Intuitive improvisation is the secret to genius.
That’s what the bad guy in a James Bond movie would have us believe, but the insight may also resonate with Andrea Lo, the small singer with the big voice best known for fronting the Belle Game.
The vocalist is preparing to step away from the ethereal and explosive combo for a genre-blending evening of dance and song as part of the popular Dances for a Small Stage series, in which performers operate on a 10 x 13 foot stage. For Dances for a Small Stage: Point 5, July 4 and 5 at The Emerald, the stage is even smaller.
The Chinatown supper club, a boozy shrine that seems to be awaiting the second coming of Frank Sinatra, will play host to Lo and tapdancer Jennifer Bishop.
Their small stage performance will include dancing, singing, and as for the rest, well, that’s where the intuitive improvisation comes in.
“I have no idea what the hell it’s going to be about or anything,” Lo laughs, discussing the song she’s writing for the show. “I was just saying to Jen last night, ‘I guess I should write some lyrics,’ but it’s been a really crazy few weeks of working from nine in the morning till 10:30 at night, so energy has been sparse.”
The tune will probably be more rhythmic and less ethereal than the Belle Game’s songs, Lo says.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll have it figured out by [show] time, I mean, I kind of have to,” she says.
Lo is somehow breathless and energetic, conducting the interview while racing up the street.
“I just finished rehearsal and now I am on my way to another rehearsal,” she says.
The morning and afternoon were spent singing and writing with the Belle Game, who are currently working on a follow-up to their 2012 release Ritual Tradition Habit.
Asked what the new songs are sounding like, Lo is briefly stumped.
“Different,” she decides, laughing. “We’re definitely exploring music a little bit more. Our guidelines for writing music aren’t as rigid as they were last time.”
But after an intense morning and afternoon with her band, Lo is off to an intense afternoon and evening with Bishop.
The sessions have been an education in hoofing, according to Lo.
“The only tap that I had been familiar with was really cheesy Broadway tap,” she says.
While most dancers accompany music, tapdancers like Bishop can become part of the song, essentially playing drums with their heels and angling their feet to get sharper tones or a deeper sound from the floor.
“We’re going to use her as an instrument,” Lo promises. Lo liked the idea of being pushed from her comfort zone, and “it didn’t hurt that there’s a little bit of pay involved,” she says laughing.
Despite touring across North America and Europe with her band, Lo has been afflicted with stage fright, sometimes getting physically sick at the thought of wearing the spotlight.
“Saying yes was the biggest change because once you say yes you can’t really go back,” she explains of the show at The Emerald. “No challenge that is going to make you grow as a person is an easy thing, and it’s definitely something that strikes a little fear.”
Lo has spent years learning to harness fear and nervous energy into stage energy, often by taking time to herself to go through lengthy, calming rituals before a show.
“I’ve learned to be less afraid of it even though it still happens sometimes,” she explains.
The evening at The Emerald features five musicians paired with five dancers and includes a classically trained ballet dancer, an electronic/ambient music project, and a burlesque queen.
“It’s a really unique event in a unique setting,” Lo says. “You just get to see artists step out of their usual boxes. Also the food’s good.”
Dances for a Small Stage: Point 5 at The Emerald, 555 Gore St., July 4 and 5. For more details, visit movent.ca.
