The Company
Mission Statement
Faustine Lavie Dance Project creates and presents dynamic, humanistic contemporary dance works which activate conversation between the audience and the artists. Under the direction of Faustine Lavie, our dances respond to global experiences and events through vigorous physicality, intentional character development, and comprehensive research. Our core values of accessibility, community, and empathy remain at the forefront of our work as we continue to push the boundaries of contemporary dance to authentically connect with our world. Through performance and outreach, FLDP is dedicated to sharing dance with all. We offer classes and workshops open to movers of all backgrounds seeking to develop their artistry, confidence, and passions.
Artist Statement
My art speaks to the human experience, and investigates how we can dynamically and positively shape our world. Drawing from my narrative as an immigrant female artist, I create dances which converse with all, offering different lenses to see ourselves, our histories, and our ideas represented. I create in order to connect, with empathy and openness at the forefront of my work.
I am deeply moved by global perspectives, and how we physically embody each idea and feeling which makes us who we are. My dances respond to a wide range of stories, from the societal to the philosophical, from the difficult to the humorous. While recent works have detailed the place of an individual in society, immigration stories, and the female experience, our shared humanity – our authenticity, courage, and resilience – centers itself at the core of my creations.
Because human connection lifts us to new heights, each artistic process of mine is extremely collaborative, with the floor constantly open for conversation, feedback, and input. I am particularly fascinated by partnering, which remains a primary influence in my work. My background in ballet, ballroom, contemporary, modern, and social dance (specifically Hustle) has opened channels for me to explore organic, original partnering sequences which speak to human emotions and exchanges.
I remain committed to the accessibility of the arts. Since founding Faustine Lavie Dance Project in 2020, I continue to share numerous affordable performances, workshops and classes throughout the Tri-State area and internationally. In April 2024, I had the pleasure of offering a free workshop to University Settlement’s The Performance Project Fellowship fellows, where we exchanged stories and dance. In July 2023, I had the honor of teaching contemporary and social dance in my hometown of Toulon, France as well as in Paris, France, to movers of all ages and levels.
On stage and in the studio, in class and in conversation, I sincerely look forward to creating together.
-Faustine Lavie
Company Biography
Fautine Lavie Dance Project (FLDP) exists to share the dynamic, humanistic contemporary dance works created by choreographer Faustine Lavie. The New York City-based collective, a company of seven representing a diverse range of backgrounds, offers an authentic exchange between artists and audiences. Through performances, classes and workshops based in New York, NY and beyond, FLDP remains committed to sharing dance with all.
Since its inception in 2020, FLDP has performed in numerous acclaimed venues in the NYC-Tri-State area. Performance highlights of the company’s first work, Outburst (2020), include: Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers’ InHale Performance Series in Philadelphia, PA (2022); Uptown Rising at Bridge For Dance (2022); KoDaFe at the KnJ Theater at Peridance Center (2022); Synergy II at Ballet Arts (2022); Steps Performance Lab (2022); Hartford Dance Festival (2023); WAXworks at Triskelion Arts (2023). Lavie had the privilege of presenting FLDP’s first evening length repertory performance, titled Works by Faustine Lavie Dance Project, in October 2022 at the TADA! Youth Theater. Works featured Outburst, as well as the world premiere of Banned (2022) and a restaging of Lavie’s original solo titled Memoirs From Another Life (2021).
Lavie recently completed her 2023-2024 University Settlement Artist-in-Residence program. This opportunity, under The Performance Project at University Settlement, engages young local artists and emerging professional artists with the platform to connect, create, and publicly present new work. Thanks to the generosity of this residency, Lavie developed her newest work, Unspoken Voices (2024), which premiered in June 2024. In addition, Lavie/FLDP was selected as a 2024 Guest Choreographer for One Day Dance, where Lavie choreographed a trio for the company titled Bliss (2024).
FLDP recognizes the historical and present inequalities of dance, and rejects racism and bias. FLDP is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the company and its community, with respect given to all. All FLDP artists and collaborators work as an institution and as individuals to uphold integrity while engaging in antiracist work in all aspects of the company. FLDP is committed to celebrating and representing diverse voices with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability status, and sexual orientation.
