Lauriane Ogay’s dance journey reflects the vibrant tapestry of New York’s dance scene. The artist and her city showcase art and expression in continuous evolution. “Being a dance artist is bigger than just dancing”, Ogay shares. Refining and redefining her artistic expression, Ogay has flourished not only in her dance performances, but also in the development of new skillsets, taking on new roles and exploring new mediums. She distinguishes herself as a multifaceted artist whose influence undeniably extends far beyond the stage.
PFDC performing at the Bessie Awards Cerimony © Steven Pisano 2022
Artistic Director and founder of Passion Fruit Dance Company (PFDC) Tatiana Desardouin has observed her evolution as a dancer, noting the level of excellence reached in her stage presence, execution and interpretation. “She stands out for her quality of movement, dynamism and ability to captivate her audience, I would recommend her to anyone!” she shares enthusiastically. The past three years have been filled with performances and residencies with PFDC in NYC and throughout the US, dancing for international artists such as Jojo Abot, and entering competitions (winner of Lab House Session and qualifying as finalist in many others). One of her personal highlights was performed her first solo at the American Dance Festival in Raleigh, NC, acclaimed by audience, students and faculty. Her role within PFDC has grown significantly over the past few years, above and beyond her presence on stage. As Ogay began developing her skills as a choreographer, Desardouin, 2022 Juried Bessie Award Winner, started consulting her with increasing frequency: she quickly became assistant choreographer and external eye, and more recently, has been appointed co-artistic director. “She has helped shape the aesthetics of the company, taking it to another level. Lauriane is able to create on any type of dancer, any type of body. She has developed an ability to understand how to bring out the best in the dancers she works with.” Desardouin states. Her strong work ethic impacts all the members of the company and covers for Desardouin as rehearsal director of the company.
PFDC at the Bessie Awards (from left) Lauriane Ogay Mai Lê Hô, Tatiana Desardouin, Soo Lobel © Maria Hackett 2022
Beyond her achievements on stage as a performer and choreographer, Ogay’s impact as a dance educator has been profound. Her ability to connect with students and inspire them to explore their potential has made a significant impact on many young lives, helping to shape the future of dance in the process. ‘Passion Fruit Seeds’ is PFDC’s educational program, focusing not only on movement, but also on history and culture. “I teach strong foundations so the students can understand and navigate a street and club dance with better ease. Our program has an important component of including conversations on history and on social justice and what it means to navigate that culture,” Ogay shares. Her own experience allows her to open safe spaces for difficult conversations related to the history of that culture. “I learned a lot about the culture and its social aspect since I moved to New York, whereas it wouldn’t have been possible if I was in another country.” Encouragement and sharing her own experience are some of the ways she helps students see how struggle is a normal and important aspect of growth in this art form. Ogay is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers and has been teaching regularly at the 92Y in New York, as well as giving special masterclasses various prestigious institutions and dance camps and events in the US and abroad, including Queensborough Community College, Yorkville Community College, Hobart &Williams Smith Colleges and Guelph Festival, to name a few. Her recent experience teaching and choreographing this summer at American Dance Festival in Raleigh, NC, was met with enthusiasm from students and faculty alike. ADF’s Director of Education, Nile H. Russell, was thrilled to have her on staff. “Lauriane Ogay is an amazing performer, artist and educator. On the stage, her energy is captivating with a movement vocabulary that is both articulate and languid, pulling the audience into the experience. Lauriane’s dedication to this art form is truly evident in the classroom. As an educator, she thoughtfully engages with her students, offering them movement, history, culture, and confidence. We are proud to have her on faculty at the American Dance Festival.” His enthusiasm is echoed by her students. One of them, Allison Smith, remarks on the inspiration she provides as a teacher. “She is a wonderful dancer, teacher, mentor, and artist. She offers unique perspectives and breaks down the functionality of steps in multiple ways. I remember experiencing a lot of difficulty with a specific move: Lauriane offered me a specific feeling and image I could channel, which in turn helped me execute the step more clearly,” Ogay’s student shares.
Ogay (second from left, bottom row) takes a selfie with students from this summer’s ADF © Lauriane Ogay 2024
Perhaps one of the most singular developments of her dance career over recent years is the interdisciplinary connection between dance and photography. Her passion for the latter has found an extremely important and intriguing application in the first, creating a unique synergy that enhances her creativity. Her expertise in both photography and dancing allows her to capture essence of movement in still images. In turn, her ability to freeze moments of grace and intensity allows her to explore and communicate the subtleties of movement in new and innovative ways. Ogay has refined how the visual documentation of dance allows her to analyze and refine her movements and choreography from an alternative angle. Ogay shares how she has gained insight into the nuances of her own performances, observing lines, posture and special relationships. She ties her growth as a dancer also in part to this process of reflection and adjustment. Photography has also helped shape her work as a choreographer, as she integrates visual elements in the design of her work to complement and amplify movement. At the same time, Ogay has finessed her ability behind the lens to create connection with the audience and enhance their experience even before the performance has begun. For example, in PFDC’s “Dance within your Dance” her 15-minute digital exhibition sets the mood and tone, creating multidimensional experience that captivates and engages the public on multiple levels.
Lauriane Ogay’s photo exhibit at Cherry Art Gallery © Lauriane Ogay 2024 Elements of the exhibit will become part of PFDC’s new piece “Dimensions”
Ogay is currently working with Desardouin to finalize PFDC’s new show “Dimensions”, set to debut in 2025. It is the first piece she co-writing from start to finish, and will also showcase an exhibition featuring her photographic work. Based on her accomplishments as a dancer, choreographer and educator, promises to be both groundbreaking and inspiring. Lauriane Ogay artistic journey stands as a testament to the power of creativity and dedication. Her work demonstrates not only the deep influence that one individual can have on the world of dance, but also the profound impact that this art form can have beyond the borders of a stage.
Tatiana Desardouin (left) and Lauriane Ogay (right) © Lauriane Ogay 2023
