A contemporary dance company renowned for its diversity, creativity and education is performing in Haines on Friday as part of an Alaska tour.
The New York-based EMERGE125 plans performances in 10 communities around the state and while individual performers have visited the state on vacation, this marks the first time the company has performed in the state as a group.
Artistic director Tiffany Rea-Fisher took a break from practice in Sitka for an interview. She said the breathtaking landscapes and natural environment have already made an impact on the dancers.
““When we got off the plane, immediately everyone was like, ‘I can breathe!’ The air quality alone has lifted our spirits beyond anything,” she said.
The company, which operates in both Harlem and the rural Adirondacks, has developed a strong relationship with nature, which means Alaska’s wilderness feels like a natural fit for their work.
“There’s something about the awe of nature that’s humbling,” she said. “I think that’s always a good thing for us to … gain some perspective.”
A program for everyone
At the core of EMERGE125’s philosophy is the idea that dance should be accessible to everyone. Rea-Fisher said the group’s program for the Alaska tour reflects this.
“I like to think when I’m curating the works that I’m going to bring to any place… I make sure that I’m speaking to the skimmers, the swimmers and the divers,” she said.
For the skimmers, folks who may not have ever seen a modern dance performance – the pieces are designed to be visually striking.
In particular, two pieces are designed to appeal to those who are unfamiliar with modern dance. One of them is a collaboration with Chris Brubeck – son of famed jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck. The piece is called Memphis Hesitation. It’s high energy and jazz-infused.
“It’s impressive. You get to see bodies just do things that you’re like ‘Oh, wait. Wow. Bodies can do that?’” she said. “It’s really just pure joy, I think, put out in music form.”
Another piece called Behavioral Synchrony is set to “Electric Pow Wow Drum” and “Look At This Remix,” songs by The Halluci Nation (formerly a Tribe Called Red) which blends electronic house music and dubstep dance music with elements of First Nations music – often chanting and drumming.
Rea-Fisher said the energy and physicality of the pieces make them enjoyable to everyone, even those who don’t know much about modern dance.
For more seasoned audience members and dedicated dance enthusiasts, Rea-Fisher promises work that is deeply intentional and technically rigorous.
Connecting with local dancers
In addition to their performances, EMERGE125 is offering master classes and workshops in several Alaska communities.
The tour is funded by the Western States Art Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation.
One of the workshops in Sitka focused on ballet for advanced students and older dancers. Rea-Fisher said she and two others of her company members lead the class, providing a glimpse to the world of company-level ballet.
“When I look back as I was going through my career as a dancer, anytime that professionals would show up and kind of invite us into their world, it was really pivotal and really impactful,” she said. “That’s what we’re hoping, is to give a little taste. Because you never know what that class is going to do for someone.”
Rea-Fisher said she is excited about offering these opportunities in Alaska, where professional-level dance education can be difficult to access.
Performing companies members include Madelyn LaLonde, Alyssa Maginaro, Briana Marsiello, Caitlyn Morgan, Trey Singletary, Tiffany Terry, Nikaio Thomashow and Travon Williams.
The troupe’s show in Haines is on Friday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. the Chilkat Center for the Arts. General admission tickets are $20, though students get in free.