Sarah
Swenson in Fimmine
Photo
- Tim Agler
Sarah Swenson, Artistic Director, is a self-defined neo-modernist, and works from a fusion of classical modern dance techniques, theatre, and improvisation. Joyfully committed to the values of classical modern dance, Swenson is known for her stunning use of visual counterpoint, marrying modern dance classicism with a variety of musical forms and traditions. Her deep appreciation and love of music has launched much of her repertoire of the past decade, as has her multi-ethnic heritage. The spirited, all-female company performs a diverse body of work with themes of universal appeal that possess a clear, emotional voice, featuring the individual as well as the ensemble, deeply engaging audiences everywhere in both thought and feeling.
While
living in New York City, Sarah danced with the Alvin Ailey Special Performance
Group, Artists of Jubilation! Ensemble, Louis Johnson Dance Theatre, and toured
the People's Republic of China and South Korea with Myung Sook Chun. She has
also worked with Senta Driver, Linda Tarnay, the late Leni Wylliams, and Solstice Dance Company under the direction of Ann Biddle. Sarah was a founding
member and the Artistic Associate of Seraphim Dance Theatre, appearing with
dance partner, the late Raymond C. Harris (Artistic Director), throughout New
York City, including at the United Nations, Alice Tully Hall, Aaron Davis Hall,
and for many hospitals, schools and churches. They were often Guest Artists
at special events, including the 25th Anniversary of the Negro Ensemble Company
at The Town Hall.
Sarah was on the faculty of The
Alvin Ailey School in New York City from 1990 to 1996, teaching the Lester
Horton technique in the Professional and Junior divisions, as well as Horton
for Actors, Techniques of Performance (repertory and coaching) to advanced students,
Barre-a-terre, and Pilates-based Body Conditioning. She was an Assistant Teacher
in the New Visions Dance Project, a dance and music class for visually impaired
adults, and has worked with the hearing-impaired, cerebral palsy, and head and
spinal cord injury victims. Sarah studied the Pilates Method of exercise for
ten years with master Kathleen Stanford Grant. She also taught the Lester Horton
technique at Ballet Hispanico before leaving New York in 1996.
Sarah
Swenson & Dewarren Moses at the Ailey School, 1985.
Photo - Maya Wallach
In addition to the concert stage,
Sarah has choreographed for film, opera, and musical theater. A professional
repertory and movement coach, Sarah has conducted residencies and performance
workshops throughout the US, and in China, Thailand and Israel. She received
her MFA in Performance and Choreography from California State University at
Long Beach in 2000 and has taught at CSULB, Loyola Marymount University, Cerritos
College, Orange County High School for the Arts, Saint Joseph Ballet, and
was Chair of Theatre, Music & Dance at Missouri Valley College in central
Missouri until mid-2004.
Memberships & Affiliations:
