“Risk is the intentional interaction of the unknown.”
(a dictionary definition as expressed by dancer, Jermaine Maurice Spivey)
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This past weekend was Springboard-Forward, a weekend of panel discussions, roundtable discussions and sessions, surrounding important ideas circulating the dance field today, organized and hosted by Springboard Danse Montreal.
On Friday I sat on a panel with Sidra Bell, Charles O. Anderson, Kate Hillard and the dame Alexandra Wells: Forming and Disrupting Patterns: Perspectives in Higher Education. I have so many questions surrounding this topic—the uncertain realities of the dance field post-COVID are now thrust against existing tensions in academia as intuitions assert their own relevance, whether that is through legacy or innovation or a combination of both. The conservation was sharp, as each panelist had so many jewels to add to the discourse from our relative backgrounds. To prep for the panel I had to ponder on why I was being included! What does a community-centered teaching practice and youth-centered teaching practice have to say about perspectives in academia? And additionally how might my conservatory training engage these conversations?
Over the weekend I attended as many of the other panels as I could, and they were all so nurturing.
Some highlights for me:
Experiential Wisdom. The panelists were Margie Gills, Peter Chu, Ami Schulman and A. Raheim White. I have been intrigued by Margie Gillis since taking my first workshop with her at Springboard in 2005. She reminds me of what Meryl Streep would be as a dancer. Transformative. I am so intrigued by how she engages choice, presence, and conflict transformation in her dance and life practice. I would love to study with her because I feel a general stuck-ness in how I engage opposition in my life. All the panelists had unique points of view. A. Raheim White was a new face to me and captivated me with their charisma, pride, and commitment to their own healing. It was wonderful to see the diversity in the panel (not only in race and gender but also background and energy) and the rich wisdom they all offered.
New Ideas, New Connections: The Art of Curating and Directing was led by Stephan Laks, Kyle Abraham and Pierre Des Marais. We got a multi-versatile view from the lens of a director, a maker and a presenter. This talk was important for me because I am now starting to engage the business of art-making as an independent dancer-choreographer. I left understanding more deeply how important RELATIONSHIP is. (And the value of that tech rider no matter what role you are playing in understanding the capacity of a venue to present your work).
The Power of Collaboration was another highlight for me. This was the panel that I felt completely dragged, like folks were calling me OUT by name, honey! I asked a question to the panel (comprised of Bobbi Jene Smith, Sidra Bell, Jill Johnson and Jermaine Spivey—people who if collaboration was a major would have phd’s) about how they engage chaos. Their answers left me both inspired and sad. Sad because I feel at a loss sometimes in being able to free myself from the “shoulds” of my own making! Inspired because I get to commit to this journey to “Throw the paint,” as Bobbi put it—explaining that moment we all know well of when you hit a wall and are afraid to make a mess. Throw the bucket of paint (your fears, your questions) on the wall (of your life or an obstacle) and then allow your best self to emerge. (My paraphrase, of course).
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One big highlight of this past weekend was that I got to share the conference with others. I invited three young dance professionals to attend who all happen to be black women. To date, I have heard from 2 of the 3 and am so pleased that their experiences were stimulating and inspiring like my own.
Through AMVTP I have the ability to support young pre-professionals receive mentorship and coaching in the development of their professional and artistic goals. AMVTP sponsored Sa’Nah Britt’s attendance at the Springboard-Forward.
I first met Sa'Nah Britt through her mother, Annie, who saw me teach and perform with TU Dance. (Her daughter was a student and is a graduate of the TU Dance Center in Saint Paul) I was brought in to the dance ministry at their church to choreograph a dance on the youth dancers. I have been back a few times to work with Sa'Nah, her sister (who is now a talented gymnast) and the young dancers at her church.
Through the years I have continued to be wowed by Sa'Nah's dancing as a student at the TU Dance Center. Very focused, generous and moves with commanding dynamic. And she is sweet. 🙂
Per her sponsorship we checked in before and after the conference and I would like to share some of her words, as I hope they inspire you to continue to invest in these young professionals.
What draws you to attend the Springboard-Forward Conference? (Why are you interested in attending?)
I [want] to…learn and gain knowledge from others who are or have been where I’m hoping to go.
What are you hoping to gain in attending? What kind of support do you need right now?
I hope to gain reassurance for myself. I hope to make valuable and sustainable connections that I can cherish and relate to. I hope to surround myself with a network of good people! I’m very observant so I love listening to stories and hearing what others have to say, therefore, I’d like to allow myself to just silence my thoughts and make room to listen to someone else so I can learn.
Which sessions/workshops were most impactful for you?
The session “Power of Collaboration” was most impactful for me because at one point the panelists talked about how we as people get in the way of our dreams and accomplishments. This discussion was something I could relate to because I often get in the way of myself. It also helped me to realize this particular process in life is normal and in many ways, helpful. I’ve felt like my life always needed to be organized with no chaos in order for me to move forward, which isn’t true because having chaotic moments in life allows me to learn and grow from the mishaps or mistakes I’ve made. That for me is empowering! I will always carry this as a reminder that no matter where I find myself, I’m OK.
(Images of Sa’Nah Britt by Vizionarystudious. Images of Alanna Morris-Van Tassel studying at Springboard Danse Montreal, 2006, by John Hall)
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Thank you to Alexandra Wells, Merryn Kritzinger, Jojo Alsberry, Troy Ogilvie, Jenna Pollack, Samuel Theriault, all the panelists and the entire SBDM staff.
Springboard Danse Montréal is a not-for-profit contemporary dance organization that facilitates career development and connects professional dancers and emerging choreographers with renowned international contemporary companies.
If you would like to support SBDM or to sponsor an artist’s professional development please make a donation here.
