Navigating the Complexities of TAQ Dance's 'Cue'

Sarah Jenkins · 2026-01-29

Let's talk about something every choreographer and studio owner faces at some point. You've got a vision, a piece you're building, a concept you're passionate about. Then, reality hits. The dancers, the space, the time, the budget—they all start pulling that vision in different directions. That's the core struggle explored in TAQ Dance's recent work, 'Cue.' It's a piece that feels deeply personal because it mirrors our own daily battles in the studio. Staying true to your artistic course isn't just about stubbornness. It's a constant negotiation. You have to ask yourself tough questions. When is a compromise a creative adaptation, and when is it a surrender of the piece's soul? 'Cue' dives headfirst into that tension, showing us the messy, beautiful process of holding on and letting go. ### The Core Challenge of Artistic Integrity Think about your last big production. You probably started with a clean, powerful idea. But then, a key dancer gets injured. The lighting plot you wanted costs $5,000 more than your budget. Suddenly, you're problem-solving on the fly. 'Cue' captures this perfectly. It's not about failure; it's about the resilience required to navigate these inevitable complications. The piece becomes a metaphor for the creative process itself—fluid, unpredictable, and demanding constant adjustment. ### Lessons for Studio Professionals So, what can we, as dance educators and creators, take from this? First, it validates our experience. That feeling of being pulled in ten directions? It's not a sign you're doing it wrong; it's the nature of the work. Second, it highlights the importance of your ensemble. The work in 'Cue' relies on a deep, almost telepathic connection between dancers. It reminds us that our most powerful tool isn't a perfect plan, but a trusted, adaptable team. Here are a few practical takeaways that resonated: - **Flexibility is a skill, not a flaw.** Building in room for adaptation from the start can save your sanity. - **Communication is everything.** A shared understanding of the piece's 'heart' helps everyone make better decisions when things change. - **The process is the product.** Sometimes, the most authentic work comes from embracing the detours, not just racing to the destination. As one seasoned choreographer put it, *'The piece you set out to make and the piece you finish are rarely the same. The magic is in learning to love the one you actually created.'* That's the real cue here. It's about listening—to your dancers, to the constraints, to the unexpected moments of beauty that arise when Plan A falls apart. For studio owners, this means fostering an environment where that kind of responsive, collaborative creation can happen. It's less about rigid control and more about cultivating a space where art can breathe and evolve. After all, the most memorable performances often come from that delicate balance between intention and improvisation.