Artist of the Week
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Artist: Jordan McHenry
Artform: Dancer and Choreographer What do you do and what are your main focuses? I am a professional dancer and choreographer with a focus on contemporary, improvisation and theatrical circus. Where have you studied? I received my BFA in dance from Fordham University/The Ailey School in New York City, and I have studied at programs all over the world including Spain, Germany, Canada, Thailand, and Sweden. I am always researching. The world is my teacher, but I am currently an MFA in Choreography student at Laban Conservatoire. |
Tell us about 'Am3rica'.
The excerpt I am sharing is from a work titled “Am3rica” from 2012- The work explores the themes of nationalism, capitalism, and the coercion of the military-industrial complex in 21st century America. It was performed by dancers from Cirque Du Soleil and Nevada Ballet Theatre at the 6th annual Cirque Du Soleil Choreographers Showcase in Las Vegas, NV.
Why do you dance and choreograph?
I dance/choreograph because it brings me closer to knowing myself, and if you can’t know yourself, how can you possibly know anyone else?
The excerpt I am sharing is from a work titled “Am3rica” from 2012- The work explores the themes of nationalism, capitalism, and the coercion of the military-industrial complex in 21st century America. It was performed by dancers from Cirque Du Soleil and Nevada Ballet Theatre at the 6th annual Cirque Du Soleil Choreographers Showcase in Las Vegas, NV.
Why do you dance and choreograph?
I dance/choreograph because it brings me closer to knowing myself, and if you can’t know yourself, how can you possibly know anyone else?
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Who are you influenced by?
I am influenced by so many artists- Demetri Papianou, Sidra Bell & William Forsythe to name a few, but more importantly, I am influenced by everyday people who challenge the status quo, ask the tough questions about the human condition, and bring courage and hope to their community through everyday acts of kindness. I am influenced by nature and philosophy, as well. My brother. What excites you about the art world today? The work being developed in tandem with technology and social justice. What is the most exciting thing you have done to date? As a dancer, I am very proud of my career thus far (which I consider mostly luck) but I have danced with Cirque Du Soleil, The Martha Graham Company and in the movie Black Swan with Natalie Portman. Why do you like contemporary art? Why do you think contemporary art is important? The real question is why do I find art meaningful? Art is the vessel that reflects our own humanity back upon us. I just happen to exist in our contemporary society and am a product of my environment. The classics are the foundations, but I believe in progress, research and discovery. Contemporary Art gives my curiosities a home and a language to excavate the pressing issues of modernity. |
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What are you afraid of?
I am afraid of being irrelevant- I am afraid of loneliness- I am afraid of ignorance.
What are your future ambitions?
To be a father.
I am afraid of being irrelevant- I am afraid of loneliness- I am afraid of ignorance.
What are your future ambitions?
To be a father.
Have you ever failed at something and what happened as a result? What advice would you give to people as a result of that experience?
I fail ALL THE TIME. EVERY DAY. As a result, I learn something. My advice to people is to be courageous enough to fail.
What is more important, talent or hard work?
Talent and hard work are only 2% of the larger picture. For me, the systemic conditions from where the artist originates have more influence than anything else. There are huge populations of untapped potential creatives who suffer from more immediate issues like access to food, water, healthcare, education etc… Talent and hard work are for the privileged. If one doesn’t have the resources to discover their talent, the world has lost something irreplaceable.
I fail ALL THE TIME. EVERY DAY. As a result, I learn something. My advice to people is to be courageous enough to fail.
What is more important, talent or hard work?
Talent and hard work are only 2% of the larger picture. For me, the systemic conditions from where the artist originates have more influence than anything else. There are huge populations of untapped potential creatives who suffer from more immediate issues like access to food, water, healthcare, education etc… Talent and hard work are for the privileged. If one doesn’t have the resources to discover their talent, the world has lost something irreplaceable.
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What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a dancer and/or choreographer?
Check your privilege at the door. Uplift others before yourself. Watch your words because they carry so much weight. Call your mom on her birthday. Stop complaining when you have to do a job other than your chosen profession. Work ethic in the worst conditions gives you resilience and feeds your creative impulses later.
Anything interesting coming up soon?
Hopefully humans on Mars, but a very cool fairy tale project is in the works- maybe you’ll hear about it soon- wink wink*
Check your privilege at the door. Uplift others before yourself. Watch your words because they carry so much weight. Call your mom on her birthday. Stop complaining when you have to do a job other than your chosen profession. Work ethic in the worst conditions gives you resilience and feeds your creative impulses later.
Anything interesting coming up soon?
Hopefully humans on Mars, but a very cool fairy tale project is in the works- maybe you’ll hear about it soon- wink wink*
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