The 3 Questions – Echoes from the Studio | Jonathan Fredrickson

Jonathan Fredrickson, coming back to create for Nuova X means crossing through familiar spaces and memories, meeting new bodies, new questions. Three years after his first creation for the program, the American choreographer reflects on time, togetherness, and what makes movement a shared language of humanity.

This is your second time creating for Nuova X — the first was three years ago. How did it feel to return and dive into a new creation process?

It has been such a gift to be invited back to Nuova X. It feels like a return home with beautiful memories to welcome me. The dancers are of course different than before, but they equally have the same curiosity and open spirit, which I am grateful for. Nuova X seems to gravitate special artists and humans.

Could you share what moves you when working with dancers? And, more broadly, what is it in dance that moves you?

I moved by openness and courage to share a bit of oneself through movement. I am moved by a group of dancers who come from different backgrounds can come together to work so closely and honestly with each other. I am grateful for their adventurous spirit and willingness to go on a journey with me.

Time is a precious and limited resource in the creative process. With five weeks here at your disposal, what did it enable you to explore or achieve as a maker?

With every attempt in going into the studio, something is unearthed — something that I am discovering in myself. I believe this time was an opportunity for reflection on how to engage with the material. One of the big questions I brought with me is: What makes a group of people move together?

Photos and Video Umberto Sala - Interview by Mirella Oliveri