Photo courtesy of Christy Funsch

How do you find dancers? What do you look for in a dancer?

From Donna Uchizono (New York, NY):

I normally like to work with a dancer over several projects. I do see a lot of performances, so when I see a dancer I think might be right for a future project, I will keep that dancer in mind. Sometimes I will have an audition but that’s on rare occasions.

From Risa Jaroslow (Oakland, CA):

I look for dancers who have an appetite for collaboration. They need to have strong technique and be well-grounded. I like to work with dancers who know how to use their plié. They need to be generous, thoughtful, and smart. A sense of humor is desirable.

From Marc Brew (Glasgow, UK):

A dancer who is a collaborator, open, inquisitive, versatile, passionate, has strong technique he/she can throw away and not afraid of doing things differently.

From Christy Funsch (San Francisco, CA):

I usually see dancers perform, or I see them in class and am drawn to them. I can't stand auditions. I work with people who can stand a high level of “unknowingness” and precariousness. I rely on my performers to be able to shed control and let go of material and even habituated skills if that is what the work is calling for. I need to work with people who can also leave everything outside what Sarah Michelson calls the “working room.” I'm really sensitive to the subtle ways that the collective attention in rehearsal can be derailed.

Photo courtesy of Marc Brew

———————-