Here is a video from the Jerboa show called “Back from the Brink”. I’m not dancing in this video, but it gives you an idea of what is in store if you come see Jerboa’s ALL NEW show called “Continuum” where I WILL be dancing.. a lot. “Continuum” opens June 4th and 5th in Seattle.  ”Back from the Brink” will be shown again in September.

June 4 – 5, 2010

ACT THEATER
700 Union Street
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 292-7676
www.acttheatre.org

Running Time: 1 hours, 45 minutes

Jerboa Dance, the Seattle-based modern dance company that brought you Back from the Brink in 2009, presents continuum, a new full-length modern dance production. continuum is an exploration the complexities of human relationships and the patterns we fall into, both good and bad. In Jerboa Dance’s style, it is an acrobatic, energetic work relying on raw emotion and the strong technical background of the dancers to draw in the audience. Rather than a story with a clear beginning and end, continuum is a window into the moments of our lives.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Student tickets are available for $20. This is a guest production, not produced by ACT. Buy Tickets at www.acttheatre.org

Performers:
Sean Calavan, Sarah Champion, Morgan Houghton, Kristin Kissell, Meghan Shepard, Renado Tozer, Finn von Claret, and Jaime Waliczek

Armando Betancourt – Photography
Kent Bozlinski – Videography
Peter Bracilano – Lighting Design
Nell Hoffman – Costume Design
Katie Sawicki – Stage Management
Gary Waliczek – Music

Marc and I have been hard at work creating a music style for Imaginary Daughter. Our first song is wonderfully gritty, sexy and naughty. Its great to write lyrics and melodies. I’ve never had the opportunity to sing my own words. It is really awesome. Here ya go folks our first preview track… “Pick-Up Line”.

I love to make music, not just perform it.

So after 8 months of searching and interviewing, I found my accomplice, his name is Marc Tweed.

Marc and I have been hard at work writing songs, recording and drinking copious amounts of whisky afterwards.  I really enjoy songwriting and finding all the different places my voice can go.  I feel like I really get to grow in this new environment. I can’t tell you how important that is.

I had the idea to name the band “Imaginary Daughter” because of my mother.  I went to visit her earlier this year, and she had several friends that had never met me.  She would tell them about me, and all the crazy things that I was doing. In jest they would call me her imaginary daughter.  I told Marc the story, and he loved the name too.

We are working, playing and hopeful.  We are already collaborating with friends that some of you probably know.  I’ll update more as we go along, but for now wish us the best of luck.  Our goal is to play our first show at the end of the summer in Seattle.

-Finn

I have good news!

I will be teaching dance  classes in Seattle!

CONTEMPO-JAZZ and BALLET FOR BELLYDANCERS AND BURLESQUE PERFORMERS

Wednesday nights starting January 6th from 6:00-7:30 pm

Discover the strength building beauty of ballet, the dynamic power of jazz and the grounding athletic qualities of modern dance in this hybrid dance class. Finn takes students on an adventure through the body, drawing on the connective tissue of several dance styles to give students a more justified understanding of their alignment, smart technique habits and the utilization of core strength. Class will begin with a juicy ballet warm-up, students then move to the center floor with generous, dancey traveling phrases. The session ends with Finn’s contemporary choreography that builds week to week.

This class invites bellydancers, hip-hoppers, burlesque performers and movers of every style from beginning to intermediate levels. No prior ballet, modern or jazz training necessary. Relaxed attire welcome. Live and recorded music. 1hr. 30 mins.

SIGN UP NOW!

Classes are at Skin Deep Studios

2524  16th Avenue South #311

Seattle, Washington 98144

I have to say that I adore Twitter.  It has facilitated some communication that I would have never imagined in the past.

I got a lovely message from the folks at Clockwork Couture. They read my blog about the auctions and donated two items from their store to help me with my trip to Germany.  These two items are inspired by some of my costume designs, and I have to say, I’m honored.  Clockworkcouture.com has some wonderful yummy clothing, if you haven’t had a look at their site, please do.  I am coveting quite a few things at the moment. The jacket and jumpsuit on the first page alone are leaving me drooling.

Here are some pics of the adorable pinstripe cropped vest and pedal pushers that they donated for auction.  They come in either Black, Brown or White Stripe.  Both items come in sizes Small, Medium and Large.  Clockwork Couture will mail the items directly to you.  There are two separate auctions for these items.

I leave on the 12th of September and I get back on the 24th.  Its a 3 day auction, so please pay within 24 hours of winning. That way,  I can get the info to the folks at Clockwork couture for mailing.

Von Claret Penny-Farthing Pedal Pushers - 260473887610

Pinstripe Cropped von Claret Vest by Clockwork Couture - 260473879673

There are still other auctions that are up, all ending today and tomorrow. Thanks to all bidders, I appreciate the support more than I can say.

- Finn

Hello Darlings

Here are some more auctions.  Please bid! Auctions are for 5 days.

Abney Park, Finn’s Edison Mermaid Gown - 260472078889

Abney Park, Finn’s Steampunk Rock Gown 260472086508

Abney Park, Finn’s Red Ruffle Gown - 260472090010

-Finn

Hello Darlings,

Things with Splinter Dance Company are going very well.  It’s nice to be doing pirouettes again. I do miss performing for all of you though. Hopefully you will come see Splinter shows!

I’m going on a trip, I need to see my unicorn. Instead of moving away permanately, he may be moving back to Seattle in December for a few months,  so we can give it a go and see if we really have what it takes to be a couple.  We’ve split a ticket for me so that I can go see him in Germany.

Photo: Libby Bulloff

I grew up in Deutschland and haven’t been home in 7 years.  I’m really excited about this trip, and seeing Chance again. Last time I saw him I thought it was going to be the end of a chapter. But maybe life will allow me the grace to be truly happy with someone that I love.  I do love him, very much.

I thought of ways to raise some money for the trip and realized that I could start  with the sale of my Abney Park stage outfits.  This is the first round, there will be more up later. But for now,  please bid!

Abney Park, Finn’s signed copper pointe shoes - 260471453589

Abney Park, Finn’s steampunked red bra- 260471545637

Abney Park, Finn’s embroidered bra with vintage brooch -260471550574

Abney Park, Finn’s Herr Drosselmyers Doll Tutu - 260471555402

Finn’s vintage cream gloves with gold beading -260471559029

There will be more auctions soon.  I am going to post some skirts and other lovely things.

-F

(Drawing: Suzanne Forbes)

Oh my darlings I am sorry that I haven’t written much in a while. SO UPDATES ARE DUE!

In Splinter Dance Company news, we have cast 8 dancers. With the 4 board members that makes 12!

It is incredibly exciting to see the faces of the dancers that I will be working with. Auditions were well attended and exhilarating. There were a lot of amazing dancers that showed up, it was great to see so many people dancing to my work again.

My piece “Media Luna” is a trilogy of  modern dance tangos.  I want to experiment with the different artists speaking the same sets of lines, with different background material.  I want the audience to ask themselves ” Are these people lovers? friends? family? Does it matter? How does their relationship relate to me?” I want to explore the base concepts of tough love, nurturing, gender and passion in different relationships and circumstances.  I’ve been listening to some amazing music trying to find what these concepts need to sound like. I love how connected I get with my subconscious when working on choreography, I discover so many things about whats under the surface in my life. Splinter is organizing a choreographers showcase in January, and rehearsals start in August.  I am looking at digital video cameras so I can blog the works in progress.. so, stay tuned!

(more…)

Splinter Dance Company is currently casting for new company members!  We are especially seeking male dancers and females with ballet/modern technique who are open to hip-hop and breakdancing.  Splinter is working on two new pieces to be showcased in January 2010, “Media Luna” and “Wars.”  Accepted company members will receive free weekly company class as well as compensation for paid performances.
 
Date: July 12th, 2009
Time:6:30pm – 8:30pm
Venue:  Theater Puget Sound(TPS) – Studio G
Seattle Center House 4th Floor 305 Harrison, Seattle, WA 98109
Bring: resume/headshot/dance shoes
 
 
Media Luna:
A modern tango exploring love and personal disconnection between diverse couples in varying circumstances.
 
Wars:
A modern contemporary dance piece that depicts three faces of war: on the battlefield, on the streets and within ourselves.
 
 
Splinter Dance Company’s mission is to extend thought-provoking dance performances to a broad range of audiences; making dance accessible to the public using site-specific work as well as maintaining artistically current theatrical works for paying audiences. Our work is technical, diverse, and interactive. As dancers and human beings, we aim to splinter the perception of everyday life and provide the viewer with dance that questions the scope of each human’s experiences.
www.splinterdance.org
Email: info@splinterdance.org