POWER SKIPPING: A Work-in-study
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/arts/dance/new-york-city-ballet-new-leaders.html
https://www.wmagazine.com/story/wendy-whelan-new-york-city-ballet-restless-creature-documentary
https://www.elgaronline.com/view/journals/lath/4-2/lath.2016.02.01.xml#tbl-001
The last day of February, the day before the start of women’s history month, New York City Ballet announced that Wendy Whelan, a former principal dancer was hired as co-director of the company. In a genre that was created by men, and an organization that has only had Balanchine and Martins as leaders (both accused of misogynistic tendencies), this move is a large leap forward.
Disheartened by the lack of leadership positions afforded to women in the dance world, moved by the #metoo movement, and agitated by my personal history with chauvinistic behavior, I am presenting a work-in-study entitled Power Skipping.
In an empty theater, with no lights, no costume and a flat frame, With movements of reaching, running, falling and striving - a woman persists. This work is a study on both formal movement (leaps, and passés) and informal movement (pedestrian walking, and scooping). It is a play on the limitations of gender roles that are seen and un-seen. Power Skipping Draws loosely on two works, Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments and Yvonne Rainer’s Stand. Run. And Run some more. this work-in-study seeks to celebrate Wendy and all women aspiring for more than is readily available and those who are breaking gender barriers and leading by example.