Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherylyn Lavagnino.
Hi Cherylyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My brother lives in Waxahacie, and I came to visit many times. I was invited to make a dance for SMU a few years ago. As my brother was located there, I was able to stay with him while I was
working with the wonderful dance students at SMU
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was a very smooth process as the faculty at SMU was outstanding, and so many of us had similar experiences and even worked in the same ballet company in the late ’70s
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the artistic director of a contemporary ballet company. I choreograph and direct the company of dancers who are primarily Tisch Dance NYU graduates. They are equally trained in both ballet and contemporary dance. Lately I make work that is theater dance and often focuses on women’s issues. I also work regularly with living composers and live music.
I am most happy with my ability to tell a story and move an audience through dance movement and gesture.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I always do thorough research before and during the creative development of my choreographic work; a wonderful book that I read in preparing for my dance version of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is
“Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. This story brings a young Shakespeare and his wonderful wife to light. I see so many parallels to Shakespeare’s portraits of his female characters in The Winter’s Tale – their intelligence, strength, and resourcefulness – even an element of white witchery.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cherylynlavagnino-dance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavagninodance/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavagninodance/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylyn-lavagnino-57098217
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaPwTMznm7I
Image Credits
John Eng
Charles Roussel
Andrea Pugliese
