Molly Jorgensen
MFA, CLMA, RSME/T
Artist Statement
Dance is a vehicle for expression, and the human body is the medium through which that expression is given form. When I create dance, unless I’m creating a solo, I’m working with other bodies. That means that my art is never just about ME. These other bodies, my dancers, have codes and belief systems. Identities laid down seasons before through experiences and environment to create their personal perceptions of ‘ME’ or ‘I’. When we dance, we are seen. My dancers’ truths become visible and ‘seen’, even if not always evident or articulated in the work.
In my recent creative research, I’ve invited my dancers and their meanings and perceptions into the choreographic work. Seeing and witnessing them through the creative process often becomes the inspiration for how the work unfolds. I start with a question, and the act of asking the question often leads toward the development and refinement of the work. It’s an adventure!
So, what is my art about? It’s about the meaning I make through witnessing my dancers answer the questions. They express their perceptions and beliefs through movement, and I pick up on how that movement moves me. My choreography evokes order and form out of shared answers and continued questioning.
Every dancer is unique and beautiful in their own way! The act of creating is spiritual. My greatest joy in my art is when I get to be the vehicle that brings my artists to the place where they can fully arrive and communicate themselves. I get to weave together our varied movement narratives to create a story that becomes the work. My work isn’t only about ME; it’s about US, the collective WE that is a hope in my heart for how we can live in connection with each other through life.
Featured Choreography
Assuage
Awarded Gala Concert for ACDA, 2011. Original sound score by Molly Jorgensen.
Hartung Theatre, Moscow, ID
“Interesting ideas with gesture and repetition…dramatic…tender and simple…emotional images that popped. I enjoyed the simplicity. It was interesting, messy, dark and dysfunctional. Being a part of a family isn’t easy...this piece wasn’t easy on the eye, there was truth and honesty.”
Artistic Director, Nicholas Leichter Dance
“There were interesting moments of connection…the connections were not just with the hands, there are other ways to connect. You should be proud of the risk you took with this piece and the pushing…the repetition to exhaustion was heard. The breath moment(s) echo throughout the piece…there is a breath feeling existing throughout the piece.”
Artistic Director, Gesel Mason Performance Projects, Mason/Rhyne Productions
“Thank you for the equality of gender politics and portrayal of strength in this piece. I was happy to see this and was excited by the constant expansion and push…the lighting of the audience was a strong choice and gave an apocalyptic feel. The running and flying moment was an innovative lift with technical prowess and incredible, articulate technique. It was thrilling to see such dynamic partnering.”
artistic director, Lingo Productions
“Presenting her work at the final gala was a highlight for Idaho State University dance faculty member Molly S. Jorgensen at the American College Dance Festival (ACDF) Northwest Conference held recently in Moscow, ID.
“Four of ISU’s dance program faculty and 16 members of the ISU student dance club Danson traveled to northern Idaho to participate in the conference.
“Molly S. Jorgensen, along with undergraduate students Jenna Griffin and Marti Brooks, were selected to present their work in the adjudication and informal concerts at the conference. Jorgensen’s piece, titled “Assuage (uh-sweyj),” performed by ISU undergraduate students, received the prestigious honor of being selected among 35 different dance pieces to present at the final evening Gala concert.
“'This is an honor for myself as well as the student performers and the ISU dance program,' Jorgensen said.
“According to Greg Halloran, conference coordinator and director of dance at the University of Idaho, 'ACDFA is a wonderful organization that promotes the invaluable contributions dance creates at colleges and universities across our country.'
“Adjudicator and Seattle-based artist KT Niehoff complimented Jorgensen by thanking her for her work and saying, 'It was so thrilling to see such dynamic partnering.'
“Molly has a Master of Fine Arts degree from The University of Utah in Modern Dance, is a Certified Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analyst and Somatic Movement Educator. She has taught courses in Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Contact Improvisation, Survey of Dance, Dance Composition, and Somatic Practices within ISU’s Department of Theatre & Dance/School of the Performing Arts.”
Polarities
BYUI Winter Showcase 2023.
Hart Auditorium Rexburg, ID
I Dance Because…
ISU Dance in Concert Full Tilt, 2014. Original sound score by Molly Jorgensen.
Frazier Hall, Pocatello, ID
Beneath Our Feet
ISU Dance in Concert, 2011
Frazier Hall, Pocatello, ID
“I like the athletic movement, but then I really like the small gestural stuff that sort of touches the body in a different way”
Dancer/Ririe Woodbury Dance Co.
Global Water Dances
Site Specific Choreography, Part of the worldwide Global Water Dances Event
Sacajawea Park, Pocatello, ID
“Thank you for a wonderful, memorable, powerful experience!”
Community member, Movement Choir participant
“Thanks for all of your tremendous work to create and stage (indoor & out) Global Water Dances. I was thrilled to participate in the performance at Sacajawea Park. Congratulations.”
Professor Emerita, Idaho State University
“What a fantastic performance! Thank you for bringing it to Pocatello. I am so glad I got to experience the dance.”
Environmental Educator for the city of Pocatello
Fluid Resonance
Multi-media dance piece, ISU Dance in Concert 2011
SPAC Blackbox Theatre
“The dance had its own living and breathing rhythm…I was left pondering how everything we do influences our environment, our peers, our generation and then seven thereafter.”
Associate Professor of Dance/University of Montana
“I loved watching these dancers move in between each other with ease…an interesting concept for a dance and it was pulled off beautifully.”
Commentary, Idaho State Journal
Waiting…
ISU Dance Showcase 2014 (Preparation for ACDA performance)
SPAC, Bistline Theater, Pocatello, ID
More Choreography
LET
BYUI Winter Showcase 2024
Hart Auditorium, Rexburg, ID
Exploration
BYI Dance Alliance, 2022
Snow Drama Theatre, Rexburg, ID
Move With Me
IFAA Boundless Performance, 2019
Boise, ID
Billow
IFAA Boundless Performance, 2019
Boise, ID
Legacy
ISU Dance in Concert 2017
Frazier Hall, Pocatello, ID
Decree Parts 1 & 2
ISU Dance in Concert 2016
Frazier Hall, Pocatello, ID
Waiting… (re-staged)
BYUI Dance Alliance 2016
Tyler, Texas
Spider
ISU Dance in Concert 2013
SPAC, Bistline Theater, Pocatello, ID
Move With Me
ISU Dance in Concert 2012
Frazier Hall, Pocatello, ID
Featured Performance
Beautiful
Choreographed by Cassie House Harris
SPAC Blackbox Theatre, Pocatello, ID
Choreography Gallery
About Me
My name is Molly Jorgensen, and I’m a dance artist, educator, choreographer, and somatic movement professional.
My passion and area of personal research is in Embodied Awareness and Somatic Education. I thrive when I’m connecting through teaching, creating, and learning!
I love working with dancers, athletes, actors, artists, educators, health professionals, and anyone with a body, at any age, interested in learning more about movement function and expression.
In Higher Education, I’ve taught courses in Modern Dance Technique, Jazz Dance Technique, Ballet, Tap, Somatic Practices, Survey of Dance, Dance Composition, Elements of Movement, Contact Improvisation, Experiential Anatomy, Lecture Demonstration: What is Dance, Bridging Communities Through Dance, Improvisation, and The Art of Yoga & Meditation.
In the community, I’ve taught Creative Dance, Modern and Jazz dance to children and youth, Modern dance technique, Soma Flow Yoga, Mindful Moving Meditation, Ayurveda, and Somatic practice.
My choreographic voice is continually evolving. I’ve created over 50 original pieces, including 3 dance films, choreographed for 3 different musical theatre productions, and collaborated on 2 site-specific full-length works.
My choreographic work "Assuage" was selected to perform in The American College Dance Association’s Gala concert in Moscow, ID in 2011, and I’ve received grants through the Pocatello Arts Council and the Idaho Commission on the Arts to support and further my creative and artistic work.
I started my own LLC in 2018 called MBody Movement & Somatic Wellness, where I offer 1:1 private integrative somatic and neurowellness sessions in my home along with offering workshops and group practices throughout the community. Check out my business at mbodymove.com!
I also love studying neuroscience and ayurveda, mountain biking, downhill skiing, and spending time with my family, especially on outdoor adventures!
Currently, I serve as an Adjunct Professor in the Theatre & Dance program at Brigham Young University Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho.