Emory Dance Company Choreographer George Staib

The Fall 2023 Emory Dance Company Concert features new work by 2023-24 Emory Arts Fellow Annalee Traylor, guest artist Celeste Miller, and Emory dance faculty Gregory Catellier, George Staib, and Lori Teague.

Read about faculty member George Staib's work and process below!

I am currently working to find gritty physicality especially as it relates to partnering. I am using a somewhat “romantic” piece of music and within the playground of that score, am looking toward making the work look and feel murky. Although there are images that require finesse and somewhat statuesque interactions with other dancers – my goal is to reveal something a little more “underworldly.” The working title is “Altar” and therefore the work examines tendencies toward sacrificing and worshiping - non-Biblically. Through the process we are asking ourselves: how much is too much? When do we lose ourselves inside the act of coveting?  

I am excited and daunted by using a simple prop as well as music that is aesthetically pleasing. Both of these influences could easily lead me toward a work that feels and looks “pretty” – I am thrilled by the challenge of moving in the opposite direction.  

This process is highly collaborative. I tend to drop prompts and movement ideas into the space and ask the dancers to relate to them in their unique ways. From there, we work together to edit, crystalize images, and build from common ground.  

I am hoping for to create breathless anticipation and tension. Another goal is to drop images into the space that may lead a viewer toward their own ideas surrounding the notion of sacrifice. Additionally, I am intentionally working to avoid the tendency to “complete” an idea – rather, I am choosing to let an idea peak – and then dissolve, without resolution. 

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