Photo Courtesy of Esther Holmes
Meet another one of our Emory Dance Company (EDC) choreographers presenting work at the spring concert this April 20-22, Esther Holmes!
Esther Holmes is a third year student studying psychology and dance and movement studies. From viewing and performing with the Emory Dance Company, her definition of dance has shifted and expanded. She was drawn to choreograph for EDC this semester to explore her unique movement style and create a more personal definition of dance. After graduating she hopes to attain her PhD in educational psychology and apply movement techniques to school-aged children with developmental disabilities. She believes that dance therapy is a strong resource to help children overcome difficulties in our social world.
Esther also choreographed and performed a solo work entitled "Sharp Circle", which was selected by a panel of adjudicators to perform at the final gala at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) Southeast Conference at Brenau University this past March. Congratulations Esther!
Read on to learn about her choreographic inspiration and process.
I create movement from images and words that influence what is created, and that feel natural and comfortable in my body. I strive to create abstract and obscure movements that are not normally seen on stage. The dancers explore this idea as well, through abstract prompts to generate movement. I enjoy playing around with the movement created by messing it up, reordering it, changing the timing, or taking up different areas in space.
I am playing with various emotional states and how these states of mind can motivate and influence what is created. I am also exploring ways of getting in and out of the ground through various movement techniques, and the transitions between these concepts.
I am drawn to how the focus and facial expressions of the dancers completely change the motivation behind the movement, even when the physical steps are the same. I am excited about how each individual person has the potential to create their own interpretation by changing their face, so that there is never truly unison but rather different entities sharing the same space.
I hope that the audience members will understand the importance of each individual's emotional state at every point of life and the diversity of thought they are constantly surrounded by. I hope the audience walks away with a broader understanding and appreciation of simply being, feeling, and sharing authentically with those around them, instead of simply saying they are “good.”
I am drawn to how the focus and facial expressions of the dancers completely change the motivation behind the movement, even when the physical steps are the same. I am excited about how each individual person has the potential to create their own interpretation by changing their face, so that there is never truly unison but rather different entities sharing the same space.
I hope that the audience members will understand the importance of each individual's emotional state at every point of life and the diversity of thought they are constantly surrounded by. I hope the audience walks away with a broader understanding and appreciation of simply being, feeling, and sharing authentically with those around them, instead of simply saying they are “good.”
Thank you Esther!
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