4PHOTOS: Reesie Davis on Praize Productions Inc, NFP’s “REVIVAL: The Answer”
As dance artists and creators we often spend hundreds of hours working in the studio to hone our craft, and spend five percent or less of that time presenting on stage. The process and journey of creation is invaluable to the artist, but just as important is the reflection on the final product. Many companies and performers have added a post-show component to their programming in the form of a “talk-back”, where the artists involved take a seat on the stage and answer questions from the audience. But, if you were not fortunate enough to be in the audience for a talk-back or did not have the opportunity to view a performance in the first place, you may be missing valuable insights that have the potential to enrich and change your perspective on life, your surroundings, and maybe even yourself.
But one there is one thing about a review that you will never be able to skirt around; those words in that newspaper did not come from the mouth and heart of the artist or creator.
As a current or potential audience member, you may catch a review of the show in the local paper. But one there is one thing about a review that you will never be able to skirt around; those words in that newspaper did not come from the mouth and heart of the artist or creator. That’s where DancerMusic comes in. We pride ourselves in giving artists like Reesie Davis, Founder and CEO of Praize Productions, Inc. NFP, the opportunity to share reflections and discoveries of the work that she, her company and school of dancers work so hard to achieve and realize. We recently caught up with Reesie and asked her to share her reflections on PPI’s recent production of REVIVAL: The Answer was Healing! Here’s what Reesie shared with us in her 4PHOTOS:
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River (The Cleansing/The Gathering/Baptism)
Choreography by Reesie Davis • Visual art created by Adrianne Wheeler • Live music arranged by Musical Director, Dave Felton
But in order to truly be free, one must surrender to life itself, give up on the things, people, experiences that hold you captive in your thoughts, in your progression, in your relationship with others.
This scene represents the “Baptism.” Pulling from my Baptist roots, I believe no matter your denomination or religious beliefs, everyone experiences some form of “baptism” experience in their life… a season of surrender in order to become free. Many believe that by surrendering you are accepting captivity or have given up. But in order to truly be free, one must surrender to life itself, give up on the things, people, experiences that hold you captive in your thoughts, in your progression and in your relationship with others. Those who don’t “give up” cannot “gain.” And those who do not “submerge” themselves in the richness of life itself can never properly be healed — be freed.
Mirrors (Cranes)
Choreography by Reesie Davis, solo choreography by Briana Arthur • visual art created by Adrianne Wheeler • Music – “Cranes” by Solange
People can only find themselves by starting within — healing the heart, reviving the soul.
What if you could communicate with your younger self — what would you say? What would you do? REVIVAL’s powerful piece, Mirrors (Cranes) choreographed by myself (solo choreographed by Briana Arthur), narrated a conversation through movement with oneself.
This piece is complimented by beautiful visual art created by Adrianne Wheeler accompanied by the song “Cranes” by Solange. This piece put the mirror in front of the audience’s face, and forced them to see themselves in order to heal the internal hurts that caused them to stay in the stage of “Death.”
Mirrors (Cranes) discussed how healing must start from within. Many times individuals seek healing in possessions, relationships, and various vices, which is why they continuously lose themselves in those things. People can only find themselves by starting within — healing the heart, reviving the soul.
Wild is the Wind
Choreography by Nicole Clarke-Springer • Music – “Wild is the Wind” by Nina Simone
Through embracing and taking hold of our womanhood and sisterhood with other others, we are set on a path to becoming and being better.
Praize Productions Inc, NFP’s RIZE Pro-Elite Company with guest dancer, Dominique Atwood, were absolutely breathtaking in our production of REVIVAL: The Answer. Guest choreographer Nicole Clarke-Springer’s piece was set to Nina Simone’s “Wild is the Wind.” This whimsical movement demonstrated the strength, vulnerability, & power of women.
Through embracing and taking hold of our womanhood and sisterhood with other others, we are set on a path to becoming and being better.
Sin, Sin, Swing Low
Choreography by Reesie Davis • Music – “Moanin’ was RED, SIZZLIN’ HOT!” by Charles Mingus
When we live without thought, it doesn’t free us, but holds us from understanding our purpose and reaching our destiny.
Praize Productions Inc, NFP’s REVIVAL: The Answer‘s opening dance piece, Sin, Sin, Swing Low, is choreographed by myself and set to Charles Mingus’ “Moanin’ was RED, SIZZLIN’ HOT!”
This urban jazz choreography tells the story of when we are out in the world living life without consequence, and how that brings about a renewed sense of liberation with the side effects of regret and sometimes, self-destruction.
We oftentimes label a lack of responsibility and respect for others with the title liberation. All experiences have impact on who we develop into. When we live without thought, it doesn’t free us, but holds us from understanding our purpose and reaching our destiny.
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To learn more about Praize Productions, Inc. NFP and their upcoming performances and events, visit www.praizeproductions.com or follow them on Facebook.
