Valerie Green and I go back quite a bit - to the days before Green Space existed at the Silk Building. Valerie curated showcases at Broome Corner Studio in Manhattan and included my work often. Then Dance Entropy’s move to Queens came in 2005 which was very convenient for me as I live in Jackson Heights. Green Space evolved into a lovely studio with wood floors, sun light, and easy access. They offer affordable subsidized rentals and many performance opportunities.
I cannot tell you how many times Chris Ferris & Dancers has taken part in performances at Green Space such as Take Root, Fertile Ground, and Green Space Blooms. I thank Green Space for the many performance opportunities where one is fully produced. These dwindling opportunities, in the dance world at large, are offered to the whole dance community expressing a wide of variety of aesthetic. I applaud Green Space for supporting new as well as experienced independent choreographers and companies.
While I was on the Artist Advisory Board Green Space began the D.I.G. Artist in Residency for which I was a moderator. It offers a cohort of choreographers the chance to meet, show, and discuss their work in progress culminating in a fully produced performance. I really enjoyed working with these groups and learning much from their discussion while sharing my thoughts from making dances for over 50 years. When needed I act as a Fertile Ground discussion moderator; again I learn so much from hearing people talk with real interest about their individual perceptions. The valuable thing about Green Space is that all of our very different voices and approaches to dance get created and expressed. Not everything is going to meet everyone’s tastes but it will be interesting. You may also find or make something you didn’t think possible. Thank you to Valerie Green for running an incredible organization and with all of the endurance and skill it takes.
Information about Chris Ferris & Dancers at www.chrisferrisdance.com
