It’s difficult to start a list like this because if it were accurate, it would reflect something of the night sky in its multiplicity. This is by no means exhaustive, but if I had to think of the heavy hitters in my dance life, these five fantastic women surface immediately:

Marina Abramovic: I’ve had countless life lessons, intense and memorable experiences in the last few years as a result of spending time with Marina, performing her work, and teaching her work to others. I can’t overstate the impact she’s had on my life.

Kathy Westwater: I danced for Kathy for three years and followed her work for the decade prior. I love what she does.

Trisha Brown: I worked for TBDC for eight years and spent the first five years of that time in daily contact with Trisha. It’s difficult to articulate here the impact of Trisha’s presence in my life but it’s extensive and enduring.

Ursula Eagly: Ursula and I met in 2001 at Bates Dance Festival. I’m a big fan of her work and endlessly fascinated by how she solves the practical problems of sustaining a life in this field. What would Ursula do? is a frequent question running through my head.

Juliette Mapp: I was ready to quit dancing because of constant pain just before I met Juliette. She arrived in my life just in time.

Rebecca Davis premieres will however happen in a shared evening of work with taisha paggett Thursday, October 10 – Saturday, October 12 at 8pm.