Resolution 26: Spotlight on MANACAN, Sullivan, Gao & Groves

Julia Wagner · 2026-02-10

If you're running a dance studio or choreographing pieces, you know how vital fresh inspiration is. You can't just rehash the same old moves and expect to captivate your students or audiences. That's why events like Resolution 26 matter so much. They're not just performances; they're conversations in motion, pushing the boundaries of what dance can express. This year's iteration features a compelling lineup of artists: MANACAN, Shea Sullivan, Jie Gao, and Wally Groves. Each brings a unique voice to the stage, creating a tapestry of movement that's both diverse and cohesive. It's the kind of event that reminds us why we fell in love with dance in the first place. ### The Artists Behind the Movement Let's talk about the creators. MANACAN is known for blending contemporary techniques with powerful, almost architectural formations. Their work often explores themes of connection and isolation in our modern world. It's physically demanding stuff, requiring dancers with incredible control and emotional depth. Shea Sullivan's approach is different. Her choreography feels more intimate, focusing on subtle gestures and the stories bodies can tell without saying a word. She has a knack for making the personal feel universal. Jie Gao, on the other hand, often incorporates elements from her cultural heritage, creating a beautiful fusion that feels both timeless and urgently current. And then there's Wally Groves. His work is energetic, playful, and sometimes downright unpredictable. He challenges dancers to break their own patterns, which is something every studio professional can appreciate. Watching these four distinct styles share a program is a masterclass in contrast and harmony. ### Why This Matters for Your Studio You might be thinking, 'That's great for a theater, but what does it mean for my Monday night adult beginner class?' A lot, actually. Exposure to this level of professional work is fuel for your own creative engine. It gives you new ideas for combinations, fresh perspectives on musicality, and innovative approaches to storytelling through movement. Here’s what you can take away and apply: - Observe their use of space and levels. How do they move a dancer across a 40-foot stage? - Note the emotional arcs. How does the energy shift from beginning to end? - Analyze the group dynamics. When do they move in unison, and when do they break into solos? - Pay attention to the musicality. Is the movement on the beat, against it, or somewhere in between? These aren't just abstract concepts. They're practical tools you can adapt, simplify, and bring into your own studio. A complex lift might inspire a simpler weight-sharing exercise for your intermediates. An intricate floor pattern could become the basis for a new across-the-floor combination. ### Bringing the Stage to the Studio So how do you translate this inspiration into action? Don't just watch passively. Take notes. Jot down specific moments that struck you—a particular transition, a surprising use of the arms, a moment of stillness that spoke volumes. Later, in the studio, try deconstructing those moments. What was the core idea? How can you make it accessible for your students? Remember, you're not copying. You're interpreting and adapting. The goal is to capture the essence of the innovation, not to replicate the steps exactly. This process keeps your teaching fresh and challenges your dancers in new ways. It shows them that dance is a living, evolving art form, not just a set of steps to memorize. As one seasoned choreographer once told me, 'The best ideas are stolen, but transformed.' You see something that resonates, you absorb it, and you make it your own. That's how the art form grows. Events like Resolution 26 provide that initial spark—the raw material for your next burst of creativity. It's a reminder that we're all part of a larger conversation, one that happens without words, in the language of bodies in motion. Keep the dialogue going in your own space.