In my classes when we finish an exercise or at the end of a session I always ask my students if they have any questions, comments or epiphanies. At first they usually remain quiet, but once they feel comfortable with one another the questions and comments come flying out. Epiphanies however are few and far between. I don't think it's because they don't have any of those "a-ha" moments, I think it's because they may not be able to articulate the epiphanies quite yet.

To fill that lack in my life, in the last 2 months I have had the opportunity to work with Epiphany Productions and it's Artistic Director Kim Epiphano on a few projects. With Kim and then on my own, I lead site specific dance workshops in a few of the local public schools. It was great to see the students connecting with the architecture of their school in a new and physical way. Even when the kids were more hesitant or difficult, I found myself more enthusiastic and encouraging. Usually just one student who jumped out of their shell allowed the rest of the students to lose their inhibitions and be silly. It didn't happen all the time, but when it did it was pretty magical.

These workshops lead up to SF Trolley Dances, a dance festival that Epiphany presents annually. Kim selects a Muni line and finds sites along the way. So the audience gets off and on the trolley to see 6-7 different dance companies in a 90 minute time period.

I went with my friend (and fellow classmate) Jamie Kumpf to see the 2008 Festival on the new T-line. I loved it so much that I based the afternoon portion of The Dada Cabaret on the format. This year Kim selected the J-Church line and there were 3 dances in Mission Dolores Park and 3 in Balboa Park. The most exciting part was a  surprise dance presented along the way.

My friend (and fellow Davis alum) Randy Symank is the Managing Director of Epiphany and he asked me to be one of three lead tour guides this year. This position was added to increase the educational and aspect in a performative way. A traveling curator, if you will. Some parts were incredibly successful and others less so. However either way, we learned a lot. Some epiphanies, if you will.

I cannot wait to hear what Kim has in store for next year!