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

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Ignorance of Burden Rehearsal (1989)

Choreographers: Elizabeth & Jimmy Miklavcic
Poetry: Mark Neumann
Dancers: Elizabeth & Jimmy Miklavcic
Location: Another Language Studio, 345 West Pierpont Ave., Salt Lake City, Utah
Length: 5:59 minutes
Description
Inspired by Mark Neumann's poem, Elizabeth and Jimmy built this dance motivated by the words in his composition. The concept of burden was foremost in the creation of Ignorance of Burden. Movement choices were made based on the lack of awareness of carrying around a burden so ingrained in the consciousness of the speaker (Jimmy Miklavcic) that there was no thought of possibly living differently.

During this rehearsal Jimmy was still working on memorizing the poem, and the timing was very slow. When the text was spoken slowly Elizabeth had to hold several difficult positions for long periods of time. The viewer will see some stops and starts, because some of the lifts needed refinement. This was a very difficult dance to create; working out the lifts, transitions, and sequence of movements challenged the two artists tremendously, and put a strain on their personal relationship.

Trust was the operative word when executing Ignorance of Burden, the partner's timing had to be right on so that no one got hurt while carrying out this sequence of weight-bearing movements. Once this work was finally created and then performed for Another Language Holds A Conversation, it became a part of the Company's repertoire for many years.