Gentry Isaiah George
June 2024
Performance/Dance
Miami, FL
Gentry George, Artistic Director of Zest Collective and a Professor at New World School of the Arts, began dancing at age eight. He's a YoungArts awardee and his talent landed him on HBO's 'Masterclass' with Jacques d'Amboise. Notably, Gentry received accolades such as the 2022 Dance Miami Choreographers Grant and the 2023 Miami Individual Artist Award. After graduating from The Juilliard School, Gentry joined Ailey II and earned recognition as "one of three men to watch in Ballet" by the NY Post. He also danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
In 2013, he founded Zest Collective, which performed at various New York venues, including The United Palace, HarlemStage, and The Wassaic Project. In 2017, he became Artist in Residence at Randolph College and later joined the faculty at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy. In 2020, Gentry moved to South Florida. He received a commission from the Miami Light Project for Here & Now 2023 and choreographed and directed PianoSlam 14, presented by Dranoff 2 Piano and the Adrienne Arsht Center. He also choreographed The 2023 Juneteenth Experience, presented by Hued Songs at the Miami Beach Bandshell.
BIO
“Experiencing dance has always allowed me to learn about uncommon pasts and cultures while simultaneously discovering countless expressions of the present. As a choreographer, my mission has always been tripartite: to celebrate the world's diversity through dance, to create original works that foster collaboration, and to expand access to the arts. My work seamlessly blends my professional experience in ballet with a fervent exploration of the relationship between historic cultures, nature, and contemporary music through dance. Through my choreography, I aspire to instill in audiences worldwide a heightened sense of value and appreciation for both art and nature.”
STATEMENT
How Do You Define Innovative Storytelling? How Can This Innovation Be Used As A Tool To Educate, Preserve, And Celebrate The Natural Environment?
Innovative storytelling is a transformative approach that transcends conventional narratives, aiming to captivate and inspire audiences in fresh and compelling ways. It serves as a dynamic tool for conveying messages, igniting thought, and evoking emotions, with immense potential for educating, preserving, and celebrating the natural environment. My artistic practice seamlessly incorporates mediums like music, dance, and projection art, each possessing the transformative power to engage communities while addressing pressing issues of equity and environmental justice, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future.
My creative vision revolves around capturing the poignant interplay between the Everglades' once-pristine natural ecosystem, altered by human interference, and the indomitable spirit of African Americans who confronted adversity within this unique landscape. Much like the Everglades' waters, which teemed with life and vitality, this environment bore witness to the journeys of oppressed Black individuals seeking freedom and opportunity amidst formidable challenges. Through innovative storytelling, my goal is to pay homage to the historical connection between the African-American diaspora and Florida, specifically focusing on transformative journeys from Cuba, The Bahamas, and Jamaica.
The choreography I will craft seeks to immerse the audience in the profound paradox of water: its ability to both devastate and heal. Waters are symbolic of cleansing and rebirth, echoing their historical role as vital means of travel and escape for Black and Indigenous people on the path to emancipation. Through graceful movements, I will bring to life a work that vividly portrays the struggles of those who found solace amid the Everglades' intricate waterways, even amidst the destruction of their natural surroundings. The musical score, deeply rooted in the African American experience, serves as a powerful undercurrent, emphasizing these individuals' enduring legacy and profound connection to the Everglades.
Through this innovative movement literature, my aim is to explore and breathe life into historical narratives entwined with this environment, resonating with audiences and fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and ecological significance of the Everglades.