Dancing a Different Role

By Alicia J. Graf, Pre-Professional Dance Program Coordinator and Assistant Director of COCAdance

There are two things that I am very passionate about – performing and teaching. So when Kameron Saunders, one of our Pre-Professional Dance Program seniors, asked if he could create a solo on me for his choreography class, I jumped at the opportunity. I made up my mind immediately, but made him sweat a bit by telling him that I would think about it and get back to him in a few days. When I finally agreed, he gave me the type of bear hug that takes your breath away. I love hugs like that.

Kameron is a graduating senior who has a special eye for movement and choreographic structures. I know from our numerous conversations, that he sits for hours watching YouTube clips of master and emerging choreographers. His dream is to follow in the footsteps of his idols, Dwight Rhoden, Abdur-Rahim Jackson and William Forsythe. His choreographic style is contemporary and quirky, yet classically based. These are qualities that are inherent in my way of moving. We proved to be a good match.

The process of learning a piece of choreography from my own student was wholly fulfilling and challenging at the same time. I could see influences of myself in his work, which made me smile so many times during our sessions. Kameron always arrived prepared, knowing that I had time constraints, and was sensitive to the fact that my knee is not as strong as it used to be. On the other hand, I had to restrain myself from offering suggestions, remembering that I was merely the tool for shaping his unique vision. Very respectfully, he gave me corrections and directions. His friends joked that he was too tough on me! Trust me, I have had much worse than Mr. Saunders.

I believe that Kameron has a future in the dance, and I am so happy to be a part of his journey. It was fun to revert back to being a student again, to experience what it feels like to walk into the Emerson or Staenberg studios at COCA ready to learn something new.

Thanks, Kameron, for asking me to step into your world.