GROUNDED IN THE SOIL (2015)

DECEMBER 2015
Dance Alloy Studios, Pittsburgh, PA

"Always think different from the next person.  Don't ever do a song as you heard somebody else do it." --Otis Redding

Heart ache, fame, presentation, rooted, waiting, an emotional out pour...  These words encapsulate Shana Simmons' piece connecting her movement style with the voice and personality of Otis Redding's music.  Inspired by the way his music connects to that deep inner core shared by us all, Grounded in the Soil takes you on a journey through different Redding songs and moods. 


Choreography:  Shana Simmons


Music: Otis Redding, "Ole Man Trouble (Live at the Whisky a Go Go, 1968)", "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay", "I've Been Loving You Too Long (Live in Europe)", "I'm Depending On You (Live at the Whisky a Go Go, 1968)"


Dancers:  Kerra Alexander, Jamie Erin Murphy, Brady Sanders, Jean-Paul Weaver


Costumes: Jamie Erin Murphy


Photos: Mark Simpson