WE LOVE TO IMPROVISE

magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

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Brazilian musicians Qai-fi (above) and Rafael Rocha begin planning an event in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

NEWS

PAGESPOEM by Christoph A. Geiseler 3NEW VIDEO ONLINE 5CYPRUS: An update 6MIMA CALENDAR: Feb & March 2010 7UPCOMING PROGRAMS: Floripa 8THINKING FORWARD by Chantal Palmer 9

Photographs by Christoph A. Geiseler 1-10

Edited and Published by Christoph A. Geiseler

CONTENT

NOTEWORTHY

Florianopolis 1 February 2010Brazil

A trademark “MIMA Moment” occurs when we form a circle at the end of a class and focus our energy towards its center. A dozen hands slowly form a mandala. We channel the energy of the group into a silent moment. Suddenly everyone is connected more than ever before.

Silence fills the space between notes, humans and moments in time. This void makes some people uneasy. For others, these “silent” moments cry for attention, beckoning their creative response. Why are silent moments so important?

1. Silence is at the heart of everything. — the space between sounds — the infinite realm of unspoken dreams — the cavity housing thoughts and imagination

2. Some people are masters of silence.

— Meditation — Our ancestors (the deceased) — Teachers that inspire a classroom

Harness the power of silence. Give people moments to reflect on who and where they are. Build silence into a crescendo and break it with order and chaos.

CHRISTOPH A. GEISELER MIMA Founder and Executive Directorthe magazine

FEBRUARY 2010

CUBA

by Christoph A. Geiseler

Broken hearted, sadand poor

Clay vessels with bruised lips,souls held at attention— r e a d y , for what?

A war, a fight, somethingto be proud of, a change.

Give the freedom fighterthe currency of hope

and her cup will —maybe, just maybe —overflow with joy.

Photograph (right): Havana, Cuba

When hope, fear and frustration fade, people become compla-

cent. This has happened in Cuba over the last 50 years. It’s sad.

What can we do to help?

INSPIRE: Cuba is a safe place. Go visit it.

TRANSFORM: Cubans live peacefully with one another. Learn from them.

CREATE: Cubans are creative at heart. Share new ideas when you visit.

CELEBRATE: Cubans want to shine. Let’s help them at the local level and

find a way to support their endeavors.

CUBA

“Hello! Havana”now online

Cuba is a gem, surrounded by an emerald sea. Old cars rumble past crumbling Span-ish-colonial buildings, perfect in their post-card array. Memories and brass melodies echo in deserted streets as a traveler goes unnoticed with a camera in hand.

Duration: 3 min

AN UPDATEElementary school students in Nicosia, Cyprus united for the first MIMA SpinJazz Class in January 2010, a community impact initia-

tive funded by the US Embassy and lead by MIMA Teacher Chris-tina Charalambidou. Christina is busy preparing for the MIMA pro-duction of “Hello! Cyprus” from June 13-26, 2010.CYPRUS

CALENDAR 2010

FEBRUARY

OUTREACH FLORIANOPOLIS, BRAZIL NICOSIA, CYPRUS HARLEM, USA TRENTON, USA

MIMA WEEK FLORIANOPOLIS MEDIA 1-7 February 2010 THINKTANK TRAINING

GOALS

Test the MIMA Method through interactive group Theater New methods of group improvisation using silence and tango

MARCH

OUTREACH BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA NICOSIA, CYPRUS HARLEM, USA TRENTON, USA SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

MIMA WEEK HARLEM, NEW YORK MEDIA 1-6 MARCH 2010 PERFORMANCE

GOAL

Students from the Cristo Rey High School in NYC will perform original MIMA compositions on March 4, 2010

MIMA WEEK FLORIANOPOLIS1-7 February 2010

“The legend of a cool king”by Alan Gaskill

LOCATION Casarão da Lagoa, Florianopolis, Brazil

SCHEDULE

1 February 14h00 MIMA Method / private lessons 16h00 the MIMA Experience / interactive lessons 18h00 Collective theater workshop

2 February 14h00 MIMA Method / private lessons 16h00 Trail to Galheta, interactive lesson on beach 18h00 Yemanja celebration

3 February 14h00 MIMA Method / private lessons 16h00 the MIMA Experience / interactive lessons 18h00 Collective theater workshop

4 February 14h00 MIMA Method / private lessons 16h00 the MIMA Experience / interactive lessons 18h00 Collective theater workshop

5 February 14h00 MIMA Method / private lessons 16h00 Media production 18h00 Collective theater workshop

6 February 10h00 Final rehearsal 17h00 Spectacle 21h00 Spectacle

7 February 17h00 Spectacle

WE LOVE TO IMPROVISE

THINKING FORWARDby Chantal Palmer

As we start this year – a big year for MIMA, we need to remind ourselves that we need to step outside of ourselves in every aspect of our lives. To push a little harder, to take a few more risks, to move into places that are less than comfortable. Whether it be about shaking up your original class for-mat or introducing creative concepts, new movements or exercises: or about applying for a grant when you have never tried before – take that step into the uncomfort-able. Think bigger than your big. Embrace the mountain that you stand beneath because how else are we to grow?

Surround yourself by those who push you to be better, not just those who make you feel good about yourself. Let them remind you when you become lazy and com-placent, let them make you angry because they disagree with you BECAUSE they will make you think and strive to move forward! Then start putting one foot in front of the other on the determined path and keep your head up high with your gaze on the horizon and don’t be scared. Let the music play and let those that can, help you on your way.

© Creative Copyright 2010. THE PLUMA GROUP