The Window Sex Project

One of the things on my New Years resolution list was to work with new choreographers and more women of color and by the end of January it had happened. The great and wonderful Sydnie L. (Don't forget the L) Mosley created an evening length work called "The Window Sex Project" that is a response through dance to street harassment.
You know the scene.
"Yo miss, MISS!"
"Hey beautiful"
"You need some help with that bag shorty?"
Insert your favorite line here ___________

We've all experienced it, witnessed it or maybe WE said inappropriate words to someone else and thought it was OK. The fact of the matter is, it happens and how I deal with it has been a real eye opener. I'm from Brooklyn, I'm used to men hollering at me everyday. Most if the time I don't even pay attention to it but a few times someone goes too far and I feel compelled to say something. I've been told since I was young to not respond back. "People are crazy" my mother said. "You don't know what they will do". So that's it right? I shouldn't say anything? I should just walk a little faster, keep my head down and make sure to never ever wear a short skirt?
I realize the answer to why it happens and why we respond the way we do is not an easy one and maybe there isn't a concrete answer. I would like to point out that for me it's deeply rooted in how we communicate with each other and I shouldn't feel uncomfortable when you communicate with me. The conversation has started and now I'm a part of it.

What are your thoughts on street harassment? 

Here we are at Penn State. 

The Playground Dance Event tonight

Photo credit by Charlie Winter

The Playground will be hosting a dance party tonight featuring live performances by: The Dash Ensemble
Shannon Gillen
Loni Landon
Catherine Coury|LoudHoundMovement
The event will take place at Gibney Dance Center at 890 Broadway and will have snacks, drinks, a DJ AND its only $5!

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30pm 

PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT 7:30

The Playground Series was founded by Gregory Dolbashian and Loni Landon and offers classes for professional dancers with a diverse lineup of contemporary choreographers at a really affordable rate. 
For more info go here----> Playground Website

The Reviews are in for "I Would"!!

This past week I performed with Racoco productions in the Women In Motion show which is the dance section of the 13th annual Estrogenius Festival. Did you get all that? The Estrogenius Festival is a celebration of female voices with dance, music, one woman shows, visual art, teen voices, and stand up. This piece was an incredible learning experience for me and I was so honored to be a part of this festival.

I have savored the opportunity to watch and participate in the development of this piece over the past year. As a classically trained dancer I am used to taking an idea or story and showing that subject through the movement generated by the choreographer, dancers, or both. I've done the interpretive dances and the 5,6,7,8 do the steps kind of dances but this one…..was different. I usually get to work on a piece in a very limited time frame for a specific performance. I learn the choreography and the choreographer will make their artistic changes until they are satisfied. After the performance the piece is done and just sort of lives in our memories. So depressing! But to develop an idea thoroughly, have performances and showings throughout AND have the time to go back and rework things was just heaven. We even created sets and costumes made entirely out of wood and sandpaper. Having created so much of the materials used in the piece evoked a different emotional relationship that I never experienced before. That's what ART should be all the time! Vast amounts of time to create with the opportunity for feedback and more exploration.
Now I'm getting the urge to create.

Peace and Love ya'll!

Click on the link below to read the full review!

Women in Motion Dance Review

One of the thrones used in the piece

Some of our wooden handmade armor.

Postcard from "I Would"

The King's throne