Cerebrum Reflection

For Retrograde Dance Company’s show, Cerebrum, I was a choreographer and dancer.
Cerebrum is a show based in the human brain and the various functions it performs. Each
dance was inspired by a different region of the brain, and I was a part of various dances and
choreographed two different pieces. The group piece I choreographed was inspired by the fight
or flight response, more specifically, the release of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a
neurotransmitter that controls muscle contractions and movement that is released during the
fight or flight response. The solo I choreographed was inspired by the frontal lobe’s ability to
acknowledge future consequences from actions.
I think the main challenge I faced during the process was challenging the way I
choreographed and trying to better myself. I think I have a very set way I choreograph, which is
usually planned in my head before I actually set movement. This time around, most of my group
piece was created through what we call “first thought” choreography. “First thought” basically
means that each movement is created simply by adding whatever is the first thing that comes to
mind. It is in a sense, a sort of improv. I also created a lot of the choreography as I was
teaching, and challenged myself with facings and different movement in order to capture a
specific visual. Another challenge I faced, in terms of performing, was emoting in dance.
Facials, within any style of dance, have always been one of the more difficult things, for me, to
perform. For this show, however, I was a part of a couple personal and/or emotionally charged
pieces, and I wanted to do these pieces justice with my performance.
In a way, the challenges created the personal growth. Because I focused on choreographic
more organically, my choreographic process became more organic. I was able to expand the
way I choreograph and the process I use in order to create choreograph. My emoting also
became better, at least I think so. Basically, my choreographing and performing both noticed a
significant amount of growth.
The main skill I learned was the use of B.A.S.T.E. My group piece, I feel was definitely one of
the most dynamic and choreographically intricate pieces I’ve created. Before this school year, I
knew of the concepts that went into B.A.S.T.E. through the process of Home, but never actually
had a solid understanding of it. This year we received a handout containing B.A.S.T.E. and how
to use it. I think the use of B.A.S.T.E. along with my growth as a choreographer in general is the
reason my group piece was one of the most professional pieces I’ve created. If I decide to
pursue a career in dance, the use of B.A.S.T.E. will most definitely come in handy. My favorite
part of dancing is choreographing and it will probably be what I decide to truly pursue if I
develop a career in dance.
Overall, the process of Cerebrum was incredibly eye opening. It was the the most complex
show I have been a part of, both choreographically and conceptually. The process was also
different from our previous show, Home, but I think it’s important to experience these different
ways. Getting the opportunity to work with Melecio Estrella, also gave me insight on what it
would possibly be like to work in a professional setting. I have already been thinking of pursuing
a career in dance, but this process has made me think about possibly switching majors. I am
currently enrolled as an Art major, but have been considering majoring in Dance to pursue
dance in the future.