2008 Woodie Awards
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UO alum speaks about experiences with 'cutting-edge' dance
Tiffany Mills founded a successful dance company in New York
by Tristan Coolen | Freelance Writer |
"'Modern' dance is a problem word," Mills said. "We're neither modern nor post-modern. We are contemporary but that's not the right word. We are creative moving beings. We need a title."
Following that creative vein, Mills' work in progress is entitled "Tomorrow's Legs," which incorporates movement and speaking to explore real stories in dancers lives.
Produced in collaboration with British theater artist Peter Petralia, "Tomorrow's Legs" will premiere in February at the St. Mark's Church in the East Village, New York. Mills used voice-over-IP software to make telephone calls over the Internet to allow Petralia to work with the company from his home in England.
To prospective dancers and choreographers who want to make their living in the industry, Mills has both words of warning and encouragement.
"Cultivate lots of skills," Mills said. Competition is forcing many professional dancers to work at several dance companies at once. Dance companies like hers, with a dedicated cast, are a dying breed, while "pick-up companies" with one-time dancers are becoming more popular.
"Gotta love what you do," Mills said. "That carries you on."
The Tiffany Mills Company offers internships to university students interested in the dance industry. More information can be found at www.tiffanymillscompany.org.
Following that creative vein, Mills' work in progress is entitled "Tomorrow's Legs," which incorporates movement and speaking to explore real stories in dancers lives.
Produced in collaboration with British theater artist Peter Petralia, "Tomorrow's Legs" will premiere in February at the St. Mark's Church in the East Village, New York. Mills used voice-over-IP software to make telephone calls over the Internet to allow Petralia to work with the company from his home in England.
To prospective dancers and choreographers who want to make their living in the industry, Mills has both words of warning and encouragement.
"Cultivate lots of skills," Mills said. Competition is forcing many professional dancers to work at several dance companies at once. Dance companies like hers, with a dedicated cast, are a dying breed, while "pick-up companies" with one-time dancers are becoming more popular.
"Gotta love what you do," Mills said. "That carries you on."
The Tiffany Mills Company offers internships to university students interested in the dance industry. More information can be found at www.tiffanymillscompany.org.
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