Trapped in the Folds
Choreography: Julia Cooper, created in collaboration with the performers
Music:
Composition: Max Denny
Excerpts: Giselle, Composed by Adolph Adam, Performed by The Acadamy of St. Martin in the Fields
Original work by Max Denny
Costume Design: Michael Landez
Lighting Design: Alastair Sigala Ramirez
Animation and Programming: Emily Berkheimer
Projection Videography: Julia Cooper
Outdoor Filming Assistant: Anna Leinheiser
Archival Videography: Katie Phelan and Jennifer Curiel
Poem: Denisa Vítová
Stage Manager: Jennifer Sandgathe
Performers:
Giselle: Julia Cooper
Myrtha: Mariko Ishikawa
Wilis: Laila Franklin, Emily Gumal, Kyleigh Harm, Michael Landez, Sean Laughead, Juliet Remmers, Katherine Shamdin
Thesis Committee: Rebekah Kowal, Dan Fine, Kristin Marrs, Melinda Jean Myers
There is a bit of Giselle in all of us, just looking for a place to belong.
Inspired by Giselle, a classical ballet first produced in 1841 and choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot.
A special thank you to the countless friends and mentors who have helped this project come to life. Thank you to Mariko Ishikawa, my main collaborator and friend, who not only devoted her talent, but also her creative wisdom to help both Myrtha and Giselle come to life. Thank you to the members of my committee: Rebekah Kowal, Dan Fine, Kristin Marrs, and Mindy Myers, who devoted their expertise and time. Thank you to my collaborators: Emily, Maxwell, and Michael, your creative work took this project to new levels. And thank you to Anna and Jessie for tirelessly helping to shovel before every filming. But above all, thank you to the incredibly talented, patient, and hard working Wilis, who were not only willing to share their experiences with me, but dance in the snow to make this piece work, despite the challenges of COVID-19. I could not have done this without you, and I am forever grateful to you all.
Julia Cooper began her career in Fort Collins, Colorado, as a Canyon Concert Ballet Company member, working with a variety of artists including Lorita Travaglia and Bobby Ball. She earned her BFA from The University of Wyoming, under the direction of Jennifer Deckert, Lawrence Jackson, Marsha Knight, Margaret Wilson, and Aaron Wood. She has studied with companies such as American Repertory Theatre, Trey McIntyre Project, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe Woodberry, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Julia spent two years dancing in New York City performing with Ballet Inc and Sheep Meadow Dance Theatre, which involved a variety of venues, including the Battery Dance Festival. During her time in the city, she taught a wide variety of ages in dance and acting, working with Four Corners Creative and The Peridance School. Julia also had the opportunity to guest with several photographers, working both as a dancer and model. Julia will complete her MFA in Dance (Choreography) this spring from the University of Iowa. During her three years at Iowa, she has expanded her choreographic research with a focus on historical context, the use of narrative, and an emphasis on human connection. Julia has also spent the last three years teaching for the University of Iowa as a graduate instructor and teaching assistant. Her academic teaching history includes ballet, pointe, jazz, musical theatre, tap, modern, yoga, dance history, and dance kinesiology.