Perfect Creatures & Where the Wild Things Are with Giselle Liu

Next up in our #ArtsinthePark blog series, we have Giselle Liu.

Giselle, tells us about your two pieces. What were your inspirations?
Where the Wild Things are at Night is visual journey that peers into a world of atoms dancing into its own creation.  I was really inspired by the coiling and spiraling of the DNA and also the kaleidoscope of particles, the quality of movement and the symmetry is so beautiful.  The leading inspiration is definitely the dancers, without them the things would still be in the wild. 

Perfect Creatures is a fun and playful journey about a few friends who want to build a creature but it always falls apart, and chaotically at that.  That is of course, until they fall asleep and the pieces come to life on their own.  Inspired by Chaplin and Theo Jansen, a little slap stick humor and a modern take of animalistic creatures carries us through this piece.

What do you look for in a dancer?
First and foremost I look for passion and love.  It doesn't matter where you are technically when you come in, but it is important that you have an open mind and heart to learn. Second is energy, I always believe in the necessity of a positive atmosphere where the dancers are able to share and explore without restriction.  Lastly, patience and trust.  The first few weeks always feel like madness and chaos for the dancers while I put all my thoughts on the floor. So they always need to be patient as the images will reveal themselves along the way and have trust that it'll eventually make sense them. 

What do you love most about working on Arts in the Park?
I love family that's evolved the most. THEY ARE AMAZING, artistic, passionate, creative and so inspiring every rehearsal.  I'm also so thankful for YAF, as they always create an environment where I get to explore and create freely in my own quirky little ways.  

What are the challenges?
One of the biggest challenges have definitely been the unforeseen changes, but I mean it's dance and it's inevitable.  And to be honest, I really love this challenge, it's different every time and something new always come out it, not more or less, just different - and that's beautiful. YAF and Arts in the Park have given me an opportunity to create, to share, to teach and most importantly to grow. I get to work with an amazing team doing what I love alongside people I love.  Thank you Arts in the Park for creating such an amazing platform for artist and youth to come together and share our passion!