MegLouise Dance is defined by boldness, risk and imagination. Prepare to be inspired by this exciting new generation of dance - infused with cognitive awareness, aggressive substance and the highest artistic integrity. Our work draws inspiration from the richness of the kinesthetic experience. We create dances that reach beyond the narrative and linear effects of literature or theater. The choreography abstracts experience and emotion into movement, allowing audiences to truly feel alive. MegLouise Dance has produced six full productions and numerous shorter pieces since 2002. Below is a selected list of past works and video samples.
To live is so startling...
The dance takes its name and inspiration from an Emily Dickinson quote, "To live is so startling, it leaves little time for anything else." That thought lingers as the dancers enter the stage, still cluttered with distractions. They cut free from their trappings and previously acceptable modus operandi to discover countless wonders and new possibilities. (2009)
Girls just wanna
Audiences enter a world of "girlie wonderful" in this piece filled with lighthearted satire. A group of friends play out the all-American pastime of gossip, hair and nails at a slumber party - turn - dance party. (2009)
Broken in two
The beauty of awkwardness, growth, dreams and separation. (2008)
Stripped
The female form is exposed, observed and judged as performers admit insecurity, shed expectations and reveal an inner richness. Exerpts from Nearly Nude: Deconstructing Beauty. (2008)
Companions (2008)
Imagine yourself in the parlor of a not so starving artist. Your host surrounds herself with talented friends and graciously invites you to enjoy their company. Artists can be a dramatic bunch, but they are loyal to a fault. Enjoy this salon experience filled with art song by JR Fralick and Amy Christina Hall accompanied by original dance selections. Special thanks to Cleveland Public Theatre's Big Box Series for supporting the development of this new multi disciplined work. (40 - 80 min)
iNput (2007)
Are you seeking peace, passion or success? What stands in your way? Are you on the right course? Many of us experience feelings of fear and doubt as we struggle to be true and honest in our lives. Does that make us weak? An ensemble cast explores those questions in an atmosphere of intimacy and hope. Watch as they share their fears. Join them on their journey and see how everyone can affect and be affected by the world around them. This intimate experience challenges preconceived ideas of dance and encourages audiences to be actively engaged in the tender work being presented. (approx. 45 min)
Dance Choice (2007)
First performed by a group of 12 dancers at the Cleveland Public Theatre (Cleveland, OH), this work invites audience members to choose what they want to see. Everyone is given a "dance menu" that includes a "mix and match" section, a section of "house specials," a selection of soloists and a space for audience members to write in their ideas for a dance. Lucky audience members get to see their choices performed live, on the spot. The sky is the limit! (30 - 60 min)
Nothing Too Bad Ever Happened (2007)
The interrelationships of six women are highlighted as they navigate life's choices and unpleasant consequences. The choreography is framed by a series of questions posed to the audience as video projections. Audience members determine the outcome of the events by "voting" at three critical points as in the once popular "choose your own adventure" novels. Their choices determine what selections the dancers perform. (30 - 40 min)
Running on Empty Fairy Tales (2005)
A series of dreamlike sequences highlights the thin line between fantasy and reality. The performance includes stylized movement, minimal set pieces, curious props and a creative sound score to support the adventures of several disillusioned and disoriented young women. (45 min)
A Diary (2004)
Megan Pitcher created this piece after working as an AmeriCorps Fellow in West Michigan. It incorporates the thoughts, ideas and questions of the teens and children involved in those programs. It was performed by 12 professional dancers and 5 community members. The dance looks at how we deal with the struggle of growing up, at any age. (30 min)
MegLouise Dance is often commissioned to create new works for schools, festivals and other performances. Below is a selected list of past projects.
Know This Place (2008)
Shaker Heights High School Ensemble Program
Interactive Movement Exhibit (2007)
Ingenuity Festival
Free Trade Movement (2007)
Walk & Roll Festival, Cleveland Public Theatre
Every Girl's Rite (2007)
Presented by Hathaway Brown
Feet Music (2005)
Presented by Richland Academy
Suite Billy (2005)
Presented by The Renaissance Theater
Ruled The World (2004)
Community Action for Capable Youth After School Program
A Las Doce Menos Diez (2004)
Friendly House After School Program
Cadencial Groovement (2002)
Presented by Fort Hayes High School