Concept:

This piece is primarily focused on the combination of spatial form and ritual. Working off of Music Visualization, the idea is to define space [through the music] and shape it [in concordance to the notes]. There is no clear storyline, only a flow of energy. The dancers are blank slates; individuals that oscillate between personal and group worship rituals

This suite is composed of three dances: 34100, 22107 and 44106. Each dance has two songs, with contrasting melodies and identical rhythmic structure: [44106 = 4/4 time; 106 beats per minute]. The first song emphasizes the individual in worship, while the second draws them into a communal rite, with tribal undertones.

Together, the three dances constitute my physical creative interpretation of the observance of The Liturgy of the Hours, or The Divine Office.

The Liturgy of the Hours forms the basis of prayer within Christian monasticism. It consists of psalms supplemented by various hymns and readings. It is the act of giving thanks and praise to God [or, the creative energy source] at the turning points of each day and night. The office is the official set of prayers prescribed by the church to be recited at the seven major and minor canonical hours of the day. Artistically, I chose to focus on 3 of the 7, as they have specific canticles, which correlate with the readings:

[22107]

2nd Hour: Lauds or Dawn Prayer (at Dawn)* 5am
Benediction [Canticle of Zechariah] Luke 1:68-70
Emphasis on praise.

[44106]

6th Hour: Vespers or Evening Prayer ("at the lighting of the lamps")* 6/7pm
Magnificat [Hymn of the Virgin Mary] Luke 1:46-55
Emphasis on thanksgiving.

[34100]

7th Hour: Compline or Night Prayer (before retiring)* 9/10pm
Nunc Dimitis [Canticle of Simeon] Luke 2:29-32
Emphasis on preparing the soul for its passage to eternal life.

Each dance celebrates a ritual (or pattern) for the appropriate canonical hour of the day it signifies. The suite is out of traditional order, for aesthetic purposes, starting with the 7th Hour of Compline, following full circle, and ending with Vespers.