RECENT PERFORMANCES
ShaLeigh Dance Works Presents A Thousand Ways to Say Hello (WatchParty ONLINE)
Fri, Jul 30, 2021, 8:00 PM –Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 11:59 PM EDT
A Thousand Ways to Say Hello is a poetic virtual performance that is devoted to exploring the boundaries of connection within a virtual space. In a time when we must be distant, we are asking ourselves, how can we assemble, share weight, share power, and care for our bodies and each other in these times? How do we reorient ourselves within a virtual space and a chaotic world? We want to explore the line between distance and proximity, and how the most intimate moments can arise from finding new ways of making contact and showing up.
The work was filmed entirely on phone cameras in two locations—Durham, NC and San Juan, PR. It blends movement generated by each of the artists with original sound scores by Mike Wall.
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and Durham Arts Council, local grants administrator.
The Stars Are Out at ADF
ShaLeigh Dance Works was honored to present two new ADF commissioned works at Durham’s Mystic Farm & Distillery along with Nia Sadler, Gaspard&Dancers, and Soul Struck leading up to the world premiere of tHe aGe oF aNXiety by dendy/donovan projects!
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
We were honored to be one of 12 North Carolina artists selected by American Dance Festival to perform in front of several installations of this outdoor exhibition created by artist Carrie Mae Weems This project is the Nasher Museum’s eighth collaboration with ADF.
The Nasher Museum of Art collaborated with Duke Arts and Duke Health to present this unprecedented outdoor exhibition. The project emphasizes the disproportionate impact of the deadly virus on the lives of communities of color, through large-scale banners and window clings, posters, street signs, and more.
“I have long admired Carrie Mae Weems. Her work insists that we not simply look but really see, human to human. Her work asks us to see a piece of the world that is uniquely personal and yet participates in a larger cultural conversation. I was really drawn to the hope and humanity of this project, and the seemingly-effortless images that reveal the complexities of representation and the power of demanding to be seen. To me, the size and scale of the project asked for reverence – and that is exactly how we wanted to respond performatively to the seriousness of its message, with reverence and honor.”
“I began by asking myself what structures of power did we want to make visible? What social dynamics did we want to tackle? And how did I want to intertwine my admiration for this artist’s body of work into my approach? I knew we would dress in all black as an ode to her series Roaming and Museums where she stands in a long black dress with her back to the camera. In both series, she uses her body to stand in for the masses while it points at architecture as a ruling “edifice of power.” I also knew I wanted to begin by simply composing an image that would emulate a photograph as a way to be in dialogue with her art form. I was also interested in exploring domestic, reclined poses as a nod to her iconic Kitchen Table series.”
“I then wanted to create an interplay between stillness and motion, sanctuary and battleground, lethargy and action. We ultimately wanted to be in dialogue with her message while honoring those that have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. Collectively we are a diverse company composed of Latino, Native American, European, and Filipino-American. We wanted to feel that we could turn and face this together. I have a deep belief in the power of awareness as the first step in creating change. I consider our work to be a deep bow to the power of this artist, her work, and message.”
— ShaLeigh Comerford, Founder, Artistic Director, ShaLeigh Dance Works, on performing original choreography in response to RESIST COVID / TAKE 6! at the Durham Station.
Argyle Rebel Films releases their latest series and podcast, A (DOT) Rebel. Host Michael Washington sat down on a chilly December afternoon with ShaLeigh to discuss collaboration, research, fighting for fair wages for artist, leadership, and never giving up on your art.
Join ShaGa ONLINE
Offering weekly, live-streamed classes from North Carolina and San Juan, PR. Experience this healing movement practice from the comfort and safety of your own home. Classes are open to everyone! No dance background or previous experience is required.
We are sharing weekly donation classes, live-streamed from NC and San Juan, PR.
Learn More & Register Here
Our hearts are with those suffering most in these challenging times. We are living in unprecedented times, and we know that many people are in need of support. We are all in need of self-care right now (including us!). Because of this, we will continue to offer our ShaGa classes online by donation to help movement and healing reach bodies and souls around the world. As a way to provide connection and community through movement, classes are open to ALL people throughout the world. We invite you to join us in this gentle practice as we heal together and reimagine our world.
ShaLeigh Dance Works’ film BOUND places in ADF’s The World is our Stage
The 2021-2022 Season will be both on stage and online. Full information about the season will continue to be updated HERE.
