The Dance Union Podcast captures timely and ephemeral conversations circulating within dance communities. It supports transparent discourse about a variety of topics including pay inequality, sexual harassment, abuse of power, and tokenism. The Dance Union Podcast was born from the need to unify and amplify marginalized voices within the United States dance communities.
Photo credit: Laura Bianchi, courtesy of the Bogliasco Foundation
J. Bouey is a dance artist. As a performer, choreographer, educator, and writer they make art using movement as the language and material. They are also the founder and co-host of The Dance Union Podcast with Melanie Greene and is a current member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company. J. Bouey has shown their original work at The Chocolate Factory, New York Live Arts, Judson Church, Brooklyn Arts Exchange, Gibney Dance, BAAD!, CPR – Center for Performance Research, La Mama Experimental Theatre and South Mountain Center for Performing Arts. J. performed with Elisa Monte Dance as an apprentice, Christal Brown’s INSPIRIT Dance Company, AntonioBrownDance, Germaul Barnes’ Viewsic Dance, Dante Brown | Warehouse Dance, and Maria Bauman’s MBDance. J. Bouey received a BFA in Dance from Arizona State University.
Melanie Greene, is a choreographer, performer, writer, and organizer. She is no stranger to swirling on the edge of impossible…swimming in the sea of the minority. Conjuring creative offerings around the U.S and abroad, she has received generous support from Keshet, MANCC, Marble House Project, Brooklyn Studios for Dance, Movement Research, Mount Tremper, New York Live Arts, Gibney Dance, Actors Fund, Brooklyn Arts Exchange, Dancing While Black Fellowship, Bogliasco Fellowship, and Brooklyn Arts Council. Greene has contributed written works to Dance Magazine and the Dance Enthusiast, and is a co-organizer of the Dance Union. While she is utterly drained by the 'grant grind', Greene remains surprisingly optimistic, leaning in abundance, and strategies of new futures. Stay tuned. www.methodsofperception.com
Photo credit: Bogliasco Foundation
Troy Ogilvie participates in mutual aid in her so-called Brooklyn neighborhood. This work involves free fridges, bulk food distribution, and free stores among other activities that prioritize solidarity, not charity. Troy's community organizing and choreographic work spring from her dance lineage of mentors Sidra Bell, Margie Gillis, Gallim Dance, Punchdrunk, Susan Misner, and Alexandra Wells; her collaborations with director Malena Dayen; her study of adrienne maree brown, Octavia Butler, and Dean Spade; and listening/responding to what her community needs. She's also a team member on The Dance Union Podcast, a parent, and a graduate of The Juilliard School.
Photo by Franziska Strauss
Natasha Calixte is a dancer, performance artist and project manager living in NYC and impacting folks globally. Natasha began studying dance as a teen, learning Modern, African and Diaspora dance techniques. Her movement practice is centered in these forms and continues to evolve. With a BA in Arts Management from Purchase College, Natasha has gained experience in NYC’s arts and cultural sector, leading organizations and clients in program, organizational management, and production. She intentionally collaborates with forward thinking businesses, artists and productions to develop quality experiences. Natasha hopes to continue making experimental dance works with collaborators and leading teams to project deliverables.
Photo credit: Whitney Browne Photography