HI
I envision a trans-disciplinary and co-terminological approach to arts and science which offers a potential framework for the future.
Carson Reiners (she/her), hailing from NYC and now based in Berlin, is an accomplished transdisciplinary artist. Her imaginative creations breathe life into environments and experiences through a blend of contemporary dance-theatre, multimedia elements, tactile materials, and intricate storytelling. She defies convention, staging performances both in traditional theaters and unconventional spaces. Carson's artistic essence is deeply rooted in her passion to understand the world around her and of human existence through the intricate tapestry of narrative, philosophy, psychology, and cognition.
Her artistic foundations were forged at revered institutions like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (where she was honored with a Fellowship), Ballet Hispanico (recipient of a Pre-Professional Scholarship), and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Venturing to Europe, she further honed her craft at CODARTS (2004-2006) in the Netherlands before embarking a staigere with x.IDA dance company in Linz, Austria. Here, she earned her Bachelor's from Anton Bruckner Universität in 2007. Notably, her academic pursuits culminated in a Master’s by research with a Practice as Research component merging theories of 4E cognition and her own choreographic process/practice at the University of Malta (2002).
With a rich tapestry of experiences spanning seventeen years, Carson's artistic journey has traversed continents, resonating in the USA, Europe, South Africa, Peru, Taiwan, and Israel. Noteworthy collaborations include Kindling in India (2013), Las Sacerdotistas de Machu Picchu in Peru (2012), and Crossings in South Africa (2011). Her works have graced venues such as EMPAC in New York, the Valletta Design Center in Malta, Mana Contemporary Chicago, the Thinker's Theatre in Taiwan, and the iconic Judson Church in NYC, among many others. Recognition has flowed her way through esteemed funding awards, including the likes of Dis-Tanz-Solo in Berlin, the Krannert Center for the Arts in Illinois, Keshet Center for the Arts in Arkansas, and thesupport of The City of Chicago. Such recognition further extends to academic realms, with an scholarship from the University of Malta.
An ardent advocate and educator, Carson has passionately served the artistic community for over a decade. Her role as rehearsal director for Aura Dance Theater (LI), artistic director of IMFC in Taipei, TW, and leadership at All Around Gymnastics in Chicago, IL, USA, underscores her commitment. She's also been a driving force as head teacher of Ballet and Contemporary programs in New York and Chicago. From workshops in studios to engaging sessions at universities, community centers, and even public schools. As an arts educator she has worked in public school institutions in Chicago, New York City, and India as part of her advocacy which is built on an engagement with communities and environments that would normally not have access to artistic professionals though agency, equity, and the artistic voice which she stipulates offers another perspective that is truly necessary in any field. She has has also been a private performance coach for competitive gymnasts and figure skaters. Carson's dedication to fostering artistry knows no bounds. Her advocacy is a testament to her belief in democratizing artistic access and nurturing diverse perspectives within the creative realm.
As a continuation of her master’s she is currently striving to bringing awareness to the perceptual intelligence of the performing artistic body(mind) and process to contribute to the future understanding of human cognition. She is also toying with the possibility of continuing her academic education in dance and cognition by pursuing a PhD in which she would like to research the current environment(umwelt) by considering the ethical and legal status of the political dancing/moving body in the technological space from the viewpoint of feminism. She welcomes any correspondence if you might have a recommendation of an advisor/institution that might be interested.