Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Emory Dance Company Choreographer Henry Koskoff

Photo Courtesy of Henry Koskoff
 

The Emory Dance Company (EDC) spring concert is just over a month away! As we approach performances we’d like to introduce each of the six student choreographers who will present new original work. Their works are a culmination of the Choreography II course, led by Professor George Staib, where students learn about the different components of group choreography.  

First up in our series of features is Henry Koskoff! Henry is a senior, graduating in May with a degree in creative writing and dance. He has always harnessed a curiosity towards creation, and looks forward to sharing his choreography in a space where he has developed as a thoughtful mover and performer. He has participated in Emory Dance in some way every semester, whether it be on stage with EDC, on the executive board of AHANA Dance Club, or in his technique classes. Next year, he plans to build upon his collegiate platform by getting involved in arts administration, education, or whatever dance projects call his name. Read on to learn about his creative process.

My work revolves around femininity and its complications. The movement vocabulary draws inspiration from both film noir and the animal kingdom to defamiliarize assumed notions of sex and gender. The music for this piece is eclectic and expansive, so I’m excited to see how it will pair with moments of synchronicity and impulse amongst the dancers. I hope my work will invite and invigorate audiences. Parts of it will satisfy known indexes, while others will veer into uncanny territory. 

Thus far, my process has been entrenched in firmly-set choreography: tight unison, intricacy with intention, etc. This material derives from filmed improvisations, or the little routines I develop in my body every day. Soon I plan to explode into looser, more impulsive scores in order to find each dancer’s individual niche. 

Thank you Henry!

No comments:

Post a Comment