We talked with one of the new company members, Michael Arellano, to get to know him a bit more before his GroundWorks debut this summer.
GW: You are making your GroundWorks debut during the company’s Summer Series. What are you most looking forward to this season?
MA: I’m so excited to learn from the amazing artists I have the privilege of working with every day, as well as the incredible choreographers we have lined up for this season. It is an amazing feeling to come in to work every day feeling inspired to dance and create meaningful work.
GW: When you dance, how does it make you feel?
MA: Every time I move, I feel like all the extra noise of the outside world disappears; it is the only thing that allows me to be completely in the present moment. Movement is my favorite form of meditation.
GW: Tell us about your dance background and how you came to the decision to be a double major with dance and psychology. How did you find dance?
MA: I grew up dancing at a local competition dance studio where I trained until I graduated from high school. My mom originally enrolled me in dance because I could never sit still, and I quickly fell in love with how it challenged my physicality and creativity. When deciding my college major(s), I knew I was passionate about dance, but I also had a strong interest in studying the human mind and behavior. I feel that my knowledge of psychology informs the work I create, and has continued to fuel my interest in the therapeutic properties of movement.
GW: What makes you unique? What do you want to contribute to the company?
MA: I try to bring a positive energy every day when I come into our work space. I love to laugh and I always enjoy being the source of comic relief in the room. I think we often take life too seriously and it is good to remember that dance can bring great joy and happiness.
GW: So far, how has your GroundWorks experience been different from other artistic experiences?
MA: What is so refreshing about GroundWorks is the time and space dedicated to creative process. As a dancer and creator, I have been in many spaces where more emphasis is placed on the product of the work rather than the actual creation period. I love the idea of the studio being a laboratory to experiment and play with new ideas until the right string of movements has been made. With GroundWorks, the process-oriented environment has challenged my artistic abilities and is continually expanding my creative toolbox.
GW: What excites you most about Cleveland? What are your looking forward to exploring?
MA: So far I am excited to explore the different museums in Cleveland, and to attend the various arts events happening in the area. I am so impressed by the large, supportive arts community that exists here, and I can’t wait to connect and collaborate with artists from other disciplines here.