Jazzing up Homer for 9 years
Homer choreographer taps into ‘well of creativity’
by Naomi Klouda
Homer Tribune
File photo - Jocelyn Shiro-Westphal leads in a production of Jazzline, which comes early this year, Oct. 23 and 24.
This year’s presentation includes Broadway-inspired musicals, a Michael Jackson montage, the Spirit of the Drum dance and musical numbers from the Phantom of the Opera. Jazzline celebrates community talent and commitment to the arts with proceeds benefitting Bunnell’s youth art programs. Normally produced in the winter months, this year’s show comes in the fall.
Shiro-Westphal sat down to discuss this year’s Jazzline, and how the event has progressed in Homer over the years.
Q: Since this is your ninth Jazzline, we thought it would be good to hear how the event has evolved over time for you.
A: When I lived in Los Angeles, I was always someone else’s muse. I was a dancer, not a choreographer. When I moved to Homer 17 years ago, there was no jazz dance instruction. I started teaching so I could do what I loved. Over time, my choreographic skills improved, and I became more confident. I began choreographing single dance numbers for Homer Council On The Arts’ Spring variety shows. Then one year, (I think it was 2000), I choreographed an entire benefit show for Bunnell called “The Cottonwood Club” that took place at Alice’s Champagne Palace. And that same year, I choreographed three or four dances for Homer Council on the Art’s World Cafe. I think it was then that I felt I could probably choreograph an entire jazz dance concert, and I did in 2001.
Q: Where do you find inspiration so that each performance becomes unique?
File photo - Dancers rehearse for a Jazzline production.
Q: I understand you’re inserting a Michael Jackson montage into the event this year. Are you paying tribute to him?
A: I haven’t written a tribute in the program, but I did want to choreograph to a few of his songs. I grew up listening to his music and danced continuously in my living room to his “Off The Wall” and “Thriller” albums. I am paying tribute to him by sharing his timeless music with my young dancers and with the audience.
Q: Is it true that you almost didn’t direct the Jazzline this year?
A: My husband found an old (Homer Tribune) Weekender from last February just last night, and read a section of the Jazzline article which quoted me as saying that I was thinking of taking a break. My response was, “Did I really say that?” I typically say things like that when I am a week or two away from a big show, because I am usually very exhausted, stressed and my body is falling apart. But I can truthfully say that as long as I have dancers who want to do a show, I will try to make it happen for them. My well of creativity has not run dry yet.
Q: The list of names is very long (those involved in the production). How do you attract so many dancers?
A: I am always amazed that my dancers come back year after year, because I’m hard on them and I bark when we are getting ready to put a show on stage. But I also love them dearly, and they know that. They know that I appreciate them and that I give them 100 percent of myself. I think that they also see their own progress in dance, and grow in numerous ways from doing these performances. It hasn’t spoken to everyone, but it has for many of them … and dance is simply fun.
Posted by Newsroom on Oct 21st, 2009 and filed under Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
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