Lee Serle Talks about his Year as a Rolex Protégé
How would you describe your mentoring year with Trisha Brown?
It’s been like three experiences really – learning about Trisha through her work and being in the company structure; and then encountering Trisha in a more personal and casual way. And I have been mentored by the Trisha Brown Dance Company as a whole.
What is it like to be in the studio with Trisha Brown when she is building a new choreography?
The choreographers that I’ve worked for in the past have either choreographed a movement “on” the dancers – or set a task [for the dancers to perform]. Working with Trisha, we have spent five weeks of straight-up creating movement in the studio. This is unlike any other experience I have had with a choreographer making new work.
Why was this significant?
I loved the experience of creating movement and exploring. It was kind of an exploration of how you move; what looks aesthetically pleasing; and what feels good – which is not always the case when you are creating movement! Working with Trisha and her company to build new movement material, you discover your habits – what your known movements are – and then you work to offset that, to make new discoveries. Any time you create movement, you are trying to create something that is unknown or different – so you are not recreating something you already know. This was an important developmental stage in my experience because I was pushed to extend myself beyond what I thought I could do.
What is Trisha Brown like as a person?
Trisha is a very generous and kind-hearted woman, and has a great sense of humour. We have spent quite a bit of time together in the studio this year, so we have had most of our interactions creatively working together.
What has been most important about this mentoring year for you?
Having the opportunity to learn from Trisha Brown and be part of her company for this mentoring year has been incredibly enriching artistically and personally. I feel so inspired by Trisha’s work and by New York City. There have been many incredible moments for me, but two that I remember most fondly are drawing with Trisha in the studio during one of my first rehearsals and walking on the walls of the Whitney Museum. Both inspiring and a lot of fun!