On May 11th, 2024 I had the pleasure of heading to the Brand Library to witness the lecture style performance of Bodies in Play. Under the artistic direction of Andrew Pearson, performed by Cristina Florez, Darby Epperson, Tiffany Sweat, Daurin Tavares, Rachel Whiting, Sadie Yarrington, and Pearson himself the collective gave a unique, behind the scenes look into their creative process. The performance hall was set up with the audience seated in the round giving the space a very intimate feeling. The dancers were scattered around the space prior to the performance wearing very casual dance clothes, warming up and chatting amongst audience members.
Pearson describes his collective as a very collaborative, and equity focused work environment that upholds consent in a way that challenges the stereotypical ‘choreographers’ role. Pearson explains that typically, a choreographer will tell a dancer exactly what to do without space for the dancer to agree or willingly participate in the choreography. Pearson and his collective challenge this notion by leveling the playing field and allowing space for each dancer to speak up for their individual needs within a creative process.
Bodies in Play at the Brand Library – (L-R) Cristina Florez and Daurin Tavares – Photo by Jamie Nichols.
The dancers provided a visual explanation of this process by initially showing us an excerpt of a piece that was performed to up tempo music, reflected in the dancers with bright and proud movement choices. After this short excerpt, Pearson then broke down the choreographic practice in front of the audience so that there was an understanding of choices, staging, and concept. This format of performance gave an inside scoop to the development of what it is like for Bodies in Play to create and choreograph. I find it extremely important to educate the general population about the process of dance to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art form.
Bodies in Play – (L-R) Sadie Yarrington, Daurin Tavares, Cristina Florez, Tiffany Sweat, Darby Epperson, Andrew Pearson, Rachel Whiting – Photo by Jamie Nichols.
Later on in the evening, the collective created a piece on the spot for the audience to witness. The dancers were given a task to find inspiration from somewhere within the Brand Library which varied from history books, visual art, children’s books, or general concepts. With this inspiration, each dancer created their own solo. Each solo was shown individually and then the dancers spoke to what they witnessed in terms of relation to the others. Pearson then grouped the dancers in small groups for them to build their work around the others creating a group piece. This portion of the show was the most exciting moment for me to witness as I greatly appreciate the process and the on-the-spot thinking from dancers in real time.
Bodies in Play – (L-R) Daurin Tavares, Tiffany Sweat, Rachel Whiting, Darby Epperson – Photo by Jamie Nichols.
Bodies in Play gave an incredibly unique performance that allowed the space for questions, curiosity, and further understanding of dance in its most collaborative nature. I greatly appreciate the work being done by Pearson and all of the collaborators as they challenge the notions of choreography and dance to become something new. I look forward to seeing how the collective upholds their values of consent and equity while also finding new challenges both physically and choreographically in the future.
Dance at the Brand Library 2024 concludes on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 5:00 pm with a performance by Rangoli Dance Company. Parking and admission are free.
For more information about Bodies in Play, please visit their website.
Written by Rebecca Lee for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Bodies in Play at the Brand Library – Photo by Jamie Nichols.
