ARTIST STATEMENT

I dedicate myself to crafting thoughtful, entertaining, and accessible dance of the highest quality. I want people who see my work to leave with an understanding of movement as a universal language accessible to all audiences and communities.

I want to explore more authentic personal narratives, and in the process give under or misrepresented communities a chance to see themselves truthfully and authentically represented on stage. I want to represent my tribes, our needs and desires, acknowledge and push past some of the archetypes represented in mainstream media and give them more depth so culturally diverse audience members can see their lives reflected onstage in an honest, genuine way and traditional audience members can see their lives reflected in the humanity of another person.

My passion extends beyond crafting my dances. I possess a unique gift for facilitating other artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities, in sharing their personal stories through movement. By fostering a safe and supportive space, I guide them in uncovering their narratives and transforming them into powerful artistic expressions. Witnessing this process unfold is genuinely inspiring. It allows them to reclaim their voices, to inspire and connect with audiences on a profound level. Together, we weave a tapestry of experiences transcending cultural divides and fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

I am currently exploring the use of Viewpoints in devising my choreographic work. It has provided me with an exciting way of approaching composition. It encourages authenticity and honesty as well as letting things occur instead of making things occur. It has provided surprising depth to the work I have created since beginning my research exercising this method. I am looking forward to digging deeper and excavating more possibilities.

Joshua L. Peugh in rehearsal with Dance Lab New York. Photo by Scott Shaw.

Photo by Scott Shaw courtesy of DLNY.

Dance is a human ritual.