Life Is Two Fold 

Choreographer
Shawn Short

Music
Black Violin, John Legend, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Premiere
Fall Forward, October 19th, 2024 Atlas Performing Arts Center, Washington, DC (World Premiere)

A percussive and syncopated pointe work inspired by our human desire to breathe in and share our excitement for life, Life Is Two Fold is inspired by its musical score created by Black Violin, John Legend, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, segmented into three sections (Seek, Understanding, Anticipate).

Sections (3 movements)

Movement I: Seek — Music: Black Violin Relates to our ability to become vulnerable in the pursuit of wanting to belong. Dancers athletically mold movement with emotional depth, collecting as if drawn to each other’s existence. Layered with a hip-hop undertone, Seek blends partnering, classical center, allegro, and staccato pointe work with “the down” of an urban musical score. Cast: Joel Kioko, Maurissa Powell, Kassi Tiedjens, Sarah Phillips — Soloists: Joel Kioko, Maurissa Powell

Movement II: Understanding — Music: John Legend Brings a state of nostalgia reflecting on the ease and joy within life. Thoughts of friends playing, first love, and countless happier moments become the base of this pas de deux and trois, moderato-to-groove tempo choreographic section. Soloists: Joel Kioko, Maurissa Powell

Movement III: Anticipate — Music: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Shines the light of acceptance and joy. Large ensemble and symmetric couple dances raise the energy on the stage; bringing the heat, with percussive rhythms and a “butt shaking” cathartic release. Cast: Joel Kioko, Maurissa Powell, Kassi Tiedjens, Sarah Phillips — Soloists: Joel Kioko, Kassi Tiedjens

Original Cast
Joel Kioko (Soloist), Maurissa Powell (Soloist), Kassi Tiedjens (Soloist), Sarah Phillips

Lighting by
Chris Holland

Time
11 Minutes