Our new Spotlight series emerged out of the desire for audiences and other artists to connect with dancers who they may not know–because the artist is new to the area, or from a different generation or pocket of the dance scene. The Q&A format lets Seattle dance artists to introduce themselves in their own words, or share where they are in this moment in time.
Photo: IY Cardona
Name and pronoun:
Nicole Cardona — Most call me Nikki! (she/they)
When did you come to Seattle and why?
My partner is in the military and we got stationed up here for their first contract!
What’s your role in Seattle dance?
I feel above all else I am a supporter of the Seattle dance scene. Since moving here and meeting the dancers of Seattle, I have felt such a deep sense of community and support from everyone involved. I too hope to make others feel just as supported. Under the realm of dance I wear many hats. I will always consider myself a student because I believe that there is always more information out there to learn. I currently dance for Coriolis Dance Collective and Badmarmar DANCE. After a year-long hiatus from making work, I have just started creating work again and it has been so fulfilling. I am also a teacher at Dance Fremont.
What kind of work is your favorite to make/do?
I love a long rehearsal process where rehearsals span over a few months’ time and the work has time to change and grow. Longer processes allow the connection you build with the people you work with to deepen as it gets closer to show time.
Tell us about your next performance or last performance.
I have a few very exciting performances coming up! On January 21st I will be premiering and performing with Rhea Keller in my work These heavy bones as a part of the Wielding Forms Dance Festival curated by Coriolis Dance Collective. The following weekend, January 26th-28th, is The Bridge Project hosted by Velocity. I will be premiering a work called These heavy bones; I’ve carried, performed by Devin Muñoz. My hope is to combine these works one day and create an evening length work.
Photo: IY Cardona
What do you bring to the rehearsal room?
I work in a highly collaborative process. I care very much about the perspectives that dancers and performers share and try to create dialogue around whatever concept we are working with so that when we start to create the work, the intention is at the forefront of the piece. I work as a personal trainer when I am not dancing so I try to provide a space where cross training is a part of the process to help keep the dancers feeling strong and balanced.
Tell us about your favorite performance that you’ve seen in Seattle and why you loved it.
I have really loved the 1, 2, 3, and 4 shows hosted by co— (Maya Tacon and Emma Lawes). It was a wonderful way to meet even more of the Seattle dance Community.
What are some media that you love or that are influencing you right now?
I really love poetry and highly recommend any poetry book by Rupi Kaur. My favorite is home body.
Recommend three things!
- Ballet Rituals at Aether 9:30-11:30am on Tuesdays and Fridays. The most inclusive ballet classes I’ve been to in a long time.
- Undercurrent 9:30am on Wednesday mornings. This class encapsulates community while also diving into floor work.
- Go to Monkey Grind espresso in Greenwood for what I feel is the best vanilla latte in the area.
If people wanted to follow you and your work, what is the best way for them to do that?
You can follow me on instagram! @n__cardona
