isn't she enough
Choreography: Laren Chang
Music: An Overwhelming Hope of Heartbreak by Michael Wall and HeavensDust2 by Michael Wall
Costume and Lighting Design: Laren Chang
Video Collaboration: Mary Grace Henderson
Dancer: Laren Chang
Please note: The costume in this performance gives the appearance of bare skin.
"I'm not angry. I'm not mad. I was but bringing anger into this situation isn't going to solve anything. They won't listen to anger. I'm frustrated. I'm hurt and confused. I'm am not weak in my hurting. I'm saddened that my body has to be conditional. I just want to understand why. Why does my body receive so much hate and controversy? How can my body be simultaneously a threat and at risk of immense harm? Why do I have to fight to be free of impossible standards? Why is my body the sole subject to pleasing the male gaze both covered and uncovered? Isn't she enough? She is beautiful. She is soft. She is strong. She has gone through so much. She has so much more to experience. She is the maker and supporter of life. She is the center of art. She is a maker of art. She is me and I have nothing to prove, only to share. I am enough."
- Journal entry by Laren Chang about the making of isn't she enough
Photos
I would like to give a special thanks to numerous people. First being Mindy Myers, thank you for many long conversations, affirming words, the best advice, and so much creative inspiration. Secondly, I would like to thank Mary Grace Henderson. You are the definition of a true friend, thank you for creating a safe space and being willing to spend many hours soothing my nerves and filming this work. Thirdly, I would like to thank Tony Orrico. Without you, my vision of being in a gallery space would not have been possible. Finally I would like to thank my friends and family for being my biggest supporters. Thank you for pushing me to follow my gut and show the strength in vulnerability.
Laren Chang is a native of the Twin Cities metropolitan area and is currently getting her BFA in Dance and a Certificate in Leadership Studies here at the University of Iowa. From a young age Laren have consistently had a hunger to expand her dance training. Starting at a small dance studio in Hudson Wisconsin at the age of three, her passion for dance began. She furthered her training by attending the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, where she got her high school degree while simultaneously attending Tu Dance studio. Since attending the University of Iowa, Laren has had numerous amazing opportunities. She was a student speaker at the University of Iowa Faculty Council Retreat with chair of the department, Rebekah Kowal. She has danced in over ten performances at the university, while also touring. Laren was an Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates Fellow and studied abroad in Paris France for a semester. Also, with the support of the amazing faculty and my family, she is graduating with honors. Looking forward, Laren's time at the University of Iowa has prepared her immensely for a future of dancing in Copenhagen, Denmark.