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Sue Hogan's "Dances in The Window Nook" — A Movement Haiku in Video
About Sue Hogan
Known for her satirical social commentary, spoken word solos, and improvisational performance, Sue Hogan has been presenting work since the 1990s. Her choreography has been seen in numerous venues in New York, throughout the U.S. and in Toronto. She has received commissions from California Institute of the Arts, Pomona College, and the University of Memphis.
Her approach to choreography and performance has been influenced by her long association with the noted solo artist and improviser, Margaret Beals. Sue received a BFA from California Institute of the Arts, as well as earning an MFA with honors from California State University, Long Beach.
Please connect with Sue at suehogan.choreo@gmail.com
Dance In The Window Nook #1
Choreography & Performance: Sue Hogan
April 23, 2020
Sue Hogan on Dances in The Window Nook
I’m excited about Dances in The Window Nook, the first work I’ve created after a long hiatus. Several years ago I was diagnosed with a rare disease, which was successfully treated with a stem cell/bone marrow transplant. The procedure was rigorous and frightening, but kept me on the planet, and I am very grateful for that. I returned to the studio but lacked inspiration to choreograph.
Then in April, a friend forwarded the link to the Sourdough Dance-Off sponsored by the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth. The Dance-Off invited one-minute responses to the “starter” video posted each week. I looked around my living room, saw a small stage set hiding in plain sight, and submitted a response. I began to envision a series of short videos that experiment with the compression of formal choreographic elements.
I start intuitively with improvisation, then video, select, edit, and refine. The movement sketched at the beginning opens a pathway to “in the moment” improvisatory choices. Video enables these moments to be captured and become part of a set work. This compression of time, space, and movement vocabulary within a video format creates a movement haiku.
Dance In The Window Nook #2
Choreography & Performance: Sue Hogan
May 2, 2020
Q&A with The Dance Enthusiast
Christine Jowers for The Dance Enthusiast: Sue, how are you doing? And how is your tribe doing? Is everyone well? Where are you hanging out in place?
Sue Hogan: Fortunately my loved ones and I are safe and well. I have been isolating at home alone in New York City. Giving thanks each day for my health, food, and shelter as there is so much suffering now. I’m sad that my medical history prevents me from actively demonstrating, but my heart is with those in the streets.
CJ: How are you moving during this time? What do you do to keep up with your artwork, your physical practices, and your nutrition of body, mind and spirit?
Sue Hogan: I’m finding that I have to be very gentle with my body now. Delving deeper into a breathing meditation practice. The Gyrokinesis Method helps me heal injuries from the inside out, plus regular maintenance with my own bodywork/physical practice.
CJ: What provides you joy and what is your greatest challenge during this time?
Sue Hogan: Music of every kind has always been a refuge for me. Improvising to music has been the one constant in my life. When I was two years old, my mother would play Benny Goodman and other swing music when she wanted to finish her housework. She knew I would start dancing and leave her in peace. Music shifts my state of being completely, only the music and the movement exist. It’s a great escape. And I’m thrilled to have a way to create work in my apartment.
CJ: Is there anything in particular that you would like to share with your friends, colleagues, and our audience?
Sue Hogan: I recently read a quote by the late anthropologist, Victor Turner. He speaks of “the time between no longer and not yet,” which seems an apt description of this time of interruption, upheaval, and distress. As artists we have the honor and privilege to bear witness through our own unique lens. Art has the ability to heal and build community. Let us continue to envision and create with humanity, inclusion, justice, and love.
