Kevin Williamson, assistant professor of dance and Los Angeles-based movement artist, joins the College this fall. His choreography, touted by one reviewer as being “crafty and taut” and “moody and intense,” is centered on using the body to explore ideas about our evolving identities. The Office of Marketing and Communication caught up with Professor Williamson as he was settling in after the rush of back-to-school activities.
Scripps College: Congratulations on choreographing the West Coast premiere of These Paper Bullets at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. How do you see the intersection of your work as a Los Angeles-based dancer, choreographer, and now professor of dance at Scripps College?
Kevin Williamson: I am thrilled to explore, through the curriculum and creative process, the questions we share about contemporary dance and contemporary life. Already, it seems our classes and discussions have fueled infinite creative potential with students beginning their “In the Works” choreography and participating in local workshops with the Southern California dance community.
SC: Many paths can lead to success as a dancer; is it unusual that a dancer who “grew up” in the Los Angeles dance world would stay in Los Angeles? What performance opportunities are you most interested in at this point in your career?
KW: Los Angeles has been a major part of my identity. I grew up skateboarding to dance class in Torrance, attending UCLA, dancing with local companies, so it feels special to be here now after living in New York City and abroad, to be engaging with the city in various ways as a dance artist. As a performer, I am still working with Alpert Award–winning director-choreographer David Rousseve, which is special because he has been a mentor and longtime inspiration to me. Choreographically, I am thrilled about making work in nontraditional spaces with my collective this next year. Next month, I’ll be performing a solo for homeLA, which is a site-specific series unique to L.A. at the outdoor venue Cudayh.
SC: What advice would you give students who may be interested in a professional career of dance?
KW: Go for it! Being a dancer is a challenging adventure that requires dedication and hard work, but with endless possibilities for travel, personal growth, fun, and creativity. So, my advice would be: set personal goals, but stay open to unknown possibilities along the way; take risks; go see dances live and support the community as a spectator and artistic partner; and participate in various ways to keep the doors open and the body moving.
SC: Do you have a random fact about yourself that is maybe surprising, or that people don’t know about you that you would like to share with us?
KW: I love Double Stuf Oreos!