For the second consecutive year, audiences will get to see the best work from up and coming choreographers in Jersey (New) Moves! Emerging Choreographers at NJPAC. The initiative by Jersey Moves! Festival of Dance pairs young choreographers with expert mentors, who this year include Douglas Martin, Sylvia Waters, Maurice Chestnut, and Karen Love who expressed “it is a joy to watch an artist discover their voice and to know you assisted in a small part of their journey.” We heard from each of the emerging choreographers as well:
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Ariel Grossman
How did you realize you wanted to become a choreographer?
Ariel Grossman: I realized I wanted to be a choreographer early on in my professional dance career. I found myself much more interested in creating movement then learning movement. When I first started to allow my instincts to take over and see where they took me it felt incredibly cathartic. Seeing how other dancers interpreted my movement won me over completely. The 8 powerhouse women I work with now are a constant inspiration. Especially when they do things I can't!
What opportunities does the Emerging Choreographers program bring to you?
Working with a mentor- and such a smart and gracious one, helped shape the piece entirely. Douglas [Martin] asked questions and had a perspective I couldn't and it allowed me to create a work that more clearly translates then my other work. To premier at NJPAC is such a gift!
Who were some of the people you looked up to in the world of dance?
My inspirations: Doug Varone, William Forsyth, Balanchine, Ohad Nahaarin and my first modern dance teacher, Elisa King.
What classic Broadway shows would you like to revisit and choreograph from scratch?
The Sound of Music, because my daughter Eva would love it!
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Kyle Marshall
How did you realize you wanted to become a choreographer?
I am not sure what initially spurred my interest in choreography. I made dances from a very young age. I loved dancing in my living room as a child and would make and perform dances for talent shows, theater reviews, family parties or any chance a bunch of people were together. Through my training as a dancer, the idea of being a choreographer continued to stay with me. The boundaries between maker and interpreter began to blur.
This blurring of responsibilities deepens my curiosity about dance. The creative processes of choreographers I work with are relatively collaborative. This relationship is not uncommon in contemporary dance. Being an interpreter and contributor forces me to consider how the dance feels in my body and how it may look from the outside. It is important to me for my dancers to also think of themselves as artists in my process.
What opportunities does the Emerging Choreographers program bring to you?
The opportunity to develop new relationships between people. For a young artist meeting people who find interest and excitement about your work is vital. Engaging with such vibrant cultural organizations like NJPAC and DanceNJ creates the space for future collaborations and new audiences. I have also found working with my mentor Sylvia Waters invaluable. I am so grateful for NJPAC creating this relationship. She brings such a fresh eye to my work. I see how my ideas are being received through her honest, encouraging and critical feedback. I hope this relationship can continue beyond the premiere at NJPAC.
Who were some of the people you looked up to in the world of dance?
Bill T. Jones, Trisha Brown, Michael Jackson, Martha Graham, Lucinda Childs, Hofesh Shechter, Doug Elkins, Merce Cunningham, Pam Tanowitz, Nick Sciscione, Netta Yerushalmy, Stuart Singer, Tiffany Mills, Raushaun Mitchell, Savion Glover. Alvin Ailey, Jordan Morley, Myssi Robinson. I still look up to these people.
What classic Broadway shows would you like to revisit and choreograph from scratch?
If I ever got to choreograph a musical...anything Sondheim. Definitely Company or Sunday in the Park with George. Spring Awakening, Hair, Threepenny Opera! I wouldn't touch anything by Fosse, I think his was pretty perfect.
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Scott Willits
How did you realize you wanted to become a choreographer?
I wanted to start creating material that that was meaningful to me and wanted to create those life experiences and bring them into fruition.
What opportunities does the Emerging Choreographers program bring to you?
It provides new opportunities and builds confidence in yourself and your work as a choreographer. It offers a great experience.
Who were some of the people you looked up to in the world of dance?
Sascha Radetsky
What classic Broadway shows would you like to revisit and choreograph from scratch?
Movin' Out
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Kamille King
How did you realize you wanted to become a choreographer?
College...although I wasn't a Dance Major, I was heavily involved with the Dance Department at Smith College. Senior year I enrolled in a Special Studies course that allowed students to create, explore and set work for a 3-day performance. It was probably one of the most revealing and impacting moments of my life and I've never stopped to look back.
What opportunities does the Emerging Choreographers program bring to you?
The Emerging Choreographers Program is a platform for artists to create and share from the heart, work with seasonal Mentors and showcase their work in a beautiful venue. This program serves as a vehicle for choreographers to think beyond the movement and dive deep into content, motive and intention.
Who were some of the people you looked up to in the world of dance?
Karen Love, Director of Umoja and Usaama Dance Companies, Choreographer, Dance Advocate and my mentor. Also, Camille A. Brown, Hope Boykin, Rennie Harris, Christopher L. Huggins.
What classic Broadway shows would you like to revisit and choreograph from scratch?
Spring Awakening, Fela.
For more information and tickets to Jersey (New) Moves! Emerging Choreographers click here.
