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Christopher Williams - choreographer, alchemist

A design drawing from the Christopher Williams IAA project. Costume design by Andrew Jordan.

Christopher Williams is a choreographer, dancer, puppeteer and performance artist. Moving beyond simple dance steps, he calls himself an, "alchemist." He's just completed a residency at Interlochen Arts Academy preparing students for a challenging, innovative performance. IPR's Kate Botello sat down to talk with Christopher about his philosophy of movementand his project with the students.

Hear the project's accompanying music, "So Far, So Good," by composer Nico Muhly  - after the jump.

"Wolf-in-Skins," a work in progress by Christopher Williams
"Wolf-in-Skins," a work-in-progress by Christopher Williams

Christopher had many fascinating things to say about music, art, and expressing creativity within the, "kinesphere," (defined by Rudolf Laban as, "The sphere around the body whose periphery can be reached by easily extended limbs without stepping away from that place which is the point of support when standing on one foot."). 

Key to the work with Interlochen students is composer NicoMuhly's piece, "So Far, So Good," which Christopher has paired with a dance entitled, "The Good So Far." To Christopher, the music creates a primal, "Rite of Spring," feeling that is as old as creation itself.

Hear, "So Far, So Good," by Nico Muhly, below:

so_far_so_good__cbc_edit_.mp3
Composer Nico Muhly's work, "So Far, So Good."

Composer Nico Muhly
Composer Nico Muhly's work, "So Far, So Good," will performed by the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra at David Geffen Hall in NYC in June.

Learn more about Nico Muhly at nicomuhly.com .

The Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra and Dancers will perform Christopher and Nico's work together  in the New York Philharmonic's Biennial Young Americans concert, June 5, 2016 at David Geffen Hall in New York City.

Kate Botello is a host and producer at Classical IPR.