The heart does not question its beating

"The heart does not question its beating" is an contemporary movement exploration of the self in relation to the "heart" and the concept of heart in our lives as a form of drive and passion. The work is inspired by the Gothic horror genre in Victorian literature, specifically how blood and gore can represent passion and power rather than strife and danger. The dancers in this piece, therefore, are smeared in blood as to represent the violence of self-discovery and the excavation of the self to realize ones true passions. While the work may seem dark and dismal, it is quite the opposite. Through sinuous and freeing contemporary movement, "The heart" focuses on the joy behind passion and despite the effort and gore to get there, we are truly ourselves when we push ourselves to be who we are meant to be. It all represents the innate drive of the human spirit, finding strength in community, and the pride of personal victory.

Program Note: When told to pursue our passions, we are often told to “listen to our hearts”. However, this implies that a heart is a separate being, another voice entirely. The heart is not a detached construct from the self. The heart is part of you. It is you. The truth is in the heart because the truth is in yourself. Listen to yourself. Value what you say. Take care of who you are.