The original version of Rule of Thumb, created in 1993, humorously blended theater and dance to expose the disparities of power pervading heterosexual relationships in a patriarchal culture. The performers, dressed in colorful corsets, pushed against antiquated parameters of southern culture, religion, and feminine stereotypes.  

 In 2016, a new process began in collaboration with former student Christine Suarez, Director of Suarez Dance Theater based in Santa Monica, CA. This version of Rule of Thumb was a dynamic sphere of compelling narratives that moved us through transitions with irreverent humor and a decisively open perspective.  In response to the evolution of feminist values and the fact that these values continue to be restricted, ignored, and misinterpreted by women and men, we looked closely at the disparities of power that pervade women in patriarchal cultures and the influential, antiquated protocols that hinder a freed, untamed self.  We examined how feminist perspectives have changed and are more awakened by the important intersection of gender, age, and race. We designed prompts and improvisational structures that focused on the evolution of movement patterns that will create a dialogue between inner and outer (interior/exterior body). These explorations, kinesthetically and critically, investigated a way of seeing, and a way of being—framing perception, labels and roles, shame, visibility, and sexism. The physical research was supported by sociological readings, biographies, workshops in various communities, observations, documentaries, and a variety of artistic works–including Cindy Sherman’s photographic self-portraits.  The studio-based research integrated stories that were shared and in our workshops. 

 We advocate for a new understanding of gender expression– one that allows bodies to freely express gender fluidly. We know that sharing space with diverse bodies builds important connections that expand empathy. Gender expression is a complex weaving of psychological traits and labels created by society. Expressing one’s gender identity authentically, and fully, is entangled with societal norms and oppressive religious beliefs. We believe we can embrace binary identities and allow gender expression to be fluid. 

co-directed with Emory Alumni, Christine Suarez (Suarez Dance Theater); movement artists: Juana Farfán, Charné Furcron, Kai Hazelwood, Sally O’Grady, Christine Suarez, Onur Topal Sumer; Original Music by Adam Mirza; Lighting Design by Gregory Catellier; set design by Sard Ward Culpepper; Dance Studio, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, Emory University, March1-3, 2018  

 Rule Of Thumb was created with support from the Motion Pacific Artist Residency program and a grant from the Network of Ensemble Theaters’ Travel and Exchange Network (NET/TEN), supported by lead funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation