Last week, having made our way through all the P7 dancers, we interviewed Lauren Yolango. This week, we continue with our interviews of Shadowland dancers and talked with Molly Gawler.
Backstage with Molly Gawler, Dancer
Molly began dancing as a child in Belgrade ME and continued her training in the Bossov Ballet program at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. She graduated from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance in 2007. She sings and fiddles in her sisters’ folk music group, the Gawler Sisters, which toured most recently in Ghana.
Jeffrey: You started dancing when you were young. How and why did you get into dance?
Molly: In the small town of Belgrade, Maine I started dancing at the age of 6 in the local Grange Hall. My first dance teacher was Nancy Dione. Why did I start dancing? I believe that every child has a desire to dance and move, and I was one of those for sure. Then I just stuck with it, and with the nurturing care of those around me and from my own hard work, I got somewhere. I also grew up from a very young age doing contradancing. “Swing your partner! Promenade!” That was a product of our folk traditions in Maine, which were engrained in my Mom and Dad. They played fiddle and banjo for the contradances.
Jeffrey: How and when did you find out about Pilobolus? How many years have you been dancing for Pilobolus?
Molly: It’s funny, I found out about Pilobolus in France! I had heard the name before and it always had this allure, and when I was 21, I traveled to France on a solo journey to explore the dance scene over there. I met a former dancer at a dance class – Jennifer Macavinta – and she invited me over to her house for tea! Then she told me all about the company, and she told me her story about auditioning for them. She also gave me some really good tips about things to know when going to a Pilobolus audition. What do you know, I auditioned that same winter and did really well! Thanks Jen! (Yes, thank you, Jen! – Jeffrey) I didn’t make it into the main company at that time, but they asked me to stick around for other things. The first job I had with them was a TV commercial for Hyundai, which was the very first shadow creation. Since then, I have been working for Pilobolus for 4 years.
Jeffrey: Speaking of shadow creations, you were involved in the creation of Pilobolus’ evening-length shadow piece, Shadowland, and have a main role as the girl/dog. How did that come about and what is it like working on Shadowland?
Molly examines a flower in Shadowland
Molly: It is the hardest and the most life-changing experience I have ever had. I have undergone major shifts in the way I look at and think about art and the world. I am thankful every day for this unexpected and beautiful life that I lead. The beginning process was like being in the intense heat of a forge, in which we pounded and distilled, and cried and worked and worked until something magnificent emerged. It certainly didn’t happen overnight. I would say my “dog girl” character took about 3 years to emerge as she is now, and that is just one aspect of the intricate full-length show. There were so many brilliant minds working on Shadowland, and we were so lucky to work with such creative people as Steven Banks and David Poe. All of us have worked so hard, and in the process we have become so close, really like a family. There is no doubt that the 9 shadowcasters know more about me than anyone on this earth.
Jeffrey: Shadowland has toured all over Europe, and even to Asia and Africa. Where was your favorite tour destination?
Molly: Gosh, working for Pilobolus has given me life-altering opportunities to see the world. Performing has taken me to 12 different countries in the past 3 years. It is so hard to say which is my favorite tour destination, for each place has its own feeling, smells, food, culture and color. Places that significantly changed me by the experiences I had there are South Africa (I was greatly effected by the lions, elephants, giraffe, rhinos we saw there, as well as the Southern Hemisphere stars) and Japan (I felt like I had been there in a past life, and Damon and I fell in love there.) I find that no matter where I go in the world, the connection made heart to heart with another spirit is what I carry with me the most.
Jeffrey: You mentioned before that your parents were very involved in the folk culture in Maine and I know that you are a very talented fiddler. You come from a very artistic family – can you tell us about that? How did your family and upbringing influence your art?
The Gawler Family Band, clockwise starting with Molly, Edith, Ellen, John, and Elsie.
Molly: My mama and papa are both folk musicians. My mama is a violin teacher, and a wicked good fiddler. My papa plays the banjo, guitar and piano. They had 3 daughters and naturally we all picked up fiddles, banjos, guitars, ukulele, cello and we all sing. We have a family band together, and every time I have time off from Pilobolus, I go home and sing and play in concerts with the “Gawler Family Band.” We have so much fun! It’s just almost sinful to get paid for it, too! Growing up like that made me realize that art is so enriching and can be a gift beyond a price tag. Music taught me about the universal language, one that we all share in our beating hearts and tapping feet. That is what I hope to bring as I travel and perform, that gift of common connection, the stuff that we all share.
To hear Molly’s enchanting voice, listen to her album on CD Baby.
The commercial that started it all: Hyundai Santa Fe, by Pilobolus
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