EDC Spring Concert Choreographer Spotlight: Patsy Collins

Emory dancer Patsy Collins is our third choreographer spotlight! Patsy is a junior studying dance and business, and this will be her first time choreographing for EDC. In a collaborative process with her dancers, she will be investigating themes of intimacy. 

Read on to find out more about her process!

Some of the conceptual ideas that I am investigating in this work are very specific to myself and my cast, so to preserve the collective soul of the work, I encourage the audience to investigate it for themselves. In terms of physical ideas, I am investigating the intricacy of partner work and how smaller relationships can fit into a group dynamic. Collaboration is an important part of my work, and I often give image-based prompts to the dancers to create movement. We also often spend the first part of our rehearsals journaling. I strongly believe that the conceptual and emotional well-being that my dancers bring to the process is equally as important as the physical well-being. Journaling is just one way I hope to give my dancers an outlet to connect with the work.

I find the feedback sessions during this process extremely useful. The power of professional support and guidance is so important, and I value it greatly, especially because this is my first professional choreographic venture. In terms of other design elements, my intention is to costume my movers in tones similar to their skin because I want the audience to understand that their humanity is an important element of this work, equivalent to the movement, lighting and sound. Their individual beings and presences are being showcased and I want to ensure that this comes across in all design elements. My movement creation process is originating from both personal experiences, which I am drawing upon, and the movers themselves. During some of our choreographic investigations I do my best not to fear the direction that the work is going, but rather embrace that some parts of the process may be unknown to me at this point in the process. I feel so grateful for this opportunity to work with incredible movers and faculty, in the creation process of a work that I have grown to be immensely proud of.

Thanks Patsy!

To find out more about our spring dance events, click here!