Repertoire

Liturgy

In Liturgy, a duet performed by two women, Miller introduced striking new movement vocabulary to her repertoire.  Influenced by the dance form “popping”, Miller created new movement patterns based in fast, articulate muscle contractions.  These contractions are layered with more traditional ballet and modern dance vocabulary as well as Miller’s signature character and facial expression to a startling effect.  Described as “idiosyncratic and mysterious”, Miller’s movement evokes the demonic and Godly simultaneously.  In Liturgy Miller also examined the connection between art and Christian liturgical theology.  It is the representation of “salvation history” going from Old Testament to ritual Baptism and personal rebirth through performance.   Liturgy’s powerful arc is supported by the music of the Kronos Quartet. Liturgy was created as part of a Senior Thesis Project at Sarah Lawrence College in the spring of 2006


Originally Performed by: Krista Miller and Miranda Jirik

Music: Kronos Quartet

Choreography: Krista Miller

Yaihee

In Yaihee, Miller incorporated the use of exaggerated character with her movement. The two performers, both women, periodically metamorphose their faces into different expressions.  To compliment this effect, Miller dressed the performers’ faces in bold make-up.  Yaihee also marked the beginning of Miller’s fascination with both martial arts and butoh’s use of time.  The dancers periodically execute punching and kicking sequences while marching around the room or carrying out a contact improvisation.  In the midst of these seemingly high impact movements, butoh inspired plays on time add a softer almost spiritual dynamic.  Subtle religious imagery such as an outstretched thumb for blessing takes this dynamic to a more recognizable level.  The dance concludes with two men entering the stage bearing tortilla chips, which they literally stuff in the women’s mouths alluding to the Eucharist.  Miller created Yaihee as a student at Sarah Lawrence College in the fall of 2004

Originally Performed By: Cristina Jasen and Stephanie Davis

Music By:  Lila Downs

Choreography: Krista Miller