Caili Quan’s Falling Forward
Acclaimed choreographer Caili Quan will premiere her newest work, Falling Forward, at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55 mixed repertory program taking place April 4-6, 2025 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Quan, a former dancer with BalletX of Philadelphia and renowned choreographer, is known for incorporating her Guamanian roots into her work. Quan describes her newest work as heavily inspired by the music she selected for the piece. She says, ”Julius Eastman’s ‘Stay On It’ is an incredible score full of joy, gut punches, and the push to keep putting one foot in front of the other.” We sat down with her and asked her about the creative process she uses when choreographing new works.
Please tell me a bit about your creative process.
Music is the main motivation for my work. I usually start with a piece of music that I love and then listen to it on repeat for months leading up to the creative process. I listen to it until I understand every nuance.
I understand that you do not title your works until they are finished, is that true?
I’ve always titled pieces after they’re made. I start with an idea, but the dancers inform the work. I never want to jump the gun on a title before the work is finished because my original idea evolves the moment I start creating on the dancers in front of me.
How do you select the music for your works?
I pick music that I personally want to move to. It’s usually music that has a groove, emotional waves, and a natural drive to it.
What do you draw inspiration from?
I pull inspiration from everything. It could be from a movie, a piece of beautiful writing, or a current event. My upbringing is also a big one. I always want to insert a piece of the culture that I grew up in so the work always feels like a part of home.
What is your favorite part of choreographing?
I love the creative process with the dancers. It’s inspiring to have these different bodies and personalities influence the work. And it’s always more interesting to watch my movement on someone else to see how the impetus and pathways can change. I also love working with collaborators. Lighting and costume design drastically enhance and create a world that’s beyond what I could imagine on my own.
What do you look for when you select dancers for your works?
I like dancers who move differently and commit wholeheartedly. I also love dancers where I can see their personalities come through the movement.
What type of choreographers did you prefer to work with when you were a dancer? Do you think your choreographic style reflects this?
I loved working with choreographers that had a clear vision, but was also inspired by the dancers in the room. I loved work where I felt that a part of me was integrated into the world. All my favorite processes were the ones where a choreographer would make something that pulled from every individual in the studio. I think about that often when I choreograph and try to create a similar environment. It’s the most inspiring way to work.