11/14/2024
A message from James:
OK, so it’s a little bit like going to your own funeral.
I have been greatly appreciating people’s comments around the closing of the company and I’m grateful to be a part of a community that deeply cares about Dance, the arts and each other.
I started the company because I knew that in order to grow as a choreographer I needed a choreographer’s instrument, a dance company. A group of dancers that over time come to trust one another and trust me to make a safe space for them to work through the difficult movements and the difficult emotions that are part of reflecting our human experience. A musician can buy their instrument once and have it for a lifetime; I must buy my instrument every year. I have done this with the help of friends, family, board members, audience members, donors, dancers and staff… a village! I have so much gratitude for all who have been a part of this.
There are a few individuals that need to be called out in thanks.
Without the amazing energy, dancing and spirit of Sally Rousse the company would never have gotten off the ground.
I had an artistic vision for the company and in finding Gary Peterson I found the matching business vision. He made the company secure and freed me to thrive in the studio.
George Sutton believed in my artistic vision and pushed me and the company to new places, and Kevin Jones always kept us in the light.
Tom McNamee has been the development director for JSB for 25 years and has been invaluable at connecting and sustaining relationships with those who value us.
Eve Schulte was so settled and wise the day I hired her as a dancer more than 14 years ago. Now looking back, it seems inevitable that she ended up being our wonderful executive director. She was voted into the position by the board the night before the covid shutdown and guided us through that unprecedented time with determination and grace. It has been such an honor to work with her in so many ways!
The day the board and I voted to sunset the company was also the day my father Fred passed away. Both transitions were anticipated but still, in the moment, emotionally complex and powerful. I savored the poignancy. This was not a bad day. This was a big day. My mother Gloria has always been my greatest champion and Fred has always been and remains my moral rudder. He taught me about beauty, life and what a privilege it is to work hard at something you truly love.
I have loved being a part of this arts community for so long but I am worried about dance remaining viable going forward. So many foundations and corporations are turning their focus and resources toward social equity, the environment, food security and so many urgent issues that need help. I can’t say they are wrong to do that, but these are the symptoms of people failing to have an understanding and empathy for each other. This is what the arts can do. It is through the arts that we see ourselves reflected in a changing world, and share how we can go forward together. It is through the arts that we can convey how deeply we feel about our world and open others’ hearts to a passion for positive change. Dance is a universal language and has a power to connect directly with anyone. Dance needs to be seen as an invaluable means to connect bodies, hearts and minds and supported so that this oldest of art forms can continue to heal us and our world.
In the end though, only gratitude for 35 years of support and audiences who value what we do!
It’s not over quite yet and I plan to savor our final shows and parties!
After that I am excited to discover my next chapter in life and have more time to get out and see and support this wonderful dance community that I am so lucky to have been a part of.
And, thanks to Erik Saulitis (Danceprints) for giving 2D representation to our 3D feelings time and time again.
