Photo credit: Jim Coleman
“How thrilling to participate in [Shaina's] experiment last night! Boldly successful...The word 'humanity' came to mind. Also the reversible phrases
difficult beauty' and 'beautiful difficulty,' as a way to describe the 'flavors of attention' I felt. And that applied in my opinion to the effect the music had on the whole experience...The sound helped us all focus on so many of the intentional states and complex juxtapositions you offered, while also giving people an additional visceral (sonic) experience, separate but relevant to your dancing/choreography, that exemplified some of the emotional states a person might experience while living through a situation such as yours with your grandmother...ranging from invisible neutrality to demanding challenge..I believe [Shaina is] on an intriguing choreographic path. Such a satisfyingly broad range from abstraction to literal narrative, from casual to formal, that includes many very real, criss-crossing vulnerable and true aspects of our lives.” - Mike Vargas, in response to this.is.what.is.here., Summer 2019
“Not only are they smart, but in the process of experiencing their journey with them, they admit too, that they have no clue of what is going on. And that makes it even more human…The partnering is so innovative, richly textured. The work is really refreshing, and everything matters.” – Review by ACDFA Adjudicator Helanius J. Wilkins of Cantino’s duet choreography, of course off course, Spring 2014
“Thank you for this work. So much expertise in the construction, in the text, in the delivery of the text...Expert construction and performance.” – Review by ACDFA Adjudicator Elizabeth Gillaspy of Cantino’s duet choreography, of course off course, Spring 2014
“What a gift! I love [her] choices and the nuances and details of the contrasts, the classes of, the minutia and craft of the execution! Somehow so fresh to me, so simultaneously humble and matter of fact and at the same time bold, innocent and yet razor sharp. Bravo.” - Response by Mike Vargas, music improviser and faculty at Smith, to Cantino’s choreography of course off course, Spring 2014
difficult beauty' and 'beautiful difficulty,' as a way to describe the 'flavors of attention' I felt. And that applied in my opinion to the effect the music had on the whole experience...The sound helped us all focus on so many of the intentional states and complex juxtapositions you offered, while also giving people an additional visceral (sonic) experience, separate but relevant to your dancing/choreography, that exemplified some of the emotional states a person might experience while living through a situation such as yours with your grandmother...ranging from invisible neutrality to demanding challenge..I believe [Shaina is] on an intriguing choreographic path. Such a satisfyingly broad range from abstraction to literal narrative, from casual to formal, that includes many very real, criss-crossing vulnerable and true aspects of our lives.” - Mike Vargas, in response to this.is.what.is.here., Summer 2019
“Not only are they smart, but in the process of experiencing their journey with them, they admit too, that they have no clue of what is going on. And that makes it even more human…The partnering is so innovative, richly textured. The work is really refreshing, and everything matters.” – Review by ACDFA Adjudicator Helanius J. Wilkins of Cantino’s duet choreography, of course off course, Spring 2014
“Thank you for this work. So much expertise in the construction, in the text, in the delivery of the text...Expert construction and performance.” – Review by ACDFA Adjudicator Elizabeth Gillaspy of Cantino’s duet choreography, of course off course, Spring 2014
“What a gift! I love [her] choices and the nuances and details of the contrasts, the classes of, the minutia and craft of the execution! Somehow so fresh to me, so simultaneously humble and matter of fact and at the same time bold, innocent and yet razor sharp. Bravo.” - Response by Mike Vargas, music improviser and faculty at Smith, to Cantino’s choreography of course off course, Spring 2014
this.is.what.is.here. Choreographed by Shaina Cantino in collaboration with Leah Fournier. Design and dramaturgy by Rose Proctor. Video by Robyn Coady and Amanda Baldi. Production support from Lisa Thompson and Amanda Baldi. Music: "Breath for Organ" by Eva-Maria Houben. Text by Shaina Cantino and Leah Fournier. Performed at the APE Gallery in Northampton, MA July 18-20, 2019.
The preliminary process and subsequence residency at APE Gallery have been made possible through support from the New England Foundation for the Arts' New England Dance Fund, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and Mass Cultural Council.
The preliminary process and subsequence residency at APE Gallery have been made possible through support from the New England Foundation for the Arts' New England Dance Fund, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and Mass Cultural Council.
School for Contemporary Dance and Thought and Smith College Dance Department Present RIFF Talks: Tone.
Performance improvised by Chris Aiken, Shaina Cantino and Peter Jones. Smith College Scott Dance Studio. February 2018.
Performance improvised by Chris Aiken, Shaina Cantino and Peter Jones. Smith College Scott Dance Studio. February 2018.
Again off course - Choreographed by Shaina Cantino in collaboration with Joy Davis. Performed by Shaina Cantino & Joy Davis in the Smith College Faculty Concert, November 2015. Text by Rebecca Solnit, Rainer Maria Rilke, Billy Collins, Shaina Cantino. Videography by Sean Kinlin. Mendenhall Performing Arts Center, Northampton, MA.
already alright already - Choreography and performance by Shaina Cantino. Music: Kevin Volans, 3rd Mov. Smith College MFA winter graduate event, December 2012.
“Shaina and the creators were not setting out to teach, or shock, or impose on, or change. They cleared a space. They were willing to be open, to be changed…They asked questions and listened. Then they made a piece. Both communities…share a desire for meaning, a longing for deeper connection within. Both communities are located a mile apart…in proximity for 25 years. And all this time, the intercourse between them has been minimal. But needn't be. The message from last night was one of potential, and possibilities. And not just limited to our two communities. In his regard we're no different than any two bodies marked by differences small and large, where distrust or discomfort finds a corner. How transformative to open the doors, let in the light, and feel the joy that comes with that openness- the impediments melted away…I was moved. Very moved. And very grateful.” – Review of Cantino’s interdisciplinary piece Coming Home by Penny Schultz, Earthdance Workshop and Retreat Center founder and member of the West Cummington community, February 2012
