Laser Note: In 1917, Einstein proposed the possibility, in science, of what became lasers.   Forty years later (1957) Einstein proposed the process that makes lasers possible.  Rockne Krebs, Washington, DC visual artist, began ground breaking exploration of Laser as visual art in the 1960s. Rockne Krebs first ever 3-D laser beam installation, was presented in the Gallery of Modern Art, Washington, DC (1968). (https://www.rocknekrebs.com/)

More Research Required:  Maida references working with Rockne Krebs in 1971.  Laser I (Duet) Premiere performance in 1971 with Rockne Kreb’s laser installation was created and performed in (???Marvin Betts Marvin Theatre, Washington, DC).  No photos are available of the Laser Installation. This conflicting information requires further research.  

Laser I was the first laser collaboration of Maida Withers and Rockne Krebs, an inventive dance and technology interaction.   Laser I is the first example of Maida Withers engagement with interactive technology. in 1974, Laser I  premiered as the featured work in for the celebration of the founding of Maida Withers and the Dance Construction Company as a Federally Tax Exempt Organization  (needs confirmation)……

Maida and Rockne were associates on the Board of Directors for Washington Project for the Arts, Washington, DC.  The original choreography, by Maida, was with dancers Michael Killgore and Lynda Spikell (see photos below).  Maida conceived of the casting as a “feminist statement” of equity of men and women dancers.  So, Michael and Lynda were cast due to the similarity of their bodies (height, weight, general appearance).  All moves in the choreography required identical skills and visual impression of the male and female bodies.  Later, Laser I, duet, was performed by Brook Andrews and Lynda Spikell.  Music was a recording of George Harrison, British Beatles composer/musician.

The laser installation was created with red laser light about 3 inches off the floor that created a large red “W” configuration.  Dancers were not required to wear protective attire because the “red” laser was not considered dangerous.  The large stage space accommodated Rockne’s large “W” structure (like the letter “W”).  Dry ICE was used to create an onstage atmosphere that would accommodate and make visible the red laser light.   Being close to the floor, the laser was interrupted / disturbed by the dancers when they stood in the light or when they passed through the beam performing the choreography – scuffing feet also disturbed dust that also conducted the laser beam…..

The Laser installation was a distinctive and beautiful set and an exquisite environment for the male/female duet performance.  The original concept for the choreography required a casting of a male body and a female body that were identical in height and body image.  The choreography was a strong statement by Maida regarding her “feminist” views of equity for men and women.  The original dancers were perfect in their physical identity.  The choreography was extremely imaginative in creating moves, designs and other images that captured the essence of the perfect balance of men and women related to gender identity.  The choreography was very inventive and intriguing, consequently – considered by Withers, “feminist advocate” through MERA (Mormon’s for Equal Right Amendment) advocacy!

(1974 OR 1975) The second duet casting was not based on the identical structure of the two dancers bodies. It continued to be interesting, but did not have the visual power of the identical casting as a “feminist” statement.  This second duet performance was without a laser installation by Krebs in 1974 or 1975 in a Maida Withers Dance Concert celebrating the establishing of Maida Withers and the Dance Construction Company as a federally tax exempt cultural organization in 1974.

Original cast (1971) – Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre with laser installation by Rockne Krebs – choreography by Maida Withers.

1974 – Celebration of founding of MWDCCo as a not-for-profit tax exempt organization in the District of Columbia.

Repertory:  Laser Dance choreography re-staged by Choreo-18. Jewish Community Center Company. Rockville, Maryland, 1977.

1971 Michael Killgore and Lynda Spikell
Lynda  Spikell and Michael Killgore

1974 or 1975, Laser I:  Brook Andrews and Lynda Spikell (no laser installation)   Performed, Lisner Auditorium, Dec. 13, 14, 15, 1974 or 1994???

Lynda Spikell and Brook Andrews