Moving Moments: Hope Boykin Episode Summary

Released on January 8, 2025, by Artful Narratives Media

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Moving Moments, host Alicia Graf Mack Dean, Director of Dance at The Juilliard School, engages in an in-depth conversation with two-time Bessie Award winner Hope Boykin. As a distinguished performer, choreographer, educator, and the director of her eponymous dance company, Hope shares her profound journey through the dance world, highlighting her creative process, personal growth, and her commitment to fostering a purposeful life in dance.

Early Beginnings and Passion for Movement

Hope Boykin reflects on her innate connection to movement and dance, tracing her love back to childhood influences and early experiences.

• Influence of Family and Early Interests ([03:02])

  Hope describes her energetic childhood, fueled by a passion for action movies, musicals, and early exposure to dance through PBS and Saturday performances. Her mother's encouragement steered her towards gymnastics, where Hope excelled due to her fearless nature.

  "I was born a mover. I like the way that sounds... I was good at tumbling because I didn't have any fear." — Hope Boykin ([03:02])

• Transition from Gymnastics to Dance ([04:00])

  Despite her success in gymnastics, Hope's teacher noticed her potential in dance, leading her to embrace formal dance training. She recalls her initial dance classes comprising tap, ballet, and jazz, which ignited her love for the art form.

• Discovering Dance as a Career Path ([05:30])

  Hope discusses the challenges of envisioning dance as a viable career, especially as one of the few dancers of her background pursuing it professionally. Her time at Howard University, despite the absence of a dance major, became a pivotal period where she connected with influential figures like Debbie Allen and began forging her path in the dance industry.

Professional Journey and Overcoming Challenges

Hope delves into her professional experiences, highlighting her perseverance and the mentorship she received from industry leaders.

• Joining Philadenko and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ([07:15])

  Hope's tenure with Philadenko and later with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater marked significant milestones in her career. She emphasizes the importance of supportive mentors who recognized her potential despite initial uncertainties about her fit within the companies.

  "I was in a space that appeared more muscular, I appeared heavier than others... but they were willing to invite me into these spaces." — Hope Boykin ([11:00])

• The Struggles of Maintaining Artistic Integrity ([09:45])

  Navigating the expectations of different dance companies required Hope to reconcile her personal aesthetic with institutional visions. She candidly shares the discomfort and challenges she faced, ultimately finding strength in these experiences to mentor young artists.

  "I want to be discerning enough like those other leaders to say, oh, I recognize something in that person. Let me help them the best way that I can." — Hope Boykin ([12:00])

Artistry and Choreographic Voice

Hope discusses her evolution as a choreographer and the integration of her personal experiences into her creative work.

• Defining Herself as a Choreographer ([16:51])

  Beginning in high school, Hope's inclination to create emerged from her experiences assisting at her dance school. Her desire to contribute creatively led her to choreograph pieces that reflected her unique perspective.

  "I consider myself an educator, a creator, a mover, and a motivator. So I am always trying to create." — Hope Boykin ([18:17])

• Incorporation of Spoken Word and Poetry ([18:39])

  Personal heartbreak inspired Hope to explore writing as a therapeutic outlet. This eventually evolved into integrating spoken word and poetry into her choreography, allowing her to convey deeper narratives through dance.

  "I let a good friend of mine, Al Crawford, listen to something I'd written, and he's like, oh, you should put that to music." — Hope Boykin ([18:39])

Educational Initiatives and Mentorship

Hope emphasizes her dedication to nurturing the next generation of dancers through education and community-building initiatives.

• Founding HB Arts Collective ([25:00])

  As the founder of the HB Arts Collective, Hope aims to provide a supportive platform for young and emerging artists transitioning out of educational environments. Her non-profit focuses on essential career skills, such as contract reading, interview techniques, networking, and choreography.

  "It's the home for creative work, music, film, theater, and dance... helping them transition out of this place into their next." — Hope Boykin ([25:00])

• Commitment to Truth-Telling and Excellence ([21:55])

  Influenced by mentors like Judith Jamison and Joe Myers Brown, Hope instills the value of honesty and striving for excellence in her students. She advocates for maintaining high standards while providing constructive feedback to foster continuous growth.

  "We have to tell them the truth... excellence changes every day." — Hope Boykin ([21:55])

Personal Reflections and Balance

Hope shares insights into maintaining personal well-being amidst a demanding career, highlighting the importance of self-care and retreat.

• Finding Solace in Solitude ([28:14])

  Balancing her professional responsibilities, Hope finds rejuvenation through long walks and solo retreats. These moments of solitude allow her to recharge and maintain her creative energy.

  "I like to retreat myself out someplace... It’s renewing and treating myself." — Hope Boykin ([28:14])

Conclusion

The episode culminates with Alicia expressing admiration for Hope's resilience and multifaceted contributions to the dance world. Hope's journey exemplifies the transformative power of dance, the importance of mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Her initiatives continue to inspire and pave the way for emerging artists, ensuring that the dance community remains vibrant and inclusive.

"We are in there. We're in there... It's good what you're doing." — Hope Boykin ([23:56])

Notable Quotes

1. Hope on Being a "Mover"

   "I was born a mover. I like the way that sounds... I was good at tumbling because I didn't have any fear." — Hope Boykin ([03:02])

2. On Mentorship and Supporting Young Artists

   "I want to be discerning enough like those other leaders to say, oh, I recognize something in that person. Let me help them the best way that I can." — Hope Boykin ([12:00])

3. On Truth-Telling in Education

   "We have to tell them the truth... excellence changes every day." — Hope Boykin ([21:55])

4. On Personal Rejuvenation

   "I like to retreat myself out someplace... It’s renewing and treating myself." — Hope Boykin ([28:14])

Final Thoughts

Hope Boykin's episode on Moving Moments offers an inspiring look into the life of a dancer who not only excels on stage but also dedicates herself to nurturing the future of dance. Her candid discussions provide valuable lessons on resilience, the importance of community, and the continuous pursuit of personal and artistic growth.

For more inspiring conversations with groundbreaking artists in the dance world, subscribe to Moving Moments on your preferred podcast platform. Follow us on Instagram @movingmomentspodcast and visit artfulnarrativesmedia.com for updates and additional content.