sessions with cdj: Sherah Shipman

session #2 with Sherah Shipman

One of the perks of teaching is getting to watch great young talent grow and find their artistic voices. I had the wonderful opportunity to have Sherah in my  classes as a high school student.  Fresh off her first year of college studying dance at SUNY Purchase, she graciously agreed to meet me in the studio and let me throw material I'm developing for a solo titled "and though she be but little", based off the Shakespeare quote, on her. What you see are moments during the solo where there's a shift in the tone of the musicality and character arch.  My dancing is often described as "fierce" or "explosive", so I'm enjoying relishing in the vulnerability and sensuality of the sound of the guitar. Sherah has these stunning long limbs and  a lovely balance of delicate yet expansive movement qualities that I hoped would rub off on me.  In the end I was happy with where things are headed and grateful to Sherah for her willingness to try anything. 
I will perform "and though she be but litte", at the Bates Dance Festival Young Dancers Workshop Faculty Performance this Summer.  Session 2 down, looking forward to what's next.  #sessionswithcdj #whowantstoduet #cdjdance

Sherah Shipman is a graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and is currently pursuing her BFA in Dance at SUNY Purchase.