by Shana Simmons

As part of The Missing Peace process, dancers and choreographers have donated their time towards outside organization’s fundraising walks to help spread awareness and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This show isn’t just about the choreography.... it’s about making an impact in our communities.

"As I stood at the start line for the Alzheimer's Association walk, I couldn't help but reflect how many people have been affected by both Alzheimer's disease and suicide. It was overwhelming to see the masses that were passing me and remember how many people walked alongside me during the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention walk. This was THOUSANDS of people and in Pittsburgh alone. It isn't often that we are united on such a large scale and the feeling is overwhelming. To try to put into words how these mental health conditions impact so many people and break down lives is difficult. This is why we dance. It's why dancers are compelled to move and we, as choreographers, are compelled to create. I believe The Missing Peace can help bridge the gap between these challenging feelings and what to say about them. I believe The Missing Peace will bring hope to those struggling through these difficult situations. I am excited to share and unite people through The Missing Peace." --Shana Simmons

"Taking our commitment to these causes from the studios to the streets of Pittsburgh has been a deeply moving experience.  I am incredibly grateful that the dancers have taken the passion we have for these issues to heart and that they have been so willing to get involved."  --Brady Sanders

by Sara Spizzichini, dancer in both What Remains? and Me vs. ...

One of the most interesting aspects of being a part of The Missing Peace, in my opinion, has been comparing how each choreographer goes about constructing their own work and story. For instance, having been involved in both Brady’s as well as Jamie’s choreographic process, I have noticed that Brady is more apt to come into the studio with a clear and personal idea whereas Jamie prefers to create more spontaneously surrounding a loose theme.

---What Remains?---

Brady has gone about constructing his piece through structured layering: he has manufactured a main phrase (all with gestures pertaining to elements and effects of Alzheimer’s) and has continually built upon this phrase-work in order to produce additional movement. Brady has explained that the movement (the gesticulations, the repetition, how and where we travel through space) is what relays the chaos, confusion, frustration, and hardship that is experienced by both a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease as well as his or her caretaker (in other words, we are acting as their voice).

Each phrase is, more or less, tagged on as a new section to the piece as it is created, providing for a very systematic choreographic approach. Moving forward, I wonder how each section is meant to flow together and in what particular order? Where does the climax of the piece lie and how exactly will he tie in the desired use of photographs within the work?