Showing posts with label 5th Annual Dance Minor Concert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5th Annual Dance Minor Concert. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Five Questions for Frankie Stokes, Choreographer

Francesca "Frankie" Stokes is one of the student choreographers for the upcoming 5th Annual Repertory/Ensemble Dance Minor Concert. We asked her five questions.

Frankie performing in the spring dance ensemble show.
What first interested you in choreography?
I have been choreographing dances for as long as I have been dancing, 18 years. Growing up I spent majority of my time in the middle of the living room floor choreographing dances to my favorite song at the time. I spent so much time in that spot that there is was an indent in the basement ceiling that showed my hard work, dedication and heavy feet.  It’s very rare that I don’t listen to a song and choreograph a dance in my head. 

Where have you found your inspiration for the piece that you are creating this spring?
The piece that I am creating this spring was originally created last year. I decided to reset it and see how far I can push my creative limits. My original inspiration for the piece came from my personal struggles but I decided to flip the concept and base it on the dancers ‘Struggle at Hand.’ 

What are the challenges to creating a new piece?
When the piece was originally created, I was working with four dancers for a five- minute piece. This time around, my cast consists of seven dancers with a length increase to seven minutes. 

Who is an artist you admire?
An artist I admire is Melissa Rector, the Assistant Artistic Director at Koresh Dance Company.  I admire Melissa for her creative ability and effortless technique.  She has a modest mindset that allows every dancer to feel comfortable regardless of their performance level.

If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be?
If I could be a fruit or a vegetable I would be an apple because of all of their different variations!

Frankie's piece for the minor performance.
Frankie Stokes is a Senior at Bloomsburg University, studying  Mass Communications with a journalism track and a dance minor. Looking to pursue a career in sports journalism while continuing to dance.