The final installment of Houston Ballet’s In Good Company brings a close to the 8-week series that showcases 11 different songs from folk band, The Dead South. This feat, accomplished through an intricate collaborative process between Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch, the dancers and a small but mighty film crew, all under the guidance of Houston Methodist, kept the Company dancing in a safe environment throughout these unprecedented times. The project features syncopated movements that highlight the intricacy of the lively folk music, remaining polished while staying true to the grittier sound of The Death South’s album, “Good Company.” The stage provided a moodier setting than either of the Company’s previous filmed dance projects, Restoration or Dancing with Myself, enchanting the audience with tales of grief, loss and, ultimately, resiliency.
Houston Ballet First Soloist Allison Miller reflects on the installments of In Good Company, emphasizing the unique themes of the performances. “Each song has a different feel and slightly different message, but I think this piece is about hope and persistence,” says Miller. “It is about humans going through tough times and coming out strong. There is an overall feeling of grit and determination.”
Indeed, they are strong. As any dancer can tell you, grit and determination are essential to the art, and Miller details how the recording process often felt just as challenging as a live performance. “The process of preparing to film felt like a show—getting into costume, hair and makeup. The filming took place in the Margaret Alkek Williams Dance Lab with lighting done in the moment by Lisa Pinkham and filming by David Rivera,” explains Miller. “Unlike a show that is pre-perfected, the filming session is an active collaborative process between choreographer, lighting designer, videographer and dancer. Nothing is set in stone, and you are putting the pieces all together in the moment. After a few ‘takes’ of each section, with all parties satisfied, we move on to the next, making sure all the footage necessary is collected. Just as exhausting as a performance!”
Filming for In Good Company also carried with it some of the same rewards for dancers as performing onstage, according to Miller. “To be a part of the creative process again and to have something to share with our audience is so fulfilling, even though it is all very new and different from one year ago. This work is keeping us all motivated, satisfied and proud until we are able to return to a more ‘normal’ work life and the stage.”
It turns out that the slow process of returning to a more ‘normal’ work life is right on the horizon for the Company, as Houston Ballet returns to live performances for Houston Ballet Reignited at Miller Outdoor Theatre May 7-8.
Even with this exciting news, Miller expresses her gratitude for the organization and the support it has provided to her and fellow dancers over the past year. “We are so fortunate to be part of a company that has pivoted and found a way for us to keep working and dancing throughout. It is exciting to be creating these film projects, because we work every day to hone our craft in order to share stories with people. The fact that we are actively doing that in these circumstances is just amazing and I’m so grateful.”
See Miller in her featured work, The Dead South, below, and catch up with the rest of the In Good Company series, including the finale, Ballad for Janoski, online now!