POWER (2023)
Power was a commissioned work I choreographed at Connecticut College, and it was all about the power of learning, honoring, and embodying the foundation of the form. This piece took the dancers on a journey through foundational Hip-Hop and House movements, tracing the roots back to the Funk era and the undeniable influence of James Brown. Many of the dancers had never been exposed to Funk music or knew much about James Brown, so that became a crucial and transformative part of the process. The final section of the piece, set to Funk music, served as both a celebration and a lesson, reminding us where these forms come from and how much Power lives in that history. Despite being a large cast, these students were all in. They practiced day and night, stayed focused, and fully committed to the work, and it showed in their performance.
Credits
Choreographed by: Shakia Barron in collaboration from the dancers.
Rehearsal Assistant: Allana Scudder.
Performed by: Moqu Alqudah, Basit Ayanwusi, Isabelle Custer, Ava Dobro, Bella Donatelli, Maddie Gassin, Kelsey Halio, Arisa Hara, Claire Lawrence, Emma Linder, Dale Lippincott, Zion Martin-Hayes, Sierra Mayoral, Emily Moore, Lexi Robertson, Yeseri Rosa Vizcaino, Izzy Sala, Melisa Sierra, Tali Sureck, Hannah Treiber, Lucy Tretter, Aña Woodruff, Shawnia Yon, Anna Zarzecki
Music: Mixed by Shakia Barron, Pon de Floor by Major Lazor, African Scream by Dotorado Pro, Cool Off by Missy Elliot, Public Power by BSNYEA, Let the Music Play mix by Angelos, Turn it Loose by James Brown
Costumes by: Heidi Henderson
Lighting Design by: Kyle Stamm (Courtesy of Yale School of Drama)