Communications Associate, Kiersten Resch, recently interviewed Black Box Dance Theatre Artistic Director, Michelle Pearson, to learn more about her work and experience creating Those Who Served. Michelle is a dancer, choreographer, and master teacher who has been a guest artist and adjunct faculty member at Meredith College and American University, among many others. She was recognized by the NC Arts Council with a Choreographic Fellowship and was selected by the US Department of State to lead a Cultural Envoy to Sierra Leone in 2011 as well as Cultural Democracy missions to China in 2014 and 2016. Recently, the USO of NC has deemed Michelle and her cohort of dancers as SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and engaged them to lead Warrior Reset Programs for active duty service members. Michelle is a William C. Friday Fellow, committed to improving human relations in the state of North Carolina. She is taking full advantage of the creative environment at The Dance Complex to continue her work with those who served.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity
Q: What inspired you to create work for, about, and with the military community?
A: Several years ago, when we were all getting to know each other, we made a dance called “Move to Action.” A founding member of Black Box, Alfredo Hurtado, was struggling with returning from war. His Humvee was hit by an IED while serving in Iraq and he sustained both physical and emotional injuries. None of us knew what to do with his story, how to respond to it, how to even comprehend it… so we simply danced it and literally carried it (and him) forward. This tiny little dance had a huge impact on us, our audiences, and our community partners. Alfredo began telling his friends that “dance saved my life” while also confiding “boot camp has nothing on modern dance.” While I am not a therapist, I believe dancing in a way that allows us to bring all of ourselves-the physical, emotional, intellectual, messy, angry, compassionate, and unsettled natures-changes us. Dance is therapeutic as we make connections and meaning in ways that change who we are and how we see ourselves. This is profound not only for the “participant” but for the makers, movers, and witnesses.
Q: For an interested dancer or military community member, how would you describe your workshops, Those Who Served?
A: If you show up to the workshop, you are supposed to be there. We will move, write, move our writing, and make dances that honor the bodies and voices in the room. No dance experience necessary and all bodies welcome. Here are some quotes from active duty service members describing a Black Box workshop:
“This has been the best brief/meeting ever.”
“This took me out of my comfort zone and I had a great time.”
“I really enjoyed this session despite what I thought before it started. I hope you all reach every corner of the world with what you do.”
“I want you to know that I feel happier now than I was.”
“What you do is wonderful. It made my day and brightened my outlook on life.”
Q: What are you looking forward to with the upcoming workshops?
A: We look forward to meeting new people, making connections where they do not exist, possibly sweating a little with the rigors of dance, and creating meaningful art.
Q: Have the Those Who Served workshops changed how you view your performance, either introspectively or choreographically?
A: These workshops continue to inspire, inform, and steer the making of our dances. Even if participants do not perform with us, they often give permission for their stories, ideas, and movements to be a part of Those Who Served. Every person we meet changes how we understand this work and why it matters.
Q: Being from North Carolina, what has been your favorite moment about visiting Massachusetts and working at The Dance Complex so far?
A: We landed at 8:00 AM at Logan Airport, grabbed an Uber, and headed to Boston Common to meet “James Otis” for a tour of the Freedom Trail. Hearing historic narrative with a modern ear has opened a whole new line of inquiry for us. Peter DiMuro, the Executive Artistic Director of Dance Complex, doesn’t know it yet, but we are hoping he will be “James Otis, the first Patriot, provocateur, and slightly mad town crier” in our dance. Help us convince him to take this role!
For more information about Those Who Served, click HERE
For tickets to Black Box Dance Theatre’s Performance at The Dance Complex, click HERE
Still curious about Black Box Dance Theatre’s workshops, Those Who Served? Watch the video below for more information from the company!
Those Who Served is funded in part by the Cambridge Arts Council & The Cambridge Community Foundation
