Sarah's Sunday Scoop From October 1st
By: Sarah Trested
Interview with KYL/D's new company member: Frank Leone
(SARAH): Let's start off with what inspired you to audition for KYL/D?
(FRANK): KYL/D was attractive to me because the company has a consistent schedule with the same group of people. The company is an ensemble that is really group oriented and encourages working together. I decided to accept the position because it was a big commitment that I wanted to be a part of, and I knew from the audition that this was a family I wanted to join.
(SARAH): How does your experience with KYL/D thus far relate to your previous training?
(FRANK): I had a dual concentration in college, studying jazz and modern. Modern at Point Park was focused on Graham technique which is a company Kun-Yang was in. The sense of weight and staying grounded, contractions, and a lot of the Graham technique relates to Kun-Yang’s style. My professors at college had a specific style and way of moving that worked well for me, and it has also translated nicely into being apart of KYL/D.
(SARAH): So you went to Point Park in Pittsburgh, but you originally grew up in New York. What are some differences between the dance scene in your home area and the dance scene here in Philadelphia?
(FRANK): Dance in New York is very project based. I came to Philadelphia because I wanted something more steady with a contract and company classes. I think Philadelphia lets you have more of a voice as a choreographer, artist, dancer, etc. The dance community is smaller but still very strong and I feel that what I have to say is heard more here than it was in New York.
(SARAH): Now that you are deep into rehearsals learning company repertory, how do you think Kun-Yang’s creative process translates from one piece to another?
(FRANK): Kun-Yang has a strong sense of intention and he lets it resonate in the space. Kun-Yang also works hard to make sure his work does not look overly presentational, meaning he wants to create more of an energy and sensation, rather than a very direct and obvious story line. That style is consistent within all of his work I've learned so far.
(SARAH): Okay last question, if you had to choose, what 3 words would you use to describe KYL/D?
(FRANK): Innovative, warm and impactful.
WANT TO KNOW A LITTLE MORE ABOUT Frank? CHECK OUT HIS BIO ON OUR DANCE artists PAGE
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