ARTIST'S STATEMENT:

In my work, I want to explore humanity’s collective human heritage. As our world becomes increasingly interdependent yet conflicted, I believe dance can be a powerful force that brings people together. In my experience as a dancer, I have had the opportunity to perform and study dance around the world – from the tenebers in Senegal, to the bembes and salsa clubs in Cuba, to the hill tribes of SE Asia, to the rainforests of Suriname, and back to the dirty studios of NYC. I want to investigate the linkages and distinctions between different cultural dances and put them in dialogue with one another. I want to uncover a unique dance language not exclusive to one community, but a world dance reflective of all.

My work deals with the intimate and deeply personal but also universal themes of life -searching for individual and community identity, relationships between different people and groups, spirituality and the search for spiritual fulfillment. I examine these themes through a mythological lens emphasizing the unifying symbols and metaphors found cross-culturally. Inspired by personal stories, myths and works of literature, my choreographies often include ritual movement, foot rhythms, text and possess a strong relationship to the music.

I began my training in Warwick, RI and continued my studies in Gainesville, Fl. Since arriving in NYC in 1998, I have worked closely with Gabri Christa/Danzaisa with whom I’ve performed and taught extensively in NY, the Caribbean Islands and Suriname.