The next Boston artist we are talking with in The Traka Interviews is dance maker Victoria Awkward (she/her). Victoria is the director of VLA Dance and has been a profound influence on the Boston dance community. Read further to discover her insight on the themes of Traka, making dance, and bringing together community.
My name is Victoria L. Awkward and I'm the Director of Boston based dance organization VLA DANCE. I'm also a freelance artist and the Visual Arts Coordinator at the West End House Boys and Girls Club. My work often centers on bringing interdisciplinary forms of creation together to create thought provoking performances and educational experiences.
Integral to my artistic process is deep investigation of my identities. I am proud to be part of a lineage of Black, Queer, Women Creators who have used art as transformation. I believe dance is uniquely positioned to help people slow down in order to: connect with self, see others, and respect our environment. The presence required to be a dance artist, and a creator in general, presents immense potential for self inquiry which can flower communities of interconnected individuals who utilize communal care.
Dancer: Aliza Franz and Photo: Melissa Blackall
The potential of artistry to heal is beautiful - yet it can be challenging to produce art on a professional, especially full time, level. Boston based artists and organizations that have come before me and/or work alongside me like Jean Appolon Expressions, pave paths for me to create on the level of freedom I'm able to enjoy now. Creating paths for one another is perhaps one of the beautiful elements of a healing and thriving community.
To stay up to date with Victoria and VLA, check out @victoriaawkward and @dancevla on Instagram.