Photo courtesy of Clark Scott.
anna foshee
Anna Foshee is the new artistic director of Sanspointe Dance Company.
Courtesy of artsBHAM
University of Alabama graduate Anna Foshee is the new artistic director of Sanspointe Dance Company. She is a company member and becomes the sixth artistic director.
Sanspointe was founded in 2003 by Michelle Knutson to present modern and contemporary dance performances in Birmingham. Foshee sat down with us to share her history as a dancer and choreographer, as well as her artistic vision for Sanspointe.
Q: What are your ties to Alabama?
A: I am originally from Alabama. I grew up in the small town of Kellyton, then moved to Montgomery after college to teach dance. I’ve been dancing in Birmingham for the past seven years, but I actually still live in Montgomery. In June, I will finally be moving to the Birmingham area along with my husband, Kyle, and 1-year-old son.
Q: Tell us a little about your journey in dance.
A: I started dancing at a young age but didn’t take my first real ballet class until I was 13. That’s what hooked me. I loved the discipline of it all. I remember feeling so behind but thought of it as a challenge. Every class was a new experience. I attended Southern Union State Community College on a dance scholarship and then went on to receive my bachelor of arts in dance at the University of Alabama. I joined Sanspointe in 2009 right after I graduated.
Q: Who are your dance inspirations?
A: I could list at least 10 dancers/choreographers, but, in the end, it’s usually how dancers do something in class: how they push through the space, how they transition into something, how improv can work like magic, a great connection between two dancers or 10, a moment of stillness. Simple things inspire me the most.
Q: When did you begin choreographing?
A: Not until college and, even then, I was not choreographing often enough. I think choreography takes a lot of confidence that I’ve had to find and grow into. For the last few years, all of my work has been for students or as a guest artist. Sanspointe’s most recent show, “Deconstruction Zone,” was actually my first time choreographing for the company. I’ve mainly focused on performing, but I’m excited now to take on a different role.
Q: How would you describe your style as a choreographer?
A: I love movement that fills the layers in music and, if it doesn’t fill it, complements it. I like to think that’s my style, but it’s always, hopefully, evolving.
Q: What are themes, concepts, processes or music that you’re interested in exploring in future choreography?
A: I want to allow myself time. I tend to want it to be perfect immediately instead of exploring all of my options. On the other hand, I want to throw out a dance phrase and be able to roll with it. I think I’ve found the in-between of those, so now it’s time to study the extremes.
Q: Tell us a little about the work you’ve done with Sanspointe so far.
A: The reason I’ve loved working with this company so much is that you never know what you’re going to get. Every season is different. I’ve done theater performances and site-specific shows. I’ve danced outside, in a library and in museums. I’ve worn a paper dress, and I’ve worn overalls. I’ve danced to spoken word, and I’ve laughed like a crazy person in a reimagining of an old romantic ballet. I hope that as artistic director I can keep our dancers on their toes like that.
Q: What are your goals and artistic vision for the company?
A: This company was founded to “create, collaborate and connect.” Simply put: to get out there with modern and contemporary dance. I’ve been with the company through the direction of Shellie Chambers, Rhea Speights and Taryn Packheiser Brown. Each one used their own creativity to make that motto happen. Sanspointe has been a consistent voice in the Birmingham arts community and, with the help of Assistant Artistic Director Sara Wallace, I hope to continue that with my own twist.
Q: If a dancer is interested in joining Sanspointe, what should he or she do?
A: They can email me at sanspointe@gmail.com for more information.
Q: What’s coming up in Sanspointe’s 2016 season?
A: We are rehearsing now for our summer tour “Moving Ground.” It will take place the week of June 6-10 in various cities in Alabama: Homewood, Huntsville, Gadsden and Tuscaloosa. A site-specific show is in the works for the fall to finish up our season.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Birmingham?
A: I look forward to being a part of the Alabama Dance Festival every [January]. There is a lot of dance in this city, and that is so refreshing. There are several strong companies in Birmingham putting out new work seasonally, and that’s exciting to be a part of. I also love Railroad Park and Church of the Highlands. And I appreciate a burger from Saw’s Soul Kitchen.
Editor's note: This article was produced in partnership with artsBHAM. To learn more about them, visit artsbham.com.
