Photo: Doug McGoldrick
We caught up with dancer Akilah Harris (she/her) to hear some of her thoughts about her time at CRB, what dancing though a pandemic was like, and her passions outside of dance. Read Akilah’s interview below!
CRB: Akilah, tell us a little bit about your journey with CRB.
Akilah: “I started with CRB in 2017 as an Apprentice, then I spent some time training on my own before returning as a Company Artist in 2020. During my second season I was able to really understand what a special company CRB is. To be in a room full of people committed to the growth of those around them, as well as their own is truly something else. This year is my third season and I feel lucky to share my energy with such a kind, talented and hard working group.”
CRB: Tell us a little about your thoughts on the upcoming performance series.
Akilah: “I’m so excited for the upcoming performance. I’ve felt quite nostalgic coming back to the works we were set to perform last season because it truly feels like a lifetime ago. I’m really enjoying the process of reconstructing these works. In “The Rite of Spring” and “Immortal Beloved” in particular I’ve found so many new ideas to explore that I hadn’t considered last season and I can’t wait to bring them to the stage.”
CRB: What was dancing through the pandemic like for you?
Akilah: “In terms of dance, the quarantine was actually a very helpful experience for me. I was able to go back to basics and focus on what my dancing feels like instead of what I think other people think my dancing looks like. It really helped me get into my body. My biggest challenge in returning to the studio has been applying that bodily awareness that I learned by myself when I know that other people are watching. It gets a little bit easier every time I do it, which is in part due to the supportive atmosphere of CRB.”
CRB: Any hobbies you may have picked up during the quarantine?
Akilah: “Not really a hobby, but I recently went back to school to get my bachelors in Psychology and it’s been a really rewarding experience so far.”
CRB: Do you have a favorite TV binge of late?
Akilah: “I just watched the first season of “I Am Not Okay With This” only to find out that there will not be a season two. I’ll never find out what happens next and I am NOT okay with this.”