Spark Movement Collective, a small NYC-based up to date dance group, has one foremost mission: to create an accessible dance expertise. Since its formation, Spark has finished simply that, in additional methods than one. The sensible facets of inclusivity, equivalent to presenting works for each kids and adults, to providing American Sign Language translation at exhibits with phrases, and talking in each English and Spanish are prime of thoughts for Artistic Director Michelle Thompson Ulerich.
She additionally acknowledges that many individuals aren’t certain tips on how to perceive dance in the event that they’re not within the subject and works to make these experiences approachable, fulfilling, and speaks to every viewers member in private methods.
“One of the ways we do that is the way we write the program notes,” Thompson Ulerich explains. “We give the audience a nugget, like a little inside scoop, so they can access it from their own perspective. We also like to explore themes that feel very global – themes that are happening in our world right now.”
Spark Movement Collective was began in 2009, by Chelsea Koenig, the place she served as creative director till 2020, when Thompson Ulerich took over. Since its inception, Spark has maintained its mission to foster and develop accessibility. When Thompson Ulerich stepped into the position of AD simply months earlier than the pandemic, the problem took on new heights. Like many corporations, that meant creating works appropriate to out of doors performances and using movie – each of which achieved the purpose of accelerating accessibility.
Included within the efforts to deliver dance to audiences who won’t in any other case have an interest, it’s additionally deeply vital to Thompson Ulerich and the members of Spark to combine practices into the method that enable the artists to change into probably the most genuine variations of themselves.
For Thompson Ulerich, it’s vital to create an expertise that permits everybody to return as they’re. She mentions her personal dance coaching within the ballet world and the way dancers have been anticipated to indicate up, not acknowledge any issues and give attention to the direct process at hand. That’s not how she runs issues. She is aware of how vital psychological well being within the dance world (and the entire world) is.
“The way I’m cultivating the environment is if you need help, please ask,” she reveals. “I talk to the dancers before rehearsal so they feel like they can take any heavy load they have, and we can all hold part of it. My work is about having the courage and vulnerability to ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s really a sign of strength.”
Thompson Ulerich believes this method permits the method to change into extra emotional, provided that it begins from an open place. Her newest work explores gender fluidity, a deeply vital matter to many individuals. While she has all the time recognized as feminine, she is aware of so many are navigating what gender means to them and tips on how to match into the world.
“I basically created this container,” she says. “It’s a slow-paced piece to give the dancers the time, and also to have the audience be slow with them in those moments of vulnerability. I think the process is richer when we’re more open – and then the performance becomes richer, too.”
For artists and audiences alike, richer experiences will result in larger connection. That connection contributes to accessible dance experiences for all, and with these intentional efforts and practices, Spark Movement Collective creates a path for a more healthy and extra enriching journey – from the stage or from the seats.
For extra data on Spark Movement Collective, go to www.sparkmovementcollective.org.
By Emily Sarkissian of Dance Informa.
