Never Left
This ten dancer piece tells the story of anxieties surrounding abandonment and friction in the home.
Those who were abandoned are never left alone. Inspired by Zane Vickery’s song I Never Left. Choreographed by Robyn Noelani. Performed as a debut in SC (2023) and a reconstruction in Composite Identity at the Etherredge Center (2024).
Photo Credit: Shelly Schmidt
What started as a song on repeat in Robyn’s car, turned into visualized imagery, lighting, and costumes ready for performance. Robyn started the choreographic process improvising to Zane’s music. She set movement on the talented students at Foothills Dance Conservatory for their 2023 spring concert. The process involved guided improv, conversations about anxiety, and continuing to workshop new movement with them. Never Left includes solo, partner, and group sequences that dynamically engage the viewer and invite them into the next moment. Robyn challenged the dancers to embody and “act” as a character in angry motions and tender moments, ultimately leading the audience towards love, hope, and the support of community.
Watch Never Left Debut Here | ig: @shellyohschmidt
Watch the Reconstruction Here | ig: @shellyohschmidt
@shellyohschmidt
@shellyohschmidt