Artist Statement
As an artist, I research, explore and analyze how dance is a physical embodiment of humanity through culture, science, politics, literature and history. As a choreographer, I challenge one’s aesthetic appeal by constructing works that push the boundary of perception and attempt to alter the given performance space. I want my work to resonate, in any way, with all audiences. Art is a statement that can be used as a window into our past. I Every piece of work that I produce must have heavy consideration and thought put into it because it is, by nature, adding to the cacophony of dance as art. The value of dance goes much further beyond being an athletic activity, rather it is an art with a rich history that needs to be studied, evaluated and preserved.
While I utilize abstract concepts of movement, I rely on using formal choreographic elements, like time and space, to structure my works. My movement style ranges from quick, bold dynamic actions to sweeping, full body phrases. In my choreography, I use theories of movement that revolve around where movement qualities are generated from within the body. Using my understanding of where points of initiation are, I create a strong connection radiating from my core by constructing rooted movement that allows for expansion through all points of the limbs.
Teaching Statement
While in the studio, I prefer to create my choreography on the spot. I frequently find myself inspired by my dancers and when I plan before I often get rid of the material I originally create because it was not meant to go on my dancer’s bodies. I do however always create a framework for my works in writing and take note of images I know I want to happen. I find that coming into a rehearsal to create things with my dancers establishes an open dialogue between myself and the dancers, which in turn helps in smoothing out problem areas or questions that might be happening. While I do allow space for dancers to interpret my movement their own way, I don’t want the original intention of the choreography to be lost or changed. I make sure in rehearsals to clearly specify details of what I want, so it allows a balance of their own creativity while not distracting from the original intent. While I want my rehearsals to be laid back, I do expect a high level of focus and work ethic. If a dancer is not performing in rehearsal the way I want them to be, nor meeting my levels of expectation, I will reconsider how the dancer is being used and placed in space. If the dancers work continues to infringe on the presentation of the dance, a conversation will be had with the dancer regarding where the confusion or complacency may stem from so we can resolve the issue.