artist statement
I am a storyteller. I tell stories. But like many people, I can’t find the right words. Therefore, I tell my stories through movement. I am not alone in my struggle for words, but not everyone can express themselves through movement, and without the ability to find their right words, many feel misunderstood and alone. This is where I have found my place; my calling. If I can create the movement that expresses the emotions, or the stories that reflect our commonly felt experiences, audiences see themselves. If they see themselves, they can process their struggle and growth as they watch it unfold onstage. And if someone else is telling their story, they must not be as alone as they thought they were.
As a choreographer I not only create a dance, but more importantly, a team of people with like vision. I begin with an open and collaborative discussion with my dancers that covers original inspiration; overall plot and underlying theme; analysis of the musical composition; and the physical means of expressing what otherwise remains hidden. Through this initial connection, we begin the production process with a unified purpose to not just create WHAT they will perform, but WHY they wil perform it. Twenty years and countless hours in both the classroom and on stage, in rehearsals and performances, working with the youngest beginner to the seasoned professional, and I have never had the same experience twice. This has built inside me a deep appreciation of individuality and the moments we share. It has made me value each piece of a large puzzle. It has given me the constant aim to work with a three-way consideration: my personal artistic vision, the dancers’ technical and emotional capabilities, and the collective emotional needs and perceptions of the people. Together we have discovered places that bind us, describing the indescribable, on a stage that is fleeting and unpredictable, as is the life we each live.
Everyone has a story to tell, and every life is completely unique in its actions, reactions, and emotions ... never to be copied or repeated. That makes any seemingly ordinary life quite extraordinary. Imagine that. Each high and low, our moments, our stories, are extraordinary! If I can make one man feel seen or understood or even extraordinary, I’ve done my job. If I can make one dancer see her irreplaceable and important role in his realization, then she has found her power. I will never forget that as a choreographer I am also a teacher, and while a dancer’s body is trained in the technical methods to construct their story, we must never forget to raise the soul inside the body to have the courage it takes to share it. If there is one message I give my dancers in innumerable ways, it is this: “You all have a voice. Find yours and use it. It is meant for someone to hear.” I have to remind myself of my own voice every day. And I tell stories.
As a choreographer I not only create a dance, but more importantly, a team of people with like vision. I begin with an open and collaborative discussion with my dancers that covers original inspiration; overall plot and underlying theme; analysis of the musical composition; and the physical means of expressing what otherwise remains hidden. Through this initial connection, we begin the production process with a unified purpose to not just create WHAT they will perform, but WHY they wil perform it. Twenty years and countless hours in both the classroom and on stage, in rehearsals and performances, working with the youngest beginner to the seasoned professional, and I have never had the same experience twice. This has built inside me a deep appreciation of individuality and the moments we share. It has made me value each piece of a large puzzle. It has given me the constant aim to work with a three-way consideration: my personal artistic vision, the dancers’ technical and emotional capabilities, and the collective emotional needs and perceptions of the people. Together we have discovered places that bind us, describing the indescribable, on a stage that is fleeting and unpredictable, as is the life we each live.
Everyone has a story to tell, and every life is completely unique in its actions, reactions, and emotions ... never to be copied or repeated. That makes any seemingly ordinary life quite extraordinary. Imagine that. Each high and low, our moments, our stories, are extraordinary! If I can make one man feel seen or understood or even extraordinary, I’ve done my job. If I can make one dancer see her irreplaceable and important role in his realization, then she has found her power. I will never forget that as a choreographer I am also a teacher, and while a dancer’s body is trained in the technical methods to construct their story, we must never forget to raise the soul inside the body to have the courage it takes to share it. If there is one message I give my dancers in innumerable ways, it is this: “You all have a voice. Find yours and use it. It is meant for someone to hear.” I have to remind myself of my own voice every day. And I tell stories.
“The only way to find your voice is to use it.” - Austin Kleon