Intersections Artist: Joy of Motion Dance Center's Youth Dance Ensemble

An Interview with Alexandra May Ballance (Age 11)

Jacqueline Lawton: What type of artist are you?
Alexandra May Ballance: I am a dancer and choreographer. I also enjoy photography, writing/poetry and quilting. All of these are forms of art which allow me to express my feelings and thoughts.

JL: Who are your heroes?
AMB: I think soldiers are heroes because they fight for and protect our freedom. My role models are my mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather and uncle. My mentors are Helen Hayes and Cassandra Queally. I am grateful and thankful that they are in my life.

JL: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
AMB: I would want to be a mythical creature – a dragon. I always wanted to fly, be big and breathe fire. I like dragons because they are graceful, powerful, wise and mysterious.

JL: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
AMB: I would be on a roller coaster or in dance class with my friends.

JL: List five words that describe your personality:
AMB: Humorous, adventurous, brave, smart and caring

JL: What is your personal theme song?
AMB: One of my favorite songs is “It will be me” by Melissa Etheridge.

JL: What is your favorite quote? I have three favorite quotes:
AMB: Dance like no one is watching. Dance is a language. Dance up to God.

JL: What is the best advice you have to give?
AMB: Live like every day is your last

JL: Why did you want to be a part of intersections?
AMB: I have choreographed a piece for a junior in high school. I am eleven years old. Our paths crossed because of our passion and commitment to dance.

JL: What do you think will be cool about the festival?
AMB: I think meeting different people and learning about their art forms will be awesome.

JL: How do you feel your performance fits into the festival?
AMB: My piece is thoughtful – it is called Mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes no matter their age, beliefs, sex or culture. I think people should learn from their mistakes. You don’t want to be afraid of making a mistake. If you live your life worried about making a mistake you will never try, you will never learn and never succeed.
~~

Joy of Motion Dance Center
Dance Discovery, a kaleidoscope of dance styles from DC’s award-winning dance center’s youth ensembles tackling “intersections” in life and art.
Sunday, Mar 7 at 5:00 PM
Lang Theater
Tickets: $15
For audiences age 6 and up
http://www.joyofmotion.org/

Intersections Artist: Reverb

An Interview with Steve Langley

Jacqueline Lawton: What type of artist are you?
Steve Langley: An a cappella vocal group

JL: Where were you born? How did you end up here?
SL: DC. Reverb sprang from a community chorus that sang Christmas carols in 1990.

JL: Who are your heroes?
SL: Jesus, Martin Luther King.

JL: If you could be an animal, what you would be and why?
SL: A flock of late-morning song birds.

JL: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
SL: Historically, we've been to Africa, the Persian Gulf and the Carribbean. Over the past decade, our talent has taken us all around the Beltway. We'd love to be anywhere where we could be paid to sing, get a great free meal, stay in an expenses-paid classy hotel and get back home before our carriage turns into a pumpkin.

JL: List five words that describe your personality.
SL: Spiritual, cordial, close-knit, energetic, reserved.

JL: What is your personal theme song?
SL: The one we're singing at the moment.

JL: What is your favorite quote?
SL: "In God we trust."

JL: What is the best advice that you can give?
SL: Get cash!

JL: Why did you want to be a part of intersections?
SL: To conceptualize and perform a theme concert (and not feel compelled to sing mostly cover tunes).

JL: What do you think will be cool about the festival?
SL: The diversity of local artists performing under the same chic umbrella.

JL: How do you feel your performance fits into the festival?
SL: Like a pair of sensible shoes.

JL: Finish this sentence: I am an intersection of ...
SL: Take 6 and the Teletubbies.
~~
Reverb
Harmony Crossing, an a cappella romp from gospel to “road-tunes” from DC’s Wammie-winning sextet.

Saturday, Feb 20 at 2:30 PM
Lab II
Tickets: $5
For audiences ages 5 and up
http://www.reverbmusic.com/

Intersections Artist: BodyMoves Contemporary Dance Company

An Interview with Katherine Smith

Jacqueline Lawton: What type of artist are you?

Katherine Smith: Passionate

JL: Where were you born? How did you end up where you are now?
KS: Washington DC. Destiny

JL: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
KS: I would be a Cat. Cats have 9 lives!

JL: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
KS: Mount Everest (Mother of the Universe or Goddess Mother of the Snows)

JL: List five words that describe your personality.
KS: Creative, Spirited, Loving, Affirmative, and Humorous

JL: What is your personal theme song?
KS: I Believe I Can Fly

JL: What is your favorite quote?
KS: “Just Do It”

JL: What is the best advice you have to give?
KS: Count Your Blessings Everyday

JL: Why did you want to be a part of intersections?
KS: We believed this festival would be the perfect platform for young performers to present their American journey highlighting contributions of “Black Dance” & its impact globally & culturally on all generations & genres of dance.

JL: What do you think will be cool about the festival?
KS: To experience various artist & cultures from our community in one location.

JL: How do you feel your performance fits into the festival?
KS: This production depicts the history of black dance, its richness & culture; and pays tribute & homage to those who have paved the way for all people to be free to dance.

JL: Finish this sentence: I am an intersection of ...
KS: Legacy.

BodyMoves Contemporary Dance Company
Dance Through the Decades, a lively journey through the history of black dance presented by this Maryland-based youth performance company.
Saturday, Feb 20 at 4:30 PM
Saturday, Feb 27 at 4:30 PM
Sprenger Theater
Tickets: $10
For audiences of all ages.
www.bodymovesfitness.com

Intersections Artist: Kathleen Gonzales

An Interview

Jacqueline Lawton: What type of artist are you?
Kathleen Gonzales: I don't like to define myself because I think that limits me as an artist. I don't want to think that I am only this or only that or only these certain things. But I can say what I am made up of and that I am still a work in progress. I am an actor and I have written one full length play that I also perform. I am passionate about my country of origin - Haiti - and my country of citizenship - The USA. I also care deeply about human beings and want to use my experiences in life to make a difference for other people.

JL: Where were you born?
KG: I was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Because my mother is American, I was also born an American citizen.

JL: Who are your heroes?
KG: My father is my biggest hero. He always stood for what was right and was caring and compassionate towards everyone. He was also, an amazing father and was even a father figure for my friends who didn't have strong father figures in their lives.

JL: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
KG: Someplace warm, it feels like it must 15 degrees outside right now. I wish I could be in Haiti. Even on its coldest day it's around 65 - 70 degrees.

JL: Why did you want to be a part of intersections?
KG: I wanted to be a part of intersections because I felt it was a great opportunity to be voice for Haitians and Haitian-Americans in the DC community. I felt that I could get behind the vision of Intersections and wanted to lend my hand to create a festival where people could explore race and culture through art in various different ways.

JL: What do you think will be cool about the festival?
KG: I think all the different possibilities of events and performances to people to participate in and the idea that we as the performers/presenters are one big family putting this big event together is really cool as well.

JL: How do you feel your performance fits into the festival?
KG: I think that people of most ages will be able to see my performance and will be able to see the US and Haiti through someone else's eyes. The play deals with race and culture and self- realization which fits in quite nicely into the theme of Intersections.

JL: Finish this sentence: I am an intersection of ...
KG: Caribbean and American; black and white; French, English and Haitian-Creole; Freedom and restraint.
~~
Kathleen Gonzales
The Bridge of Bodies, a one-woman, sixteen character unfolding of a Haitian-American's mission of self-discovery.
Friday, Feb 19 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, Feb 20 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, Feb 21 at 4:30 PM
Sunday, Feb 21 at 7:30pm
Friday, Feb 26 at 7:30pm
Saturday, Feb 27 at 9:30pm
Sunday, Feb 28 at 7:30pm
Lab II
Tickets: $15
For audiences ages 13 and up
http://www.kathleengonzales.com/

Intersections Artist: Tappers With Attitude

An Interview

Jacqueline Lawton: What type of artist are you?
Tappers With Attitude: We are a pre-professional youth tap ensemble, focused on tap but also engaged in other forms of body percussion. We consider ourselves not only dancers, but also musicians – a tap dancer is a drummer or percussionist, creating music that can be SEEN, not just heard.

JL: Where were you born? How did you end up where you are now?
TWA: Our dancers are ages 10-18, and the companies directors are in their mid-30s, mid-50s and mid-70’s, so we are intergenerational. Most of the dancers were born in DC area, and have lived most of their lives in this area. The company’s Executive Artistic Director is a native Chicagoan, who moved to this area for love!

JL: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
TWA: Every tap dancer wishes for a couple extra feet, so while we’d probably like to try life as any four-legged creature, we also think it would be a blast to be a millipede!

JL: What is your favorite quote?
TWA: Art is work, it just looks like play!

JL: What is the best advice you have to give?
TWA: Intention alone don’t cut it. You need to walk your talk, honor your elders, give respect and expect it in return, and set an example. Show up on time. Be fully present to those around you. Be generous with your energy. Do something scary every day.

JL: Why did you want to be a part of intersections?
TWA: We loved the idea of creating new work with other artists who share some of the same cultural and artistic background, the same feeling of importance of community, and the traditions that are our legacy … but who, like us, also want to shake it up a little and add some new voices to the mix, too.

JL: What is your personal theme song?
TWA: “Knock On Wood.”

JL: What do you think will be cool about the festival?
TWA: As artists, we are looking forward to making new friends and developing new relationships in the arts community. As performers, we’re hoping to make new “audience friends.” As audience members, we’re looking forward to seeing a whole lot of very interesting work, all brought together under this thematic umbrella.

JL: Finish this sentence: I am an intersection of ...
TWA: We are an intersection of generations, of race and culture, of tradition dance and cutting edge choreography, of dance and musical styles. When these things meet at the crossroads, they generate a palpable energy -- smokin’ hot music that you can see, brand new but somehow still reminding us of times and places we have never been.
~~
Tappers With Attitude, Coyaba Dance Theater and Urban Artistry
Origins, a joyful collaboration among three top DC dance companies celebrating the heritage and soul of African American dance.

Saturday, Feb 20 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, Feb 21 at 7:00 PM
Lang Theater
Tickets: $15 student / $20 adult
For Audiences of All Ages
http://www.tapperswithattitude.org/

Intersections Artist: Urban Artistry

An Interview

Jacqueline Lawton: What type of artist are you?
Urban Artistry: Our core group consists of an international collective of artists, dancers, orators, designers, vocalists, musicians, photographers and educators, who remain focused on the authentic and complete representation of urban dance genres. They include (but are not limited to): B-Boying / B-Girling , Popping, Locking, Hip –Hop, House Dance, Waacking, and Vogue.

JL: How do you feel your performance fits into the festival?
UA: Coyaba Dance Theater, Tappers With Attitude and Urban Artistry’s collaboration provides a multi-cultural, multi-generational performance that intersects various genres of dance, art, and music culture.

JL: Who are your heroes?
UA: Paying tribute to those that came before has been a mission for Urban Artistry since the beginning, those nameless, faceless people who spent their time on earth keeping our culture alive through movement and music, will always be remembered as our heroes.

JL: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
UA: The American Bald Eagle, because it is symbolizes Freedom.

JL: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
UA: Our individual members would all respond differently to this question based on the cultural dances that they represent. Some would choose to be studying in Asia, Africa or South America, while others would prefer to join the energy of a 1930’s era Speak Easy learning original Happy Feet and Lindy Hop techniques. Some would choose to be on a street corner or in a nightclub on the West Coast with the pioneers of the funkstyles movement, while some would chose to be in the South Bronx with the first break boys who ever got down.

JL: What is your favorite quote?
UA: And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. -Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, philosopher (1844-1900)

JL: List 5 words that describe your personality?
UA: Authentic. Professional. Focused. Students, Educators.

JL: I am an intersection of…
UA: Cultural, Percussive and Urban dance forms.
~~
Urban Artistry, Coyaba Dance Theater and Tappers With Attitude
Origins, a joyful collaboration among three top DC dance companies celebrating the heritage and soul of African American dance.

Saturday, Feb 20 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, Feb 21 at 7:00 PM
Lang Theater
Tickets: $15 student / $20 adult
For Audiences of All Ages
http://www.urbanartistry.org/

Intersections Artist: CityDance Ensemble

An Interview with Jason Garcia Ignacio, Choreographer

Jacqueline Lawton: What type of artist are you?
Jason Garcia Ignacio: I am a choreographer and a performer.

JL: Where were you born? How did you end up where you are now?

JGI: I was born in Manila, Philippines. I moved to New York City in 2001 to pursue my career as a performer. I joined CityDance Ensemble in November 2007.

JL: How do you feel your performance fits into the festival?
JGI: Intersection is about bringing people together to make a difference. My dance speaks about environmental preservation and economic moderation. It also patches the gap between art and science which plays a vital part to a healthy planet. We need to be cognizant of what is hurting our environment but we also need to unite in order for us to succeed and that is what Intersections for me is all about.

JL: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
JGI: I have done “Mistoffolees” in Cats several times and I think there is a reason for that. I am a very playful person and I am easily distracted with shiny objects.

JL: What is your favorite quote?
JGI: "If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you." --Oscar Wilde

JL: What is your personal theme song?
JGI: “Somewhere Out There” from the movie An American Tail (1987)

JL: What is the best advice you have to give?
JGI: Allow yourself to make mistakes and follow what your heart tells you.

JL: What do you think will be cool about the festival?
JGI: This unique festival will educate people of different cultures. The festival will engender a deep understanding of beauty of all races and will bring unity in our community.

JL: Finish this sentence: I am an intersection of ...
JGI: I’m an intersection of different types of dance and cultures.
~~
CityDance Ensemble
The Mountain, a dance fusion of east and west by an award-winning Filipino choreographer.
Friday, Feb 19 at 7:30 PM
Sprenger Theater
Tickets: $15
For audiences ages 14 and up.
http://www.volcanodance.org/

CLICK HERE to watch a trailer of The Mountain.

Intersections Artist: The Washington Savoyards

An Interview with Michael Bobbitt, Director of Treemonisha

Jacqueline Lawton: Why did you want to be a part of Intersections?
Michael Bobbitt: It's a great way to celebrate many parts of what makes up my art. I believe in the Atlas and what it's trying to do to H Street. I also grew up 2 blocks away and saw my first movie at the Atlas.

JL: What type of artist are you?
MB: I think I'd rather let others decide. If I had to label it, I would say a "tall" artist. Sometimes, I like to direct, choreograph, and write plays.

JL: Where were you born? How did you end up where you are now?
MB: Even though I always wanted to say that I was born, the son of a share cropper, my birth is not so romantic. Born and raised in Washington DC. Studied in Pennsylvania and NY. Traveled the country and world touring and doing regional theater and came back to DC in 1996.

JL: What is the best advice you have to give?
MB: Live life, know your craft and respect the business!

JL: What is your personal theme song?
MB: To the Beat of the Rythm of the Night by Debarge...no....Singing in the Rain.

JL: What is your favorite quote?
MB: "Costumes don't have Calories" - Reggie Ray

JL: Who are your heroes?
MB: Anyone that has more than one child. There are many artists that I look up to Jerry Whiddon, Nick Olcott, Rob Marshall, Joe Calarco...the list is endless.

JL: How do you feel your performance fits into the festival?
MB: Treemonisha celebrates the history of a culture of people. Our production will heighten that by casting "the best person" for each role, regardless of race. And it's amazing Scot Joplin Music.

JL: What do you think will be cool about the festival?
MB: Experiencing many parts of the world in one building.

JL: Finish this sentence: I am an intersection of ...
MB: Black, White, Native American, Asian son, classical and folk training; all of which I hope comes out in theatre that is Joyous!
~~
The Washington Savoyards
Treemonisha by Scott Joplin, an intersection of classical opera form and the ragtime genius in a new production of a rarely performed American treasure, presented by DC’s favorite light opera company.

Friday, Feb 19 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, Feb 20 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, Feb 21 at 2:00 PM
Friday, Feb 26 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, Feb 27 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, Feb 28 at 2:00 PM
Friday, Mar 5 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, Mar 6 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, Mar 7 at 2:00 PM
Lang Theater
Tickets: $10 - $40
For audiences ages 8 and up.
http://www.savoyards.org/