On a sunny afternoon in North Portland, choreographer and movement artist Tahni Holt shared her insights on dance and her artistic journey over a cup of tea. Known for her dynamic contributions to the dance community, Holt founded the FLOCK Dance Center, an arts incubator that provides affordable performance space and supports fellow artists.
Holt emphasized the importance of keeping the choreographic conversation alive, pondering the significance of communal experiences in performance spaces. She believes that the act of witnessing a performance creates a sacred space for shared attention, amid a world increasingly fragmented by distractions.
Having cultivated her love for movement in her youth, Holt attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and returned to Portland, where she developed her somatically driven approach to dance. Her work, which has been showcased nationally, invites audiences to explore their inner lives through a meditative lens.
“In my work now, I focus on bringing everyone in the room together,” Holt stated. She expressed the sacredness of performance spaces and the collective energy they generate. Her aspiration is to create a landscape where diverse stories intermingle, fostering community among artists.
Holt is excited about upcoming collaborations, including two pieces planned for late 2025. One will unite her with Kansas- and Detroit-based choreographer Shannon Stewart, while the other will feature Portland-area dance artist Emma Lutz Higgins.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Holt described a lifetime of making dance. She fondly recalled moments from childhood, including dancing freely in her mother’s hair stylist’s salon, which ignited her passion for movement. It wasn’t until high school that she began to see a future in dance, eventually leading her to college and New York City.
Her ties to Seattle have grown throughout her career, fostering connections and opportunities across communities. Holt highlighted her scrappy, DIY roots shaped by 1990s Portland, where resourcefulness was essential.
FLOCK Dance Center, opened in 2014, emerged from Holt’s desire for a consistent, community-oriented space that supports both her work and that of fellow artists. Its inception was guided by her need for affordable rehearsal space and a welcoming environment conducive to artistic exploration.
Looking ahead, Holt hopes to expand FLOCK’s offerings and resources, emphasizing the importance of supporting low-income and marginalized movement artists. She believes in creating inclusive opportunities that address the artistic community’s needs, particularly in challenging economic times.
When asked about the types of work she enjoys watching, Holt expressed her appreciation for any performance that brings forth bravery and curiosity. She finds joy in witnessing the diversity of movement and the shared experience it creates within the audience.
Holt described her choreographic process as exploratory and responsive, often involving collaborative feedback. She highlighted the significance of presence and sensitivity cultivated through techniques like the Alexander Technique, which enhances her understanding of body awareness.
“The Alexander Technique affects everything I am interested in,” Holt commented, describing how it enriches her dance practice and reinforces her commitment to exploration within choreography.
In conclusion, Holt’s work is not just about individual expression but about nurturing a vibrant, interconnected community of artists. Her philosophy encourages collaborative growth, pushing against the confines of capitalist structures in the arts.
Tahni Holt’s insights reflect a deep understanding of the transformative power of dance and community, proving that the journey of a movement artist is ever-evolving and profoundly impactful.
image source from：orartswatch
