The Power of Dance & Movement with Meagan Londy

Meagan Londy is a local movement and performance artist. She is Director of Dance and Sound Designer for the Green Is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza. She shares her background, inspiration and love of dance with us.

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a dancer?

“I started dancing at 3, but became super focused on it at the age of 12 when I joined a children’s repertory dance company.  Dancing began to fill up every afternoon and most weekends, and I welcomed that opportunity to fully commit and study intensely.  That same year, my dad and I took a trip to New York City, and we saw Cats on Broadway.  That was it.  I couldn’t stop thinking about it! “ 

Green Is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza “Oz” 2019

How would you describe your dance style and expression?

“I would say that my style is pretty eclectic and quirky, but I also love really full bodied movement and try to strike a balance between it all. I love floor work (she really is one of the best dance partners) and mixing in the pedestrian with contemporary movement. I do my best to generate material that feels new and fresh, I love to mix styles and vibes. 

When a dance feels like a mash up of different techniques and includes elements that are visually and spatially appealing, but also somewhat surprising and exciting, I am pleased with the work.  Also understanding the story behind movement vocabulary and the relationships between dancers is essential to pulling it all into a cohesive piece of movement art.“

What are some highlights of your dance career?

“Summers at Perry Mansfield and the American Dance Festival were immense highlights and opportunities for growth for me as a young dancer.  In middle and high school, my training was pretty classical (Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, African), and I intentionally chose a college program (Middlebury College) with an emphasis on contemporary technique, improvisation, and composition.  At Middlebury, I was able to deepen my understanding of composition, contact improvisation, partnering, performance, choreography, production and direction. 

After graduation I danced with The Architects, a compositional improvisation company based in NYC.  It was an incredible gig that pushed me physically and creatively.  When I moved to Boulder for graduate school, I was lucky enough to be a guest performer in the CU MFA program which was wonderful.  But finding a home here in Carbondale with CoMotion Dance Company and the Carbondale Arts Fashion Show has been maybe the greatest highlight of all.  When you’re a dancer, your instrument ages with you.  You can’t get a new one.  So to be in my late 40s and valued as a dancer in this community is a gift I try not to take for granted.”

Green Is the New Black “Mirror, Mirror : Rumplestiltskin”, 2023

The Londy Shapiro family. Vivienne, Meagan, Stephen, and Mabel

How are you a creative in ways other than dance?

“Writing.  I would really like to find more time for it.  I am also working with the Jackson Hole Center for Arts to curate a film festival and series to launch in the fall of ‘24.  

I do a lot of original sound design and music editing for the fashion show and other movement projects.  Editing music and creating sound scores has become a very exciting creative endeavor for me (and one that isn’t so hard on my joints!). “

How many hours do you spend as Director of Dance and Sound Designer for the Fashion Show?

“Ummm, 5 million?

I’m guessing it’s at least 300 hours.  Probably more. Maybe next year I’ll try to track it ;) “