Nicole Perry, MFA, CLMA Intimacy Choreographer & Movement Specialist
Bodies are sculpted, legislated, objectified, punished, idolized, and idealized. For performers, bodies are an instrument or tool, an object to be trained, the focus of work. But, bodies are also the point of connection — sharing space, ideas, meals, a glance, or touch.
Our bodies give the rest of the world information about what is perceived as “ourselves” — gender, age, race, ability, etc. — but we know there is so much more that makes up our essence. As we move through the world in our bodies, we offer those around us an opportunity to connect to who we really are.
As a choreographer, I am an active participant in developing these connections. I value:
Collaboration, co-action, and co-creation. My process aims to draw out and on the ideas of those performing, to center creative agency and consent.
“No”, because it is an opportunity to be imaginative — it creates space to explore creative possibilities. I believe there is more than 1 “right way” to convey meaning, and that the way we find together is likely the best way. In this, I uphold the creative sovereignty of my collaborators, as well as my own creative integrity.
Stories, and the perspectives they give us that are different from those we already hold.
Integration, and bringing my various practices and interests to inform each other.
My current practices and areas of interest for choreography are site-inspired work, choreographic and rehearsal practices that are consent-forward and trauma-informed, and somatic movement practices.
As an educator and a scholar, my work is research on the intersections of bodies, power dynamics, consent-based practices and creativity. Writing serves as a way to put words on my values, and to share them with others.
Nicole Perry. Photo by Ashley E. Smith
