Just uploaded the Dancers' Symposium fall 2004 remix on the creations section. You can read more about my involvement in this year's show with Ellein's choreography there.

As I have retired from Lunar Gala last year, I think this pretty much marks the official finale of my involvement with CMU student choreographers. I've had such great experiences while working with some of the finest choreographers to walk on CMU's campus, but the hungry musician in me tells me that I must move on in the pursuit of newer challenges. Perhaps I'll be able to collaborate with some of them out in the wild wild world, who knows... But until then... ;)

One of the things that I'm constantly reminded of in the context of collaborative music making is that when you're working with passionate people, things always go well. Now, before you wince and start to lecture me on my naive comment, lemme explain. I don't mean that there's some magical chemistry that brews nothing but extraordinary work when you pitch two passionate people together. While that could certainly be true in a lot of cases, what I mean is that when you're with passionate people who are both willing to help and learn at the same time, you create a wonderful environment in which ideas flourish and progress is made. That may sound very scientific, but it applies equally to art. Not to put her on the spot, but let's take Ellein as an example. She's always willing to adapt, and she also tries hard to learn more about the art her collaborator practices. She's humble, yet she knows when to be adamant about her creative beliefs. Above all, she's very passionate about dancing and doesn't want to waste her or anybody else's time by doing a mediocre job. Those are some great personal assets to have as an aspiring choreographer.

I've worked with my fair share of collaborators, and when I'm with somebody who's not as passionate as I am, the whole project feels like I'm doing it out of "duty". Then the collaboration turns into some sort of a managed endeavor where whoever is most organized starts giving assignments to other team members. That just quickly deteriorates into another burden, a toll on everybody's already busy lives. That's just not the best way to make music.

It's been a pleasure working with the fine choreographers of CMU, and I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart. I really wish we'd get a chance to collaborate again outside the context of CMU in the future. Please don't stop dancing and choreographing! Talent is a terrible thing to waste. Much love and respect to you all! Merry Christmas!