E M I L Y K E L L E R

“I do not accept the ephemeral nature of this moment. I’m going to extend it forever… Or at least I’m going to try.” (Jason Silva)

 

To my knowledge, most of humanity ponders a slew of metaphysical questions that we will probably never answer. As a lifelong worrier, I’ve let these questions get the better of me on more than one occasion. What is my purpose? What happens when we die? What’s the point? I would argue that creative expression is the point. It heals. It connects. It is the heart of humanity. 

 

My perspective is informed by my experiences as an adopted Chinese American based in Los Angeles. In short, I grew up in predominantly white institutions and spent too much time with myself. Dance was a way to connect my growing mind and body. I was able to express and understand my emotions when I wasn’t able to get the words out. Like any good friend, dance pushed me and held me and inspired me. 

 

As a choreographer, I utilize a contemporary dance vocabulary to translate experiences I have when listening to music. Not only is dance an interpretation of the music, it is a meticulous dissection of it’s contents. Dance can reveal or impart new meaning to a song by highlighting or contrasting musical elements. Whether creating movement for movement’s sake, creating to tell a story, or creating to evoke a feeling, I strive to build something that all audiences can take joy in. 

 

Though I begin with the music, my process unfolds as I discover the movement language of the piece. This language is the foundation of my creative process. I explore the bounds of the language and research all the ways to move within those confines. I discover what it means to move adjacent or in direct contrast to the movement language and what that translates to as a viewer. Developing a specific movement style for a piece helps me further identify what the piece is about and what it has to offer. 

 

I want to say all I have to say. I want to express all I have to feel. I want to know everything I cannot know. I want to know if you feel the way I do. I kind of hope you do… human to human.