Off The Record
“We Are” – A piece inspired by Keone and Mari’s grandparents who came to America
The body is considered a fundament of existence. Engaging in the question of bodily capacities, functionalities, and expressions, through an artistic practice, is understood as a way to leave presumed oppositions between body and mind, theory and practice, thinking and doing.
According to Sonaku, Choreography is an artistic opportunity to express one’s personality through the creation of dance.
A choreographer designs and directs routines used in dances and performances. They love movement and the art of dance, but most of all love to inspire others by sharing their creative ideas.
A large part of a choreographer’s job is to make sure that the routine is pleasurable not only for the participants but for the audience and possibly judges, too.
He or she must listen intently to the piece of music that is being used, and work out the timing and the feel of the different dance steps. A lot of time is spent inventing new dance moves and editing routines. They also work very closely with the dancers, teaching them by example and by spoken instruction.
Keone and Mari
Mari Madrid and Keone Madrid are dancers, choreographers, teachers, creatives as well as husband and wife.
Individually starting on their own paths and eventually finding each other through dance.
Working on projects like Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself”, Mark Ronson, Flying Lotus & Kendrick Lamar, a New York Times Square Billboard, So You Think You Can Dance, the Ellen Show, SKY a 3D musical, Dancing with the Stars, nominations for best choreography at the MTV Video Music Awards and the UK Video Music Awards, Kpop artists, viral videos, multiple champions at major dance competitions, global dance instructors and more.
While they continue to pursue multiple projects their continuous goal is to share impactful art through storytelling and movement that can inspire others to do the same.
“We are” is a piece inspired by Keone and Mari’s grandparents who came to America to make a new life for their families and the many displaced humans around the world who are trying to do the same.
