Lecturer
Diploma in Dance
School of Dance & Theatre
24 June 2016
Tell us a little about yourself – which country do you originate and how did you come to pursue the arts?
I was born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA and since I was young, I was especially drawn to visual arts. During my undergraduate study, I majored in Biology; but during that period I began an interest in photography and moreover in dance, starting graduate level studies in the field. After graduation, the university stopped teaching the Martha Graham technique and I decided to continue my practice in New York City. There I became a dancer in Graham’s second company, the Ensemble.
What made you decide to be an arts educator; and why Singapore?
I’ve always enjoyed teaching and nurturing others to be open, creative and curious artists. Even when I was in The Ensemble, I showed a strength and ability in teaching and directing. When I moved to Europe, my pedagogic skills continued to grow, especially when I worked in higher education at Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music and Dance, where I taught for a total of 18 years.
My desire is to teach each student as an individual. To reveal the everyday practice of what it is to be an artist, a practitioner. To introduce them the multiplicity of the art world, to encourage them to think and respond, and to find their creative voice.
A friend of mine recommended me to work in Singapore as I had the opportunity to work in other parts of Asia, such as Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and I hoped to live and work within the Asian culture.
Briefly describe your experience at LASALLE and share with us a memorable/rewarding experience in your time at LASALLE.
It has been a wonderful experience so far! I have been excited and inspired by the artistic landscape at LASALLE and throughout Singapore. There’s been nonstop discovery of interesting work and I really enjoy the openness and generosity of people among the different fields.
It’s hard to target just one rewarding experience! I have been very fortunate and have experienced many! The Diploma in Dance Level 2 students did a fabulous work in their choreographic solos, which was created from a workshop and visit I organised with the Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI). The focus of the workshop was on an exhibition by the artist, Do Ho Suh. The work resonated around the themes – identity, home, memory and imprint. To me, each student generated a beautiful and personal bodily haiku (short Japanese poetry)!
From this experience, STPI has requested for dance performances as a response to the visual art exhibitions to be within their future programming. This will start with a dance work I will choreograph within an exhibition in August 2016 collaborating with the Diploma in Dance Level 3 students.
What are you passionate about besides your work, what keeps you curious?
The everyday intrigues me. I am a gatherer. I collect images, ideas, titles, words, gestures, smells and sounds. I observe and am fascinated by subtle almost unnoticeable objects/actions. I love film, photography, visual art in general. And I adore swimming, especially in the sea.
What's coming up next in your professional practice/research?
I am presently in London continuing research on 'folding' (based on Gilles Deleuze, a French philosopher) with a colleague Dr Glenna Batson, as well as presenting a small film/performance installation work. The somatic exploration within my research underpins my creative practice with the camera and in all aspects of my choreographic work. I am also excited by alternative spaces for performance, such as galleries, public spaces, etc.
Read more about Susan here.
