Anabel Lugones De León
Actor - Dancer - Writer - Choreographer
I’m a Dominican Cuban artist born and raised in the Bronx. My pronouns are They/She. I’m very passionate about how theatre and dance, or art in general can bring about change. Both big and small; individually, for the community and the world. I share myself authentically and fully immerse myself into every space to create and foster safe spaces for others and for a better future.
Acuéstate por favor
Papá
This work was supposed to be performed on what we consider the main/big stage, at Hunter College, for the dance department. But the performance never happened because of COVID. My grandpa had died a year prior from cancer. Ironically to the tragedies we would all go through in the coming weeks, I choreographed this piece to reflect not only my own journey but the complex, universal process of grief and mourning. In creating this piece I allowed space for us to speak about death openly and if I remember correctly, all three of us had somewhat recently lost our grandfathers. I think it's important in creating work to create space, especially for collaborators to bring themselves fully. Especially for this piece a big goal of mine, beyond the dance, was to foster a safe space for death, mourning and grief to be discussed and fully felt.
Women
My friend, that directed this piece and I started with a conversation of everything that women go through and everything that is asked of them. We focused on a poem by Rupi Kaur called Home. In this poem she speaks of her experience with herself and her body after sexual assault. Those struggles with mental health and inner demons. Someone trying to find themselves again, even recognize who they see in the mirror, as the world tries to destroy you. I used this poem as the structure of my choreography. The sheets were to signify the generational trauma and pressures of societal norms passed down from woman to woman. All of these complexities that women are expected to be. In these judgemental eyes women must be pure, clean, put together, folded neatly.
(This is me dancing in the video and I also choreographed to work.)
Vulnerable
I played Coyote in Quince at The Bushwick Starr
http://stagebiz.com/quince-an-unforgettable-immersive-experience-blossoms-at-the-bushwick-starr/
Quince en la Plaza at Lincoln Center
Photo by Christina Casillo @chrisrosecas