"From Louisiana to Liverpool: A Director’s Perspective on the Magic of International Performances"
Traveling abroad with my performance company was an experience that left an indelible mark on me as a director. I had the unique opportunity to lead my dancers through the vibrant streets of Liverpool, UK, and Paris—two cities that hold deep artistic and cultural significance. This journey was not just about performing; it was about the power of art to unite people across borders, to break down barriers, and to share stories through movement.
When we first arrived in Liverpool, I was struck by the energy of the city. The vibrant culture, the rich musical history, and the warmth of the people made it the perfect setting for our performance. For my dancers, stepping onto an international stage was both exhilarating and humbling. They were not just performing for a local audience, but for a diverse crowd from across the world. The experience pushed them to rise above their own expectations and embrace the beauty of connecting with people from different cultures.
As a director, seeing my dancers interact with artists from various backgrounds was truly inspiring. We collaborated with local performers and artists, learning from one another and enriching each other’s creative processes. The global exchange of ideas fueled new inspiration, which I saw reflected in my dancers’ performances. They weren’t just performing; they were sharing a piece of their own culture and connecting with others who did the same.
There was a particular moment that stands out to me in Liverpool, when my dancers, fresh off the stage, were invited to a community gathering where local musicians shared their own traditions. It was an intimate experience that allowed my dancers to understand the power of cultural exchange in a very personal way. They saw firsthand how art transcends language, background, and nationality. Watching them absorb these interactions, I realized that the performance itself was just a small part of the experience. The conversations, the laughter, and the shared experiences after each show became just as powerful as the dances themselves.
Our time in Paris was equally transformative. The city of lights, with its deep-rooted history in the arts, served as a living museum where artists from all over the world have left their mark. Walking the same streets as the great dancers, painters, and musicians who shaped artistic history was an inspiring reminder of the power of culture and creativity to transcend time and place.
Paris taught me that art, at its core, is a universal language. In every city we visited, there were different ways of telling stories, yet the emotions behind those stories remained the same—joy, heartbreak, triumph, and hope. I wanted my dancers to understand that no matter where we perform in the world, our shared humanity connects us, and art is the bridge that unites us all. The audience’s reactions were similar in both cities: rapturous applause, tears, and deep appreciation for the authenticity and passion we brought to the stage. This was the moment when it hit me—we were not just showcasing our work; we were building bridges across the world.
This experience reinforced my belief that exposing young artists to international perspectives is one of the most valuable aspects of their education. It’s not just about showcasing their talent—it’s about helping them grow as artists and individuals. Travel broadens their horizons, encourages self-discovery, and challenges them to see the world not just through their own lens, but through the eyes of others. These experiences will stay with them for the rest of their lives, shaping their perspectives and fueling their creativity in ways I could never have anticipated. Their growth as artists was just as important as their growth as human beings—and I witnessed both in real-time.