As a choreographer, I create landscapes. I prefer working on large groups, exploring the way different bodies perform the same steps. I push for complete synchronization among my dancers, so their individual physical differences and nuances are highlighted. My work is highly detailed and count-driven, with a strong emphasis on classical modern technique (even when women are en pointe). I focus intensively on the architecture of a piece; I want to see patterns being made on the floor with the steps themselves as secondary. When possible I always love working directly with a composer or musician, allowing their musical interpretation to influence my movement, inevitably creating richer and more dynamic pieces through collaboration.
I am always excited to work with artists from a variety of backgrounds, from students to professionals. If you'd like to discuss commissioning a piece or collaborating on a future project, please don't hesitate to reach out and send me a message.
Absolution - Film (2017)
Premiered at Dances With Films 21 in Los Angeles
Winner of Best New Directors, Best Experimental Short, Best Original Score, & Best Cinematography at the Independent Shorts Awards, January 2019
Winner of Best Director, Best Short Film in Dance/Fashion & Best Cinematography at the Queen Palm International Film Festival, February 2019
Has appeared at: YES Film Festival; Utah Dance Film Festival; Richmond Dance Festival; Indy Dance Film Night; Experimental, Dance, & Music Film Festival; Northeast Mountain Film Festival; Live at Heart Film; Royal Starr Film Festival; F3: Frankly Film Fest; Atlanta Award-Qualifying Film Festival; Eurovision Palermo Film Festival; French Independent Film Festival; Malta Film Festival
Directed by Sarah Farnsley & Stirling Matheson
Choreographed by Sarah Farnsley
Produced by Bryan Boyd
Music by Caleigh Kilijonienė and Viktoras Kilijonas
Performed by Ballet Theatre of Indiana
All rights reserved. No part of this film or the music may be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the creator(s).
Film Premiere in Los Angeles
Absolution had its premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles as part of Dances With Films 21 on June 8, 2018.
To stay up to date check out my latest blog post about the project.
Skip to 2:21 on the video below and see Producer Bryan Boyd and I answer questions at Absolution’s green carpet premiere in LA!
Saccade (2024)
Original choreography for Metropolitan Youth Ballet Showcase
Music by Woodkid - Iron (Official Instrumental)
Spring 1 (2023)
Commissioned solo for Youth America Grand Prix
Absolution - Stage Production (2016)
Stage Production - Premiered October 2016 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
Original Choreography for Ballet Theatre of Indiana
Music by Sinead O'Connor - House of the Rising Sun
All rights retained
Doublure (2013)
Original Choreography for Ballet Memphis Interiorworks
Music by Philip Glass - Metamorphosis Two
Dancers: Crystal Brothers, Daniel Cooke, Stephanie Mei Hom, Lisa Larson, Stephen McMahon, Elizabeth Mensah
All rights retained
Upon Further Reflection (2012)
Original Choreography for Louisville Ballet's Choreographer Showcase
Music by Max Wanderman
All rights retained
Dancers: Amanda Diehl-Hulen with Tiffany Bovard, Annie Honebrink, Kazuki Ichihashi, Emma McGirr, Ian Poulis, Jordan Schwinabart, Toshitaka Takeushi, Erin Tsukashima