Returning, Commencing, Aiding, and Celebrating: Luminarium Begins its First Tour

A lot of work has been going on in the Guerra-Holman online office, and a lot of experimentation and dedication has been going in the dance studio every Thursday night. Luminarium is now heading into its first Spring Tour, preparing to spend five weeks bouncing back and fourth across the state as it presents two works in four shows. Some thoughts, and some advertisements. Please spread the word:

Returning ~

The first is the Mount Holyoke College Commencement Concert, honoring graduating seniors of the Dance Dept. The faculty has invited us back, coincidentally in time for our two-year reunion, to perform a new work for ten dancers in the beautiful new Studio Theatre. It will be an interesting experience to not only witness the final pieces of the graduating seniors who have come so far since we knew them as Freshmen, but to be returning with a full-fledged company, and a new stance in the choreographic field. I think Kim and I both have worries our professors will look at our new work and revoke our degrees! It's difficult to embrace the mentality that our work is developed enough to receive this invitation to perform and honorarium, as these are our mentors from the past, and people whose opinions we still care about. Wish us luck and creative energy as we tighten up the piece and bring it home.

Commencing ~


The seniors at MHC are not the only ones "commencing" this month. One week later, Luminarium presents the full version of our new piece, along with work inspired by and including members of the Jordan Boys & Girls Club. These children have worked hard to present their dancing and their art, and will soon have the opportunity to be included in a professionally produced dance concert. It is a beginning for all of them, but hopefully not the end any time soon.

For more information on this event and to purchase tickets, visit our facebook event or our website. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Aiding ~

The company will end its tour back in Western Mass to perform in Nataraj Dancer's IN SYNC / Sambandh (Together): A fundraiser for relief efforts in Japan. Many of the artists I performed with during Nataraj's Japan Tour in 2009 have been greatly affected by the earthquake, and the very town we stayed in when we first arrived (Chiba) has been forced to evacuate many of its children.

A sand dollar on the black sands of Chiba.

Monica, a Nataraj performer, and my travel buddy for the rest of my stay in Japan.

Me! Happy, jet-lagged, exhausted, but enjoying the ocean in this beautiful prefecture before our performances.

Best wishes to all of Japan for a fast recovery.

Celebrating ~

Finally, last but not least: The Gala! Luminarium is celebrating one full year since it's founding, and is doing so in high fashion and fancy cuisine. Join us for a fun night of live jazz, mingling with the company, a silent auction and more on June 26th.

I may not have my dress yet, but I think I've found shoes worthy of a summer gala...

It is amazing to think back to that summer night when Kim and I first began planning our first show... But I'll save that for another entry. Right now, it's time to head to the Cape, spend some quality time with a certain boyfriend, and look for seaglass and shells to decorate my window sills.