Documentary about older dancers

[2 Left Feet]

Later this year I'll be producing a documentary about older dancers called Everyday Dancers. This documentary will follow a group of individuals as they prepare for and take part in the final, August 2005 Adult Dance Camps session in Richmond, Virginia. I'm looking for dancers interested in telling their stories or partaking in this project. We'll follow 2 - 3 dancers as they take the week-long intensive. Their stories will be told by the dancers themselves through sit-down interviews and voice over narration.

 

Dance Campers know what a remarkable event ADC is and what a physical challenge it can be for a mature dancer. I find this journey remarkable, touching and deeply personal to ADC students. In many ways the stories of adult dancers at this intensive are more interesting, more deeply personal and resonate into all aspects of these dancers lives more than that of a young dancer.

 

As a prior ADC attendee, I know first hand the rewards and trials of attending. I know how dance has impacted my life and the lives of those around me. This project is an opportunity for older dancers to share the passion which drives them to pursue this art form and to chase those fleeing moments when we look into the mirror and see a dancer looking back.

 

For more information about this project, please go to isfilms

[spinbug]

I would be interested in participating in your project. That's the session I usually attend anyways. I love reading your articles in Pointe magazine. Since I'm the only adult dancer in our whole studio it is particularly nice to hear articles about adult ballet dancers pointe of view. I'm excited to hear how this turns out!

 

Candi

[BostonBalletGirl]

wow. this is such a cool project. I'm probobly too young as far as this goes but it will still be great fun to see the week captured. I hope I make it to august this year.

[Guest Lizzie 37]

I plan on being there as well. I think it's great that you're doing this project. It's very exciting, and I think peoplle will find it interesting. I referenced ADC in a keynote speech I did a few months ago for a large nursing conference. While it was only a touchpoint on which I spent less than 3 minutes, I received an amazing number of questions during the conference, and about a zillion email post conference. People were facinated by the idea of adults creating a space in their lives to study dance, when there is little opportunity to perform, or chance of becoming a professional. They LOVED the idea of these doctors, lawyers, moms, artists, nuns, business owners and teachers etc. doing nothing but dance for 7 days. I've been asked to speak to another large group of nursing professionals women in Boston in June, and they specifically asked me to include the pursuit of joy [the ADC section] in the talk. Obviously....this resonated with lots of different kinds of folks. See you there. Liz Bruno

[Rhapsody]

I won't be attending this Dance Camp. But...

 

I am very interested in seeing this documentary when it comes out so please keep us ALERTED.

[2 Left Feet]

I'm reposting this in case anyone missed it the first time. Another ad will run in the May issue of Dance Magazine.

 

Several people have already sent in answers to the survey on the website. I will not be making a final decision as to which dancers to follow through the program until late May. If you are interested in taking part in this project, please visit the website at ISFilms for more information.

 

I'm not just looking for women. Male dancers are encouraged to apply as well.

[MJ]

Hope you get a green light Ed,

 

MJ

[2 Left Feet]

Everythings moving forward. In fact, I'm already getting inquiries about distribution of the finished film Nice to know there's interest at this early stage.

[Kate B]

Make sure it becomes available on DVD! I'd love to see what ADC is like.

[Mr Robin]

I wish I could be a part of your film, Ed, but the last August session of ADC is during one of our busiest periods of the year at work... Gutted!

 

I don't suppose the film will make it onto our screens in the UK, so I second Kate's request for DVD availability!

[2 Left Feet]

I certainly hope it makes it into theaters overseas. In fact, I'll be applying to several European film festivals once it's completed. International distribution is definitely part of the plan.

[2 Left Feet]

I've added some updates and information about the project on the website. Hopefully the guest book will be up and running soon.

 

Everyday Dancers

[2 Left Feet]

Well, tomorrow is a significant day. I begin traveling to interview dancers in their hometowns in advance of the intensive at the end of August. 4 weeks of travel across the United States will finish up in Richmond where I'll take part in the first August session of ADC, and finish prep for the ADC shoot from August 21 - 27th. It's hard to believe that, after all this time, effort and energy, principal photography begins in just two days. I feel I've found a group of dancers to follow who each bring a remarkable story to the film, and who succeed in representing a cross-section of adult dancers.

 

I'm excited and a little nervous, but I've surrounded myself with a talented group of people dedicated to making this project the best it can be, including BarreTalk from this forum. And I'm currently reviewing submissions from editors and composers, each of whom brings great potential to move the completed film to a higher level.

 

If the moderators will allow, I need to make a pitch for support. This project has exceeded my initial budget expectations. The estimated budget has swelled to $134,000.00. I've secured more than $20,000.00 in "in-kind" donations of time and services, bringing the current budget to $112,000.00. To date, I've made much of this happen using a plethora of credit cards (like a true indy film maker). I've also depleted my personal savings and, as of this weekend, liquidated all the remaining stocks I owned. I can easily say I've put everything I have into this project. I hate to do this but I need to ask if anyone out there in BA-land can help support his project. The International Documentary Association (IDA) IDA has granted non-profit status to this production. Any contributions or support can be written off as donations on your taxes at years end.

 

You can get more information about how to suppor this project and how contributions will be used by going to this page on my website:

Donations & Support page

 

Again, I am not the kind to ask for help in anything, so this is not easy for me. I sincerely appreciate everyones interest in "Everyday Dancers" and I hope I deliver a film that can live up to your expectations.

 

Ed

[BarreTalk]

...I'm excited and a little nervous, but I've surrounded myself with a talented group of people dedicated to making this project the best it can be, including BareTalk from this forum. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

BARE Talk?

I'm looking forward to shooting this documentary, but I think I'll keep my clothes on if you don't mind.

[2 Left Feet]

Wow. Talk about a type-o.

 

I added an "r".