Wayles' Hello

Hello Blog-o-sphere. I have to confess that this is my very first Blog entry. I’ve been dancing with Jane Franklin Dance for a year and thoroughly enjoying the experience. I was immediately attracted to Jane’s work because of the commitment to excellence, collaboration and community. From regional touring to the downtown DC stage to informal local free performances, I’ve felt the same generous spirit of giving. It’s awesome to find a group of artists that reflects and responds to community.

I started an exciting new chapter in my work with Jane in June as the new Director of Operations. Now both in front of and behind the scenes, I work towards excellent dance in our region. Let me tell you, there is a lot of work to be done. Sometimes I get so carried away by the magic created on stage, I forget all the work required to make it happen. The necessary business of the arts is an important undertaking and I’m glad to be learning and assisting in this noble effort.

I’m also excited about some of our upcoming shows. One of my favorite things about Jane is the emphasis on collaboration. Working closely with other artists to create a rich and cohesive artistic product. It reminds me of the pivotal influence of Diaghilev at the Ballet Russes in the beginning of the 20th Century. He brought together story, set, music, costume and movement, all through the most innovative artists of his time, to create a production that was much more than the sum of the parts. Jane has this talent and I’m looking forward to this season’s collaborations, Freya Grand, Elizabeth Spires, Brad Linde and the Misfits Theatre Company to name a few.