Today we’d like to introduce you to Rivkah French.
Hi Rivkah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a contemporary choreographer and community builder that is always exploring new influences and art forms to reinvent myself. As a gay and genderqueer artist, I create dance that expresses and explores my experience while hoping to create work that can appeal to anyone.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve created 37 full-length dance performances, founded the non-profit FrenetiCore Dance, built the organization’s black box theater, founded the Houston Fringe Festival, and taught movement arts to at-risk populations including homeless and incarcerated teens.
I’m currently focused on providing creatively empowering experiences for the LGBTQ+ community, expanding the field of Queer Dance Theory, and building new movement techniques fusing global dance styles with contemporary Western dance. My career exemplifies my belief in the profound power of art on individuals and society at large.
There are two projects I’m currently working on and excited about: a dance film duet involving virtual reality and sculptural body paint with the very talented Margo Smolik. The film will be an exploration of technology, genderqueer expression, movement, and visual art. The end result will create an intimacy with the people who watch it that is rarely seen in dances on film.
The other project I’m currently working on is The Q’astle, a new studio and performance venue I’m building in 5th Ward. The Q’astle will be a modern structure with an emphasis on open space and light, and will provide the Houston arts community with a beautiful, welcoming, sustainably-built performance space in the heart of the city.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had my fair share of struggles like anyone else. Everything from difficult business partners to creative collaborator issues, to health challenges, to personal losses like relationships ending and people I care for dying. My love of dance and deep human connections have sustained me through all of life’s struggles.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Stay connected to your purpose and you can’t go wrong. The universe is on your side even when it doesn’t appear to be!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/rivkahfrenchchoreography/home | https://www.capronstudio.com/
- Instagram: @rivkahfrenchchoreography
- Facebook: @rivkahfrenchchoreography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1VqibjIQ_GotAoPqeZzVZw
