And, a smaller reflection of being in this work with them:I smile at our time in Albuquerque. A standout moment is when Leila had put our names in a hat and we each drew someone who we would have a crush on for two days and then new crushes for the remaining two. For most of us, this week was the first time we would all be working together and/or filling new roles (ie. me as a stage manager, a musician shifting into dance performance, or a then dance artist cementing themselves into architecture and set design). Leila and Noelle were there to work on the piece as both choreographers and dancers, but inevitably hold all of us artistically and personally as well. This secret crush exercise gave us permission to remember ourselves and see each other. It also meant, choosing how and if we ever reveal who we were crushing on. By the end of the residency we all sat around food and drinks and shared who we were holding in secretly. Declarations of how we saw each other and what we meant for each other, from the first day to the last. We emerged as a family. “Driven” and “compassionate” are words that come to mind in thinkin of Leila and Noelle from that residency. They have shown me how being driven can exist to not solely push beyond one’s limits, but can also bring and lead others to bring seismic shift in community. Compassion is one I am continually striving for, and being with them has shown me how it goes hand in hand with strength. A way to not solely be there for others, but actually act and show up for them. I have seem them hold the room with these two qualities. Balancing themselves simultaneously. As sisters, collaborators, and individuals. Witnessing and attempting to learn from them has been a beautiful challenge. Our paths have been side by side for some years, but I am so grateful and honored to now braid them together.
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