CHOREOGRAPHER
PHILADELPHIA , PENNSYLVANIA
MFA ' 16
Grant funding has also allowed him to work in a more deliberate , time-intensive way on one project versus doing freelance choreography work , which sometimes meant jumping quickly from project to project . “ At this time in my career , I felt proud that I was able to financially be able to do that . I was comfortable and did not have to rush or have someone telling me I couldn ’ t spend time on this work ,” he said .
Production of " softly , as I leave you " was delayed by the pandemic , which Evans said was frustrating but ultimately made the production better . “ If the work was done two years ago , it wouldn ’ t have been called this and it would have had a different tone ,” he said . “ I was able to really find the idea I really needed to pursue .”
The Philadelphia performance of " softly , as I leave you " in June was sold out and critically acclaimed , and Evans hopes it will be performed in New York City next year . He ’ s also working with several dance companies , including the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company , on new works that will premiere in 2023 and beyond .
Evans said his time in Jacksonville was a key part of his development as an artist , especially through hearing guest teachers like dancer and choreographer Alonzo King , who “ just cracked my world open ,” Evans said .
“ The total experience of the Master of Fine Arts program really helped me to figure out my way to understand the process , research and crafting of dance . I was already a dancer , but it helped me extend all the ways I could do it ,” he added .