the urgent artist

So, we were supposed to have this awesome performance in DC with CrossCurrents Dance Company, and then the snowpocalypse happened.

It’s bad on a number of levels – bad because we didn’t get to perform our new stuff, bad because the AOMC didn’t get the company-building relaxing time that we were all hoping for, and bad because we didn’t get to perform for our amazing family of DC supporters who are so generous and kind that they keep us going even though they’re not the ones that get to see our work live the large majority of the time.

But worse worse oh much worse if we look at (and apologies for going here again – i’m a broken record) the way the arts economy is structured and the massive financial hit that all those involved are having to take. I was reminded by a dc-aquaintence’s facebook status the other day from her still-snowed in house in DC: “cancellations again today. if we’re not performing or teaching it means we’re not making a living – go hug the dancers in your life.” It’s horrible, but it’s just the way it is.

To give a recap: It’s no one’s fault. Dance Place is an amazing organization, and though i don’t know the Artistic Carla Perlo personally, I’ve heard numerous stories from Debby and other DC artists about her kindness. While it might be easy to say it was short-sightedness on part of the companies (and, okay, fair one here – I hadn’t given a single thought to travel contingency plans till about a day before – we lost about $200 on our transportation costs) it’s also unrealistic to think that venues and companies in shut-downable cities like DC (okay, everywhere except nyc) shouldn’t schedule the winter with shows – that’s performance season people. But who takes the biggest hit here? The artist/dance company. Debby has been an amazing role model to me at how to run a company and have a life (the woman raised two kids, not to mention being a teacher and a friend people) and she’s been running CCDC on her own and with the help of company members. Not only is there still the cost of venue rental, collaborator fees, production costs, etc, but no ticket sales to help earn back the cost.

It’s gross! And i think that part of my crusading against the current arts economy comes from growing up with Debby and seeing how constantly hard it is. But dancers and choreographers push through time and time again, and find the will to produce yet another show. Debby says there won’t be any more after this one (they’re trying to reschedule for the 19th, unfortunately the AOMC can’t get off of work/school to join them) but i’ve heard that before.

Anyway. Point isn’t to make you all depressed – times are changing and the arts economy is improving slowly but surly, and (as they say) the show must go on. We took the unexpected weekend off (we didn’t get a puff of snow here) to re-group in the studio and film what we would have shown (minus Rowan, who was already snatched up into another rehearsal) so we could share it with our DC fam nonetheless. Here they are, and as always, we’d love it if you have any feedback, questions, comments, or ideas to share with us about them. Also, if you’d like to make a donation to Debby and CrossCurrents Dance Company, I’m sure they’d be eternally grateful for the boost to get them through this winter. They’re site is down right now for some reason (girl can’t catch a break!) but if you make a donation here through the AOMC (select Sarah A.O. Rosner from the drop down menu on the second page), just specify that it’s for CCDC in the note section and we’ll make sure that 100% of it goes to them.

What do you think? Tell us tell us! We’re dying to know.  Cheers to all you who weathered the storm in DC – we can’t wait to be back down there dancing with you again!

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Tags: CrossCurrents Dance Company, DC, Debby Kanter, here, sarah's, Snowpocolypse, Take It/Feel Good, the A.O. Movement Collective, toss off the night covers, Touring