…with each breath, the dancer composes the body’s own symphony. Kaliopi Movement Collective, named in token to the Greek muse of eloquence and epic poetry, seeks encounters between the body and movement in pursuit of kinesthetic eloquence. Kaliopi Movement Collective encourages abundant, eclectic work while reveling in the hectic spaces of imagination, individuality, and possibility. Members have performed and studied internationally, bringing a global outlook to Kaliopi Movement Collective.
The company seeks to explore athletic possibilities of dance, bringing the physicality of athleticism and combining it with technique, inviting audiences into a space where they recognize techniques of modern dance but are also shown something new and exciting. Kaliopi Movement Collective wishes to stay true to the physicality, “different”-ness, and techniques of modern dance while introducing intense athleticism and exploring new boundaries of dance, respecting the traditions while forging a new path into the future of modern dance. Echoes of performances like this leave footprints in our minds, sometimes with the loudness of thunder, sometimes whispering in our ears as we continue to inhale and exhale creative possibilities.
Kali Taft Johnson, artistic director and creator of Kaliopi Movement Collective, views dance practice as research practice, exploring the limits of her own movement as well as the potential that lies in connections between movers. In her work, she seeks to cultivate the long-lasting benefits of dance and movement. Kali is a proud Aggie with a B.S. in Kinesiology: Dance Science from Texas A&M University (2018). Research based education has led her to various opportunities in dance performance as well as scientific research (presentation and publication details available upon request). Kali has a passion for educating others about how the body moves, exploring current scientific research in the field and implementing concepts from her studies into her pedagogical practice.
Kali applies these mindful, research-based practices to both creativity and performance. Kali has worked, studied, and performed globally with world-renowned choreographers and companies, including Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, Third Rail Dance Theatre, Eisenhower Dance, Kathy Dunn Hamrick, Jesse Zaritt, Erica Gionfriddo and Jane Weiner. During her college career, she performed in over 100 pieces, including as the soloist in an evening length work in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. After her graduation, Kali moved to Israel for five months to complete the International Dance Journey program with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company where she trained and performed alongside the company and dancers from all over the world.
Marissa Bergère, choreographer and dancer for Kaliopi Movement Collective, uses empathetic spectatorship and improvisation to inspire authentic movement in her dance practice. Marissa is a proud Aggie with a B.S. in Kinesiology: Dance Concentration with minors in Psychology and Creative Studies from Texas A&M (2018). She moved to London immediately after graduating to continue her studies in Dance Choreography through a Masters of Fine Arts at Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music and Dance. Marissa has worked with many artists in the performing arts, including but not limited to Jesse Zaritt, Arcos Dance, Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company, 3rd Rail Dance Theatre, Jordan McHenry, Meng Wang, Coincidence, Iris Athanasiadi, Stephen Johnstone, and Simon Vincenzi. Her current work examines the use of memory as a choreographic tool, designing a landscape using emotions, music theory, and sensorial experiences. Marissa is passionate about spreading awareness of the arts and creating performance art that is accessible to the public.