Bringing Dance to the People: A Spotlight on 2023-2024 Artist-In-Residence Nadya Zeitlin
In Atlanta, the Atlanta BeltLine brings an inspiring combination of urban redevelopment and artistic expression. A primary highlight of this initiative is the Artist-in-Residence program. For 2023-2024, the title has been awarded to the passionate and dedicated dancer and choreographer, Nadya Zeitlin.
Nadya Zeitlin: A Vision for Accessible Art
Zeitlin’s artistic mission aims to integrate dance naturally into the daily routine of Atlantans. She believes that art should not be restricted to galleries or theaters, but experienced freely in public spaces. This vision led her to the Atlanta BeltLine, the perfect platform for bringing dance to the people.
Having faced barriers to art enjoyment herself, such as showtimes, babysitters, and parking, Zeitlin understands the need for accessibility. With her work on the BeltLine, she extracts the essence of dance from the theater and marries it with ordinary landscapes—placing performances beneath bridges, around benches, or even within urban forests.
The Joy of Site-Specific Dance
The concept of site-specific dance is not new to Zeitlin. Her interest in it kindled in her native city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, where she participated in ‘Theatre and the City’ workshops. These productions were executed in public spaces, thereby directly engaging citizens and transforming mundane routines into extraordinary experiences.
Now, in her new home of Atlanta, Zeitlin plans to distill this same sense of public engagement and immersion. Her current work explores the theme of adjusting to new surroundings, mirroring her own experience of relocating from Kazakhstan to the United States a decade ago.
Collaborative Dance Creation: Making Movements that Matter
Zeitlin’s creative process involves a significant degree of collaboration. She encourages her dancers to express their stories and feelings connected to the theme, creating a deep synergy between performers. This connection evolves into movement gestures which Zeitlin likens to the ‘words’ and ‘sentences’ of dance. This innovative approach ensures that each dance performance is authentic, meaningful, and truly engaging for the audience.
Inviting Public Participation
Throughout her residency, Zeitlin and her team perform public rehearsals each Thursday. Atlantans are welcome to observe the creative process firsthand, fostering a strong bond between the performers and the community. As the summer progresses, viewers can anticipate encountering Zeitlin’s thought-provoking dance works at various spots along the BeltLine.
Enriching the Community with Dance
Zeitlin hopes to bring a transformative experience to the residents of Atlanta. She believes that “Some gestures talk to our subconscious on a deeper level than just beautiful dance moves.” Through her work, she invites audiences to engage, connect and experience the power and beauty of dance beyond mere aesthetics.
So, whether you’re a resident or a visitor in Atlanta, take a moment to encounter Zeitlin’s captivating dance pieces along the BeltLine. It just might be the inspiring highlight of your day.
