To me, producing is a form of artistic work and a way to build community.
The spaces I design allow people to gather, share, and exchange. I believe that welcoming, affordable, non-competitive, and communal environments create the conditions for our best work.
I'm driven to self-produce, because I so rarely find what I am looking for in existing institutions. For independent artists like myself, creating our own opportunities is born from both passion and survival instinct. It´s often the best way to ensure authentic work has room to thrive. So rather than found institutions, I build recurring events of variable duration and flexible formats. They harness the time, energy, resources and collective will that converges at a given moment.
DIY producing has taught me to simultaneously be highly detail-oriented and flexible to external conditions... a lot like improvisation itself. It´s both challenging and empowering, and always an act of love.
A supportive space to witness the magic of the moment
During the summer, I transform my Brooklyn rooftop into a stage for spontaneous performances. Revolving around a a homemade wooden dance floor, each night I curate 6 artists from dance, music and circus and more to share improvised performances. Picnic blankets are laid on the ground, homemade popcorn and drinks fuel the crowd, and between sets, the dance floor is open to everyone.
The vibe is a performance amongst friend. Guests bring the drinks, performers bring the art. Together we create a supportive space to witness the magic of the moment.
¡Spontaneous Combustion! is portable and has also been installed on Governor´s Island, in a house at Nolan Park.
In 2021, ¡Spontaneous Combustion! returned for 2 events only, 2nd Fridays in June and July.
Currently on pause -- in need of a new home.
2021 Contributors
Evelyn Tejeda • Wendy Eisenberg • Cora Laszlo • Alissa Fendley/Shrimp Shrimply • Rachel Mckinstry & Andy Dickerson • Kaitlin Kaufman/Penelope the Clown • Mai Le Ho • Oshiyi • Peter Redgrave • Lenna Pierce • David Rauch
2019 Contributors
Alec Lichtenberg • Kirin McElwain • Cat Murcek • Cora Lazlo • Arianna Dunmire • Adelo Rodriguez • Samita Sinha • Suzie Rzecznik • Caitlin Cawley • Omar Zubair • Luther Bangert • Donnell Oakley • Ryan Wolfe • Carmen Caceres • Kaitlin Kaufman • Ilona Bito • Rebekah Fitton • Remi Harris • Mark Schmidt • Violetta Norrie • Nico Torres • Cass Tunick • Danny Tunick • Gabriel Peterson • Micca • Lydia Banks • Jamie Mclean • Sarah Chien • Mayu Shirai
2018 Contributors
Alec Lichtenberg • Cat Murcek • Dorren Smith • Emily Climer • Katie Vason • Kirin Mcelwain • Suzie Rzecznik • Caitlin Cawley • Richard Kim • Elia Mrak • Luther Bangert • Lily Kind • Laura Jervidalo Ravn • Rina Espiritu • Rebecca Fitton • Régine Romaine • Ryan Wolfe • Kenta Thomas Naoi • Dorren Smith • Bhina Bodydarman • Maira Duarte • Francesca Ferrara • Neil Beckmann • Larkin Grimm • Anais Azul • Carmen Caceres • Thomas Bond • Nina Levine • Sydnie L. Mosley • The Lovelies • Gabriel Willow • Tim Froehlich • Matt LePage • Jamie Mclean • Yechiel Husarsky • Sarah Chien
Symbiosis
@ Spectrum
Symbiosis @Spectrum presented live music and dance that acknowledges the humanity and agency of both the performers. Each night of the series included a group that has an established practice combining these two forms, and also a “blind date” between two solo performers who create a new improvised work.
We took over Spectrum, an experimental music venue in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and installing Sarah’s homemade wooden dance floor in the center. The space had basic lighting, good acoustics, a grand piano, and a down-for-anything vibe.
Created and Curated in collaboration with Caitlin Cawley.
Jan-April 2019
A network of dancers and teachers
Floor Friends began in 2013, when I realized there was no contemporary floorwork training available in NYC. I rented space at 100 Grand, booked a couple teachers and invited friends to train together. Soon this grew into a network of dancers and teachers interested in acrobatic floorwork.
Floor Friends produced affordable roving, pop-up class series, guest workshops and occasional performances. I collaborate with studios and independent teachers to create community around training together. Curation focuses on movement practices that can dialogue with the lineage of Flying Low and Passing Through and supporting teachers that might not otherwise share their work in NYC. Participants include professional dancers as well as curious movers of all backgrounds.
