In 2012, I founded Alison Cook Beatty Dance with a vision to empower artists through the transformative medium of modern dance. Over the past twelve years, we have had the privilege of calling GREEN SPACE our home, a space that has been a beacon of support and opportunity for artists like myself, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Valerie.
As we prepare to present our latest works in TAKE ROOT 2024, I’m particularly honored to share one piece close to my heart: ECHOES OF WAR. The inspiration for this work arose during a deeply challenging time—the onset of the Ukrainian War. Walking into the studio soon after the conflict began, I invited my dancers to reflect on the images and narratives that flooded our screens. Each dancer penned down ten words that encapsulated their thoughts about war and displacement, especially in relation to the Ukrainian people.
From these heartfelt words, we unearthed gestures that evolved into intricate choreography, drawing upon the minimalist score of Steve Reich's “Different Trains.” The music itself weaves together fragmented stories of displacement and turmoil, aligning perfectly with our mission to tell the story of those affected by war. A poignant image throughout the piece is that of the train car—a powerful symbol echoed in media reports depicting the harrowing journeys of those fleeing conflict.
As our exploration deepened, I chose the title ECHOES OF WAR, reflecting the painful cycles of history that seem to repeat themselves. In my quest for meaning and representation, I adorned one of our dancers in blue representing the Ukrainian flag. Alongside her, the remaining dancers wore sandy hues, creating a vivid contrast that symbolizes the resilience and hope that can thrive even in the darkest of times. This dancer in blue, also representing hope, holding sunflowers—the national flower of Ukraine—encapsulates the essence of hope and strength amidst chaos. This character reminded me of the young girl in red Schindler’s List.
The collaborative process behind *ECHOES OF WAR* was profound. Each dancer brought their unique experiences into the formation of the movement, allowing their stories to intertwine with the collective narrative we aimed to present. The result is a deeply resonant performance that holds space for empathy and reflection, serving as a tribute to the enduring human spirit.
As we prepare to perform at TAKE ROOT 2024, I invite audiences to join us in this important dialogue. Through dance, we aim not only to highlight the pain borne out of conflict but also to celebrate the resilience of families and communities around the world, especially those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Your support can make a difference. Together, let us spread awareness, foster understanding, and embrace hope for the children and families of Ukraine as they navigate these challenging times. Dance has the power to unite us all—let us stand in solidarity and create a brighter future together. Donate to Voices of Children
Alison Cook Beatty Dance will be performing ECHOES OF WAR and additional pieces September 20th and 21st at 8 p.m. “Joyful Offering,” an NYC World Premiere of Bach’s Oboe Concerto which celebrates the joy of dance and life will also be performed. Additional repertoire from Artistic Director Alison Cook-Beatty’s work featured includes “In Spite Of, Because Of…The Wallpaper,” with original music by Jonathan Howard Katz and set designer Daniel George Cook. Inspired by the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” written by American feminist Charlotte Perkins Gilman about women's mental and physical health in 1892. Alison first created this piece on Zoom and filmed it in a greenscreen studio for a dance film, and premiered it in 2020 at the height of the Pandemic. In 2024, the Company premiered it on stage with Mr. Cook’s set design. The Company will also be performing an excerpt of “Tintinnabuli” to Arvo Part’s Tabula Rasa.
Company Dancers performing: Madelaine Burnett, Jacob Blank, Joanna Ioannides, Tomislav Nevistic, Hannah Dillenbeck, Gion Treichler, and Ava Trochiano
Tickets to see Alison's work at TAKE ROOT can be purchased here.