Clapping Music (2019)

This self-choreographed, untitled solo is performed in two-parts to Clapping Music (1972) by John Cage. Clapping Music was composed out of a desire to create a piece of music that would need no instruments at all beyond the human body. Michaela's mission as choreographer was to evoke that same concept in their choreography--playing with sound, rhythm, and dynamics in movement.

 

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What a Joy It Will Always Be... (2018)

What A Joy It Will Always Be... is choreographed in dedication to Michaela's Mother, inspired by the lines, colors, shapes, and memories associated with her favorite photo and titled after a line from a poem included in a birthday card saved for many years - "what a joy it will always be, to be your Mother."  This solo serves as a message, responding "what a joy it will always be..." to be her daughter.  Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts, Buffalo NY, 2018.   Music: French Catalogues by Brian Eno. Video by Rachel Keane

 

 

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C A R B O N (2018)

C A R B O N explores the inner conflict that arises when an individual attempts to maintain a sense of selfhood, despite the constant struggle to gain social approval. Social opinion plays a significant role in our lives, but are we changing ourselves too much? Are we changing ourselves too little and conforming to societal norm? How do we hold onto what makes us unique, or are we just another carbon copy? This work takes viewers on a journey as two entities look into their true reflection of character, striving not to become a constructed illustration in the art of social illusion. Dancers: Michaela Neild & Natalie Halady.  Music: We Insist by Zoe Keating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Long  Line (2016)

The Long Line is a contemporary modern piece inspired by a Ted Talks episode presented by conductor Benjamin Zander.  Zander gives a lecture on the 24 Preludes by pianist Frederic Chopin. Choreographed entirely on the diagonal and danced in three parts to the melodic and nostalgic sounds of the piano, The Long Line is multi-faceted, exploring the struggles and obstacles of everyday life and the different ways people respond to these experiences. Through seamless, raw, and boisterous movements the dancers go on a journey of learning and growing as they move one step at a time towards a newer and stronger version of themselves. The Long Line was selected to  represent the Department of Theatre and Dance at the 2016 Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Academic Excellence Ceremony at UB’s Center for the Arts.