My process for creation often begins with conversation with the dancers. In this case I went into the process with a very clear idea to base the work on which was our climate crisis, specifically the plastic garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean. The dancers and I discussed how the animals are being affected and what our reactions would be if we were as immediately and directly impacted by a plastic continent taking over our habitat. So the beginnings of creation stemmed from emotions like fear, loss, anger, and confusion. Using these feelings in the body we explored how these emotions influenced our movements. Much of the movement seen in the work is inspired by the natural instincts of these dancers making the work very personal and meaningful. I came into the space with very specific movement phrases that I wanted to explore and build upon and was inspired by how each dancer would interpret these phrases. After much discussion I created a couple of poems which reflected the thoughts and ideas the dancers shared with me and together we translated these words into movement. I really enjoy creating from text. I find it interesting to play with the duality of certain words and how some words feel in the body. Some, flow with movement while others restrict and eat energy. Another useful tool and piece of inspiration were images we researched of the ocean vortex and the oceanic life stuck, stranded and trying to navigate the plastic island. I wanted to infuse heartbreak, innocence and wonder into the work which I feel emanates from these creatures who are so strongly influenced by their natural instincts to follow the currents which bring them into direct contact with this plastic soupy pollution. Questions asked were how do these creatures feel? How will they navigate? Will they survive? In our research we discovered that new organisms are growing on the plastic. Will these new organisms growing on the plastic be natures way of getting rid of the plastic or will these organisms take over the ocean and do more harm? What will be left for my children? If we can create empathy for these creatures will we be able to create change? Why are these images so haunting? How do we identify with these creatures? This work is at the very beginning of the process, and as you can see from the questions that came up in our initial creative process, the work could go in many directions. I am curious what imagery and emotions come up for objective viewers. I believe showing the work in its early stages will help guide and/or galvanize the direction the work goes in.

All photos by Mark Walton. Dancers pictured Amanda Damaren, Aya Belsheim and Kate Kamo McHugh