Renter Spotlight: Flight Path Dance Project

On a normal day, Gibney’s 23 studios are a bustling artistic nexus. We love walking down the hallway and seeing different artists, different projects, and different communities making each space their own. We are missing that feeling, and want to find a way to share it with you.

We’ve asked a group of renters whose rehearsals, showings, workshops, and events have been postponed or suspended to give us a glimpse of what they’re working on, share the ways we can support them right now, and tell us what the first thing they’ll do is once they’re back in the studio.

The first thing we’ll do? Close our eyes, feel the floor supporting us, and take a deep breath of gratitude.

“The first thing I will do is take up as much space as i can.”

Who are you?
Flight Path Dance Project is a repertory company and four-year tuition-free training program for fourteen to eighteen-year-old dancers in New York City. In addition to regular repertory rehearsal and technical training, Flight Path dancers engage in monthly workshops with artists and professionals in such fields as injury prevention and management, meditation and wellness, cooking, cross-training, and more. As a repertory company, Flight Path dancers rehearse and perform choreography by established and emerging choreographers in authentic concert dance environments. Flight Path dancers graduate with healthy habits of mind, body, and soul and a deeper understanding of working within professional and artistic communities, emerging as technically skilled and versatile artists prepared for the rigors of professional life and a meaningful, healthy career.

See below for an excerpt of In Balmy Shades of Bowers, choreographed by Artistic Director Michael McGowan, filmed at our open rehearsal presentation in Gibney’s Theater in February 2020.

How can we support you right now?
Please spread the word about our virtual auditions for next season, open now until May 22nd. Please also consider making a donation at http://flightpathdanceproject.com/donate.

Website: flightpathdanceproject.com
Instagram & Facebook: @flightpathdanceproject

What is your favorite memory of working in Gibney’s studios?
“One of my favorite memories of dancing at Gibney was during Flight Path’s first public showing. I had never performed in one of Gibney’s studios, one with professional lighting, and an expansive room, before then. There was an exhilaration in being part of something new collectively. Not only did I enjoy performing at Gibney, but we rehearsed in the studio next door and got ready in the dressing room. It seemed as though the entirety of Gibney was our backstage, helping us and encouraging us as we waited to step out in front of the audience.” (Tobi Lee, Flight Path company dancer).

What is the first thing you will do when you are back in the studio?
“When I get back in the studio, I am most looking forward to seeing everyone, dancing with everyone again, and catching up with each other about our weeks in isolation dancing alone. I miss watching other classes that are happening at Gibney whenever I have a break or even after rehearsal. I love to watch other rehearsals/classes happening with different companies – it is really inspiring to see, so I can’t wait to go back and see what everyone is doing. I also can’t wait to be surrounded by a bunch of people who love and enjoy dance like me. There is nothing like being surrounded by other dancers.” (Kayenne Charles-Pierre, Flight Path company dancer).

“The first thing I will do is take up as much space as I can!!! Travel beyond with grand allegro, and live my dreams with nice across the floor combinations. I also can’t wait to unite with my fellow company dancers. It is a different experience when you are in a room with people that have similar goals as you, and you get to interact and cooperate with them!” (Aydan Alpyildiz, Flight Path company dancer).