Artist Statement

        My dance is a manifestation, a prayer, a culmination of the present moment informed by past lives. I seek to ask the questions that are provocative and radical. I strive to inhabit the vulnerable spaces, in order to gain knowledge about myself and the cultures of which I am a practitioner and a consumer. I aim to navigate my path from a place of honesty, and in all my honest endeavors, I make it a priority to give credit where credit is due in order to honor those who have mentored me and those who have pioneered the movement languages I hold so dear. I move to create deep and meaningful connections with those I come in contact with, both on and off the dance floor.  

I was brought up studying ballet and modern dance techniques. It wasn’t until my senior year of college in 2015 that I discovered street dance. Since then, I have been training and performing under the direction of street dance pioneer, Rennie Harris. For the past two years, I have been an active member of Rennie Harris Puremovement. At this juncture of my career, I am constantly navigating questions that have risen from the relationships I have made along my journey and from my diverse training background. 

        There are several questions I have been exploring that are essential to my process. First, what is my role as someone who identifies as a white woman; someone who is also an active practitioner and consumer of a culture that is ever evolving?  More importantly, how do I actively and appropriately contribute to a culture that emerged from the oppression of black and brown bodies? How do I find a way to speak fluently; deriving elements from my native movement languages and street dance styles? How do I become a vessel for opportunity and platforms within the community I hold so dear; for voices that need to be heard?

        As a teacher and facilitator, I aim to uncover the potential and artistry of every student I encounter. I create unique and specific lesson plans that highlight foundation, creativity, self expression, and opportunities for open dialogue.

     I value honest expression above all in my artistic endeavors; utilizing three mediums I am highly passionate about - dance, music, and poetry. The relationships I create between these mediums in my work are as important as the relationships I intend to make with my audience. I seek to make connections, in order to dig up what hasn’t been said or what needs to be revealed. I believe the only way to develop opportunities for conversations that contain the power to initiate change, is by creating deep and meaningful relationships both on and off the concert stage. 

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“Relationships are the agents of change, and the most powerful therapy is human love.” - Dr. Bruce D. Perry