Right in the middle of Dance Place’s busy 2016-2017 season, we asked Vincent Thomas, the Artistic Director for What’s Going On, Dance Place’s first full-length production, a few personal questions. What’s Going On is set to the groundbreaking music of Marvin Gaye and will be presented on November 12 & 13, as well as November 19 & 20, 2016.
What does it feel like to look back at the first choreographic piece you’ve ever made?
The first choreographic piece I made as a solo artist was Prelude/Frustration in a Martini. This work had its premiere at Dance Place in the choreographers’ showcase. I was investigating deep feelings and rufflings of life – relationship, social, and political – especially as a gay black male. As the work marinated and seasoned, the political details and nuances remained strong and poignant as a metaphor for what really troubled me and was the beginning place for most of my work. Years later, I find myself here at Dance Place with a work that seems well seasoned and ready to be digested…a work that is needed to satisfy the hunger of so many…asking the still relevant question, “What’s going on?”
What dancer stereotype annoys you the most?
I would have to say that I get annoyed by dancers who take moving for granted – those who move and dance without connecting to the dancing gods and goddesses, honoring those beautiful sweating dancing ancestors, as we move into a future. We have to embrace the fact that to move our bodies is a healing art; maybe, personal healing or healing for a viewer. So I am not sure if it is really ‘annoying’ or if it is just simply a sad thing. When I teach or dance or have an opportunity to share, I want to make sure I express in words and in motion the need and power of dance.
Where do you find inspiration for your art-making process?
I find inspiration in living, seeing other art, breathing, observing, listening, loving, wanting to live in a better world.
How do you take your coffee?
Chai is preferred…Shall we have a chai date?
What project are you looking forward to?
What’s Going On at Dance Place.
Due to demand, the What’s Going On performance is extended! Get your tickets for this sell-out smash hit on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 8pm here.
Photo by Jonathan Hsu