​Inaugural Artists

Robyn Mineko Williams

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Artist Statement:

I think about the work I make as collages combining movement, human interaction, emotion, memory and relation to the spaces that they inhabit. I like the idea of creating temporary worlds for us, makers and audiences alike, to momentarily live in or peek into. My hope is that by stepping into and engaging with the works or performances, there will be a connection to be found or a moment of unlocking: a memory, a feeling, a sense. Whatever that means or feels like to the one engaging. I sculpt each work with a distinct point of view but like to leave space for an evolution of meaning and room to be colored in over time with different parts of ourselves and our individual experiences.

Music From The Sole

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Artist Statement:

As a company that is part dance company and part live music ensemble, we are interested in fully embracing tap dance's unique nature as both dance and music. In addition, we celebrate tap's Afro-Diasporic roots, particularly its lineage to African-American and Afro-Brazilian music and dance, from jazz, house, and hip hop to samba and Brazilian street funk. 

We're excited to build a company model that centers our long-term commitment to our artistic collaborators and to our community, prioritizing deep collaboration over "productivity" and quick growth. Through this we aim to contribute to opening doors for tap dance as an art form, in concert dance but also in music, theatre, and non-traditional performance spaces.

LayeRhythm

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Artist Statement:

LayeRhythm is a revolution in motion, a fusion of street dance and club culture that transcends boundaries and challenges the status quo. Rooted in the raw energy and creative brilliance of freestyle movements like house dance, Litefeet, flexn, breaking, locking, and more, our art defies conventional economic structures and hierarchical norms.

At its core, LayeRhythm is a celebration of the pulse of the city—where gritty, vibrant heartbeats foster thriving creativity and innovation. It's a homage to the dancers, musicians, emcees, and vocalists who contribute their talents with fearless authenticity, carving out their own spaces and inscribing their own stories within the cultural fabric.

Drawing inspiration from the brilliance of freestyle artists, we weave together a tapestry of movement and sound that defies categorization. Each piece is a testament to the power of improvisation and spontaneity, a reflection of the ever-evolving nature of artistic expression.

Yet, LayeRhythm transcends mere celebration of dance and music—it's a heartfelt vision for a different way of existing, a world where creativity is valued above all else and where art has the power to disrupt, dismantle, and rebuild. Through immersive and collaborative performances, our aim is to create spaces where artists are empowered to thrive, where economic barriers are met with innovative solutions, and where hierarchies are flattened.

At the heart of our artistic narrative lies a fervent conviction: live dance and music serve as powerful agents of healing, not only on a physical plane but also emotionally, traversing the boundaries of social, economic, and cultural divides. By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, we endeavor to create a community that is inclusive, supportive, and fiercely independent.

In each show, the audience becomes an integral part of the artistic creation, transforming into our muse, their energy and participation shaping the very outcome of the experience. Our performance design is akin to a game, blurring the lines between audience and performers, inviting everyone to co-create and interact within a shared space. Through this dynamic interaction, we forge bonds and cultivate an environment of creativity and joy.

At its core, LayeRhythm is a call to action—a rallying cry for artists to embrace their agency, for institutions to question their norms, and for communities to dance their way towards a future imbued with greater equity and understanding, fostering an ecosystem where performers, presenters, and audiences collaborate in co-creating transformative experiences.

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