Ayumi Shafer is an educator, choreographer, and mover currently active in the Twin Cities and greater area. Originally from California, Shafer has now been teaching for over 15 years in various cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco (BA, San Francisco State University 2009), Eugene (MFA, University of Oregon 2013), and Minneapolis. As she continues to teach in both public and private institutions, Shafer has focused on collaborating with local artists in both dance and other disciplines. In 2014, Shafer co-founded DanceBARN Collective, a nonprofit organization that brings dance to rural communities. In Shafer and her co-director’s vision, DanceBARN has been committed to building community engagement, fostering collaborations, and providing support for dance artists. Recently, Shafer had the opportunity to present some of her work through Inbox@Artbox, The Cowles Center’s Generating Room, and 6×6 Solos. Drawing inspiration from the idea of play, the freedom to act on our impulses, and active curiosity, she strives to create work that tells a story. Shafer is enthusiastic about sharing dance with all members of her communities, and continues to organize events for people with all types of experiences in art and life.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
In investigating the idea of PLAY, these 2 things come to mind: active curiosity and the phrase “life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” There are so many moments in our lives that feel mundane or simple, and yet they have endless space for us to explore them through the lens of movement and art. The following works have been set through creative play in collaboration with the dancers, and expanding on everyday life scenes through humor, impulse, and relationships.
“Sunset”
(Originally created in 2011)
Dancers: Skylar Hampton, Hannah Heimer, Kylee Knettel
Music: “Tilliboyo” by Kronos Quartet, Foday Musa Suso
“Passing Notes”
Dancers: Kaitlin Craven, Shannon Hartle, Leah Lunstrum, Morgan Morrissey, Alys Ayumi Ogura, Patience Stellmach
Music: “Bizness” by Tune-Yards
IF YOU WERE A TYPE OF CANDY, WHAT TYPE OF CANDY WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
If I were a candy, I would probably be Sour Patch Kids. I’m pretty much a big kid, complete with all the feels. Much like my 6 year-old, I am easily swayed by all the sweet and sour moments in life. I love a good cry, laugh attacks, and heated discussions any day of the week.
Happy Hour Artist Performances | Daily, 5:30 – 6:30pm
- Monday, May 2 – Alys Ayumi Ogura
- Tuesday, May 3 – Margaret Ogas
- Wednesday, May 4 – Ayumi Shafer
- Thursday, May 5 – Alexandra Bodnarchuk
- Friday, May 6 – Emily Michaels King
Ayumi Shafer at Murphy’s Landing in Shakopee, MN
Photo by Sarah Dovolos
Generating Room project “Our Home” presented at the TEK BOX. In collaboration with photographic artist Sarah Weiss.
Movers: Tori Breen & Patience Stellmach
Photo by Sarah Weiss
Pop-up Performance “On Your Left” in Battle Lake, MN as part of DanceBARN Festival 2021. Site Specific work with bicycles and bike racks in public parking lot.
Movers: Lucy Dillon, Christina Hughes, Erika Martin, Patience Stellmach, Laurie Walker, & Margaret Wiss
Photo by Robert Uehlin