Alethia Antonia (They/her) is an independent choreographer, performer, teacher and researcher who incorporates a variety of movement practices, music, singing, and academic frames to explore ideas of self-authoring feminine blackness and decolonisation within contemporary dance. Through their artistic practice, they aim to present narratives, develop methodologies and provoke discussions around individual and collective experiences of Black women and non-binary individuals, that move away from stereotypical representation or existing in a place of invisibility. Alongside Alethia'sprofessional activities, they are a part-time PhD student studying at De Montfort University with a Midlands4Cities studentship.
To date, their choreographic work has been presented in theatre (The Place, DanceEast, Lilian Baylis) galleries (UTA Artist Space,LA and Centre Pompidou,Paris) outdoors (National Theatre Riverstage, London Gallery Weekend) and in film contexts (Phoenix Dance Theatre, Sadlers Wells Digital Programmes). Their research has also been supported by institutions such as Akram Khan Company, FABRIC, NSCD, Yorkshire Dance and Leeds Dance Partnership. Alongside Alethia's choreographic work, they are also an established performer who has worked with Russell Maliphant Company, Scottish Dance Theatre, James Cousin Company, James Wilton Dance and Theo Clinkard, amongst others, and guest lecturer for conservatoires, professional companies and youth dance schemes around the UK.
What are you most excited about joining the new group of Work Place artists?
I am most excited about working in partnership with The Place to develop new artistic works and practices around my current research. I am excited to look further into notions of self-authoring feminine blackness, decolonisation, accessibility, the fluidity of performance modalities, and the relationship between pedagogy and industry. I hope together we can contribute to tackling current artistic questions, and address wider questions around race, gender, and disability. I feel honoured to be joining this new cohort at this stage of my career and look forward to sharing this journey along with my fellow Work Place artists.
Where do you seek or find inspiration for your work?
For me, it is important that my work is a place that socio-political ideas and issues are questioned, and so inspiration often stems from my experiences or observations mostly in relation to race, gender, identity, memory, and trauma. I am also really inspired by a range of movement practices and style, and by different artistic forms, including music, voice, writing and visual art. I am fascinated by how they can intersect and facilitate storytelling. I see my practice as a mosaic of interests and experiences, and I’m always seeking new pieces to add.
What does it mean for you to be an artist in this day and age?
For me, it means allowing your imagination and art to infiltrate everyday life in a way that can bring transparency, positivity and hope amongst constant flux and challenges. To be an artist right now, for me, means to be contributing to something, facilitating others, listening, learning, and seeking answers to questions that can have impact both within and beyond artistic circles. It means envisaging better, and working to see that version of reality fulfilled.