INTERVIEW WITH CHOREOGRAPHER JAI AUZENNE

Originally from Austin, Texas, Jai Auzenne is a true Austinite. Following her theater degree from Texas State University, Jai is now studying dance at ACC in hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a stage manager for dance performances. Aside from being tech-savvy and a performer, she also has experience in welding, she says, if all else fails she will become a welder. 

Taking inspiration from her favorite artist, Zoi Tatapoulus, Jai created her piece around the style of dance her artist embodies, one that leans towards contortion and not being in control of your body. Jai says, “ I've recently become very obsessed with her, she has a style that really resonates with me.” However, this was only the beginning of her choreography journey. The staging of Jais' piece could be explained by the relationship between her and the audience, which she had to consider recently in her choreographer's class. As an alternative to an audience seating arrangement that is formal and structured, she wanted to manipulate that and have her back turned to them. 

Basically, the question is, "What would you do differently when you're alone versus when someone is watching you?" And so this is the question that leads to the whole idea of being comfortable in our own bodies in a society where it is hard to love yourself. Having dealt with similar situations at some point in our lives, Jai believes that this message has become universal, and she hopes that her audience will be able to relate to her piece, which focuses on vulnerability and the struggles that come with being a dancer. In the end, Jai produced her piece called "CORPS." with dancers M Bullock and Toni Hammler.

Interview by Angelina Donis