Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Rodman and Emily Bernet.
Emily and Taylor met at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in 2010 as dance majors. During their time at Arts Magnet, the two often spent after hours choreographing and collaborating on new work for school performances or personal intrigue. Upon their graduation in 2012 they continued to pursue their training towards professional careers in dance at Southern Methodist University (Bernet) and The Boston Conservatory (Rodman). After four years of creating and performing, the two reconnected in Joshua Peugh’s Dark Circles Contemporary Dance for its 2016-2017 season.
Early into the season, the company worked alongside guest choreographers Jonathan Campbell and Austin Diaz of MADBOOTS Dance; an all male contemporary dance company based out of New York City. Bernet and Rodman recognized the empowering impact of performing hyper physical work that was intended for a male’s body. This realization sparked the beginning of Bombshell Dance Project.
Bombshell Dance Project was created in 2016 with the mission to investigate the depth of the female choreographic voice. Since its creation, Bombshell Dance Project has been presented by the Dallas Arts District, Barnstorm Dance Festival, and Austin Dance Festival, and commissioned by Ballet Dallas, The Boston Conservatory, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and Wanderlust Dance Project.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, yes it has been a smooth road. We approach our challenges as an opportunity to learn more about our business and role as both artistic directors and administrators. During our time at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts several of our teachers instilled in us the value of consistently being a student or learner within our craft. This curiosity is helpful towards clearing our headspace when challenges do arise. We have also found comfort in tackling challenges as a team and celebrating each other’s strengths to balance the business out from multiple fronts.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bombshell Dance Project – what should we know?
The mission of Bombshell Dance Project is to investigate the depth of the female choreographic voice. We seek to challenge our perceptions of humanity through the creation and presentation of innovative dance works, exploring the juxtapositions between strength and subtlety; power and sensuality. We present a collaborative environment inviting audiences to take ownership of a shared artistic experience.
Bombshell Dance Project is a fresh voice in Dallas dance. While much of the surrounding companies are grounded in traditional form, Bombshell Dance Project’s all female perspective combined with its highly texturized full bodied movement showcases an unfamiliar style that peaks the interest and curiosity of local viewers and beyond. We are driven to present work that is relevant to our audience, and that challenges their understanding of the world in a new way. We value the use of collaboration between our dancers, audience, and artists of different mediums to fulfill an artistic vision that is alive and changing.
We are proud to be a company that provides opportunities for women and young dancers. In addition, we value compensating our artists for their time and work. We will never hire a dancer we cannot pay! Having grown up in the Dallas area we see our creations as an opportunity to connect with the community that supported and shaped our artistic minds. Our spirit of collaboration has allowed us to share the multifaceted angles of the female perspective to the Dallas audience and beyond.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Lily Weiss – Dallas Arts District Executive Director: Lily has impacted our performance and choreographic careers through her support, encouragement, and mentorship dating back to our time at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Fast forward ten years, we continue to have a close relationship with Weiss and seek her input as we expand our business and artist endeavors.
Densil Adams and Janice Rosenthal- Preston Center Dance: For generously donating their studios for our use.
Katie Bernet (photographer), Jeff Kinsey (composer), and Orlando Agawin (videographer) Collette Flowers (graphic designer): These collaborators have played a large role in the behind the scenes of Bombshell Dance Project. Each has provided an original perspective towards the continuation of the company through their professional expertise
Christopher Ham (lighting designer/stage manager): For bringing our creations to life with his intricate and thoughtful lighting design.
Pricing:
- LIKE A GIRL premiering June 22nd at Moody Performance Hall at 8 pm- $30
Contact Info:
- Address: Bombshell Dance Project
3630 Harry Hines Blvd. #18
Dallas, TX 75219 - Website: www.bombshelldanceproject.com
- Phone: 972-951-8700
- Email: bombshelldanceproject@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bombshelldanceproject
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bombshelldanceproject
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/bombshelldanceproject
Image Credit:
Katie Bernet
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