Dance Works Stories of Creative Collaboration

About the Book

DanceWorks: Stories of Creative Collaboration, published by Wesleyan University Press

Part memoir, part guide, Orr reflects on her major collaborations and shares interviews with people she’s made dances with over the past two decades. Power line workers, sanitation workers, and firefighters reflect on their memories of performing with Forklift and the lasting impact those dances made. Alongside larger conversations in the arts, Orr offers a look at how to create community-based art projects, how the creative process can bring people together to address civic issues, and the beauty of choreographing the day to day. 

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Book Talks

Short excerpts reading of Allison Orr’s new book, followed by a reception with live music sets by DJ Mo Torres and DJ Lloyd.
Joined by collaborating Wesleyan campus staff who performed in WesWorks, a dance with Wesleyan University Facilities, Custodial and Grounds staff.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 – 4:30pm

Wesleyan University Romance Languages Lounge
300 High St, Middletown, CT 06457

Allison Orr and city collaborators gathered for a sunset talk about the book “Dance Works: Stories of Creative Collaboration.”
A Tales on the Trail event hosted by Waterloo Greenway.

Thursday, May 11, 2023 – 6:00pm

Lebermann Plaza at Waterloo Greenway
1111 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

What People Are Saying

“A spellbinding story of an artist’s journey to inspiring and facilitating creativity in ‘ordinary’ people. If more firefighters, sanitation workers, and electrical grid professionals were involved in ‘doing’ art as described here, the arts—and our communities—would be far healthier.” 

Doug Borwick, author of Building Communities, Not Audiences and Engage Now! A Guide to Making the Arts Indispensable

Next City

Austin Chronicle

Book a Talk

Nationally recognized artistic leader of unique, community-based collaborations, Alison Orr is available for a variety of speaking engagements including keynotes on creative collaborations, conversations with Forklift performers, as well as in-depth discussions with municipal and nonprofit presenting partners and Forklift alumni.

Rates Upon Request

Email jane@forkliftdanceworks.org for more information and to make a booking.