Dance Works: Stories of Creative Collaboration

Choreographer Allison Orr collaborated with 13 City of Austin firefighters in 2001, leading to civic storytelling through movement at public pools, power line workers shimmying up poles, and intricate choreography of trash trucks. She reflects on her major collaborations and shares interviews with people she has made dances with over the past two decades, offering a look at how to create community-based art projects and the beauty of choreographing the day-to-day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Wesleyan University Press

In 2001, Allison Orr embarked on a remarkable journey of artistic collaboration, joining forces with 13 members of the City of Austin Fire Department. Over the course of the next two decades, her unique practice of working alongside city employees blossomed into a captivating form of civic storytelling through movement. This artistic exploration took shape in various captivating ways, including mesmerizing performances at public pools, awe-inspiring tableaus featuring power line workers shimmying up towering poles in front of a captivated audience of 5000, and intricate choreography showcasing trash trucks on a misty tarmac. This captivating memoir-meets-guide delves into Allison Orr's extensive collaborations and features insightful interviews with the individuals she has had the privilege of creating dances with over the past two decades. The voices of power line workers, sanitation workers, and firefighters resound, sharing their memories and profound reflections on their experiences collaborating with Forklift. In addition to delving into larger conversations within the arts, Allison Orr offers a valuable perspective on the creation of community-based art projects. She explores how the creative process can unite people, fostering a sense of community and addressing civic issues. Through her artistry, she choreographs the ordinary, revealing the beauty and significance of everyday moments. An appendix and online companion provide additional insights, including detailed budget information, comprehensive cast and crew lists, participant survey results, and much more. This captivating journey invites readers to witness the transformative power of art and its ability to connect, inspire, and ignite change within communities.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 253 x 178 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780819500243