Artist Statement for Stephanie DeMarco
It all begins with a story.
I explore human stories and experiences from all walks of life through creative movement.
I believe that exploring these stories through creative movement and dance allows me and the individuals around me to better see the complexity of each and every story with transparency and clarity.
When the story is not my own, I approach each story with an open mind and loving heart as well as a hunger to learn more, understand more, and question more.
When developing an artistic piece or experience, I allow myself to saturate and marinate in the content of my piece. I allow the content to flow through me like flowing water.
I recognize that sitting in the content may not be simple, easy, or comfortable. I remind myself that while I’m creatively exploring the content, it’s okay to laugh with oneself, cry with oneself, and just be yourself at all times. I must always be authentic so that I can give the students, performers, audience, and participants an authentic experience.
I hope that all experiences and choreographic pieces I create invite individuals to see in new colors. I truly believe that art can heal the individual, which can heal the whole.
Pictured: Dorothy Chen, Former Color Guard Student