Blast From the Past

Was chatting the other day in the MSCD Stage Combat class about Ren Faire. It always sounds like the coolest thing in the world to those who first hear of it (particularly the quaint way Jas and I met there). But I, in my bitter, jaded, theatre-professional cantankerousness, always wryly smile, roll my eyes, and remark how much of a pain it was.

When I actually think back, though, it was fun most of the time. Tiring, yes, but how thin, lithe, and tan was I back in those days (the aerial dance didn't hurt either. Or did. You know what I mean...)? And let's face it, I was getting paid to write, assist with choreographing, and perform nine really cool fights. This is the kind of thing the MSCD Stage Combat club is interested in, and I'm not sure I'm not either. Anyway, I thought I'd put up an old pic from Ren Faire for kicks and giggles. I call this one "Broad's Swords." :)

Students: we're talking about eye contact and focus. This picture was taken right before me (center) and Geoffe (R) "accidentally" clash weapons. Can you see how he has set up this "mistake" already, and how I'm looking right at my target? I can assure you that the audience didn't see this moment, but it was essential to the realistic and safe execution of the joke.

~Jenn

Hint

So in a previous week, we tempted you with cryptic reference to a series of toys we know you'll love, and have wanted since 1977 if you've been alive that long. Here's a second hint about what they are:

"An elegant weapon, for a more civilized age."

Pas de Posts

Okay, so the reason I've been remiss in posting is that I've been at a weekend-long seminar headed by Stephen K. Hayes himself. I'm still gathering my thoughts and notes and having no time and catching up with grading and waiting for what I hope is the coolest picture ever (wait and see), but for now, here's a taste of the event until the "real" post goes up. It's part of Thomas' black belt test demo. While you're waiting, look up Stephen K. Hayes and see who he is and why he's famous in martial arts circles. Be back here soon with details. ~Jenn

Wii Would Like to Play

We in the Bonzuko household love our elegant, geek-themed, brain-expanding-yet-addictive toys. In an earlier post, we expounded on the virtues of...oh that's right, we haven't told you what that toy is that you want. Oh yes, you want it.

But now, listen up kids, our latest healthy addiction is the Wii Fit game. Once you log in your BMI and play some very odd balance games, you can't wait to sully that pristine white plastic surface of the board with your feet again.

I'd encourage everyone to have this very awesome addition to and motivator for your exercise regime, but it looks as though Wii systems are insanely hard to get (let alone expensive) and the game itself is even harder. Oh well, we'll have to have a Bonzuko Fitness (and then homebrew?) party sometime soon I suppose.

Jenn's Favorite Wii Fit games: most yoga is fun; that one where you're in a penguin suit and catching fish; the put-the-ball-in-the-hole game; Rhythmic Boxing, and...well most of them are fun. What's yours?

~Jenn

Spontenaeity, Not Improv

This is spurred from Late Night on Sep. 3rd, in which it looked as though Dr. Phil pushed Letterman pretty hard and made him not only stumble, but comment on it.

There's a rule about Stage Combat and Improvisation: they don't mix. NEVER improvise a staged fight--it's just not a good idea--there are countless ways to get hurt.

Having said that, I know very well that none of my students obey this rule. So I must elaborate:

• If you are going to fight non-scripted, have many fight bits (or phrases) set up and thoroughly rehearsed ahead of time. That way, both actors can recognize what's coming even if it isn't planned. Think of it like the ancient commedia dell'arte: though unscripted and spontaneous, each person knew not only a general stock character, but had a myriad of zanni, or movement bits, that a simple cue could catalyze. The bigger one's movement vocabulary, the more sentences one can make on the fly. Safe sentences.
  
• ALWAYS always always make eye contact. Always.
• Keep dialogue going--talk to each other. Know a safety word just in case.
• If you see someone about to do something stage-combat-y to you, and you don't know what's coming, STOP. I don't care how big an audience or an ego you have. Relax. Don't do it. (Thanks Frankie.)
• Seriously. ~JennWee Katie and Loren demonstrating at the Barnes & Noble Booksigning, 2007. Safely.
  

Level Up!

Yes, it's happened again: I traveled through BQC-land and racked up enough experience points and side quests to level up my ninja guy.

Jenn's Green-Black belt test highlights:

• Jenn & Kim's Wind Demo has been dubbed by owner Mary "the funniest demo ever in the history of the Boulder Quest Center." How did we do it? How did we top the hoody-ninja and the tobi-ori off the red wall? A simple acting school game called "dubbing." Good TSD technique + moving one's mouth + two voiceover people = comedy gold.
• Shout out to Thomas and Jeff for their vocal improv skills. We'll be talking about that one for a while to come.
• Especially because apparently, none of it got recorded. Camera SNAFU. :sigh: Ah, the ephemeral art that is theatre...
• Snax at 4580. A bit high-priced for Jenn's regular habits, but they make killer dates-wrapped-in-bacon, and gourmet fries. Oh, and lamb dolmas. Mmmmmm...

~Jenn

Eye Caramba!

Where the eyes go, the mind follows.

So stretch your eyes. Gently look in all <10> directions, holding each gaze at least four seconds.

This is at least as important as stretching your other muscles, if you use your eyes daily.
~Jason