Tuesday, June 12, 2012


Today’s guest blogger is Victoria Harrell, OSAI PR counselor.

Monday night’s artist showcase and presentations were dancer and choreographer Daniel Squire followed by drawing and printmaking instructor Marwin Begaye.




Daniel Squire’s performance began with accompanist Shelley Burgon plucking her harp while improvisation coach Regina Saisi softly read one of her favorite excerpts. Regina’s voice fluctuated between a whisper and a more projected voice while Daniel danced.





Throughout the whole performance, OSAI photography students were allowed to approach him, and took shots of every part of the performance. A clock projected onto the background counted down to the end of the performance. In this collaborative performance, there was movement and sound coming from every part of the stage. From the clicking of the cameras to the subtle sounds of the harp, from a few strokes of the piano as Burgon changed instruments to Squire’s audible breathing, it felt more like sound effects than an actual song being showcased.



Squire closed the 22-minute performance with a few intricate moves. The enthused audience gave a standing ovation.

 Regardless of your favorite discipline, from the instrumental pieces to the choreography; from the poetry to the photography, there was something to interest everyone in the audience. After Squire was done answering question the students had for him, Marwin Begaye took the stage.



Begaye presented highlights of his life’s work projected on a giant screen.  An internationally recognized printmaker of Navajo origin, Begaye’s prints and paintings reflect his interests and personal values.  Begaye creates woodblock, linoleum, and other types of prints as well as paintings.  Begaye shared stories about printmaking workshops he has participated in around the world.  He told personal stories about his culture and family and how they influence his work.  He also shared a photograph of his first grandchild, born on Saturday! Congratulations Marwin!

In the cabin meeting fellow counselor Jessica Tankersley and I had with our girls, we had them discuss how they felt about the performance and presentation.  Some of the girls weren’t sure what to think about the avant garde modern dance performance and were still running it through their minds over again to understand it better.  Others thought it really illustrated what modern dance is all about. What we did agree on was that modern dance, if nothing else, starts a conversation and leaves the meaning behind it open for a personal interpretation. Furthermore, modern dance lends the audience an opportunity to interpret and create their own story. All of the students were impressed with Begaye’s bird prints, and touched by his sweet stories about his family.  Marwin Begaye invited students to stop by the drawing/printmaking classroom today to really see what printmaking is all about as well as tell stories about pieces he did not have quite enough time for, and I have a good feeling there was probably a line forming out the door!  It is safe to say that everyone learned a lot about the two disciplines showcased and developed a newfound appreciation for a discipline they may not be familiar with.

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