Photo by AnMon Photography.

“I am beautiful. I am free. I am amazing, and that’s what I believe. I am a light, I can do anything, I am amazing and that’s what I believe. I am love, I am loved, I am amazing and THAT’S what I believe.”

On a sunny Sunday in September, I stood in an intimate circle of NYU dance students. For the past two hours I had excitedly observed their rehearsal for a new work to be performed at the upcoming Master’s thesis concert, entitled “Eaux.” At the invitation of choreographer and Master’s student, Aaron Gregory, I sat in to soak up the creative process. It was a space of focus, good-humor, and productivity. At the end of the rehearsal, the dancers encouraged me into their community circle to recite the ritual series of “I am” affirmations which concluded every rehearsal session. The resultant positivity, dedication and inspiration lingered throughout the studio as dancers prepared to leave, grabbing their bags and exchanging chipper “goodbyes.”

On that day, I was a guest on the campus experiencing a fascinating process of artistry and performativity. The following snapshot is a peak into Gregory’s busy creative life which also includes his work as a youth dance teacher at the reputable 42nd St Y Harkness Dance Center and his position as a professional performer with New York based contemporary dance company, Balasole. This spring, he will graduate from NYU with his Master’s degree in Dance Education. His work is founded upon a strong philosophy of dedication, love and exploration. Gregory’s experience is vast; including performances from the concert stage to site-specific work, and reaching locations from New York to Atlanta to his home state of Nebraska.

Photo by AnMon Photography.

How do you describe the mission and character of your work? What inspires you to create?

The mission of my work, hmmm, is to make people feel good about themselves and where they are in life. I would like to say the character is uplifting and inspiring. Words inspire me to create with honesty….and those words come from life stories and experiences or lyrics from a song. I’m more story driven.

Please describe your latest site work artistry. Why did you choose this specific location? How did it feel to bring dance to a venue off the concert stage? How did it affect your movement and your perspective on dance?

My last site-specific work was back in 2010 in a campus coffee shop at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. I chose that place, Jazzman’s Cafe, because of its popularity. It felt great to spark conversation and ideas about what I was doing or cause a ruckus! It gave me another perspective on how free dance can be in different environments.

During your site work experience at Jazzman’s Cafe were other people around? How did passerby react to your work? How did the process differ from creating work for the concert stage?

Yes, Jazzman’s was full of students as usual and my classmates were there. One guy got really mad actually because I started convulsing at the table he was sitting at, haha! Honestly the only difference is I have to consider the space of an off stage area, that’s really it. I just wanted to pick a popular place so I can have a receptive audience.

Is there a certain audience you create for? Are there certain communities/individuals who are especially drawn to your art?

My goodness that’s a great question! I create for those who love a good story like I do. Those who need to be encouraged and inspired. By the grace of God and favor, my few works have been well received by a wide range of audiences so I wouldn’t say there is a specific group it pulls, unless they are heartless, metaphorically.

Photo by AnMon Photography.

“Dance Anywhere” promotes a public worldwide arts community. Similarly, you have created work in communities. What have you learned?

I have learned that you can be inspired by any place and that culture can be the largest influence in choreography. Although I tend to create in the same studios, I have been in unfamiliar spots around the city and my home when gaining new ideas.

Are there other non-traditional sites that you look forward to exploring?

Yes! I live in NYC now, and I’ve always wanted to choreograph a piece on the subway using the people, poles, floor, doors, et cetera. Something about the entire train environment just gives me ideas.

Lately, what inspires you to keep making work?

People do. I am a story teller. Dance is my pen, my voice, my praise, another beat of my heart.

What is your next project?

My next project is a piece I will be setting on an awesome group of sophomores at NYU for their Spring concert. It will be my ode to dance, maybe my battle with it…nah my definite love for it.

To see Aaron Gregory freestyle, watch this video:

*Aaron Gregory has decided to create dance at a subway station for dance anywhere, March 22, 2013 in NYC with fellow dancers. Where will you be dancing?