Earlier this week, we got the chance to speak with Jessica DiMauro -Artistic Director/Choreographer of DiMauro Dance. Through a quick Q&A, Jessica gave us some insight on the history and inspiration behind DiMauro Dance.
We’re so excited to welcome the team to our Manhattan showroom on February 4th from 5-8pm at 200 LEX.
They will be preforming a modern dance routine at the Opening Reception of ‘the Fanciful World’. This event will coincide with transFORM’s Second Annual 7th Heaven Design Party, sponsored by the Interior Design Society, New York Chapter. All of the showrooms on the Seventh Floor of the New York Design Center will be open and full of surprises to make your evening magical. Each showroom will be presenting their own innovative designs, unique displays, crafted cocktails and heavenly culinary indulgences.
DiMauro Dance is a five-member company characterized by the use of emotional intent, athleticism, grounded physicality and urban influenced movement. The company is based in Manhattan, with roots in Westchester County. Jessica’s choreography has been seen at venues throughout the Tri-state area.
Q: What is your main inspiration for dance?
A: As a choreographer deeply invested in the artistic exploration of the human experience, I am intrigued by the challenge of developing literal gesture into abstract movement while keeping the emotional integrity. In my work, the body is used as a vessel to express the rich layers of human emotion. I am constantly fascinated by the body’s ability to express subtlety and grace, and conversely show aggression and struggle. My choreography tells a story or sheds light on a particular subject, while giving the performer the opportunity to viscerally experience the emotional intention through movement. I compose movement that is structurally athletic and emotionally driven by raw human emotion. Through performances that utilize community participation as a foundation, I have made it a goal to bring the public into the world of concert dance; specifically the infrequent dance spectator who is intimidated, frustrated or confused by the opacity of modern dance. As an artist, I want to create work that entertains with depth. Personal stories and emotional journeys are revealed through movement that is accessible and experienced by the people who watch it.
Q: What made you want to create your own dance company?
A: In 2006, I created DiMauro Dance in response to the lack of opportunity for modern dancers. My peers and I were craving performance experience and I became proactive in searching out opportunity for us as a group. Since then, many of my dancers have changed, but the goal remains the same; creating a place for us and our art to be seen and experienced.
Q: Where are the different venues that you have performed at?
A: We have performed our work at traditional venues, including Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, The Flea Theater, Purchase College, and The Crystal Theater. We have also engaged in cite-specific work at non-traditional venues such as a community garden in Manhattan and a floating barge on the Hudson River.
Q: Can you clarify your connection with the Steffi Nossen School of Dance in White Plains?
A: We do not operate as a school, but rather a fiscally sponsored dance company made up of freelance artists. However, we are very much connected to Steffi Nossen School of Dance in White Plains, NY. Aside from being Artistic Director of DiMauro Dance, I am also Artistic Director of Steffi Nossen and many of my dancers have taught there. We have done company residencies and many performances through the dance school, as well as have an ongoing Space Grant from their dance foundation.
Q: What style of dance do you prefer?
A: We work primarily in modern dance but continue to be inspired by a number of dance genres.
Q: What challenges do you think you’ll encounter when preforming at our space?
A: We rarely have so much space to move in! The challenge will be utilizing the space in the hallway portion of our performance, and then majorly downsizing when performing in the gallery.
Q: What are you most excited about when performing at our space?
A: We love bringing modern dance into non-traditional settings! I am also thrilled that we will be including live music in this performance!
For more information about this event please visit here.
Jessica DiMauro Short Reel 2014 from Jessica DiMauro on Vimeo.
