Jimmy H. Miklavcic - Choreographic Works
November 19, 1989 - Another Language Holds A Conversation Concert, Salt Lake City, Utah

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Ignorance of Burden (1989)

Choreographers: Jimmy H. Miklavcic & Elizabeth A. Miklavcic
Poetry: Mark Neumann
Costuming: Elizabeth & Jimmy Miklavcic
Lighting: Jimmy H. Miklavcic
Dancers: Elizabeth A. Miklavcic & Jimmy H. Miklavcic
Location: Another Language Performance Studio, 345 West Pierpont Ave. Salt Lake City Utah
Length: 6:12 minutes
Description
Ignorance of Burden was completely inspired by the poetry of Mark Neumann, which was about modern life in the 1980's. Mark's poem focuses on a man just trying to get through each day, as he comments and expounds upon observations of his daily trek through modern life. Elizabeth was the physical representation of the burden or "bag" where the POV of this dance is through Jimmy's character's eyes. He doesn't realize the burdens he is carrying around with him, until he decides to walk away from it, leaving the dead weight of his thoughts and emotional baggage behind.

Choreographed by Elizabeth and Jimmy Miklavcic in 1989, they'd previously worked together on many projects up to this point. Although, this dance was especially challenging, because of the constant weight bearing and gymnastics moves. It was exhausting to create, and resulted in a lot of tension during the trial and error development period of choreographing the movement sequences. The timing had to be perfect or someone, mainly Elizabeth could have been badly hurt.

As seen in this video, both dancers in their 30's are in peak shape and are able to pull it off, making the point of the dance to the delight of the audience attending the Another Language Studio's debut concert. Ignorance of Burden was developed for the larger work titled In Some Language, which included two duets and a reprise with all four dancers. It was also performed as a stand alone work in the Company's repertoire for the next five years.