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Helen Simoneau - Choreographer and Composer Collaboration

Helen Semineau
Helen Semineau, Photo by Peter Mueller

In previous Triad Arts shows we've looked at how some choreographers guide their student dancers, which is in many cases a collaborative process. Right now we take a look at another collaboration that takes place still in the world of dance… that of a choreographer and a composer.

Award-winning dancer/choreographer Helen Simoneau spoke with Triad Arts Executive Producer David Ford. Helen is originally from Quebec, Canada. She founded and directs her own company, Helen Simoneau Dance, which is based in both New York City and North Carolina. She's the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships and has been selected to choreograph for Julliard School, the Swiss International Coaching Project in Zurich, and the Bessie Schonberg Residency at The Yard. Her work has been presented in notable venues worldwide as well… like Athens International Dance Festival in Greece, The Aoyama Round Theatre in Tokyo and Tangente Theatre in Canada among others. The Helen Simoneau Dance Company premieres original work that is collaborative in nature. Helen says she's deeply invested in the possibilities that emerge from collaborating with others. Here's Helen Simoneau speaking with David Ford about her collaborative experience with composer Jonathan Melville Pratt, while putting together an original piece of choreography.

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.
The path that led Quique to WFDD is anything but linear. After moving from Peru to the U.S. at age 11, Quique picked up the guitar and an old boom box (complete with a tiny built-in microphone) and began recording music on cassette tapes. Though the lifelong plan was to pursue a career in something different altogether (visual arts), Quique switched gears last minute and attended Davidson College instead, majoring in Sociology. Afterward, he took another turn and earned a Master's degree in Counseling at Wake Forest University. Quique went on to work in community outreach with Latino families in the Old Town area of Winston-Salem. In 2012, Quique left the non-profit sector to devote himself to his passion in music composition, recording and performance; he also began to explore the craft of videography.One year prior to joining WFDD, the idea of working in radio crossed Quique's mind perhaps only in dreams. But in 2014, he found himself at WFDD's station for a Triad Arts interview about his album release. After asking Quique what the heck he was doing with his life and learning about his recent exploration with videography, Triad Arts' Executive Producer David Ford proposed a freelance pilot project: producing “Backstage with Triad Arts”, a video program that offers listeners the opportunity to visit the WFDD's website and take behind-the-scenes looks at arts events in the region (like the Eastern Music Festival, Phuzz Phest, Becca Stevens' studio album recording, SECCA collaborations with UNCSA, Merlefest, etc.).In 2015, Quique officially (and much to his happiness) joined the WFDD team. In addition to producing videos, you can hear Quique throughout the day announcing events happening in the Triad. He's also Contributing Editor for Triad Arts, where he puts his recording/editing skills to work.

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