Artistic Statement
From Oakland, Michigan —>Interlochen —>NYC!
I am driven to examine our physical and emotional boundaries, fostering an environment that is honest, communicative, and hopeful. Through movement, I aim to convey genuine stories and emotions, creating work that resonates with audiences on a deep level.
Central to my approach is a community-focused lens, collaborating closely with fellow artists to meet their creative needs. Together, we explore themes that connect humanity through embodied, unified emotions. Each dancer's unique movement quality enriches the narrative, guided by emotional inspiration that manifests physically and resonates authentically.
Music plays a pivotal role in my choreography, complementing and enhancing the intention and feeling behind the movement. This synergy creates a cohesive and impactful artistic expression.
My artistic journey began at Interlochen Arts Academy, where I served as Student Artistic Director and choreographed multiple works showcased at the Student Choreography Showcase. This foundation led me to New York City, where I graduated summa cum laude with a double major in Dance from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program and International Political Economy with a concentration in Italian.
My choreographic works have been featured nationally at esteemed venues including the Luminaria Arts Festival in San Antonio, TX, and throughout NYC at Teatro Latea, Spoke The Hub, Bridge for Dance, The Rose Nagelburg Theatre, Greenspace, the Tada Theater, Arts on Site, Triskelion Arts, DUMBO Dance Festival 2021, Booking Dance Festival 2021, and Fordham University.
As an advocate for advancing the dance industry, I founded Forza Dance to create empowering opportunities for artistic exploration and community engagement. Forza Community offers free or low-cost programming that supports artists' journeys, fosters dialogue on current and future trends in dance, and shares these insights across age and experience levels. Forza Company, our performance-based collective, transforms these community insights into dynamic, empathetic performances that inspire broader societal connection.
A significant aspect of my creative process involves conducting personal cultural and heritage research. Currently, I am developing "La Tarantella: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Italian Folktale," exploring the ancient myth and ritual of tarantism through dance. This work delves into the historical and emotional depths of the tarantella, interpreting it as a symbolic act of liberation against a repressive patriarchal society. Through extensive research, I aim to honor and reinterpret this tradition, bringing its themes of female empowerment and self-expression to a contemporary audience.
In all my endeavors as an emerging choreographer, I am eager to contribute to the dance industry, share my artistic vision, and foster a more empathetic world through meaningful engagement and creative expression.