For Choreographer Hope Boykin, Dance is About Supporting the Next Generation
Why I dance now and why I danced then are both important. My WHY has changed in the more than 20 years since I jumped—hips, waist, chest, head—and lateraled my way into our dance world. As a working artist, creative, educator, and dancemaker in this forever-changing field, my WHYs are still evolving and growing.
When I first moved to New York in 1993, I wanted to see just how far I could go, and if I could “hang” with the professional-level students. Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson invited me to dance in a performance, and my eyes were opened to all this profession and life could offer me—maybe I can become my WHY. I loved it; it felt natural. Dance was an easy beginning, middle, and ending to my day. My time at Philadanco encouraged me to persevere and grow, to work harder if I wanted more WHY. Being a part of a consistent group of artists, learning the company’s repertoire, and watching new works come to life excited me and became my driver.
Joining the Ailey company increased my curiosity, and WHY not me? began to emerge. Why not commit myself wholeheartedly? Why not travel the world, network, and meet new friends? Why not raise my voice, creating works for universities and companies? Why not write? Why not self-publish? Why not direct? Why not build? Why not share all I understand about this life I’ve led, and pass it on to the next generation?
However, as the years passed, it became harder; the WHY began to really shift. I still move, but now in a body that carries great memories and great pain. I use my experience and stories to pass on the history and broaden the path for those following the drum from studio to stage. I have developed programs for young artists; I mentor and guide those reaching, as I once did, for their professional break. I build communities of truth, positivity, and encouragement. My reasons, my struggles, my love, my challenges—my dance life—are now a road map for whoever wants to find their path, their way into this field, and is not afraid to ask for a little hope to help them on their way.
