THE DANCE ENTHUSIAST'S A TO Z: Z for Maya Simone Z and Dounia ZELLOU

Z:

I started dancing in church as as a kid, and was into ballet, jazz, tap — you name it — classes from ages 4 to 12. I truly thought I’d get a 9 to 5 salaried job for the rest of my life once I was a bit older and just enjoy dance as a hobby, because that’s what was expected of me. But dance never really left me, so I minored in dance as an undergrad then (by chance) moved to New York at 22. Once I was here, the job I had fell through and I was aimless. At the time, it made sense to at least try to have a dance career if I could and now here I am.

Zellou:

I love dancing and, throughout my personal journey, I became more aware of the impact dance had on me. I decided to produce a documentary about dance to spread awareness of its transformational and healing power and to encourage more people to dance.

Z:

Maya Angelou. My mother named me after the American memoirist and poet and, from a very young age, I was so inspired by her story and all the things she overcame in her life. They are constantly a helpful reminder of all the things that I'm capable of, too. And I can always return to that to cheer up.

Zellou:

My dad, as he has always supported me in following my heart, including by producing the Danse Demain documentary.

Z:

Good snacks, better food and good conversation.

Zellou:

Friends.

Z:

Doing an indulgent face or skin care routine

Zellou:

Dancing, meditating, walking in nature.

Z:

Definitely both. No specific breed, but big dogs bring me joy. They’re full of love when you give them love. And plants because they can sprout up even where the sun doesn’t shine and remind me that even when it’s hard, it takes water and consistent care more than anything else to stay alive. And they’re pretty in my tiny NY apartment!

Zellou:

Pets and plants. Dogs and orchids.

Z:

Oh, definitely eating out. I like cooking, but prefer to get fed good food any day. I love Thai food. And also Taiwanese milk fish — my partner has the hook up.

Zellou:

Eating out! My favorite meal is couscous cooked by my mother.

Z:

Well, I choose to believe that my dreams are portals into the past and future, or alternative universes. So I would pick a glimpse of the future, but I feel like it's all cyclical. Future is past is now.

Zellou:

I would relive my graduation day, as I was proud of myself.

Z:

I'm gonna do me and for sure, strong communication — I communicate clearly. Because that's all I can do. I think adults aren’t much different than children — just bigger, sometimes. And some people (especially adults) are just going to be difficult no matter what.

Zellou:

Being aware of the situation and using the right technique to tackle it.

Z:

I'm much more intentional about how I spend time outside of my home. I consider safety in more ways than I did before, which is a good change. And I'm much more so precious about the time I get to spend around other people, fellow dancers, my partner, my friends, my new potential friends, my collaborators, everyone.

Zellou:

I enjoy the present moment more.

Z:

I'm unfortunately much more aware of the financial feasibility of the art that I practiced prior to the pandemic and how hard it is (or was) to maintain that. So I am not working as often and I refuse to do jobs for too little pay. Also, my art practice has evolved to incorporate more social practice and engagement, so I’m doing interdisciplinary work that brings in dance differently — which is an exciting change, although I deeply miss moving and dancing as much as I used to.

Zellou:

Art has taken up more space in my life and work since the pandemic.

Z:

Titanic Depression by Dynasty Handbag at Pioneer Works; went for a friend’s birthday and it was very good.

Zellou:

My niece’s dance performance, which I really enjoyed (she’s 4 years old).

Z:

I tend to put on earphones and listen to a combination of supercharged, fast-paced and super chill music. I take deep breaths. Do sun salutations. Hold hands with whoever it is I'm performing with or collaborators, if I have any. If it's just me, I take a moment to close my eyes. Say thank you to my ancestors who brought me to this moment, the universe for all that will come after that moment, and the present as I do something that I love.

Zellou:

I do breathwork.

Z:

Any of Blondell Cummings' rehearsals, in particular, for her solo performances like Chicken Soup, or her Food for Thought series with other dancers.

Zellou:

Lamentation.

Z:

The first person who comes to mind is Sydnie L. Mosley. I’ve learned so much from her and have had so much fun just being in her same rehearsal room as her.

Zellou:

Youssef’s choreography or trying out this type of dance hip-hop.

Z:

When recently to Dolly Parton's America, I really — and unexpectedly — enjoyed it. I never listened to much of her music or grew up hearing it. But if you love Dolly Parton, it’s a great podcast about Dolly's life and how her music has helped many people get through challenging points in their lives. And if you're not a huge fan (like me) it’s just an interesting way to understand someone who's had a huge impact on American culture.

Since I love the song, I will always love you, I always knew that she had written it. Although Whitney Houston, arguably, at least for the black community perhaps, has popularized it. I think it's such an interesting podcast, I'll say no more.

Zellou:

The podcast I run, Re.connections, which highlights innovative approaches to transformation, including dance.

Z:

Oh, for art. I mean, I haven't traveled for art enough, so I don't know. New York City is kind of all I know. I’d love to go to Japan, to Brazil, to Ghana and South Africa. I’m drawn to Butoh and capoeira and other social dance — but I’d love to travel for art so I can better answer.

Zellou:

Paris.

Z:

To be quite honest, none. I use Instagram the most because it's like LinkedIn for dancers and I feel like it’s a good way to keep in touch with folks.

Zellou:

Instagram.

Z:

Well, I feel relatively young, I've been at this for less than a decade. But two things:

1)    Going to see other people’s work as much as possible (write off those tickets on your taxes, freelancers!!) and

2)    Making genuine connections by developing relationships with people in the field however you can: talk with people who go to all the same shows you do. Go to events and join organizations. Be social as much as you have space to. Check out the work of folks who are doing things similar to what you want to do in the future. And people who are doing completely different things, exploring different ideas than you and your friends. So you can truly make connections that are intergenerational that tell you something new about the world around you.

Zellou:

Trust your gut feeling!

Z:

Just by listening and if you have the time, tell other people about shows. If you have the money, then patron the arts. Actually show up to the free stuff you sign up for. Pay attention to policy affecting the arts and add to public comments. Take advantage of existing programs.

Zellou:

By collaborating across communities and supporting each voice to be amplified.

Z:

I'm just honest in my own movement and the work I do. I acknowledge the challenges of being a dancer and a practicing artist, so that I can better appreciate the things that bring me joy in this field as a perhaps more experimental, less experienced artist.

Zellou:

By dancing and creating spaces for people to dance. The enthusiasm is then contagious.