The first piece created was a duet exploring what it looks like to finally fall in love. It tells a queer love story of finding the perfect match and touches on the experience of not being able to come out in a more public way. There are references to orbits, resonance, and the perfect balance in space needed to maintain the structures we see. Exploring ideas of the lavender scare in the 1950s as well as current day views on queer and trans people, this piece is beautiful and emotional.
Our next piece tells an earlier story of that same couple. Joined by two other dancers, two duets take place simultaneously and gives us a queer coming-of-age story. Each pair shows a different relationship born out of proximity and explores what happens when you are with someone whose only similarity to you is your queer identity. There are subtle references to string theory, orbits, gravity, and the danger of astrological bodies getting too close. The movement is fraught, builds in tension and ends with an introduction to the idea there is someone else out there for our dancers.
Those works brought us into 2025 where things have really kicked off. We started our first full group piece, the opener to our show. Starting with the shape of our solar system, we explore independent movement within a large group with dancer driven choreography, and from a science side, orbits, planetary movement, and gravity. Coordinating 12 dancers to move simultaneously, independently, and fully spaced out will test the physical limits of our performance space but that is a problem for later.
Currently, two works are in process. One tells the story of women in STEM and space sciences and what it looks like to want something so badly but to run into walls at nearly every step. We explore a more human than science perspective, displaying resistance and support to show what it means to make it as an individual not just for the one that succeeds, but for all that have tried before and will come after.
The second work in progress is the first of three solos. These dancers use the base of their movement from the full group to dive deeper and develop their characters storyline while exploring the character they debuted at the beginning of the show. This solo is for our dancer representing Mercury and shows joy, lightness, and hope even in the face of challenges, fear, and concern. Much like our first little planet, the dancer can still dazzle and find beauty even as it takes the metaphorical (or literal if you have the planetary perspective) heat.
Follow Along
Ways to Support
Finding Space is seeking your support! Any level of support is welcome so please support how you can today. Whether you are a skilled administrator who would like to participate in the management of this work, an art lover excited at the prospect of new work, or someone who would like to be involved further there are two primary ways to support us. You can make a donation today at the link below. For other ways to support and an explanation of where your contribution will be most helpful, see below.
People
To give support in this area, you would directly support the work of more than 15 artists in the Greater Boston area. Each dancer is paid $15 an hour. $30 supports one dancer for one rehearsal. A donation of $120 would support one dancer for a month. Giving $450 would cover the salaries of all 15 dancers for one rehearsal. A $60 donation covers a month of one dancer’s travel expenses. Every dollar given has impact and is greatly appreciated by myself and the dancers on this project.
Resources
Contributing to our resource needs looks like donating studio space or funds for studio space, funding or supplying costuming, and supporting the not-so-glamorous but necessary general operating expenses. This support allows for additional time in the studio as a group, more opportunities to explore movement, and helps create the final vision for this piece and future performances.
One rehearsal costs between $24 and $51. Support one rehearsal with any donation up to $53.
Donate a month of rehearsals with a contribution of up to $212.
In-kind donations of rehearsal spaces like a dance studio, yoga studio, auditorium, or other open space are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Please contact madisonbflorence@gmail.com if you are interested in providing support in this way.
Performance
Supporting the performance category allows for in-progress showcases to be held throughout this creative process, allows for a larger musical selection, creates a more accessible performance space with audience access resources as needed, and directly supports the goal of creating an evening-length work.
Our current funding priorities are for People and Resources. If you would like to support our performances we encourage you to start with a donation of up to $100 to fund an informal showcase to see the creative work in progress.
Additional opportunities to support performances to come.