We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sawyer Rain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sawyer, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Through a lot of experimentation, I have learned a few things I consider to be pillars of truth. I remind myself of these conclusions constantly, especially in the face of obstacles or self doubt.

-There is no single formula that is consistently successful, so allow yourself the freedom to constantly try new things.

-You can’t “use up” all your creativity – It is a muscle that builds strength and power the more it is utilized.

-The reward is in the research, not the final product.

I learned these things slowly, through constant self reflection. I don’t think I could’ve come to these conclusions on a shortened timeline, as It took years of many failures and a few successes to find this awareness. I am certain that my present conclusions will evolve many more times throughout my career.

Sawyer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My goal is always to create working environments that are both investigative and inclusive. At the forefront of my work is atmosphere and tone. I am fascinated by juxtaposition, the contortion and modernization of traditional movement, and the fusing of comedy and tragedy in an effort to connect us with our most basic, and often vulgar humanity.

At sixteen I enrolled in the University of Utah School of Ballet. It was during this time that I discovered a much deeper interest in contemporary movement. After attending “LINK Choreographic Workshop”, I accepted a position as a dancer with “SALT2”, and was eventually promoted to “SALT Contemporary Dance”. This experience changed my life. My mind and body were launched into the endlessly fascinating and creative world of post-modern art, and I’ve been addicted ever since.
My work questions the role of the audience. I want the audience to feel like Peeping-Tom into a whimsical scene. The dancers, enthralled by their habitat on stage, are seemingly unaware and their interactions are un-altered by the spectators. They are not performing “at them”, but rather existing in the habitat created on stage. Through this lens, the experience feels raw.

I have learned that atmosphere and movement have a symbiotic relationship. Once the world I want to build is clear to me, I begin generating a movement language that amplifies and embodies the mood of that world. Each developing wonderland is paired with movement that emphasizes the most grotesque parts of human nature. I often prefer the version of a movement where a mistake was made because it is much more honest. Curiosity and happenstance are the most important part of all of my processes.

While I take a lot of pride in my pieces, what I am most proud of are the relationships I build with my casts and students. I always try to be the mentor I would’ve wanted: kind, patient, encouraging, and invested. These relationships are some of the most fulfilling in my life.

The gratitude I feel to be able to make a living in the art world is indescribable. I have developed my dream career as a traveling choreographer, creating work for numerous studios and schools, as well as professional companies. Currently, I am the Director of Contemporary Dance at “Summit Dance Project”, resident choreographer of “Fleet Co-Op”, and faculty member of “All New Things”. My upcoming works include “The Skin of Our Teeth” featuring “Fleet Co-Op”, and “Until the Lambs Come Home” by SALT2, both premiering in the spring of 2025.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I am often reminded of what a privilege it is to be an artist. It is rewarding in so many ways. I love the community it has given me. I love that I am afforded the time and space to use my imagination as an adult. I love the self exploration it requires of me- if I were not an artist I don’t think I would be nearly as familiar with my innermost thoughts and feelings. Creatives are the builders of culture, which is simultaneously a burden and the greatest privilege of all.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey has always been driven by the intense yearning to connect. I am constantly chasing that feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soymakesmoves.com
• Instagram: @soymakesmoves
• Youtube: @soymakesmoves
• Other: spotify @Soybean17

Image Credits

Myles Tracy
Kyra Atkinson
David Allely