Year: 2025-2026
DanceForce Member: Judy Hussie-Taylor
Artist: Symara Sarai
Community Partner: Sondra Loring
Audience: 369
County: Columbia

Danspace Project’s FY26 New York State DanceForce project supported the early development process of Symara Sarai’s newest solo, The LOVE Piece, through a residency at Sondra Loring’s Sadhana Center in Hudson, NY. Named Dance Magazines’ 2025 “Top 25 to Watch” and a 2023 Bessie Winner for Breakout Choreographer, Symara Sarai (she/they) has immersed herself in interdisciplinary and choreographic studies globally with deep recognition. Symara is a Bessie-winning choreographer who has presented work at New York Live Arts, The Clarice at UMD, The LGBT Center in NY, Judson Church, BAAD, Kestrels, and venues throughout the United States, China, and Germany. They have previously shown work-in-development in Danspace’s DraftWork series and performed their solo “I want it to rain inside” as part of Live Artery 2025.

The LOVE Piece was performed at St. Mark’s Church In-the-Bowery on October 16-18, 2025. An evening-length solo framed as a love study, the work explores romantic love, first love, and self love. Sarai brought together seven additional collaborators: Sound Design/Production by Keyanna Hutchinson, Lighting design by Tucé Yasak, Set design by Matt Shalzi, Wardrobe Design by Lauren Evans, Wellness coaching by Bennalldra Williams, and Graphic Design by Angel Acuña. The run at Danspace had 347 attendees with press coverage by Maia Sauer in Culturebot.

Danspace’s NYS DanceForce project supported Sarai’s residency in Hudson, NY, from September 14-25, 2025. During the residency, Sarai worked on early-stage development of the work. Additionally, she held a public showing on September 25, 2025, with approximately 20 attendees.