Artistic Statement

Because of dance, I cannot imagine doing anything else for the rest of my life. Being able to perform​, choreograph, and train in the world of dance is what makes me an artist. I believe I am an artist by being willing to commit my life to this art and industry. In some ways I have already done so, with my experience dancing nineteen out of my twenty-two years of my life.

As an artist, the amount of time that is dedicated to my art is infinite. I have been choreographing for a wide variety of dance groups since high school, which encompass genres such as: jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, tap and pom. I enjoy creating pieces that give the audience a sense of emotion, and that they can feel connected to or can relate to. My dancers are a major consideration in my choreographic process, therefore getting to know them and what they are familiar with is important. Observing and taking note of what my movement looks like on their bodies, what they are comfortable with, and how I can challenge them without putting them in a dangerous situation are all focus points when I create. Seeing my dancers discover and learn how to take risks, and become vulnerable is something that I value and appreciate. Forming relationships with my dancers is important to me, because I want them to be able to trust me, and be as vulnerable as possible. In my choreography and performances, things that might be seen are: keeping the audience as entertained through my emotion and expressions using the focus of my head to add more dimension to my movement, and jazz-based movements.

As a dancer, my specific style and how I dance includes qualities such as: energy, dynamics, details, and clear movement. The only time that I feel that I can escape from reality is when I step into a studio, and get to focus on dance. The ability to go into a rehearsal or a technique class and forget about all of my worries and problems, even if it is just for an hour and a half, makes time stand still. Everything seems to disappear, and that has been something I have always noticed from the moment I began dance. Dance gives me the opportunity to face my real life situations head-on, and has been a way for me to get through some of my toughest moments in life. To me, dance is a way for me to leave an impact on those who view my work, and/or who see me perform.

-Katie-Laken Weeks