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Hop On This Dance Train or Clear The Floor!

 If I could have it my way, dancers would stick around forever because there is something to be said about longevity, a legacy of beauty, expertise and artistic strength. I feel it deeply when great directors and dancers move on to retire. At times it can alter future dance artist expectations and at other times it can widen the gap of understanding and care for the craft and art of dance. These are needed. There was a time that understanding and care was widely seen from studio to stage to screen. It's like being so great of an artist that your very presence demands more hunger, more passion from those dreaming to walk in your shoes. It's felt. It teaches. Dynamic dance artists aren't just for choreographic integrity and aesthetic. They are trailblazers and commissioners of timeless dance. That can never die. Seated at the table with Delores Brown, Dianne McIntyre, Hinton Battle and Ann Williams When we become fans more than stewards, stories fade and successorship doesn...
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The Day I Found My Favorite Choreographer


In 2018 I moved to Martha's Vineyard to work under dance festival, DanceTheYard. Perhaps I will share that experience at some point. Yet another week of bustling Yard activity and we (myself and the SideYard gangđź’“) were ready to welcome a new group of passionate artist onto the island. 

As I sat in the van at the Vineyard Haven ferry lot about five dancers suddenly piled in. They were enthusiastic, fun and, as time would tell, super unique. 

The week had begun and everyone took morning class, the guest company later rehearsed and then my favorite day of TheYard week, Friday had finally come. On Fridays we had the opportunity to watch technical rehearsals in preparation for Saturday's performance. I seriously do not know where to begin with what I experienced. As the music was cued up from the booth I can remember my excitement! Almost immediately my senses were met with curiosity. This company of dancers were unique in every way. From execution to their intention and connection with each section, I did not want to look away. Not even midway through the work and you knew another piece of music would get you moving, another gesture would leave you mimicking the company for weeks to come and somehow yet another element of surprise was underway. 

Either that same Friday or Saturday I was thrust into a pretty cool task. The choreographer needed an adjustment made to a piece of costume and I remember telling my boss that I could do it. It was simple. And because I always stitch pointe shoe ribbon and elastic I was basically the perfect person for the job. LOL. Ladies and gentleman, I stitched a band of mermaid fabric onto the top of a skirt. You couldn't tell me anything. That is funny to me. But, that tiny moment meant a lot to me because I became so inspired by the brilliance of the owner of that costume piece, of the director of the company who wore those costumes and of the choreographer whose company, obviously (with all of the accolades I've already given), and amazingly executed gestures on that same mermaid fabric within the work...

Who is this person that became one of (I'm sure I'll find more) my favorite choreographers?

ROSIE HERRERA


To this day I think about her stunning work, Make Believe

Do you have a favorite choreographer and why are they your favorite?






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