Name: Lisa Fitzgerald

From: Canton, MA/Hillsboro, NH

Blood Type: Warm

 

              Why you are drawn to Exit12's unique union of dance and

         topicality? 

 I love dancing for the sheer enjoyment of it, but when dance can create something that makes people think beyond aesthetically pleasing lines, then I feel it is being progressive with your art.  I like being a part of something that takes dance and can reach an audience that may not necessarily be attracted to the dance genre but are exposed to it through the military aspect and through performances in non-traditional dance venues.  What other dance company gets to perform on the USS Intrepid, at Lincoln Center, and for students in public schools - all within the course of a few weeks?

 

What have you learned, gained, or developed since joining Exit12?

Well for starters, I thought that I knew that anything worthwhile takes a lot of work.  Turns out, that was still a concept before Exit 12.  I am still blown away by how much work goes into creating and running a dance company. I have learned all sorts of arts management skills, gained some friends that I consider family and that if you get tired mid-variation it's OK to sit down for a second. (No, actually that is never OK, but things happen) 

 

Do you know anyone who served in the military?

This guy named Roman Baca. He is, hands-down, pretty awesome, but don't take my word for it, Google him.

 

Why do you feel this work is important?

There is so much prejudice and misunderstanding in this world.  If we can put that aside for a minute we can realize people are just people. We all have families, struggles and emotions.  We spend our daily lives with media constantly trying to drive our thoughts and decisions, sooner or later it becomes white noise.  We desensitize ourselves with the things we watch and hear, so when we see terrible things on the news, it doesn't always hit home. 

 

Dance can be subtle. It has so many facets and intricacies that you can appreciate it as movement or you can take in the reality it is creating in front of you.  Watching live dance is an experience, and it is important to cultivate and have experiences that make you think and expand your understanding. The humanitarian in me wants to help change the world with work that is themed and has a message.

 

What are your goals, working with Exit12?

To quit all my other jobs.  No, really.   I would love to travel and see the world, and dance and teach.

 

Well, last year on the Intrepid, Taylor burnt her knee from kneeling on the deck.  This year, I had the honors of a nice second degree burn on my knee.  Both of us will have nice scars from that. 

 

While there are many funny stories and ridiculous things I could put here, the experience that sticks out most right now is performing in Montgomery, NY as a guest with the Graffiti of War Project.  It was powerful and heartbreaking to perform at a gallery filled with veterans, where a surprising percentage of them were brought to tears by "Homecoming".  It drives home the fact that, what we do isn't just movement, it is trying to express the realites that some people face every day.