Photos: Kolman Rosenberg (2021)
FINDING STRENGTH AND V ULNE RABILITY IN M OV E M E NT
SOMETIMES, ALWAYS Richard Dickinson, MFA is well known for his long career with Ohio Ballet. His connection with Verb Ballets began over 10 years ago. As the Associate Artistic Director, he molds the company dancers but the other hat he wears is as a regular company choreographer. He is known for his eclectic style, combining ballet technique with modern angles and intricate partnering. We sat down with him to talk about his newest ballet featuring the men of the company. Why did you choreograph an all-male piece?
What is the new piece about?
I was asked to choreograph a new work for the men
The work is about being strong and vulnerable at
of Verb Ballets while the women were learning the
the same time. Being open to the many possibilities
Limon solos.
of the universe, and not being afraid of who you are or what you can be. We are expected to have a hard
What inspired your new work?
shell around us, like a cocoon. However, I think we
I went into the process unclear where to start or
should let the world in and experience it. Its joy and
how to approach this undertaking. I began to think
pain. Full of energy and life. Don't be afraid- just be
of other choreographers that have famously
your best!
choreographed for men: Ted Shawn, Mark Morris, and Lar Lubovitch. I began to look at videos and
What is the meaning behind the title?
photos of their work as inspiration. I wanted to
Sometimes we meet someone that we will always
make something unsentimental, about guys. That
remember.
was the beginning, and it has taken off from there. verbiculture | February 2021
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