Photo by Cody T. Williams
During May, the de Young Museum showcases the work-in-progress of multi-disciplinary dance artist Lenora Lee as part of the museum’s Artist Fellows Program. A San Francisco native who is deeply rooted in the Asian American communities of San Francisco and New York City, Lee has been creating narrative, interdisciplinary dance pieces that give voice to the experiences of Asian Americans.
For some 15 years, Lee has worked as a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director. She has a BA in dance from UCLA, her experience includes being a Japanese taiko drumming performer with the San Francisco ensemble Genryu Arts; knowledge of karate from Enshin Karate, South San Francisco Dojo; and training in Chinese forms with Kei Lun Martial Arts. She has also pursued private study in dance composition, contact improvisation, Afro-Brazilian dance, modern dance, and ballet, among other disciplines.
Photo by Robbie Sweeny
Lee's current projects are The Escape and Rescued Memories: New York Stories, companion dance and multimedia pieces inspired by the stories of Chinese women immigrants to the United States in the early 20th century. The pieces feature media design by Olivia Ting; music by Francis Wong, text by poet Genny Lim; lighting by Patty-Ann Farrell; and videography directed by Tatsu Aoki and filmed by Ben Estabrook, Eric Koziol, and Heath Orchard. Dealing with the social history of Chinese in America, the 20th-century women’s movement, and the refuge that Chinatown’s Cameron House provided, Lee’s work additionally addresses issues including child labor and human trafficking.
Lee’s works-in-progress in the Kimball Education Gallery can be viewed, free of charge, Wednesdays through Sundays from 1-5 p.m., and Fridays until 8:45 p.m. The residence will conclude with a reception at 6 p.m. May 31 in the Kimball Education Gallery; and there will be two world premiere performances in the museum at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 9.