Amplify the Voices of Spark
Tax deductible
In her second season as Artistic Director, Michelle Thompson Ulerich has produced two evening-length shows with deep messages about resiliency, connection, and forging one’s path in the world.
In November 2021, Spark’s fall performance, “Stories Uplifted,” premiered with works by Michelle, company dancers Melissa Galano, Angelica Mondol Viaña, Daniel Morimoto, Caleb Patterson, and Jen Silver, and guest artist Kar’mel Small. Michelle’s headlining piece, Armenian Voices, was inspired by her Armenian upbringing; it included texts from Armenian writers and Michelle’s own family and was set to music by Armenian musician and Michelle’s cousin, Sevana Tchakerian. Armenian Voices was also selected to participate in the Queen’s Council on the Arts’ Artist Commissioning Program, which connected Michelle with mentors and peer choreographers and provided opportunities to perform the work in Queens in spring 2022.
In April, Michelle’s second work of the season and Spark’s newest children’s show, “The Road” premiered. Inspired by Cleo Wade’s book “What the Road Said,” “The Road” follows one child as they work through life’s challenging questions and moments. The audience had the chance to interact with the performers and create movement for the ending of the show and were left with the message that through love, peace, and patience, we can each walk our own paths and bring those around us together. Given the narrative nature of "The Road," interpreter Brandon Kazen-Maddox provided American Sign Language interpretation for the performances.
Both performances were available to watch virtually after the live performances, a measure of increased accessibility that Spark added in 2020 and continues to perfect as we strive to uphold our mission of accessible dance experiences.
In November 2021, Spark’s fall performance, “Stories Uplifted,” premiered with works by Michelle, company dancers Melissa Galano, Angelica Mondol Viaña, Daniel Morimoto, Caleb Patterson, and Jen Silver, and guest artist Kar’mel Small. Michelle’s headlining piece, Armenian Voices, was inspired by her Armenian upbringing; it included texts from Armenian writers and Michelle’s own family and was set to music by Armenian musician and Michelle’s cousin, Sevana Tchakerian. Armenian Voices was also selected to participate in the Queen’s Council on the Arts’ Artist Commissioning Program, which connected Michelle with mentors and peer choreographers and provided opportunities to perform the work in Queens in spring 2022.
In April, Michelle’s second work of the season and Spark’s newest children’s show, “The Road” premiered. Inspired by Cleo Wade’s book “What the Road Said,” “The Road” follows one child as they work through life’s challenging questions and moments. The audience had the chance to interact with the performers and create movement for the ending of the show and were left with the message that through love, peace, and patience, we can each walk our own paths and bring those around us together. Given the narrative nature of "The Road," interpreter Brandon Kazen-Maddox provided American Sign Language interpretation for the performances.
Both performances were available to watch virtually after the live performances, a measure of increased accessibility that Spark added in 2020 and continues to perfect as we strive to uphold our mission of accessible dance experiences.
How You Can Help
We need your help to get to the finish line of this year’s creative season! Please help Spark by contributing to our annual goal of $10,000 to support our art, artists, performance, and the future of Spark. For the past twelve years, Spark has achieved its mission of providing accessible dance experiences due in large part to the generosity of family, friends, and patrons. A tax-deductible donation of any amount will put us closer to our goal!
How the Funds Will Be Used:
- Production Costs (Goal: $5,000): This includes theater and rehearsal space rental, lighting designer fees, musician fees and commissions, and costumes, among other things. These are the foundations of live performance.
- Artist Stipends (Goal: $5,000): Spark’s dancers are incredibly talented and creative performers who are dedicated to their craft and the company. Our dancers spend months in rehearsal developing and refining choreography, including 50+ hours preparing for each show.
Organizer
Spark Movement Collective
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
