At the Barre with T. Lang

You No Good Mutha... Hush Yo Mouth

2011-10-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

My friends all agree that the our favorite swear word when used with the specific intonation is Mother F**ker. Nothing gets your ears percolating or mouth agape when you hear the word delivered; imagine our reaction when we researched the origin of this word. My new 45 min evening-length work, Mutha/Mother reveals the untold fact of America's breeding plantations during slavery. Mutha/Mother captures a story of a breeding plantation's African slave family's silent pain, endurance of this atrocious act of capitalism and power, and how the affect tormented and haunted their family linage. Using inventive contemporary modern that invigorates and fuses the cakewalk /minstrel dances, Mutha/ Mother is an unapologetic physical dance work.
Check out an excerpt of My work and let me know your thoughts. Premiering June 7,8,9, 2012 at The Goodson Atlanta. TLANGDANCECOPYRIGHT2011

Mutha/Mother June 2012

2011-09-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

I'm back in the studio working with my professional dancers as well as my students at Spelman creating new works for my upcoming evening length work Mutha/Mother slated for June 7-9, 2012 at Atlanta's Goat Farm.

I'm investigating the origin of the word M*ther F**ker. I don't know why I was so naive to not think that there was no such thing as breeding plantations during slavery. Yes, BREEDING plantations. I know. Somehow my history class skipped that section... matter of fact, the class barely mentioned slavery, civil rights, women's rights period. Luckily, I had parents who educated me on African American history and if you know me you know I come from strong women stock. But no one in my family or schools ever hipped me to the multi million dollar industry of breeding plantations. In some way, why would they. It is a disgusting fact in our American history.

After 30 some years later, I was discussing with my elder cousin (who is an African American history buff) at a family reunion and somehow after a couple of drinks and several rounds of playing spades we got on the discussion of the word M.F. Majority of us agreed that it's one of our favorite swear words with different meanings depending on the intonation. Finally my cousin hipped me to the origin. During slavery, there were some plantations that solely focused on producing and selling slaves. They would seek out mandingo tribe men because of their sturdy built and have them sleep with slave women. Here's the kicker.... it did not matter if the women were their cousins, aunts, sisters, or mothers. Are you F***ing kidding me?! I mean the act of slavery alone is a nasty part of our American history but now to know this unknown FACT. Needless to say, this information disturbed me... puzzled me... sickened me however, I needed to research more on this. I need to investigate this... this dysfuction. Though, slaves were thought only as property - hell lower than the hogs, and this thought was ingrained in slaves to almost believe that as well. BUT I know there has to be stories out there (maybe not in books but told and passed down through family elders) of slave families that had to deal with this set up.

So now I've been researching, investigating and creating a work that explores a slave family's understanding, dysfunction, tolerance in order to surrive, the set up, the moment, the after... I've been using images and texts from my all time favorite artist Kara Walker to influence my movement vocabulary and influence my lighting design. Check out the video clips of the beginning of my rehearsal process for Mutha/Mother. I'm giving myself 9 months to create! Ahh time!

For Addie Mae, Cynthia, Carole and Denise

2011-08-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have the distinct honor of being apart of the MLK Tribute Gala Concert - A Monumental Life, produced by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Dr. King and my Father's Fraternity!). I was given the charge by the Director and my mentor Kenneth Green to create a work that celebrates the lives and essence of the four little girls from the Birmingham 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.

I spent time gathering information on each girl, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Denise McNair. I spent time inside and outside of the church in Birmingham to get a feel of how children and teens would enter the basement, walk, skip or run in the hall, play in the church when adults weren't looking, play outside to the very last minute before it was time to go in. I wanted to get a sense of what there last unexpected moments in life would be and focus solely on that energy. I wanted to create and focus on the innocence and the strength of their spirit for this work. I truly hope and pray that I did this work justice and honor to their memory.

I was fortunate enough to work with dancers who are 14 years old, Jewanda, Zoe, Takia and Briann. They were incredible and gave the work life! And most of all I am truly humbled by the gracious spirit of Sweet Honey in the Rock for allowing me to create a work using their composition We Are. Sweet Honey in the Rock performed LIVE with the dancers and it was Magical!!! copyrighttlangdance2011

Enrty for the FERST

2011-05-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

I was invited by FERST Center for the Arts Georgia Tech, to observe and review their guest artist Jonah Bokaer. Check out my entry below and go to their link to read further.

The Beginning Stages of FILTER
T. Lang, Artistic Director, T. Lang Dance and Assistant Professor, Spelman University Dance Department

Entering a lab that had 12 hung cameras surrounding the center of the room, three Mac computers and a white wall that projects what the cameras captures; this high tech studio space is just another day for choreographer Jonah Bokaer in his motion capturing lab. I'm familiar with Jonah as one the most recognizable male dancers from the legendary Merce Cunningham Dance Company. His lines were always crisp and technically astute. Mr. Cunningham's experimental works with motion capturing in the late 90s such as Biped, surely inspired Jonah in his own choreographic development. As a result, Jonah has evolved this choreographic device to another realm. In his process for his new work Filter, Jonah strapped on a body suit with velcro censors attached to his joints (i.e. shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees). He organized his time wisely to make sure he was able to capture specific movement qualities on film in order to "chop and screw" later in process (I'll explain that shortly!).

http://www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu/plugins/content/index.php?id=101

2011-05-16T07:22:00.001-07:00

T. Lang's SWEAT SHOP SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE
JUNE 6 - JUNE 11, 2011

SWEAT SHOP is a workshop for pre-professionals and professionals in the field of contemporary dance. SWEAT SHOP, created by Atlanta based choreographer T. Lang, provides the opportunity for the dancing professionals to hone their progressive physicality in contemporary modern. SWEAT SHOP explores the mechanics, journey and process of new experimental movement in urban contemporary modern and contemporary ballet.

Schedule:
Monday -... Friday
10:00- 10:50am Ballet Barre with Meredith Moore
11:00-1:00pm Urban Contemporary Modern with T. Lang
1:00-2:00pm LUNCH
2:00-5:00pm Repertory with T. Lang
Saturday
12:00-2:00pm Urban Contemporary Modern with T. Lang
3:00pm SWEATY SHOWCASE

Located: READ HALL Studio 3 at Spelman College
350 Spelman Lane S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314

Only $100 for the full week or $20 daily Rate.
I always wanted to have my own intensive that was AFFORDABLE for dancers to continue working on their craft.

You may send your check in advance to the following address:
Make check payable to T. Lang and in memo input Sweat Shop
1603 Watercress Court
Mableton, GA 30126

You may also pay at door.

ALSO, I am looking for dancers for my professional company to perform in my upcoming self produced concert in spring `12.

*** If you have a 9-5 and can not make this intensive but are interested in taking my class, please let me know. I am planning a DONATION based evening class for the summer!

It's been a while but I'm back!

2010-12-17T08:50:00.001-08:00

So many wonderful things have been happening for T. Lang Dance. Performance at the Kennedy Center, residency in Italy, development of SWEATSHOP and now my alma mater Tisch has my work being performed at their past/forward concert this coming January as well as University of Illinois U-C inviting me to do a two week residency! I am so honored and excited. It's been a while since I've post, but here's a taste of what I've been working on. Enjoy!

Wiiiiii Play- New work by T. Lang

2010-05-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

My 6 year old cousin, Preston Lang, introduced me to Wii and I was amazed at how this child could understand this complex technology from the set up, the different games, different rules, and strategy to win. I was inspired.

I created Wiiiiii Play on Spelman Dance Theatre this spring during their dance concert. Take a look at the pictures.

This was the FIRST TIME I WORKED WITH 17 DANCERS!!!!!! It was a new experience for me. Energy was great but overwhelmingly powerful!

SWEAT SHOP SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE

2010-05-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

After the success of my monthly sweat shop dance workshop at the Alliance Theatre, I had my first week long intensive this past week.

Sweat Shop is a workshop for pre-professionals and professionals in the field of contemporary dance. Sweat Shop, created by Atlanta based choreographer T. Lang, provides the opportunity for the dancing professionals to hone their progressive physicality in contemporary modern. Sweat Shop explores the mechanics, journey and process of new experimental movement in urban contemporary modern and contemporary ballet.

Here's a look at the schedule
Monday - Friday
10:00- 10:40am Pilates with Kathleen Wessel
11:00-1:00pm Urban Contemporary Modern with T. Lang
1:00-2:00pm LUNCH
2:00-5:00pm Repertory with T. Lang
Saturday
12:00-2:00pm Urban Contemporary Modern with T. Lang
4:00pm SWEATY SHOWCASE

Only $100 for the full week or $20 daily Rate.
I always wanted to have my own intensive that was AFFORDABLE for dancers to continue working on their craft.

Spelman College Drama and Dance department

2010-05-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Check out my Intermediate Modern class final dance. They've all grown so much!

T. Lang's class at ACDFA

2010-03-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Check out my class below. It was the last day of the 4 day American College Dance Festival at MTSU. I must say this was the MOST INSPIRATIONAL and POWERFUL class I have ever taught and witness. These dancers danced with their hearts at 8:15 AM!!!

Dance news: Works by two Atlanta choreographers (with their students) going to the Kennedy Center

2010-03-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Dance news: Works by two Atlanta choreographers (with their students) going to the Kennedy Center

by Cynthia Bond Perry | Mar 10, 2010

Atlanta’s burgeoning dance scene owes much to the city’s growing college dance programs. Last weekend, two Atlanta schools were chosen to perform in the National Dance Festival in May at the Kennedy Center in Washington: Spelman Dance Theatre artistic director T. Lang’s “Agone” and Kennesaw State University dance program director Ivan Pulinkala’s “Chakra.”

It's been a minute....

2010-03-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

hello world! it's been a while since my last post and i know i owe you updates. i have to share that it's been an incredible year so far. i launch SWEAT SHOP at the Alliance which is an intense monthly workshop for pre-professionals and professionals in the field of dance. Sweat Shop, created by Atlanta based choreographer (me!) provides the opportunity for the dancing professionals to hone their progressive physicality in contemporary modern. Sweat Shop explores the mechanics, journey and process of new experimental movement in urban contemporary modern.

SATURDAYS 2/20, 3/20, 4/17, 5/22
from 12:00-2:00pm

ONLY $5 SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!!! why $5 BECAUSE WE ARE IN A RECESSION.
Please RSVP at T.Lang@tlangdance.com

Encore Performance at the Alliance Theatre

2009-10-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

We did it again!!! Spelman Dance Theatre was invited to perform their pre-show concert at the Alliance. We were so captivating that the patrons did not go into the actual show in time! Check out the clip below. I am so astonished with my dancers at Spelman College. They are certainly on their way to become professionals.

Opening for Twyla Tharp's new show "Come Fly with Me" at the Alliance Theatre

2009-09-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Some of you might know that I have the distinct pleasure in directing Spelman College Department of Drama and Dance's Spelman Dance Theatre. This month our dance company was invited by the Woodruff Arts Center to perform a pre-show concert at the Alliance Theatre before famed choreographer, Twyla Tharp's new show "Come Fly with Me". I created a 35 minute program with old and new works from myself and my colleague Professor Kathleen Wessel. See clip below and let me know your thoughts.

T. Lang's Urban Contemporary Class at Dance 101

2009-07-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

This class is geared towards the professional and pre-professional dancers. Come take class and be pushed to new extremes! WEDNESDAYS 8:30p.m. to 10:00p.m

Inspiration needed

2009-07-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful that I have a class at Atlanta's Dance 101 that allows me to experiment with movement. I have been struggling with creating my solo for the Alliance performance. I haven't been inspired or moved this summer. I think I am going to tap into my "Merce" mode and create movement and leave it up to chance. Yes, I am going abstract! Below is a phrase that I created last night that I will teach my dancer at rehearsal tonight and continue to build and clean.

New Work for Alliance concert later this month

2009-07-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Back in the studio, creating a new work (a solo) for Dance 101's concert at the Alliance Theatre later this month. Dance 1o1 artistic director, Bubba Carr gave me a challenge! I must choreograph to Venetian Snares "Wagon Christ" and must have the emotion of enthrallment. The work will be 5 minutes long. We will be discussing costume and set design this week.

T. Lang teaches at Atlanta's newest summer dance intensive: GLOATL

2009-06-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

I was invited by choreographer, Lauri Stallings to teach during her summer dance festival; gloatl. Lauri Stallings has created Atlanta's first gaga based and site specific summer intensive. For 2 weeks, pre-professional and professional dancers are immersed in a unique training and performance platform. http://www.lauristallings.com/gloATL_Dance_Project.html

Check out my class below.

It's becoming clearer...

2009-06-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

I am still developing my concept of Black Sabbath vs. Jay Z! I had another class today and revisited my new choreography. Next week I will add more movement!

Starting new work... Black Sabbath vs. Jay Z

2009-05-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been listening and watching several big hair bands' videos and documentaries! Something about the audience members' movement and the bands' sound is inspiring me to interpret my own response! I also have been watching old Jay Z's concerts and putting the sound on mute and playing some Black Sabbath on top. The audience has the same movement and feel! Okay, so now my experiment is playing with these two worlds by playing around with the movement and emotion... this is just the beginning and it's still in my head!

Thank you JIG Cast and Crew.

2009-05-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

I had an incredible turn out for my first self produced show, JIG. I am still floating from the performance and the feedback has been overwhelming. See the short excerpts of some of the works. Hope I see you all at my next show.

T. Lang's JIG Approaching

2009-05-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

Get There EARLY! The word is out in the "A" about my show and the collaboration I have with fellow ingenious artists Lee Blalock and Charles "Bubba" Carr.

T. Lang JIG Video Installation~ One Night Only Friday, May 22

2009-05-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Do not miss out. Friday, May 22, 2009 8pm. $12 general ticket. This is a must see event.

2009-05-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Interview : THE YARD radio show wstu 98.1fm thurs. 9pm www.theyardradio.com

Eric Mosely

“The main concept of the Fall and Spring Dance Shows was to make phenomenal thought provoking art,” answers T. Lang, Assistant Professor in Dance and Director of the Spring Dance Theater concert at Spelman College. Over smooth jazz, my cinnamon raisin bagel, and the sound of fancy lattes being prepared, I had the chance to interview the visionary professor, and speak about the performance.

Every semester, the Spelman College Dance Theater performs a show consisting of works choreographed by professors in the department and guest choreographers. This semester was slightly different, with the one addition. Lang decided to feature student choreographed works from an earlier show, entitled Raw Material. She explained that originally only two student choreographed works were to be added into the show, and the selection process was not simple. Students had to apply, present their work with a full description, and from there, the decision was made. Lang explained the difficulty she faced in choosing, and her solution.

“Only two were supposed to be picked, but they were all great! I had to put them all in, and they were a great addition… Not only do my students strive as dancers, but choreographers as well.” 28 minutes of student choreographed dances were featured at the start of the show.

During the interview Lang was abundantly clear that her goal was to prepare her students for professional work; whether graduate school auditions, dance companies, or any professional dancing.

“I wouldn’t give them anything that I wouldn’t give to my own company” (Her professional dance company is housed in New York).

“So, before we get specific with each piece, tell me about the audition process,” I ask between bites.

“We have top of the year auditions for the department. Then, once we see what you can do, we cast you in dances. For the Spring, yes, we have people in mind when creating our dances, but the others can still audition. There is a two min/ three max rule. That means each dancer must be in at least two shows, but no more than three.” The interview shifted to the pieces of work, their conception, and meaning.

Lang explained her choreography process. She starts with movement. “I like to figure out what’s going on in my life, and make it connect to movement. I have to make it sincere.”

“How do you choose the music? Do you have songs in mind?

“After the movements is set, I try to match them with music. It’s the third layer. I don’t like for the music to be overwhelming though. I look for pulse, tempo, and technicality. Music is important, but the dance must be able to hold it’s own in silence. The movement is primary. The order goes: music, space--the subtext, and musical subtext. Musicality, Rhythm, Electronica… that is what I’m on right now.

“JIG. Explain it.”

JIG, the first Director Choreographed piece in the show, was the first dance that we discussed. This piece was performed only in the Saturday night show, and its meaning I soon found out was huge. The dance itself was dedicated to the President of Spelman College, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, as well as Provost Johnella Butler. The Spelman College Dance Theater was invited to participate at the prestigious American College Dance Festival. The ACDF is comprised of ten regions, one being the Southeast region, where the SDT attended. Lang thought it was imperative that the students be able to attend, with the support of Spelman College. She explained that she wrote a proposal months in advance, sent it to the appropriate officials, and it wound up on the desk of Dr. Tatum. After much Departmental persuasion and correspondence, the two made the decision to send the entire ensemble (17 dancers) to the Conference, all expenses paid.

The Southeastern festival participants were from schools located across the states of Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Naturally, most of them are Predominately White Institutions. The students performed so well, that they were given the highest accolade—closing the Gala-- and they closed with JIG. Lang elaborates on the achievement.

The content of JIG…. Okay. It’s about the puzzle of life. Sometimes things just don’t fit. Don’t jam it. You have the support system, from everyone. Even when you try something and it doesn’t fit, you have that support system of those known, and unknown. That’s JIG.”

The other piece that Lang birthed is entitled green pasture. The title she explained has to do with magnetic fields and energy. Holding true to her aforementioned method of conception, she started with life—what is going on the environment—and the world. Then she thought of a concept. “Physics, magnetic fields, natural energy. Now how do I turn this into dance?” She explained that next she started with six “phrases,” which are long series of movements that she fits together. Then she assigned moves to the themes. “Dance equals natural energy. And the movement can look like electricity. Backward movement can be recycling. Then I found music to support the movements… sharp and tense. They wore khaki pants, and used plastic bottles to further represent the theme. Normally it takes me a good year to complete a piece, but for college… I had about two months to put the work together.”

During those months, Lang told about the passing of her Father. She lamented about how she thought she would not finish the work, or be able to dance again. Lang explained and thanked her dancers for their own creative input.

“No, it’s not finished. Maybe it will be by May… but that’s it. Green Pastures! After checking the time on her cell phone, she said,

“You know what? I’m just going to tell my class to come here to Jazzman’s…”

We exchanged a laugh, and I started to put my things away. I thanked Lang for the lunch, and for her participation in the interview.

This is my second year in the department, and I can honestly attest to witnessing exponential growth in both drama and dance. T. Lang as well as the other faculty members are certainly doing their part to make the Spelman College Department of Drama and Dance an incubator of excellence and high art.

JIG~ Urban Contemporary an evening length performance

2009-05-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

T. Lang ONE NIGHT ONLY

2009-04-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! I will be presenting 4 of my works and will be featuring fellow choreographer Charles "Bubba" Carr Friday, May 22. More details to come.

My Urban Contemporary Modern Class at Dance 101

2009-04-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes excerpt of T. Lang's new work "green pasture"

2009-04-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

Light has origin; turn a switch on and watch it play with matter and gravity. Light is radiant energy, transforming and swallowing empty space. "green pasture" takes the audience on a luminescent journey using the visceral and complex movements of T. Lang's contemporary modern dance. Set to the music scores of Aphex Twin and Venetian Snares, "green pasture" forms an aura of constant, recycled natural light and heat and fills the environment with positive energy for all to enjoy.

T. Lang Contemporary Modern Class at Martha Graham Dance Center

2008-06-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Class Description:Drawing from sophisticated contemporary modern technique this class blends urban movement forming a unique style and approach. Focusing on core strength, velocity along with suppleness this class applies from repertory, improvisation, and personal experiences allowing the dancer to demonstrate complex movement sequences with intelligence and artistic expression.

Please bring long sleeve shirts for warm up.

Every Wednesday from 6:30pm-8pm beginning June 4- July 30th $10

Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance

316 East 63rd Street between 1st & 2nd