Photo by David Hou
JAMES STRECKER: If you were asked for 50 words for an encyclopedia to summarize what you do, or have done, in the arts, what would you say?
CLAUDIA MOORE: Dance X 50! I dance. From my first ballet class at age 11 to now, in my 60’s, dance has been my way of connecting to others, contemplating life’s mysteries and celebrating my existence on earth. I aim to share this gift of dance with as many as possible through performing, teaching, curating and mentoring.
JS: what important beliefs do you express in or through your work?
CM: I try not to express, but rather to expose the mystery of my life on earth that lives in my bones, muscles and skin.
JS: Name two people, living or dead, whom you admire a great deal and tell us why for each one.
CM: My mother- for passing on to me a love for art and the importance of connecting to others. My father- for passing on to me a passion for physical challenge.
JS: How have you changed since you began to do creative work?
CM: I have danced all my life. Growing from an independent performer to leading a company has magnified the importance of connection and increased my passion for dance. As a dancer, I learned to “serve” and as an artistic director that has helped me tend to the tasks at hand…though I’d rather be dancing!
JS: What are your biggest challenges as a creative person?
CM: Finding the awkward dance in knowing when to listen to myself and when to get myself out of the way, going beyond what comes naturally and staying hungry for new ways, facing fears that come with risk.
JS: Please describe at least one major turning point in your life.
CM: When I had my hips replaced- with time to contemplate- I realized I had to pursue performance and leave choreography behind, a good decision for me. No regrets.
JS: What are the hardest things for an outsider to understand about what you do?
CM: I cannot say?
JS: How and why did you begin to do creative work in the first place?
CM: My mom took me to ballet class- I fell in love with dancing from the first class. I had a very special teacher and was instantly taken by the movement.
JS: What haven’t you attempted as yet that you would like to do and please tell us why?
CM: My creature dance- it’s coming, but I am still finding the courage
JS: What are your most meaningful achievements?
CM: My children- they are both extraordinary beings who give me hope for humanity
JS: What advice would you give a young person who would like to do what you do?
CM: Don’t, unless you have a great desire to pursue a life in the arts and the ability to do the hard work of following your dreams.
JS: Of what value are critics?
CM: One person’s view is not to be taken too seriously, but I appreciate a well-spoken, well-informed critic who can enlighten on the art form and infuse the public with an appetite.
JS: What do you ask of your audience?
CM: I ask nothing. I hope they open their senses and enjoy the experience.
JS: What specifically would you change about what goes on in the world and the arts?
CM: More light, more listening, more love
JS: Tell us what it feels like to be a figure who is presented somehow in the media. What effect does this presence have on you?
CM: None- people see what they see and impressions created by media may not have anything to do with who I am.
JS: Name two places you would like to visit, one you haven’t been to and one to experience again and briefly tell us why.
CM: Japan – I am curious about the culture and would like to know more about where butoh was born. Germany- my grandparents left Germany in the 20’s and I am inspired by the work of Pina Bausch.
JS: Please tell us about one or more projects that you have been working on, are preparing, or have recently completed. Why do they matter to you and why should they matter to us?
CM: Cloud 9 and Older & Reckless are both platforms for the senior dance artist. Both celebrate longevity in dance, shining a light on those who continue to grow the artform. It is not so much an attempt to achieve mastery as a constant hunger for new challenge and a curiosity for the undiscovered. Aging artists are part of the aging population. They champion an attitude of defiance towards the norms of aging by pushing their limits, deepening their knowledge and looking for ways to deal with whatever comes along.
JS: Let’s talk about the state of the arts in today’s society, including the forms in which you work. What specifically gives you hope and what specifically do you find depressing?
CM: The young artists I see give me hope for the future. They are creative, resourceful, passionate, bright and tenacious
JS: Finally, what do you yourself find to be the most intriguing and/or surprising thing about you?
CM: I am not surprised by myself. I am who I am. I seek to surprise myself in dance