It focuses on death and how we continue to carry with us in life those who have passed by integrating the experience of artifacts and emotions that remain.

At the time I choreographed the earlier work, I didn't know where the inspiration came from, but now after almost 100 dances and the death of Alfred Desio, my partner and husband of 39 years, I understand the sources better. I see the world differently as I carry the spirit of his vitality with me. Knowing that many others share this with their own departed, I think of this as "baggage" (but with a positive connotation).

Unlike that first piece, this one will also be formed of images and stories of others as well as myself who have discovered that death changes their perception of reality. How do we incorporate continuing life with a loved one who is still present, but no longer corporal? This is one of the questions in making this work. It includes combining elements of the original Woman Sleeping, which after 30 years will mutate, creating a new piece. Although a serious topic, there also will be humor, as in most of my pieces.

We now have a group in Facebook for the project. If you would like to participate in the work and have a departed you would like to include please become a member of the group and share your thoughts and photos. Or if you prefer, email to

louisehr@LAChoreographersAndDancers.org.  If you would like to send a video clip as a DVD mail to 351 S. Virgil Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020.