A Statement of Artistry: by Anja Graham

photo by Indigo Porebska-Smith

Throughout my practice as a contemporary dance artist and choreographer, I have taken a keen interest in movement form; shapes and the pathways between them and through space have become a focus in my work.  Although I most often prefer large shapes with locomotive phrases, I am trying to challenge myself by also integrating more intricate movements.  I prefer to begin my process solely based on form rather than intent by sculpting images using one body or the relationships between multiple bodies, whether or not the bodies physically come in contact.  In group work, I find unison very effective and enjoy finding interesting ways for the dancers to fall in and out of correlation with each other as well as with the music.

a photo from Anja's piece Snare (photo by Sam Mason)

     I prefer to work with a strong, independent piece of often instrumental music.  Although I usually begin choreographing movement separate from this music, I sometimes make alterations to help the phrases fit with the dynamic sounds.  I am fond of finding ways to both contrast and match portions of the music and especially shift between the two.  I find that viewing dance is a visual and auditory experience and, therefore, strongly value the relationship between the two elements and the experience they create.  

      Although I do not usually begin a project with a concrete concept, I have found that my work ends up embodying some conceptual theme which may have passively been present throughout the choreographic process.  Perhaps I subconsciously stem from this theme at the start of the process.  I have found that, despite my efforts to make my work focus on form rather than narrative content, I have a tendency to end up creating some kind of mood or story that later reveals itself.  Whether my work is perceived as either content or form based is up to the interpretation of the viewer.