“I create for all living things. I create for understanding and awareness. I create for unity and equality”

Choreography

From cage of teeth and jaw, August 2020, Works & Process Virtual Commission

Choreographer/Dancer: Courtney Renee Cochran

Spoken Word Artist: Lady Brion

Film/Video Editor: Ha Vo

Artist Statement: It's frustrating to speak out, yet be unheard. To bare it on your sleeve, yet be struck down. To try time and time again to explain your humanity, only to be demoralized and reduced to a word. A stigma. How long will we pretend that history doesn't matter? How long do we have to wait before the whole world is considered human? I am a Black American, I cannot pretend, and I am done waiting. This piece is dedicated to the thousands who have faced themselves, faced their pain, and are ready to stand in defiance against the face of hatred. There is no turning back from here. There is only forward, there is only change, there is only ALL.

THERE’S NO CHOICE, LIFT EVERY VOICE #BLACKLIVESMATTER

There Is No Choice, Lift Every Voice , June 2020

Choreographer/Dancer: Courtney Renee Cochran

Music: “Lift Every Voice And Sing,” Melinda Dolittle

Film/Video Editor: Ha Vo

Dancers: Gentry George, Larissa Gerszke, Rickey Flagg, Miyesha McGriff, Cortney Key, Jenna Marie Graves, Sanford Placide, Courtney Renee Cochran, Ginabel Peterson, Fabio Mariano, Jenelle Figgins, Cira Robinson, Jazz Bynum, Amanda Smith, Paige Fraser, Brandon Gray, Gabrielle Salvatto, Raven Barkley, Leonard Perez, Angelique Smith, Ashley Simpson, Stephanie Rae Williams , Amanda Morgan, Tatiana Stevenson, Caio Rodrigo, Joshua Henry, Da’Von Doane

Artist Statement: This is Us. We Are Here. I’ve spent most of the month overwhelmed and lost, but this, this is something I CAN do. I can fight for the young men and women filing in behind me to make sure they have a place on that stage. To make sure their beauty is celebrated. To make sure their skin is not just a token, but a staple. I will speak up in the studio when I see discrimination or micro-aggressions. I will teach these young movers how to truly connect to themselves and use their bodies for greatness. Now is the time to LISTEN. Now is the time to DO BETTER. Now is this time to come TOGETHER and to RISE together. Change is inevitable, which side will you be on?

One In Pieces, June 2022, Thelma Hill Dance Festival | Music: Quentin Sirjacq