Inside the Studio with Noelle Kayser: Precision, Process, and Possibility
In this behind-the-scenes Q&A, Noelle Kayser shares her experience as BalletX’s Choreographic Fellow and what the opportunity means to her as an artist. Drawing inspiration from microscopic photography and the technical precision of pointe work, Noelle reflects on how mentorship from acclaimed choreographer Marguerite Donlon and collaborations with composer Jeff Kolar and costume designer Amanda Gladu are expanding her creative process and pushing the boundaries of her choreography.
Don’t miss Noelle’s world premiere, Scales on the Wings of a Butterfly, at Summer Series, July 16-20—get tickets today!
What does this fellowship at BalletX mean to you?
I have such immense respect for BalletX— for Christine, the entire leadership team, and the dancers. To have them believe in me and invest in my work is thrilling, validating, and truly elevates my artistic voice.
The amount of time, resources, and conversation the company pours into this fellowship is substantial and very meaningful. There is the ability to marinate on this idea and really see it through to the end. It’s an opportunity that’s rare in this field, where processes often follow a quicker timeline. I’ve really valued the chance to let the concept breathe and evolve.
The dancers are exceptional technicians and artists. Their stamina is remarkable, there’s nothing they can’t do. It’s been amazing to hone in on each dancer’s individual movement qualities and bring that to the piece.
What drew you to explore microscopic photography through the medium of dance?
When I spoke with Christine and the panel, I knew I wanted to explore how my work could translate onto pointe. The precision in the microscopic photos and videos I’d been studying naturally lent itself to a more classical form. The pointe shoe and the concept felt like they naturally aligned. Until now, most of my choreography has been for dancers in bare feet or socks, so this was an exciting new direction.
What excites you about working with Jeff Kolar (composer) and Amanda Gladu (costume designer)?
When I create a dance, I always have a very specific point of departure. I saw that was how Jeff worked as well. I first discovered Jeff’s work through Rock Speaker Garden, and it struck me as so specific and authentic to him, and I like people who are really into what they are into.
Amanda and I have collaborated before, but never with her designing entirely from scratch. In the past, she’s sourced and tailored pieces for me. This time, she’s had the opportunity to create the costumes from scratch— design, screen printing, construction, and hand painting. It’s been incredible to see her vision come to life so fully in this project.
How do you see your time here shaping the future of your work?
My hope is that BalletX’s belief in me will show other major ballet and contemporary ballet companies that my voice fits in their world — that my work can resonate within their vernacular. I hope it leads to more opportunities where I’m given the same time, space, resources, and brilliant collaborators, so I can dream even bigger and realize those dreams on stage.
What has the mentorship process been like with Marguerite Donlon?
About a decade ago, I actually danced in a piece Marguerite choreographed, and she had a profound impact on me then as a performer — and now again as an emerging choreographer. She gives me thoughtful feedback on the score and costuming and offers clear, direct advice when I ask for it, but mostly she encourages me and reassures me that the movement is headed in the right direction.
What ideas or emotions do you hope audiences will carry with them after experiencing this piece?
I want the audience to feel what I feel when I look at these photographs — a sense of awe at the beauty and complexity they hold, translated into movement. How all that beauty and complexity exists in and around us all the time regardless of our ability to perceive it. More than anything, I hope to offer people a moment of rest. I want to create a space for the viewer to pause and take in something visually rich and beautiful.
Hear more from Noelle in this rapid-fire interview with her and Amanda!
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