Working With Emily Johnson: The Performer's Perspective

For two weeks, the Emory Dance Program had the privilege of hosting Emily Johnson, choreographer and director of Catalyst Dances. Johnson is known for her sense based work, and her perspective that "our bodies as EVERYTHING: our bodies are culture, history, present and future, all at once." Johnson worked with and created a piece for students in the Emory Dance Company, including college junior and dance major, Natalie Eggert. Eggert has taken some time to discuss Johnson's rehearsal process and what it was like to work with such a unique choreographer.

http://catalystdance.com/

How was Johnson's rehearsal process similar and/or different to that of other choreographers you've worked with?

Emily Johnson's process differed because she did not teach her own choreography to us for the rehearsal, instead she guided us through improvisation to find the movement for this piece. Our improvisations were motivated by the stories we shared with each other on the first day of rehearsal about what makes us happy and what we have to give. The dance was similar to other choreographers I've worked with in the past in that she tailored the dance specifically for the dancers in the piece. 

What are the pros and cons of residencies in comparison to the usual rehearsal process of the Emory Dance Company? 

Pros--we got very close as a cast very quickly! Cons--It's difficult to go from rehearsing with Emily to without her because we won't have her guidance on the intention behind the movement. 

What are the most valuable things you took away from working with Johnson?

Working with Emily was an inspiring experience. Her movement is genuine and her personality is even more genuine. She was very open with our cast regarding her thought process and the life experiences that have guided her work, which helped us sink into the piece and personify her message. I feel more personally tied to this work than any other piece I've done with Emory Dance Company. Coming out of the residency, I feel motivated to continue refining the work so that we can make Emily proud when we perform in November. The dance still has a long way to go.

Thanks, Natalie!



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