Artist Statement
As a dance maker, I am dedicated to creating choreographic works that challenge and disrupt gender-based stereotypes, performer objectification, and conventional ideals. My creative drive is rooted in the expansive field of feminist theory, addressing issues like colonialism, injustice, inequity, politics, ephemerality, physics, and temporality. This profound inspiration fuels a multifaceted choreographic practice that blends traditional methods with studio-based research, establishing a dynamic interplay between theory and embodiment.
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In my practice-based research, I view movement as both the medium and the message, actively engaging the body as a site for intellectual inquiry and artistic expression. Through rigorous physical exploration, I uncover pathways that transcend established codified vocabularies, resulting in somatic solutions rooted in embodied questioning and real-life experiences. This approach harmoniously fuses corporeal discovery with technical realization, grounded in the belief that movement holds the power to interrogate, challenge, and transform societal narratives.
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My choreographic journey, driven by an ethos of inquiry, begins with questions and evolves through movement exploration. The resulting choreographic structures emerge from this process, showcasing the body's role as a dynamic canvas for both personal and collective discoveries. This method, underscored by the interplay between the organic physical body and the experiential and subjective body, not only produces choreography but also embodies the essence of the narratives I seek to communicate.
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Integral to my artistic practice is a steadfast commitment to making dance accessible to all. This dedication began with my undergraduate research on the transformative impact of dance enrichment within underserved communities. It continued through my tenure at Columbia College Chicago, where I played a pivotal role in securing federally funded after-school arts programs. This commitment culminated in the establishment of Dance Avondale, a dance school dedicated to providing highly subsidized training. By intertwining accessibility with my artistic pursuits, I have created a foundation upon which my creative corporeal solutions take shape. This dual focus allows me to challenge traditional performer norms while fostering equity, inclusion, and redefining the essence of dance professionalism. My artistic vision remains deeply aligned with these values, ensuring that my work not only pushes boundaries but also creates a more inclusive and equitable dance community.