October 2022
Choreography and performance: Valerie Guido Bailey
Filming and editing: David Smith | Original music: Andrew Aycoth | Venue: The Morris, Clarksburg, WV
The final line of Valerie’s writing, which served as inspiration for this work, is also an ongoing wish for her daughter: “When she sleeps, I hope she dreams of all the beauty she can imagine. And when she wakes, I hope she continues to live it.” Choreographer’s Note: When She Wakes was born as a result of my daughter helping me brush away the weight of the pandemic to uncover the lightness and joy of dance again. I fell in love with the art form at six years old; she helped me fall in love with it again at 32. This work is a celebration of that, a few minutes of gratitude and storytelling, a gift to her – and to myself.
[This film was made in true collaboration by the individuals listed above. Valerie created a piece of writing about her daughter, which Andrew used as inspiration to compose the music. She then choreographed with movement storytelling at the core. The Morris, located a few blocks from where Valerie grew up dancing, provided the backdrop for David to capture moments filled with expansiveness and intricacies.]