October 2017 – FusionWorks

FusionWorks Overview:

 

Fusionworks Dance Company is RI’s only modern dance repertory company and celebrating its 30th season this year! Its mission is to engage and enrich the lives of others through modern dance performance and community educational outreach, to provide high-quality programming for youth and adults, to stay on the cutting edge of modern dance with gutsy, striking choreography, and to always go beyond the edge of the stage. They are known for their interpretations of works from an impressive line-up of contemporary choreographers, including Artistic Director Deb Meunier.

Follow them on social media:

Facebook: FusionWorks Dance Company

Instagram: @fusionworks

Website: http://www.fusionworksdance.org

Upcoming 30^th Anniversary Fall Performance and VIP Reception

Please join us on Sunday, November 5^th for our 30^th anniversary fall performance featuring new works by Deb Meunier and Aaron McGloin (National Emerging Choreographer first place winner) followed by a VIP wine reception where you can mingle with dancers and the board of directors to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the company!

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/10199311

Spotlight: Assistant Director, Melody Gemba 

 

Short Bio:

Melody Gamba is the Assistant Artistic Director, dancer, educator and guest choreographer for Fusionworks Dance Company.   Throughout the years of being a professional modern dancer and dance educator, Melody has become an advocate for social justice and the utilization of the arts for educational and therapeutic modalities.  She is currently studying at Lesley University to obtain her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy.  By diversifying her education, her goal is to inspire, lead, and to have a greater impact in her community.  Her passion is to use dance as a viable tool to empower children and adults.  In honor of her commitment to this belief, the Fusionworks Board of Directors created the Melody Gamba Scholarship fund which provides financial assistance and work study opportunities to youth passionate about dance.  She is an adjunct dance professor at Salve Regina University and a guest artist at Providence College.

Instagram: @MEGGamba

Facebook: Melody Gamba

Questions with Melody:

You are currently a dancer and educator with Fusionworks and have been with the company for 13 years.  Tell us briefly about your path to this company.  

Born and raised in Rhode Island, my love for the arts, dance, and my community began here.  Dancing since I could walk, I received my early training from Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio. My childhood dream of being a dancer came true when I was awarded a dance and academic scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) in New York City. I graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and was awarded the “Silver M” for outstanding leadership and involvement in the MMC community.   When I returned home from dancing in NYC in 2003, Fusionworks Dance Company became my new artistic home.  I was drawn to the company’s repertory model which exposed me to a diversity of styles and pushed me outside of my artistic comfort zone on a regular basis.  The company’s tagline, “Different is Good” resonated with me instantly.

Why is the promotion of dance so important?

Dance provides a pathway to uncovering and celebrating each unique human for who they are.  Dance helps to build connection, empathy and compassionate communities.  My passion is to provide accessible methods of dance exploration and performance for all populations to experience the healing, transformative and personal empowerment dance provides.  Dance is movement; movement is a universal language that connects us all.

 

What are some of your priorities in promoting the arts, specifically dance, in Rhode Island?

The foundation of my artistic vision is a holistic approach grounded in love, compassion and empathy, rooted in interpersonal relationships utilizing the arts and mindfulness, a safe space, without labels or judgement.  A small act of social change, one dance at a time, one person at a time. The mission of my work is to allow individuals to reclaim their power, their voice, and their identity.  I believe we can move dance into even more diverse arenas besides the studio, stage, and classroom, and utilize it as a transformative platform for conflict resolution and creative problem solving.

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is authentic, self-aware, leads by example, inspires, welcomes feedback, and is open to change and learning new things.  Engaging and empowering others, while celebrating and supporting their strengths, objectives, and ideas are important to being a successful leader.

Who do you look up to/who inspires you?

Having a supportive family, teachers, mentors and friends throughout my life has provided inspiration and guidance to help me be the person I am. The insight and guidance provided by this collective continues to inspire me to lead and be a mentor. Every day I continue to be inspired by every interaction and experience I move through in life.

Do you have any advice for future arts leaders?

Becoming an active part of your community and to celebrate and promote the arts is important. Collaborating with and engaging others, and partnering with different groups help you to gain skills to become a good leader. We are all striving for similar goals just equipped with different tools and have different approaches. Overcoming adversity assists in personal growth, discovery and self-awareness.