On the 6th and 7th of Februari Dansmakers Amsterdam and ICK presents work of choreographic talent at the Dutch premiere Neptune from Lois Alexander and Tipping Point from Aleksandra Lemm. We interviewed Lois Alexander.
We read that you graduated from Juilliard School in New York. How did you get into this school?
After receiving a scholarship to train at The Ailey School in NYC, I decided to audition for Juilliard at 17 years old. The audition for Juilliard was a highly selective and intensive process which included multiple rounds of classical and modern technique class audition, repertory audition and an interview.
Photocredits: Oliver Look
Can you tell us anything about what the course entails?
During my time there, the core education was classical ballet, modern (Graham, Limon, Cunningham) technique, partnering, composition and music classes. Additionally, we had classes like contact improvisation and contemporary. Each year we had different curriculum that fostered the development of our artistry. Also, each year we did a new creation evening, a repertory evening, and had workshops where we could showcase our own choreography. I am very grateful for this education that prepared me to work professionally in the field.
You moved to Europe in 2014 to work with different choreographers and directors. Are you glad you took this step?
I am very glad to take this step. After graduating from Juilliard, I immediately joined a Staatstheater in Germany, and that gave me the experience of dancing in many different pieces and styles. I have also done a production with Susanne Linke and another production with Romeo Castellucci. Since 2017, I have worked as a performer in many productions with Berlin based Christoph Winkler.
How did you end up at the Dansmakers?
I had always heard about Dansmakers since living in Amsterdam, and when I saw they were having an open call for a dance festival called “You Better Move” to show short dance pieces, I applied with my first solo, Fading Fire. That was in 2018. Since then, Suzy Blok and Dansmakers have nurtured my development as a maker. This year, I am a resident choreographer in Dansmakers and have been able to finished my piece, Neptune which is a co-production of Dansmakers and Sophiensäle.
Through a collaboration between the Dansmakers and ICK, the Double Bill of yours is on the programme on 6 and 7 February, with Neptune as choreographer and Aleksandra Lemm as choreographer with Tipping Point. Have you done a performance with Aleksandra before?
This will be my first performance with Aleksandra Lemm, and I am looking forward to sharing the evening with her.
What inspires you for your choreographies?
Nature and its organic material is inspiring my choreographies. There is so much to learn from the world around us. I am also inspired by concepts found in Afro-futurism of blending fantasy with the African diaspora, and thinkers like Audre Lorde, who urge people to use their agency to imagine new realities.
Do you dance yourself or do you focus solely on the choreography?
I am a dancer and a choreographer. For me, the two are intertwined. As a dancer, you must be prepared to compose, think for yourself, and explore outside of your comfort zone. My choreographic practice grew from these experiences of having more responsibility as a dancer. I focus on both.
Can you explain Neptune’s underlying idea and tell how this choreography came about?
The underlying idea of Neptune is transformation. This came about while exploring the element water. I was always fascinated with water, its fluidity and its ability to transition from solid, liquid to gas. I took that as a way to develop a movement language, and further, a choreography that speaks these abilities. I took a lot of inspiration for the choreography from the stage design of Nina Kay, which is several hanging ice blocks suspended by metal chains. The choreography came about working with these materials to analyse the power of gaze, reflection, and the symbology of chains in relation to the history of black women.
Do you collaborate with others for the performance of Neptune?
Nina Kay, scenographer and light designer of Neptune has been an important collaborator for me, we have been working together for one year on the concept and staging of Neptune. In addition, Shannon Sea, has composed original music for the piece, and we have been working together since September of 2019.
Can Neptune be seen in other theatres outside the Dansmakers Amsterdam at 8:30 pm on 6 and 7 February?
Neptune can be seen throughout the Netherlands on tour with Moving Futures Festival. www.movingfutures.nl
Do you have anything to add?
I look forward to meeting more public during in my premiere of Neptune and upcoming tour.
Interview by:
Rik Verkaik
vrijetijdamsterdam.nl
