can be supported with this belt, therefore allowing the performer to conquer more extreme poses and angles.

Fabric Circles
The fabric circle was introduced to the dancers during our last rehearsal. We are still working on mastering the incorporation of this into our performance, but we were attracted to it for the promo video because it provided even more freedom than the harnesses to the dancers. It also doubles as a garment when not in use. The dancers loved experimenting with the fabric circle. It helped them develop more expressive movements than they had with the harnesses. For me, this accessory embodies a more free form version of the harness.