Phenomenal
Emma M.
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“Phenomenal” is a contemporary ballet work that examines the resilience and strength of women of color despite the societal biases that oppress them. In this piece, set to a rap by Vonii and inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem, “Phenomenal Woman,” my goal was to redefine the Westernized ideals of ballet that often exclude BIPOC dancers by deviating from traditional ballet lines and musicality, drawing from contemporary, jazz, and commercial styles. Using the music as a playground for exploration, I alternated between following the rhythmic beat and the intention of the lyrics. Playing off of Angelou’s words, I incorporated movement from heels dance, attempting to embody the grace and femininity that describes the “span of her hips” and “stride of her step” of the women in the song. I also composed sections with dynamic, hard-hitting musicality and shapes, taking inspiration from hip hop and contemporary to mirror the urgency with which the piece urges society to work towards equality and compassion. Despite my unmistakable love for contemporary and classical ballet, I recognize the immense need for the ballet world to progress and include more voices. George Balanchine, holds the standard of American ballet, both in aesthetics and practice, but believed that choreography was reserved for men. Reconstructing his precision, aesthetics, and musicality, I aim to break the standard and redefine tradition. In “Phenomenal,” my choreography is my microphone, enabling me to challenge societal norms while echoing the calls of my fellow artists and advocating for marginalized voices.
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Creativity enables me to empower my audiences. I can convey messages buried beneath intentional movement and storytelling, indulging in the blend of artistry and advocacy that makes me endlessly captivated by dance. In a world where female voices of color are actively repressed, dance allows me to be unabashedly visible.
