What is your process when creating a dance? Where is the choreography born from and how does it evolve?
About 80% of the choreography I come up with originated from times when I was not trying to come up with choreography. Ideas emerge when I am not trying to draw inspiration from something. It comes from seeing the different ways people relate to one another on the street, on the train, in a movie, or on the news. It stems from personal and non-personal interactions: interactions I see, participate in, or imagine, as well as interactions between people, animals, or the environment. Of course, I draw inspiration from other artists and other art forms, such as film, painting, and music. But a lot of art comes from transforming something that is already there into something original, beautiful, interesting, and/or special. Artists pour all of their individual selves into their work. To me, that is what makes it beautiful: the authenticity, the ethics, the determination, and the passion.
My work evolves when I try to recreate something, whether that be a situation I see, an image, an idea in my head, or something in nature. The work especially changes when my perception of what I am recreating changes. But the recreation is a creation in itself. And the work I create evolves naturally as my thoughts, mood, feelings, and surroundings incasing the work evolve. I see evolution as growth, and like most things, the work will end up being what it is supposed to be.
Would you describe how it feels when you are performing a piece?
It feels great! When I do not put a high expectation on the work, except to just perform, be honest, and remember why I love doing this, it makes for a remarkable time. Performing is a special gift; it is exciting to share the results of the process, to show the flower of the seed that has been planted a while ago. There are multiple experiences that happen when I perform, and all result in deeper connection. One, I see the audience loud and clear, and I can connect with them, letting them know that there is no separation between us, that they are the work as well. Two, the audience is blurred and it is just myself and I in dialogue, and as I move I find a deeper connection with my soul. Three, I connect with whoever s moving with me, and nothing else in the world exists except this mere connection with the individual(s) I share the dance with. Four, the world disappears, I disappear, and all that exists is the movement; the body is solely and soulfully a channel for this movement to emerge and come into fruition. I do not believe one experience is more valuable than another, but all hold value for different reasons, or perhaps for the same reason. Experience is experience, and there is always more to experience.
Could you share some highlights of your dance career?
The highlight of my dance career was performing in Catherine Cabeen’s “Give Me More” at Theater for the New City in January. I had fun dancing in a couple performances in Summit, New Jersey and Mamaroneck for my friends from college. I enjoyed working with Alice Gosti for INSITU Dance Festival, and I worked with Jacqulyn Buglisi for the Table of Silence Project.
What are you working on for the Sonic Creative Live?
I am working on a solo piece and a duet with Pam Kalechofsky. I cannot wait to work with Pam again! There are so many events going on in the world right now, near and far, which are motivating me to respond with art. I am grateful to have a platform like the Sonic Creative Live, to share work with a loving community!
What other creative projects are you working on right now?
Right now, I am only focused on this project, but recently I got to perform a work by Seattle choreographer Alice Gosti for the INSITU Site-Specific Dance Festival. I also recently performed for the 2018 Table of Silence project.
You have performed in the previous two Sonic Creative Live’s. What do you love about the event?
Yes I did! I love the intersection of different art forms in one sacred place. I love seeing the community come together and share what they do off of the mat. I love observing the ways in which Yoga pours into the artwork people create. I love the opportunity for artists to share their work for a great cause. I love the Sonic community!
INTERVIEW: Todd Henry
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