Today we’d like to introduce you to Elijah Alhadji Gibson.
Hi Elijah, 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.
Originally from San Diego, California, my introduction to dance was through a tap at the San Diego Civic Dance Association and then I attended the San Diego School for the Performing Arts. I continued my education and studied dance in college and received my Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, with a focus on dance history, somatic studies, and pedagogy.
After a national and international career performing with the world-renowned Giordano Dance Chicago, and other dance companies, I transitioned to teaching in higher education at the Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University. During my time there I was able to move abroad and teach through a distance learning program. When I returned to the United States I taught at the University of Illinois, Sam Houston State University, University of Texas at Austin, and now currently at the University of Houston. In 2019, I founded Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater, a professional dance company based out of Houston, Texas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has been nothing smooth about my journey. Sure, I have had quite a few successes, but my accomplishments didn’t happen without adversities and many unexpected detours.
My first major struggle was that of being able to have my own identity as a choreographer, teacher, and performer early on in my career. I had become a well-known dancer with the company I was dancing for, and my identity was pretty much synonymous with that of the company.
It wasn’t until I spent time in Spain, that I had the space to develop an accepted voice outside what was somewhat predetermined because of who I danced for. The most recent struggle I would say was trying to sustain a company through a pandemic. Resurfacing was not an easy task, especially since we had only been founded the year before the pandemic started. There were so many pieces to the puzzle that came together to make sure we were functioning “post” covid, and I’m extremely grateful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a dance educator, choreographer, and activist. I’m also the Founder and Artistic Director of Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater. I have a passion for creating work that promotes social consciousness by expressing the breadth and depth of the human condition through dance and storytelling. I would say that as a choreographer I’m known for creating work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. As an educator, I would say I’m known for my classicist approach to class structure and etiquette and adaptability to diverse populations with ranges of experience.
What I am most proud of are the successes of all the people I’ve taught throughout my career. Seeing them use the tools they have learned in my classes to build their careers both in the arts and outside the arts, has been such a blessing to witness. I feel what sets me apart from others is my versatility. Being able to adequately teach, dance, and choreograph so many different genres has expanded my career trajectory.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Patience, persistence, integrity, humbleness, and honesty.
Contact Info:
- Website: socialmovementdance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smcdt_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMCDTh/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smcdt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMCDT_
Image Credits
Louise Flores, Blake Daniels, and @artisbynight
