When I was first beginning to study dance in college, I had occasion to see a number of interesting works. Sometimes the performances were followed by opportunities to meet the artists and discuss the work.

I fed on these.

It was invaluable for me as a student to hear artists, who were working in the field, tell how they went about the business of making art. Their words gave me a foundation on which to craft my own methods. Each conversation was an adventure in new ideas and ways of working.

And that's what this tour is about: A "case study" if you will. This description of how I made this particular ballet is offered as fodder for students of choreography. I hope revealing my processes to you will somehow serve as a springboard for your own new ideas. In the end notes that follow these pages, you'll find more information about the people and things mentioned.

—and by all means, when you're done reading, use the e-mail link in the endnotes to let us know what you think.

— Tim Martin

The tour begins here…