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Whole Hog Is All Heart
If there's one thing that we love about Philadelphia, it's the wealth of creative and talented people that we encounter every day. Philadelphia's singers, actors, and artists are thriving – and so are its dancers. Tomorrow night, local choreographer Braham Logan Crane (who, at 22, is one of the youngest professional choreographers we can think of) will be performing with his company, ASH, at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. We've been e-mailing back and forth with Braham to ask him about his career, his work with ASH, and this weekend's performance.
How did you get started dancing?
Dance runs in my family. My grandmother danced in Vaudeville and eventually opened a studio where my mother studied as a child. Following in her mother’s footsteps, my mom opened her studio in 1975. I began dancing at age two in my mother’s studio.
Where did you train?
I began my dance studies at my mom’s studio, Crane Performing Arts School in West Chester, Pennsylvania. At age 12 I began summer program studies at Interlochen Arts Center in Michigan, Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts in Erie, Pennsylvania, Miami City Ballet School in Miami, Florida, and private studies with world renown choreographer, Eddy Toussaint.
What types of dance did you gravitate most toward?
Initially I gravitated most toward Hip Hop and Tap, and eventually more toward Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary dance.
Where have you danced?
At a young age I was a member of Philadelphia’s Tap Team II Company, and By Storm Hip Hop Company in West Chester. Later I apprenticed with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in NYC, and was a member of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble.
What made you decide to strike out on your own?
I have always dreamed big and wanted to explore my own creativity. My goals are multi-faceted. I hope to expand far beyond my dance company to include multi-media productions such as those you might see in Cirque du Soleil.
Why do you dance?
I have always been a creative type of person, and dance is my way of expressing my creativity. I get lost in the moment when I dance, and cannot imagine my life without that feeling.
How old were you when you started ASH?
I started ASH when I was nineteen.
Was it scary to be so young?
I never thought about it being scary. It’s been challenging, exciting and quite an adventure.
How did you start ASH?
I entered an international choreography competition, put together a pick-up company, and ended up winning the gold medal. I was very inspired to continue and that’s how it all began.
What does ASH stand for?
"Artists Simply Human."
How many people were with ASH when you first started?
Initially six dancers and one choreographer.
How many people are with you now?
Now we have seven dancers in the main company, one international guest artist, eight members in the second company, and two choreographers, a lighting designer and others in the organization including a Board of Directors.
What is the main mission of ASH?
The mission of ASH Contemporary Dance is to be a professional dance company touring with a repertory of original work created by the company.
How would you classify most of ASH's repertory?
Our repertory consists of mostly contemporary modern jazz with a splash of tap, tumbling and ballet as well.
Do you utilize special props/ costumes/ lighting to convey meaning or movement in your pieces?
We keep costuming on the simpler side so it does not distract from the movement. I am very conscious of lighting design and it’s impact on each piece. The lighting designer and I work closely together. I also enjoy using every day objects as props to enhance my work.
What part does the music you choose play in your dances? What comes first: the choreography, the music, or the concept?
Music, music, music! #1, #1, #1. The concept and choreography are interwined.
ASH is debuting a Mia Michaels piece on Saturday. We all know her from So You Think You Can Dance as the choreographer who made her dancers and the people watching them cry. What should we expect from this piece?
Mia’s piece is a very powerful and emotional tribute to her father, who, as my grandmother, danced in Vaudeville. He passed away shortly prior to her choreographing this piece for us. It tells the story of his life from birth through his death, and yes, people do cry when they experience it.
Could you talk a little about ASH II?
ASH Contemporary II was formed in 2004 as an offshoot of our main company with the goal of furthering dance education, as well as being a training ground for young talent. ASH II has performed at various dance festivals, NYC’s prestigious City Center and Lincoln Center Theatres. ASH II has also been commissioned to perform live with world renowned composers as they premiere their works in the Philadelphia area.
What's next for ASH? Do you have any more area performances coming up?
Touring is next for ASH as well as the creation of new works. Upcoming performances can be found on our website.
ASH Contemporary
Saturday, January 28th, 2006
8 PM
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
$30
Tickets at 215.898.3900 or 610.719.0144
Image Credit: Deborah Boardman
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