Interview with Taiesha Green

Where does your inspiration come from?

My dance inspiration comes from my love of dance. Dance is who I am; it’s a part of me, and anything related to it or surrounding it is my inspiration.

What dance(r)(s) inspire(s)(d) you the most?

I am inspired by all kinds of dance and dancers. I never had just one favorite dancer or dance. I’ve found myself to be inspired by numerous dancers that I’ve been lucky enough to know and see perform. The possibilities are endless.

How did you get started, and what motivated you to go in your dance direction?

I started dancing when I was five or six. I was the only girl in a house full of boys, so while they took karate I took dance. Dance was second nature to me, and once I fell in love with the art form, there was no turning back. I love to perform, so being on the stage is home for me. I couldn’t imagine my life without dance; it’s truly who I am.

Tell us about your dance background and the teachers you worked with.

My dance background includes training in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and liturgical dance. I have worked with a number of teachers, dancers, and choreographers. I started off working with the teachers of Ann Chaseman dance studio. I went to Colonel White High School for the arts where I was fortunate enough to study under Debbie-Blunden Diggs of DCDC. She really exposed me to modern dance in a way I had never seen before, and it was that experience that made me realize how much dance meant to me. I also danced with DCDC2 where I was able to study under Shonna Hickman-Matlock and a countless number of teachers and choreographers. I studied at Sinclair Community College and Wright State University and was privileged enough to work with the incredible staff at both schools. Dance is never perfect so I’m still training and learning whatever I can to this day. At the present, I work under Michael Groomes, and I’m fortunate to have his knowledge of dance at my disposal and the opportunity to work with a number of choreographers old and new.

What other art forms do you incorporate into your work?

I’m pretty true to dance, so I don’t normally use a lot of other art forms in my work, but I have definitely had the experience of utilizing other art forms in works that I have been in such as live music, poetry, and art.

Tell us about your dance style and classes you teach.

I’m a true contemporary modern dancer. I love modern dance because it has no boundaries or limits, and it is my ultimate form of expression. I teach ballet and modern classes mostly, but I have also taught classes that are based on creative movement and expression.

Why did you want to work with Women and Dance in Dayton, Ohio?

I wanted to dance with Women and Dance in Dayton because I am always looking for new projects and companies to work with. I was also very intrigued with the concept of the new company. I think it’s wonderful opportunity to showcase the strengths of women as artists and dancers and the impact they have on our community as a whole.

Could you tell us what dance means to you as a woman and a part of the Dayton Dance Community?

As a dancer, “Dance” means everything to me. I can’t say I feel as a woman that I have any more passion or desire to dance than any other artist, male or female. I feel like every dancer has the same motivation behind why they do what they do. It’s a love for the artistry itself which keeps me doing what I do. As a woman in the Dayton community I’m proud to be one of many women who contribute to the diversity of dancers this city has.

How do you feel about your dance on a spiritual level?

If dance was a religion it would be mine. It is definitely more than just a pastime for me. If I could, I would eat, sleep, and breathe dance. Its therapy and a way of life for me. When I’m dancing I feel like I’m more myself than I am when I’m off the floor. I’m sure that when I die my soul will dance off into the heavens, because it’s truly every part of who I am.