Q: What was your inspiration for Wingéd?

Lustig: Speaking historically, the medium of dance often drew its early inspirations from winged and airborne creatures such as Sylphides, Swans, Spirits, Butterflies and Birds. In Wingéd, the dancers are capturing the many different essences of fligh; its aspiration, its beauty, and even its more humorous aspects.

Q: Why did you invite some of the LDT company members to also choreograph sections of the work?

Lustig: Inviting the other company members to be co-collaborators is a natural extension of the choreographic workshops that LDT offers its dancers. This is another great vehicle for offering growth opportunities to our dancers! Personally, I deeply enjoy collaborations with other artists and find them both stimulating and challenging in a very positive manner.

Together, we all share a deep sense of trust, respect the choreographic craft, and relish sharing our discoveries with each other and our audiences.

Q: Can you tell me more about the music that was chosen for Wingéd?

Lustig: So far, the musical choices remain very broad - from Mozart and Albinoni, to Bulgarian folk songs.

Q: How does this piece differ from other works you have created and those currently in the repertory?

Lustig: Wingéd is expanding into a thematically linked work that is non-narrative, affording the dancers wonderful solo moments and ensemble sections. It is my intention that this dance piece will cover the gamit from the sublime to the ridiculous. Plus, it is exciting to see different sections come together and to witness the journey of discovery that we embark upon each day in the studio.