History - Another Language Holds a Conversation (1989)
Fall Rehearsals 1989 - Another Language Performance Studio, 345 West Pierpont Ave., Salt Lake City, Utah

History | History Text | History Posters | 1989 | Holds a Conversation | Poster | Program | Video Program | Behind-The-Scenes
Bootlegging Rehearsal (1989)

Arm Choreography: Jimmy H. Miklavcic
Leg Choreography: Christopher Murry Ivins
Music: (Video Credits)
Dancers: Christopher Murry Ivins, Jimmy H. Miklavcic
Location: Another Language Studio, 345 West Pierpont Ave., Salt Lake City, Utah
Length: 6:58 minutes
Description
Rehearsals for Bootlegging always started with Christopher and Jimmy putting on their ski boots and bike helmets. The two of them would clomp, spin, and balance on heel and toe throughout the session. They experimented with new ways to travel across the stage or lift and balance one another. Choreography was divided between them. Most of the leg choreography was attributed to Christopher and the arm work was created by Jimmy.

The dance juxtaposed the heavy-footed movement with the lightness of a J. S. Bach piano piece that Christopher discovered. They tested the limits of physical balance, both in weight bearing and stature. Moving around the stage in ski boots proved to be laborious although it added a humorous chunky texture to the smooth flowing piano concerto. At one point in the piece, Jimmy stands on the back heels of Christopher’s boots as he is in a push-up position, grabs the waistband of Chris’s bicycle pants and pulls. As Christopher rises, Jimmy is lowered to the floor.

The constant clomping of Jimmy and Christopher in their ski boots during the studio rehearsals drove one of the next-door neighbor artists to find a new studio.