LONG DISTANCE DANCE DIALOGUES is a series of exchanges between Joanna Kotze and 12 dancers/choreographers around the world and throughout the United States between January–December 2021. Each exchange begins with a video interview that will be archived online and shared with the public once a month beginning in March 2021. The discussion is followed by sharing 1 minute or less of movement, as a relay, from one dancer to the next, linking us together through the making, learning and documenting of dance. Each relay of movement will also be archived and shared online in its intentionally raw, unpolished form, once a month. At the end of the year, a film bringing together all parts of the relay will be shared as a record of the project.

I often take for granted how deeply connected I feel to other dancers and choreographers who I’ve worked with and known for many years. I wanted to take a step back and look at how those connections are made and strengthened over time, especially after realizing just how important this community is to my personal resiliency and that of the world when going through the health, economic, and social crises of 2020. Through the sharing of personal experiences and movement with each other and with you, I hope we can celebrate our different bodies, choices and experiences and continue to care and show up for each other in the future. With this project I am starting near the beginning with people I have a connection to but want to get to know better.
I am excited to see what happens next! – Joanna Kotze

Photos: Omagbitse by Elizabeth Romanski, Liyabuya by Graham de Lacy, Stuart by Jamie Green, Alain courtesy of the artist, Björn by Chrisander Brun, Megumi by Marie Lambin, Milka by Brian Rogers, Yebel by Marissa Mooney, Sarah by Oliver Mertz, Bashaun by Shelby Mullen, Nic by Nic Lincoln, Alexandra by Séan Alonzo Harris

This project is commissioned in part by the American Dance Festival (ADF).

Logo design by Chris Cherry