““One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” ”
"Born to Be" reimagines Simone de Beauvoir's exploration of womanhood through a vibrant contemporary ballet, merging movement, music, and art into a narrative that dissects gender constructs and amplifies the voices from the margins. This work is a homage to resilience and transformation, inviting a journey into the depths of identity and rights across eras.
"Born to Be" stands as a contemporary ballet, a canvas where the fluidity and precision of dance meet the defiance of silence. Amidst a world where the essence of freedom is currently questioned, how does the body speak when words are restrained? This piece dives deep into the resilience woven through the fabric of womanhood, tracing the silent battles fought in the shadows of society. With each movement, our dancers embody the tales of struggle and triumph that resonate across borders, driven by an original score that echoes the heartbeat of resistance. Inspired by the psychological depths explored by Jacques Lacan and the emotive power of Pina Bausch's work, "Born to Be" becomes a multidisciplinary narrative. Here, light and shadow play across stages set by visual arts, crafting stories not just seen, but deeply felt. A quintet of dancers, each from a tapestry of backgrounds, brings this narrative to life, their bodies a testament to the diversity and unity of the human spirit.
The original music compositions for our performance are a result of a collaborative effort between two exceptionally talented composers, Samanta Liza Shi and Allison Spann. This collaborative spirit is emblematic of our artistic process, embracing diverse perspectives and influences to craft a harmonious and evocative musical backdrop. In this ballet, every leap, turn, and pause is a dialogue with the world, a question of existence itself. It is a journey through the ages, a dance of defiance and dignity, a call to the soul to remember its worth.