In the News.
Press for Alya Howe's Performing Arts Umbrella
Alya Howe and collaborator’s performing arts projects have been written extensively about in media outlets from Aspen to New York.
HEaRD: original works by Alya Howe
– Dance Initiative – Carbondale, CO
Dance Initiative is pleased to present HEaRD, a work created by local dance artist Alya Howe. HEaRD will be performed at The Launchpad on November 11 & 12 at 7:30pm at The Launchpad. This full evening performance is inspired by movements of a “herd” and “herd mentality’ and will be performed by Bailey Barnum, Dana Ganssle Ellis, Emily Fifer, Gabriela Alvarez Espinoza, Jeni Ptacek, Meagan Londy Shapiro, Natalie Rae, and Robyn Hubbard. The work includes elements of spoken word into the overall sound score. Tickets are $10. Due to our limited seating, we highly buy a ticket online prior to the show!
Howe has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for a number of years teaching yoga and co-curating The Salon, Writ Large and the Poetry Brothel for Justice Snow’s in Aspen. She danced with the José Limón Dance Company in New York City, served as faculty at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute and performed with renowned tabla player Zakir Hussain. Her original choreography has been performed internationally and locally. Howe’s interest the herd mentality, that is, making decisions based upon the actions of others, has taken her deep into this particular work. “I am influenced by the tipping point that makes the masses change the course of their destiny,” reflects Howe. “What causes a herd of cattle to stampede, the migrating sandhill cranes to take off like a blanket at the same moment, schools of fish changing directions to the marvel of the murmuration of flock. This performance may not be appropriate for ages under 13 years of age as it includes nudity and references to sexual violence.
Justice Snow’s and Isaacson School partner for Writ Large storytelling series
– Aspen Times
Justice Snow’s and the Isaacson School for New Media at Colorado Mountain College are launching a new storytelling series this week at the downtown bar and restaurant.
Titled “Writ Large,” the bimonthly series will feature true personal stories, told live, from Isaacson School students and members of the general public in a forum reminiscent of the popular radio show “The Moth.”
“Expect to be touched,” said organizer Alya Howe. “When I watched the rehearsal, some made me laugh and some made me cry.”
Storytellers at the inaugural free event Wednesday, Jan. 14 include local comedian Glenn Smith, Aspen-based voice actor Susan Terra (whose work has included Wal-Mart commercials), actress Lynn Aliya and student journalist/ski instructor Justin Patrick.
Their stories offer a diverse portrait of the lives of Roaring Fork Valley residents. Carbondale’s Eric Altenbernd has a story about building a 43-foot ocean-faring trimaran in a local greenhouse. Rhumba Liquors owner Beth Maun has one about her family, which includes children, dogs, horses and chickens along with a cat, turtle and rabbit.
“Everyone has a story to tell,” said Howe. “It’s an unraveling, revelatory experience for both the listener and the storyteller.”
At a cultural moment where people communicate more and more electronically, and via short text messages, Howe said, the series aims to feed the natural human need for face-to-face contact.
“This is a chance to take a moment and listen to a piece of someone’s life,” said Howe. “It’s very tender.”
It also offers students and locals the chance to practice the craft of storytelling, and perform in front of a live audience. Isaacson School students will record the stories shared at Writ Large, and Howe said the school is planning future broadcasts on its radio station and YouTube.
The series is part of an expanding, eclectic lineup of events at Justice Snow’s, which already includes regular “Poetry Brothel” events, the curated “Salon at Justice Snow’s” events, and its “Americana Music Series,” which starts up again next month.
CrossCurrents – Alya Howe
“Alya Howe, local dancer and co-curator of the Salon at Justice Snows. Alya is an award-winning dancer and choreographer who’s performed around the world.” ~Caroline Heldman
ALYA HOWE & DANCERS EXPLORE HERD MOVEMENTS
– Roaring Fork Lifestyle Magazine
“In creating “HEaRD”, choreographer Alya Howe was inspired by schools of fish and “the marvelous murmuration of the flock.” HEaRD was performed at Carbondale’s Launchpad by Bailey Barnum, Dana Ganssle Ellis, Emily Fifer, Gabriela Alvarez Espinoza, Jeni Ptacek, Meagan Londy Shapiro, Natalie Rae, and Robyn Hubbard. Photos by Renee Ramge.”