>SOLOS AVAILABLE FOR STAGING

Erdman, Jean

 Passage

Music: Otto Janowitz
Length: 3 minutes, 3 seconds
Costume: Black and metalic gold net dress over a nude camisole leotard, available for rent from various companies, or pattern available through DNB
Notation: 2011, good quality
Consultancy: Required

Passage is an elegant image of a concept found throughout world mythology- the soul's desire to break free from the struggles of earthly life into a realm of pure bliss. The abstract, breath-based movement requires balance, access to core articulations and an ability to change subtle dynamic states at lightning quick speed. These challenges along with Erdman's hallmark sensitive musical phrasing make this piece a favorite with dancers as well as audiences.

Although originally choreographed for a female, Passage can also be a challenging and fascinating solo for a male dancer. Graham technique is helpful, but not necessary.

Jean Erdman in Passage Photograph by Jean Cutler

 Creature on a Journey

Music: Lou Harrison
Length: 2 minutes, 43 seconds
Costume: Multicolored dress, booties and red velvet headpiece, available for rent from various companies, or pattern available through Nancy Allison
Notation: 2006-2007, good quality
Consultancy: Required

Inspired by the people and dance forms of Bali, Creature on a Journey is a comic embodiment of the human condition. According to noted dance critic Deborah Jowitt, the bird-like movement vocabulary along with the delicately rowdy percussion score and brightly colored costume conjure up a lighthearted vision of "the well-known chicken pondering the value of road crossing".

A short, but technically challenging work this dance requires access to core articulations, musicality and the ability to convey comic, dramatic intent.  Although originally choreographed for a female, Creature on a Journey can also be a delightful, crowd-pleasing solo for a male dancer. Graham technique is helpful, but not necessary. 

Jean Erdman in Creature on a Journey Photographs by Daniel Entin

 Hamadryad

Music: Claude Debussy
Length: 3 minutes, 48 seconds
Costume: Green raw linen tunic dress, available for rent from various companies, or pattern available through Nancy Allison
Notation: 2006-2007, good quality
Consultancy: Required

Named for the Greek word meaning "the spirit belonging to a particular tree," this passionate, lyrical, dance celebrates the pure joy of movement. The subtle and complex use of the torso and arms along with the rich interplay between the dancer's dynamic rhythms and Debussy's classic flute solo, Syrinx continue to inspire dancers and audiences year after year. 

Although originally choreographed for a female, Hamadryad can also be a challenging and fascinating solo for a male dancer. Graham technique is helpful, but not necessary.

Jean Erdman in Hamadryad Photograph by Maya Deren

Suite of Three: 3 Solos by Jean Erdman
(Passage, Creature of Journey, and Hamadryad)

Music: Otto Janowitz, Lou Harrison and Claude Debussy
Film: Excerpted from Dance & Myth:The World of Jean Erdman, edited by Paul Allman
Length: App. 12 minutes
Costume: Black and gold metallic net dress over a nude camisole leotard, multicolored dress, booties and red velvet headpiece and green raw linen tunic dress. All costumes are available to rent from various companies, or patterns available through Nancy Allison
Notation: 2006-2011, good quality
Consultancy: Required

Dance history comes to life in this dance/film work, as performances of Passage (1946), Creature on a Journey (1943) and Hamadryad (1948) are interwoven with rare b & w archival footage with voice over by, Erdman herself. The film creates an immediate, intimate link to the renown choreographer and her aesthetic concerns in these exquisitely crafted solos. The meditative elegance of Passage, comic antics of Creature on a Journey and sensuous lushness of Hamadryad offer an excellent opportunity to showcase an individual dancer’s range, or can be shared among a company by three very different dancers. 

For more information concerning the three solos check their individual listings above.