WE ARE ALL IN CONSTANT MOTION
Chicago has been living in Boulder for the last four years. Having worked with the Chicago Moving Company and having served as its Co-Artistic Director, Cindy Brandle knows good dance. She also knows what it is like to live in a city where there are a lot of private foundations who fund dance. Boulder has proven a transition.
About to turn 50, she is reviewing life and considering if this is the age to stop dancing. Nope. Not the age. That is a definite. Her passion for locomotion rings loudly. Graceful in her movement and bold in her work, Cindy embraces her athletic stature and looks for dancers who are fit and strong. With a lot of athletic, grounded inverted movements to include handstands, it is imperative her dancers learn to use the internal energy within themselves coupled with good technique.
Her advice for young dancers is to harness the urge:
If you feel it deeply inside of you – you have to do it. Aside from the financial hardships, dance is also hard on your body. You can’t get stuck on the physical ideas of body perfection. You have to use what you have to the fullest.
Using all of one’s talents is one thing Cindy does well. Often in performance, you will hear her sing. A guitarist, singer, songwriter, choreographer and dancer, Cindy had the unique experience of being in contact with Stuart Epps, Elton John’s producer, who remastered several of her original songs.
With many creative outlets, a husband and a daughter, Cindy moves in many directions. She feels a new show on the horizon and is in the process of writing a book. In addition to book writing, Cindy is also the Boulder Performing Arts Contributor for the Boulder Examiner.
The legacy she wishes to leave is that of an advocate for the importance of the arts. Art can change the world. With a heightened awareness of the artist and the depression of artists, she hopes to shed light on the fact that we all have to keep creating.
Being a professional dancer is a dichotomy. It is a hard and truly rewarding life. It is physically challenging and euphoric, but as Cindy puts it: I did it. I proved I could.
Yes, she did. The Cindy Brandle Dance Company is embarking upon its 10th anniversary. The 501(c)(3) is looking at producing a new show in the coming year and may be looking to add a few new dancers. Interested in working with this inspiration and internationally renowned choreographer, dancer and teacher? Cindy can be found teaching at Boulder recreation centers and at the Dairy Center performing. Reach out, get to know her, dance with her: www.cindybrandledance.com.
Celeste Davis Stragand: Published author, showcased artist and local Denverite, W. Celeste Davis Stragand is not new to the art world. Her passion for delving into the root of existence and movement will challenge and praise both choreographers and the audience. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Celeste holds two bachelor of arts degrees, one in Chemistry and the other in English. She is also a graduate of Naropa University holding a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing and Poetics from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. A former national slam team poet, Celeste is a graduate of the Downtown Denver Partnership Leadership Program and sits on the American Institute of Architects Colorado board. Her passion and enthusiasm for the kinetic arts will frolic and frenzy through the upcoming season of performances with many hopes for an encore!