Chloe K.- NYC based Director/Choreographer/Equity Actor

Adapting Choreography BETA Workshop - Choreographer

“I am looking to expand how I create choreography in pre-production.

Thinking about the various performers that could dance it. Building versions that adapt to multiple kinds of dancers.

I now feel more empowered to lead a room with dancers from all different backgrounds and disabilities. I have a better understanding of how to prepare, ask questions, and collaborate with a room.

It's rare to get feedback in real time about the creation of a piece from different perspectives. I felt very supported throughout. I knew it would be a safe space to try things, mess up, and try again. I was grateful to get feedback from the room as well as Makenzie directly.

Hearing from dancers directly what did/didn't work on their bodies and how I could prepare differently to accommodate them from the start... I was able to ask specific questions about their experience which will shape how I think about movement in the future.

So many ideas that came up are easy tangible things I will take with me on the next project.

In a warm up, can I write out the order (on the mirror) of the isolations so people know which body part is next?

Can I have an assistant give demos of adaptations in real time?

For dancers in wheelchairs, thinking through wanting a fierce arm or [traveling] movement from the chair in choreography because you can't always execute both at the same exact moment.

As important of a learning opportunity the workshop was, it was also FUN! Getting to see a room of such mixed backgrounds in community and dancing together was something special.

To change next time: A longer workshop and space to meet and greet at the top of the day.”