Marlborough’s annual dance concert is awaiting its debut on Dec. 5. The production involves over 60 dancers, choreographers and crew with pieces ranging from solos to large group dances. This year, the dance concert features two guest artists- Marco Palomino and Kenya Clay are choreographing the two largest and most diverse group dances in the show.
Palomino, a choreographer, dancer and director frm Cuba, has been dancing since he was 8 years old. Beginning with ballet and then going on to the Escuelas Nacionales De Arte in Cuba at 10 years old, he was introduced to a multitude of styles, which include contemporary, African dance and movement, Cuban Styles and hip hop. He described what drew him to start teaching, specifically at Marlborough.
“As an artist, I want to share my gift with others,” Palomino said. “This is a great space for that because this school is open to new artists from all over the world. It is a pleasure to be able to share who I am and my experience to other countries through my work.”
Palomino said his primary goal for this year’s piece is centered on feeling free to move. He explains how the dance is meant to “push our boundaries as a human and to bring freedom to dancers through the movement.”
Clay, the other guest choreographer for the dance concert, has been dancing “nonstop since 2007.” Specializing in hip hop, she has been featured as a dancer in multiple projects, her favorite being the TV show “Glee.” She is excited to provide inspiration to the next generation of dancers and be a role model for kids.
“I remember all the people that helped me as a kid to this day,” Clay said.
She is particularly looking forward to introducing the students to her personal childhood role model who inspired her to dance, Janet Jackson. Clay has chosen one of Jackson’s songs for her group of students. However, she said that this decision yields its own challenges.
“[I am] really wary of doing songs that I really like,” Clay said, explaining how her work is often for the good of others, and she rarely incorporates elements from her own background in dance. However, for this project, she is taking the risk and using the work of her childhood role model as an opportunity to create a piece of art for herself as well as the audience.
Featuring the music of Jackson and the performances of a new generation of dancers, Clays choreography is sure to impress the Marlborough community. As Clay works with the energetic and excited young artists, she’s taken a very specific approach to her choreography.
“I don’t force things, I wait for it to feel right,” Clay said.
Performing Arts Instructor Holly Rothschild explained that the aim of bringing guest artists is to expose Marlborough students to a wide variety of dance styles. Both guest choreographers have extremely different training, experience and styles. Their unique artistry creates a strong dance concert featuring diverse pieces spanning from ballet to contemporary. Overall, Rothschild said she believes including seasoned artists such as Palomino and Clay allows students to develop an interest in styles outside of those offered at Marlborough.
“These opportunities foster and develop new experiences, as well as provide new, diverse voices and challenges,” Rothschild said.
