How did you become involved with BalletX? Have you had any prior involvement with contemporary ballet?
A good friend of mine, Josh Machiz, who is an amazing bassist, composer and performer with BalletX asked me if I was open to working with a contemporary ballet company, I said yes and the rest, as they say, is history. The first contemporary dance company I worked with is FÔVE Diffusion based in Canada, as a member of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
When did you first become interested and involved in music? How has that influenced your life and career path?
Music became a part of my life at a very early age. I was 4 years old when I began playing Suzuki method violin at Settlement Music School. During my years there, I even had the opportunity to study directly with Dr. Suzuki. I began singing in my church choir at the age of five and taking some private vocal lessons at the age of nine. But all of that is only a precept of how I got to the place that I am today, which is a hard question to answer because I am not the result of my own planning, and I’m still in a state of becoming — still growing, still learning, still ambitious, still hungry, still humble, still experiencing, still unearthing, still exploring. And I’m still setting goals one step at a time, taking small sometimes immeasurable steps, learning and growing along the way.
How has it been to work with Tommie-Waheed Evans as a choreographer?
Working with Tommie has been an absolute delight. His thoughtfulness, depth, and ability to emote through movement is exceptional. He is a visual Griot. I’m thrilled to share this journey of movement and sound with him.
What type of music will you be singing for the performance at Glen Foerd?
I’ll be performing several of Marian Anderson’s favorite songs, a mixture of spirituals and classical works. Marian Anderson is remembered as one of the best American contraltos of all time. She was the first African American singer to perform at the White House and also the first African American to sing with New York’s Metropolitan Opera. I’m honored to celebrate her.
How is the experience of setting your vocals to movement? Are there certain highlights and challenges of the process?
It’s beautiful how sound and movement can share the same space. I’m fascinated by the integration of perceptions and how those perceptions grow into a creative artfulness. What’s most important is to approach the two with intentional openness and vulnerability. Allowing a dialog between the movement and sound to inform direction. Tommie and the dancers are completely in tune in that way.
What are your favorite songs and artists to listen to?
Wow! That is a tough one to answer, I listen to so many amazing artists. Here are a few of my favorites that are in my playlist this week:
“Come on in My Kitchen” by Cassandra Wilson
“Quarter Chicken Dark” from The Goat Rodeo Sessions by Yo Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile and Stuart Duncan
“Queen Tings” by Masego
“Nice Work If You Can Get It” by Billie Holiday
“Colombia, Mi Encanto” by Carlos Vives
“You Keep On Getting Better” by Maverick City Music
If you couldn’t sing, what would you hope to do in your life?
If I couldn’t sing? ….I guess I’d be the world’s best hummer! I love singing so much, but if I had to choose, I would be an author of poetry. I’ve been writing poetry since I was a child and have had a few of my works published over the years. I use poetry in many of my musical explorations. It truly is a close second to singing.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? The last thing you do before going to bed?
I begin and end my day with prayer and meditation. This helps me focus my thoughts and intentions. Remaining thankful, grateful, and present are very important.
See Tara Middleton take the stage along with Tommie-Waheed Evans’ world premiere at Glen Foerd April 19-21.
