Extremely influenced by the dancers themselves, Birds in Paradise is distinctly female and many times creature-like as the four women tap into a cardinal physicality. The movement is rich and thick with a strong connection to the earth, performed from the inside out, and released in waves through the dancers' spines. This conveys a deep sense of importance as though these creatures are relaying vital information about survival. When the dancers physically connect, it's as though they're imprinting their unique knowledge and characteristics upon one another. There is an undramatic yet inherent sense of emotion with a connection to the larger herd. The dancers agility and flexibility in mind and body itch to carve out new ways of convening, gathering, and thinking exemplified in the pulsating movement, facial expressions, and sound score.

 

Concept and direction by Hope Goldman
Movement invention and performance by Jessica Cornish, Megan Klein, Cheryl Cornacchione Nowlin, and Alana Parekh
Music by Nick Klein
Lighting Design by Jeffrey Hannah

 

This project is partially supported by an Individual Artist Program Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, as well as a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.