The Sonic Creative: Move with Tracy Eisenberg

The Artforms: Dancer/Choreography, Vocalist, Dance/Movement Therapy Master’s Student

When did you know you were an artist? Were you always creative as a child? When did you start dancing? Start singing?    I don’t think there was ever a time I wasn’t an artist, even before I had the language to describe myself this way. From the time I could move or vocalize, I was always dancing and singing! As a child, I think I was more drawn to performance more than “creating art”, but that evolved over time. Above all, there was (and always will be) a deep-rooted musicality that has manifested in any art form I’ve explored. 

What and who inspires you?    One of my favorite things to do is people-watch, so inspiration comes from many places in this magnificent city! Everyone has a such unique way of interacting with the world, and bearing witness to that, even just through a cafe window, can get my creative process started. I am also inspired by the great people and artists around me; I love how a powerful dance or music performance can have a visceral, spiritual impact on me.

What is your process of creating a piece (a dance and/or music) ?    My creative process is different each time I’m working, but one constant is my use of improvisation. As someone prone to letting the head take over, improvisation guides me toward where my body wants to move authentically. I put different kinds of music on, turn away from any mirrors, and let my body lead the way! When I’m part of a music project, I crave a more collaborative process with musicians – I love a good jam!
How has a yoga practice influence you and your art?   Outside of the innumerable physical benefits, maintaining a regular yoga practice has helped me remain tuned-in and centered. I love how yoga reminds us that we are all never ending works in progress; I find this comforting coming from an art forms that can become too much about a finished product. Yoga reminds me how to be strong, patient, and open-hearted.

What is the impact you would like to make with your work?    I  want my work to be sincere expressions, having resonant impact on how people feel or think upon witnessing it; I hope this to be true for dance, music, or any other medium I may explore in the future.

Describe the feeling of performing in front of an audience in three words: Exhilarated. Connected. Grateful.

List a few of your proud moments as an artist:    One of my proudest moments as an artist was choreographing my first evening-length performance; this was a longtime goal I had been working toward, and it filled me with such joy to get there through all of the challenges and obstacles.
I was also proud of becoming a lead vocalist with a band several years ago; I didn’t have much formal experience, but my drive and love of singing led to recording full-length albums and taking the stage at some wonderful venues in the city.

What is next for you? What are you working on?  I am currently earning my master’s in dance/movement therapy from Pratt Institute. Being in school and immersing myself in this work keeps me very busy! I remain an active dancer and yoga practitioner, though choreography and show production have had to take a back seat until I earn my degree this summer. After graduation, I am eager to re-launch my Ready or Not choreography works-in-progress series, where I invite guest choreographers to show new work.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR ART, YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT YOUR WORK, AND OR HAVE A SHOW/OPENING COMING UP AND WOULD LIKE US TO SHARE THE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL: todd@sonicyoga.com