Matrix for Pagans

This is my organic Matrix outfit.

Alight

The Cast of Alight

I am so thankful that new experiences are still coming my way. January 20 and 21, 2006, I performed in an aerial dance performance in Ipswich, Mass. Alight! A Solistice Celebration!

As the Merlin-like narrator, I danced to my own poetic story and guided the audience through cycles of seasons into cycles of lives. I had a wicked cool robe that was like an organic Matrix outfit. By the end, the whole cast became angels and we flew in canvases that were hung from the rafters.

Here’s a little taste of the ending:
We end here at the beginning
Or perhaps we began at the end.
Our lives here on earth are for learning.
Through darkness and trial we transcend.

When the white light reclaims us
And the learning is finally done
It’s the darkness that shows us our brightness
And in light we will know we are One!

All the elements of this performance came together so beautifully. The stage was colorfully lit and immense. The costumes vibrant and the live music from the high school orchestra and chorus was very mature. The women dancers were beautiful from the inside out.

Janet Craft, the shows’ director and choreographer, is my Emerson College dance teacher. She is the one who once said “Louis, just take whatever dance classes you want.” Obviously, she has been very influential in the life I’ve lived as a dancer. It was great to reconnect with her for this project.

Aeriel Dance

This is DeAnna Pellechia, a wonderful friend from Alight!

January 2006

Hey friends!

Welcome to my brand spanking new blog!

Each month, I will post all the latest info about performances and classes coming up during the month. January of 2006 is going to be outrageously busy. With two major collaborations hitting the stage, a new improv class at Bates College in Lewiston and a trip to Mexico to top things off. Life will be in constant motion until I hit the beach.

First of all, dance classes. My teaching schedule at New Dance Studio, 61 Pleasant Street in Portland continues in the New Year on Tuesdays. Classes start January 3, 2006. If you're new to the studio, please email me for the security code to get into the building or just use the scrolling intercom and I'll buzz you in. Here is the schedule:

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. 10 - 13 year olds
5 - 6:30 p.m. Adult Modern Technique
6:45 - 8 p.m. Improvisation

Prices vary among the classes so email me at louisgervais@hotmail.com if you have any questions and so I can look forward to seeing you.

Alight and Far East!

Last year I reconnected with Janet Craft, my dance teacher and friend from Emerson College. Inspired by a shared evening of dances we did in Janet's studio barn theatre in Ipswich, Mass., Janet invited me to join her company of aerial dancers for a colloboration.

Alight! is a Winter Solstice Celebration - A Journey from Darkness to Light. I'm the magical narrator/angel in disguise and I get to fly abit. Performances take place Saturday, January 21 at 8 pm and Sunday, January 22 at 2 pm at the Ipswich Performang Arts Center, High Street, Ipswich, Massachusetts. Go here for all the information about those shows.

Last, but definitely not least!

Come and check out Far East! It has been great fun collaborating with Carol Farrell of Figures of Speech Theatre. We are madly working on a new show which will be premiered at the St. Lawrence Arts and Community Center on January 27, 28 and 29. We are doing stories from Japan and China with handpuppets and in the bunraku style. It will be alternately hilarious and heartbreaking. Showtimes are atFriday at 7:30, Saturday at 3 pm and 7:30 pm. Sunday the 29th at 3 pm only. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids. For reservations call (207)775-5568, ext. 103. Bring the kids!

Go here to visit The Figures of Speech website or here for information and directions to the St. Lawrence Arts and Community Center.

A handpuppet from the upcoming performance of Far East!; a collaboration with Figures of Speech Theatre.