There is a point in everyone’s life where they are no longer considered a child by themselves or by others. In fact, often it is seen as an accomplishment to rush towards. We long to be mature, so much so that we forget the strengths of being a child: Curiosity, extremes, imagination, empathy, innocence, endless growth. We forget that the Child gave us everything we needed to end up mature. Over the past two years I have reconnected with the Child. I have let her thrive again. So the question becomes, how do you merge the child with mature inside of one mind.

 

I chose dancers that exhibited vulnerability and honesty. Our first rehearsal consisted of combining basic phrases with structured improvisation and playing with formations. Dancers created six movements that they strung together which became a large part of future choreography. Their segmented phrases became transitions, duets, and trios. I also placed a large amount of my own choreography that came from personal improvisation and daydreaming on the dancers. From the beginning, we knew the piece would be performed outside so movement had to be created that was pleasing from all angles and also safe for the dancers to execute.

 

Whispers of the Child is a reflection on transformation and integration of self. It is approached with tenderness as if capturing a memory. Opening up to the Child is releasing cynicism and judgment; allowing yourself to experience sincere joy in the simplest of things; to be extreme in your curiosity, emotions, and dreams. The Mature still directs your focus to what you deem important. Merging the Mature with the Child is about having innocence without falling fault to naiveté. The piece largely plays with the dichotomy of the Mature as stillness and the Child as free curiosity.