Renter Spotlight: Smashworks Dance

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.

“I cherish the community Gibney brings together in and out of the studio.”

Who are you?
Smashworks Dance is a New York-based dance company founded and directed by choreographer Ashley McQueen. We dance to advocate for human rights issues and women’s empowerment through performing arts, educational programming, and community outreach. We view artistic expression as power—smashing stereotypes and promoting dance as a unifying and confidence-building practice for all.

How can we support you right now?
Visit our Instagram: @smashworksdance or our website: smashworksdance.com

What is your favorite memory of working in Gibney’s studios?
“Every time before or after rehearsal, we always run into other artists we know and love. I cherish the community that Gibney brings together in and out of the studio.”  (Ashley McQueen, Artistic Director).

What are you most looking forward to about being back in the studio?
The feeling of working without obstacles (i.e. couch, chair, or table in the way). The chance to explore with spatial freedom and in community with others. 

What is the first thing you will do when you are back in the studio?
Give each other big hugs, and start with a warm-up that takes up as much space as possible.

Top photo by Stephen Delas Heras.