We were lucky to catch up with Darrigan DeMattos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Darrigan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful projects I have worked on are where it can help make a difference or a strong connection to an individual. I think that is one of the main reasons why I enjoy choreographing so much to be able to express emotions and connect on a deeper human level to the audience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I graduated from The Hartt School, University of Hartford, with a BFA in Dance Performance. In 2023, I established my own dance performance company “Unspoken Dance” and have performed works by José Limón, George Balanchine, Stephen Pier, just to name a few. I have worked with Awaken Dance Theater, Linda Diamond & Co., The END Ensemble, and One Day Dance so I have been able to take perspectives from school as well as many performing art companies to help inspire my works. My performances/choreographs have been showcased in NYC, New England, Denver and was previously selected to perform at Worlds. I was also selected to choreograph a performance at the T2 Choreographer Festival in August 2023 in Denver.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My dad passed away six years ago, and dance was the only thing keeping me together. It was what I started to look forward to every Sunday, to have dance rehearsals in the city. Slowly, I started going back to choreographing how I was feeling and even what was happening around the world (e.g., 2020, Covid). Many of the dances I choreograph focus on the theme of resilience and how to continue on in life, just as I have done, along with so many other individuals. While one person’s journey in life may be different, each hardship always evokes the same feelings. The beauty of dance is that while the performance may focus on a specific situation, anyone should be able to relate it back to their life. That’s how we stay human, and that’s how we connect with others.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Honestly, I just love how the arts bring people together, whether it’s a concert, performance, or movie. To say I am in the same field as Taylor Swift as an artist is a dream come true. I am just happy to be a part of the art world and help make a change. Art brings joy and happiness, and I am happy to be a part of that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Darrigan DeMattos
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Image Credits

Peter Yesagy & Owen Burnham