In 2012 Danspace Project presented two historic Platforms, Parallels and Judson Now. In 2013 we continue to explore artistic constellations and lineages. What web of connections do new generations of artists trace? Who are their influences? This season we ask each artist to share a significant artistic influence. Below is Marýa Wethers’ response:

Marýa Wethers. Photo: Ian Douglas.

Motown music: My earliest influence was an inherited appreciation of soul music from my Dad who played Motown music in the house and on car trips, with Simon & Garfunkel, Carly Simon, and of course Donna Summer in the mix. That music was an entry point into this piece.

Bebe Miller: Bebe was a guest artist at Mount Holyoke College for two semesters when I was a student there. Taking class with Bebe and learning and performing a section of “Red House,” an excerpt from “The Hendrix Project” changed my relationship to dance and movement forever and since.

Daria Faïn: I finally made my way to Daria’s class after taking a 2.5 year hiatus from performing. Her decades of deep study and practice of Taoist philosophy and chi kung, transmitted through a movement-based practice for performers, was transformative for me and led me to a deeper integration of physical embodiment and accessing energetic states. I am so thankful for her teaching, mentorship, and friendship.

Additional influences on my work: a history of Otherness including racial integration/assimilation and queerness, gender and sexuality; also bittersweet heartache…

***
Shared Evening: Marýa Wethers / Enrico D. Wey & Jon Kinzel runs April 4-6, 2013 at Danspace Project.