Testimonial – Anonymous – Incubator

“Finding and renting a rehearsal studio when creating choreographies has been a significant burden, so Leimay’s incubator program was very helpful in my creative process. The studio is in a convenient and trendy location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The studio with a sprung floor and a beautiful ceiling window was like my dream rehearsal studio. The staff at Leimay was very friendly, supportive, efficient, and quick to respond to any of my questions. Thanks to Leimay’s Incubator program, I could develop my practice of body movement and Zen meditation relationships.” Remain Anonymous testimonial. 2024

Testimonial – Nikki Theroux

“Leimay’s Incubator Program gave me the gift of patient time. This program truly honors process over production, and this value enabled me to dive deeper into what really makes me curious as an artist. I feel like I have a much stronger and clearer idea of my own creative voice after this residency.” Nikki Theroux, 2025

Testimonial – Lemon Guo, Stanford Residency

“LEIMAY is such an incredibly passionate, dedicated, and creative group of artists that brings life to any collaborative environment. We were so lucky to have them in residency with us at Stanford.” – Lemon Guo, 2024

Testimonial – Jess, A Meal Work in Progress

“I am always appreciative of how LEIMAY creates performances that activate their audiences. We are approached and respected as curious, full-bodied people who are there to share in a collective moment.” – Jess, Audience member at A Meal Work in Progress, 2022

Testimonial – Akiko Nishijima, Alius Bodies WIP

“LEIMAY and CAVE have been creating art projects for many years that are open to the community. They are always independent, supportive, and challenging something new. Last month when I saw LEIMAY’s new work-in-progress, their stance stayed the same but the work has deepened! I’d like to support LEIMAY just like they support us in the community. It is a gem.” – Akiko Nishijima, 2021

Testimonial – Peggy Resnick, Alius Bodies WIP

“I was in the audience at CAVE Home of LEIMAY when Krystel Copper and Masanori Asahara gave their all in Alius Bodies (work in progress) by Ximena Garnica and Shige Moriya. I felt I was watching an Egon Schiele painting come to life. Krystel and Masanori created a three-dimensional moving and living sculpture whose every movement was so deeply felt. What an incredible experience!” – Peggy Resnick, 2021

Testimonial – Audience member at Hurleyville Arts Centre, Alius Bodies

“I know you said, don’t try to make sense of it, and so of course, the entire time I was trying to make sense of it. . . I had a whole script in mind that was happening. Basically, a birthing of these beings. . . And they started to communicate a little bit. So then when the monkey [song appeared]. . .What is that? Because they’re in the primordial soup! It was interesting to try not to make sense of it, and then to have my mind blown by that!” – Audience member at Hurleyville Arts Centre, 2019

Testimonial – Audience member at Hurleyville Arts Centre, Alius Bodies

“A lot of the movements were unfamiliar to me, they weren’t reminiscent of anything else, but at the same time, like with the words, it wasn’t just gibberish, it wasn’t, ‘Oh, just do something that no one has seen before.’ In a way, It was very intentional. So, how do you create movements that were so unfamiliar and so intentional?” – Audience member at Hurleyville Arts Centre, 2019

Testimonial – Alessandro Anglani, Watermill Summer 2019

“I would say that this type of work is developed on two levels: the first, given by the strong image that is created, is the first impact that hits the public. These almost alien beings, despite being perfectly recognizable as human bodies, which are found inside this showcase, like observatory animals, that try to stand upright but are punctually dragged by the sand to the bottom, certainly generate a strong emotion for the spectator, along with a whole series of reflections that are not “explained” and are not didactic. The second level is from the inside perspective: the dystopian environment … Continued

Testimonial – Sorin Prodea, Watermill Summer 2019

“In terms of the performance, it was an amazing opportunity to perform such a piece of work. It was hard to do it, but it was so rewarding. Plus, working with all the amazing people that were involved during it, was an amazing and fun experience. I’m glad I did it and I’m grateful for the trust that they had in me to perform it.” – Sorin Prodea, 2019, Correspondences

Testimonial – Megan Kendzior, Team/Ensemble

“Working with the brilliant family of LEIMAY artists is such an honor! They are the hardest-working and most brilliant beings, and it’s such a joy to support this community through my administrative and advocacy labor. I always feel valued as a whole human in our work together and I’m so inspired by the LEIMAY entanglement. I know that your support of this community would make such a difference!” – Megan Kendzior, 2021

Testimonial – Ricardo Bustamante, Team/Ensemble

“LEIMAY can be seen as a safe oasis of artistic creation where artists of all identities can express, develop, evolve and visualize their creative, educative, and community based artistry. The space exists as a testament to the importance of art as a pillar for the growth of society. You can see its merit in the quality of LEIMAY’s artistic and educational work; that which always embodies a unique aesthetic accompanied by deep concepts that are always relevant to the social reality and leave you with a lasting message.” – Ricardo Bustamante, 2020

Testimonial – Masanori Asahara, Team/Ensemble

“I love dance. Personally, in this moment (of pandemic), I am thinking more about dance in a social way. I am thinking about traditions. People pray through dance. People connect to nature through dance. We (LEIMAY) are good translators from art to nature and society. We observe, we listen to material, to empty space, to timing, and to the different energies of that space and time. We have a good ear to listen, and we can translate that. There is a lot of meaning in that, not only one world. We have potential! For me, LEIMAY has space. Space for … Continued

Testimonial – Polina Porras Sivolobova, Team/Ensemble

“LEIMAY breaths art and life into everything we do. I enjoy the creative spirit in everything, and I appreciate our values and work ethic, and our dedication to craft, art and creativity. Led by amazing human beings, LEIMAY builds and maintains community.” – Polina Porras Sivolobova, 2020

Testimonial – Jennifer Montoya, White Studio Rental

“I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your space, it is my favorite in the city. I love the setup and the good vibes I get every time I work in the studio. Thank you.” – Jennifer Montoya, 2013, Touch Theory 

Testimonial – Maggie Marguerite Studios / Georgina Richardson, White Studio Rental

“The Studio has been great. I’ve had some wonderful portraits shoots in the space – which is so unique, clean, organised and in the heart of cool Williamsburg (and around the corner from my house which is also helpful ;)) I love the look on people’s faces when they first walk in and say “wow!!!”. The booking process is super fast and easy too.” – Maggie Marguerite Studios / Georgina Richardson, 2013, Photography

Testimonial – Daniel Ellis-Ferris, White Studio Rental

“…Hopefully we will get to work in your beautiful space again in the future! We really enjoyed the acoustic and the atmosphere of the place. We can tell that great things have happened in there :)” – Daniel Ellis-Ferris, May 2013, Theater

Testimonial – Cora Laszlo, Fellowship

“I appreciate the fact that LEIMAY is a very intimate and familiar place where everyone is involved in the process of making things happen with rigor and joy. I also admire the questions Ximena asks us and her provocations to the projects, not imposing, but opening other ways to look at it. . . I admire LEIMAY and all its actions – their activity as an organization and their creative work. It’s a great joy to be one of the garden fellows and have the opportunity to be closer to them and also get to know the other fellows. LEIMAY … Continued

Testimonial – Nana Chinara, Fellowship

“The LEIMAY Fellowship and Outsight performance program undoubtedly grew and challenged my work as an artist, outside of the bounds that I imagined. The community building expertise, practice, and support provided by LEIMAY staff and Ximena and Shige conceptualized and grounded my work in integrity with myself. I was able to realize my work as not simply a dance performance, but as something informed by and in conversation with the community around me, and therefore inspiring change in those who witnessed me. The professional development workshops around community building and public performance gave my work the space I did not … Continued

Testimonial – Effy Grey, Fellowship

“My 2020 tarot card spread told me that last year was all about love and connection. I know that most of this was achieved through the LEIMAY Fellowship for their Outsight series. Ximena and Shige not only offered an amazing space to connect with my dancers, the freedom to work through the creative process with only solicited feedback, and filled the cohort with intelligent individuals to work with, but the Fellowship is a wonderful space to focus on community and how it is cultivated. With my research and performance, I grew immensely in my practice through the connections over the … Continued

Testimonial – Judith Barnes, Fellowship

“My fellowship at LEIMAY came at a time in my creative life when I was feeling trapped by my past achievements and uncertain of my future. After many years facing outward into the world as artistic director of an opera company, of producing, performing, and directing large ensemble operas, and being responsible for many people’s well-being, I felt a strong call to turn inward and focus on myself as a performer and creator, to develop my solo voice. In this search, I have been encouraged and supported by Ximena, Shige, and the members of the LEIMAY community. Within the context … Continued

Testimonial – Nicolas Norena, Fellowship

“Our time at CAVE home of LEIMAY has become so indispensable to the company THE MILLION UNDERSCORES. This kind of fellowship has allowed us to develop our practice and generate 5 original pieces. We love being part of the LEIMAY community, a vibrant, creative cooperative group of artists from all over the world with such different experiences and points of view.” – Nicolas Norena, Director/Actor, 2017-2018 Fellow

Testimonial – Mariana Taragano, Fellowship

“The main benefit I am getting out of my LEIMAY fellowship is that of a structure. Having to show up to a studio every single week and create has made my practice grow. Knowing that the other fellows are showing up and creating as well gives me a sense of community even if I don’t always see all of them physically. Creating can feel very isolating and through this fellowship I have gotten to further understand myself as an artist and to connect to other fellows too.” – Mariana Taragano, Choreographer, 2017-2018 Fellow

Testimonial – Polina Porras, Fellowship

“The LEIMAY fellowship has offered me the structure to explore my artistic practice as a performer by offering a dedicated time and space. Through the fellowship I started developing a routine of body and voice work that will be the base for my future work.” – Polina Porras, Performance Artist, 2017-2018 Fellow

Testimonial – Eunjin Cho, Fellowship

“It was a great opportunity to meet and exchange with other artists in New York City. Being able to use the studio regularly was beneficial too.” – Eunjin Choi, Choreographer, 2017-2018 Fellow

Testimonial – Andrew Pratt, Fellowship

“As a performer living in New York, living in CAVE’s housing space has proved to be an absolutely invaluable resource for me. Aside from having the luxury of being enmeshed in a vibrant atmosphere full of other artists, I also have access to rehearsal space that is literally around the corner from my bedroom. I get to live minutes away from Manhattan in one of the finest and most burgeoning areas of Brooklyn, all on an artist’s budget. The staff and housemates at CAVE are welcoming and respectful; it is a space where performers can support each other and strive … Continued

Testimonial – Ben Spatz, Fellowship

“We are extremely grateful to CAVE for the support of our work through an artistic residency from 2010 through 2012. In addition to providing us with regular rehearsal space at subsidized rates, CAVE offers a warm and professional environment in which we encounter other theatre and dance artists as well as potential collaborators and audience members. CAVE is one of the only places in New York City where it is possible to find regular, year-round rehearsal space at a price that emerging artists and ensembles can afford. Our ongoing work is made possible to a great extent by CAVE and … Continued

Testimonial – Jeremy Goren, At Home

“CAVE is one of the most remarkable arts organizations in New York and unique in the atmosphere of congenial and yet truly advanced artistic development it has created. I have had contact with many rehearsal spaces in New York, none of which serves as a true center of creativity as CAVE does; none of them fosters the same high level of artistic integrity and supportive and open community for other artists that CAVE does. In the midst of the New York Showbiz whirlwind, CAVE provides a serene, stimulating and fertile field for the growth of artistic development. What Ximena and … Continued

Testimonial – Polina Klimovitskata, Fellowship

“When LEIMAY accepted my group into its studio share program nearly three years ago, Terra Incognita Theater found more than a space to rehearse; we also found an artistic home, a community of artists with whom we can share and from whom we can learn. The commitment to art from CAVE’s founders, their personalities and their work gathers artists with similar values and true quality. Personally, I find it extremely important, supportive and encouraging. I try never to miss the performances and works-in-progress they organize because they are of the highest quality, and I always learn from them. It is … Continued

Testimonial – Maximilian Balduzzi, Fellowship

“I moved to New York City in November 2008, and since then I have developed most of my work at LEIMAY’s studio CAVE. In September 2010 I became a Black Studio Share Artist, and I started to practice and rehearse at CAVE three days a week. At CAVE LEIMAY offers a positive and professional environment for the artists that work there, I feel welcomed and supported, and there is a huge amount of joy for the art from the people who run the organization. A loving, respectful and rigorous environment that truly resonates through the walls, from the white to … Continued

Testimonial – Polina Klimovitskata, Fellowship

“CAVE has been Terra Incognita Theater’s creative home since February 2009 – and it really has been a home. Unlike so many of the impersonal rehearsal spaces in NYC, CAVE is an oasis of community, incredibly diligent professional work, and unfailing support for artists. Our work for the past six years would not have happened in the same way without the support of Ximena, Shige, and their team who champion the Fellows’ process and products in a way few others do. We are grateful for the time we’ve spent so far at CAVE and look forward to what the future … Continued

Testimonial – InkBoat, At Home 2024

“Our time at CAVE felt much like an incubation. We enter with ourselves, our ideas. We meet the embrace of the studio, the vibrant community working in and around that space, the moments to reflect out by the water and return with new perspectives. What a present.” – InkBoat, Audience Member, 2024

Testimonial – Selma Trevino, At Home 2022

“The events offered by LEIMAY are always very thoughtful about being financially possible for everyone. They really look to build and help the community by offering arts and artists with great opportunities. I already had the opportunity to have my projects twice supported by their free rehearsal space for creation and investigation. It made it possible for me to further pursue my artistic goals.” – Selma Trevino, Audience Member, 2022

Testimonial – Nicolas Norena, SOAK 2018

“Being a part of SOAK for the third time was such a wonderful experience to share the work we have been developing in the studio with a very diverse audience. It is a pleasure to perform amongst such different genres such as performance art, dance, opera and experimental theater.” – Nicolas Norena, SOAK Artist and LEIMAY Fellow 2017-2018, 2018

Testimonial – Mariana Taragano

“SOAK has been a great experience both in terms of showing work but also in terms of experiencing the power of fellow artists in producing the presenting series together. I learnt a lot from my peers and enjoyed sharing a stage with such a diverse spectrum of artists.” – Mariana Taragano, SOAK Artist and LEIMAY Fellow 2017-2018, 2018

Testimonial – Timothy Scott, SOAK 2018

“SOAK is a fabulous and enriching program of new works and works-in-progress from a wide range of artists. The array of work not only celebrates and supports artists, but students and the audience as well. It fills my heart to be part of such a warm community and gathering around performance. Being a part of SOAK this year was such a blessing! Being around such an energetic community and helping one another to put together a showcase of their work is the stuff dreams are made of. SOAK is a community that I am proud to belong to and am … Continued

Testimonial – Polina Porras, SOAK 2018

“To co-produce and perform at SOAK is a challenge that makes you grow as an artist. SOAK is the perfect platform to try out new artistic ideas and share them with a supportive audience. This year’s SOAK was produced by the fellows, thus it offered another level of complexity and a glimpse to what is needed to be an artist in today’s world.” – Polina Porras, SOAK Artist and LEIMAY Fellow 2017-2018, 2018

Testimonial – Kate Ladenheim, SOAK 2018

“Being a part of SOAK places you within a community of artists who are empowered to take the presentation of their work into their own hands. It is a valuable experience to build something collectively from the ground up, with guidance and framework from LEIMAY.” – Kate Ladenheim, SOAK Artist and LEIMAY Fellow 2017-2018, 2018

Testimonial – Eunjin Choi, SOAK 2019

“SOAK was a great opportunity to connect with artists in NYC. It was also helpful with developing new work as well.” – Eunjin Choi, SOAK Artist and LEIMAY Fellow 2017-2018, 2018

Testimonial – Bo Kyung Lee, SOAK 2018

“SOAK 2018 gave me an opportunity to meet amazing artists and a big thrill to meet enthusiastic audiences. I really appreciate Ximena and Shige inviting me as a guest Artist. Their passion and effort made me deeply impressed. I really look forward to meeting them again, not only as an artist but also as a friend.” – Bo Kyung Lee, SOAK Artist, 2018

Testimonial – Teddy Tedholm, SOAK 2018

“The SOAK Festival was a wonderful opportunity to perform with like-minded, yet vastly different exploratory artists. I loved that everything was done for and by the artists, a fact which I think rang true in the authenticity of the evenings.” – Teddy Tedholm, SOAK Artist, 2018

Testimonial – Sophia Treanor, SOAK 2018

“I am fascinated by the bridges between works that have been independently made, and SOAK has provided me with an opportunity to work alongside artists deep in their study. Performing with the support of the students at City Tech at Voorhees Hall allowed my work the time and technical assistance of a professional theater, which is a sparkly experience for an avant-garde artist.” – Sophia Treanor, SOAK Artist and LEIMAY Fellow, 2017-2018, 2018

Testimonial – Drew Weinstein, SOAK 2018

“SOAK provides a vital resource to young artists attempting to grow their body of work and hone their craft. Presenting in SOAK offers you both an opportunity to stage and perform work, but also a supportive community that welcomes artistic exploration, success, and failure of all kind, which is perhaps the most important thing for young artists learning their craft and finding their voice.” – Drew Weinstein, SOAK Artist and LEIMAY Fellow 2017-2018, 2018

Testimonial – Derek DiMartini, SOAK 2017

“SOAK is an incredible opportunity to explore new work in a professional and supportive environment. Shige and Ximena strike a great balance between encouraging experimentation and providing insightful critique to strengthen the work while staying true to its original intention. Presenting with a community of other artists platforming their own incarnations truly enriches the experience.” – Derek DiMartini, SOAK Artist, 2017

Testimonial – Lou (Lindsey) Mandolini, SOAK 2017

“Sharing new and highly vulnerable solo work during SOAK was affirming for me as a creator and community member. I felt supported by Ximena, Shige, and the entire LEIMAY Team. Post-show feedback from audience members and fellow artists was both insightful and essential to my creative process. I highly recommend SOAK for makers who want to take risks!” – Lou (Lindsey) Mandolini, SOAK Artist, 2017

Testimonial – Averil, SOAK

“I appreciate SOAK because it does not discriminate, but rather wholly welcomes the diverse types of performance happening now, here in New York and across the globe. The unification is beautiful.” – Averil, Audience member

Testimonial – Irena Romendik, SOAK 2012

“Little CAVE expanded its geography even to virtual realms, along with its usual global reach. The mixture of unmissable substances produces true mess, primordial soup from which new things emerge, in a slow motion.” – Irena Romendik, LEIMAY Collaborator, 2012

Testimonial – Sabrina Lastman, SOAK 2012

“I want to thank CAVE for this opportunity to teach at the SOAK Festival. I think it is a great project combining performances & workshops during a week. My experience teaching “The Sonoric Voice Workshop” was reach and I really appreciated the participants being very open-minded to the experience. This workshop gave me inspiration for a future workshop for artists who want to research voice-sound seeds for their own artistic work. Also, the idea that teaching artists share among them their experiences and knowledge is very generous.” – Sabrina Lastman, LEIMAY Guest Teacher, 2012

Testimonial – Stephanie Lanckton, SOAK 2012

“The SOAK Festival was a gathering of artists and community in a supportive setting. A chance to see what other local artists are interested in and creating. It was a diverse blend of performances and workshops, which felt very grassroots and authentic. I made new connections with people I didn’t know were here, and now have relationships with them. Also, I shared my own interests and creations with artists who had never seen my work before. I had a memorable and valuable experience at The SOAK Festival.” – Stephanie Lanckton, LEIMAY Collaborator, 2012

Testimonial – Rachel Cohen, SOAK 2012

“Participating in the SOAK festival made me feel like an important member of a community of talented and committed artists. It was a great chance to share visions and ideas and to get valuable feedback. The atmosphere created was exactly what I entered the arts –and came to NYC– looking for. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it!” – Rachel Cohen, Black Studio Resident, 2012

Testimonial – Rabbi Susan Laemmle, SOAK 2012

“We were visiting NY and took the opportunity to see our old friend Ben Spatz perform. We went to see his friend Maximilian, whom we met at Ben and Michelle’s wedding, perform as well, which was nice. We found both presentations engaging and professional, though I particularly liked the inter-textual, more serious bent of Ben’s piece, which reminded me of Beckett.” – Rabbi Susan Laemmle, Ph.D.

Testimonial – Sophie Ortiz, Outsight 2024

“Participating in LEIMAY’s OUTSIGHT series was a transformative experience for Taylor and me. After six months of dedicated work in the studio, it was exhilarating to present our newest piece, CIS BOOM BLAH, to an audience beyond our usual creative space. The setting—the Dorothy Strelsin Community Garden, was picturesque, surrounded by fellow artists, friends, and family—created a vibrant backdrop that amplified our excitement.” – Sophie Ortiz, Outsight Artist, 2024

Testimonial – Emily LaRochelle, Outsight 2024

“Everyone I have met from LEIMAY is welcoming and generous. The programming feels accessible and community-focused. I am so grateful to know about this amazing organization, and I look forward to attending more of their events.” – Emily LaRochelle, Outsight Artist, 2024

Testimonial – Sarazina Stein, Outsight 2024

“The LEIMAY staff and team are so kind, supportive, and generous! Their events are very welcoming and presented beautifully, and I feel honored to be a part of the LEIMAY community of diverse artists.” – Sarazina Stein, Outsight Artist, 2024

Testimonial – Ching-I Chang, Outsight 2024

“The peripherals/subalterns often create works outside the mainstream. The OUTSIGHT program supported the creation of the outsiders with its full force of nature.” – Ching-I Chang, Outsight Artist, 2024

Testimonial – Tamara Leigh, Outsight 2023

“LEIMAY has been an extremely supportive resource in my career. The day of the show we felt very supported and cared for. They have found many ways to uplift emerging artists and bring communities together.” – Tamara Leigh, Outsight Artist, 2023

Testimonial – Dominica Greene, Outsight 2023

“OUTSIGHT was a wonderful opportunity to share community-engaged work in an accessible and serene environment. I’d certainly do it or attend again!” – Dominica Greene, Outsight Artist, 2023

Testimonial – Victoria Guest, Outsight 2023

“The Outsight event was incredibly refreshing with the perfect garden setting, beautiful live performances, and the opportunity to connect with such a wonderful and welcoming community. It was my first time going to a LEIMAY event, and it felt like such a safe space.” – Victoria Guest, Outsight Artist, 2023

Testimonial – Nadia Khayrallah, Outsight 2023

“OUTSIGHT was a refreshing way to connect with an audience in an intimate public space. The community garden as an environment instilled a sense of care and groundedness in our performances.” – Nadia Khayrallah, Outsight Artist, 2023

Testimonial – Cora Laszlo, Outsight 2021

“I’m very grateful for the fellowship, and I think it allows the artists an open space to pursue their ideas with both freedom and support. The format worked well for me: having the studio allowed me to keep my practice and dive into the creative process and having OUTISIGHT to share the creation guided the process. The creation of sight-specific works is part of my previous work, and this fellowship was great to continue this ongoing research. The virtual initiatives (the workshops, the OUTISGHT IN, and our meetings) were great to keep us connected. I also thank you all from … Continued

Testimonial – Thea Little, Outsight 2021

“I feel grateful that LEIMAY provided the sound system and power that I needed and Brandon was very clear and responsive reassuring me about that as well as answering email questions promptly. I felt supported by LEIMAY as well: Ximena’s speech after my performance was very warm and Shige helped me with figuring out what was wrong with my first headmic as well as “showing me the ropes” with how to keep the rope untangled. I also felt happy that Masa and Polina were there to support and help out in a friendly way as well. Krystel marketed the events … Continued

Testimonial – Rebecca Pappas, Outsight 2021

“The tech ran smoothly and all worked hard and well to put on a show. I was so appreciative of the opportunities through the last year and a half to share and develop work in progress. I am so thankful to Shige, Brandon, Krystel, Masa and Ximena for all your work on these programs. Very appreciated.” – Rebecca Pappas, Outsight Artist, 2021

Testimonial – Kelly Ashton Todd, Outsight 2019

“My experience with LEIMAY and OUTSIGHT was essential to both projects I am in the process for. Being awarded free studio space allowed me to remove the pressures of creating quickly and just be able to live in the process of playing, exploring, and molding a story. Collaborating with OUTSIGHT was an experience I’ve been craving, but wasn’t sure how to make it happen. It is essential for the work I’m doing to discover more ways to merge the local NYC community with my global environmental work and I believe that begins with our communal gardens.” – Kelly Ashton Todd, … Continued

Testimonial – Martin & Arely, Outsight 2019

“At the Outsight performance we had the opportunity to share a work, on the one hand with NYC artistic peers, but also with the community surrounding the garden. It’s great to have people walking by and joining a performance experience, it’s what the experience of performing at the Dorothy Strelsin Memorial Garden can provide. We were able to use some materials that we found on the site, like stone bricks, or the sound created by feet on the stone soil. Designing the path on the already set pathways of the garden was a superposition of two tracks, a performative one … Continued

Testimonial – Rebecca Fitton, Outsight 2019

“LEIMAY’s fellowship program allowed me the chance to build a consistent studio practice, something I’ve never had in NYC. The OUTSIGHT series gave me the opportunity to build a work in an environment I believe in and experiment with creative aspects typically adjacent to my performance-based work.” – Rebecca Fitton, Outsight Artist, 2019

Testimonial – Deborah Black, Outsight 2019

“I loved being a part of Outsight. All communications from the LEIMAY staff were organized and clear. The space was well described and I enjoyed having ample time to tech and rehearse before the show. More importantly, Outsight is an exciting dance event for New York City. I love that it is free and therefore accessible to anyone who wants to join. Thank you for a wonderful experience!” – Deborah Black, Outsight Artist, 2019

Testimonial – Audience at Outsight 2019

“Outstanding/ exceptional; interesting how they incorporate the audience; it was a wonderful/ beautiful show” – Audience at OUSIGHT September 29, 2019. Performance by Effy Grey.

Testimonial – Emily Smith, Outsight 2019

“I was so happy to be able to perform in such a beautiful space! It was inspiring to the work itself. And it was lovely to meet people who gathered around this space as a space of peace within the neighborhood. I was very happy to work with Kayleigh, Ximena, and Shige, expectations were clear, and I felt taken care of as a performer. I feel like my work as an artist has grown from this experience and I am grateful to have been a part of this series.” – Emily Smith, Outsight Artist, 2019

Testimonial – Esther BakerTarpaga, Outsight 2019

“I enjoyed working in the garden and responding to the space in a cement-full environment. It rained. I started at an orange wall across the street where I saw a model posing earlier in the day. Adama and I connected with flute drum and dance. The intense ending proved to be complex and real and I’m thankful Ximena and Shige came to support. What a good nite to recognize the deep understanding and support we developed at Earthdance.” – Esther BakerTarpaga, Outsight Artist, 2019

Testimonial – Roxy Gordon, Outsight 2019

“Part of my LEIMAY Fellowship involved a presentation of my work in the OUTSIGHT Series at the Dorothy Streslin Community Garden. The work that I was cultivating had, up until OUTSIGHT, lived in the LEIMAY space. The space itself is a blank canvas. White box with marley is hard to come by in NYC and having it to create both complicated my process and enhanced it. Having such a neutral space forced my work deeper inside itself, creating something even more sensual and exploratory than I had thought was possible. Being asked to then move the work from a whitebox … Continued

Testimonial – Pamyla Cummings, Outsight 2019

“Performing “Nox” choreographed by Joy Douglas outdoors in this beautiful garden brought a new element to the work. I felt more connected to the dirt, the grass, the trees and the world around me.” – Pamyla Cummings, Outsight Artist, 2019

Testimonial – Ann Francis Ang, Outsight 2019

“It gave me an alternative perspective toward site-specific performance, and adjusting from the studio to the garden space provided a challenging but fruitful experience.” – Ann Francis Ang (Douglas & Co. Performer), Outsight Artist, 2019

Testimonial – Anonymous, Incubator 2024

“Finding and renting a rehearsal studio when creating choreographies has been a significant burden, so LEIMAY’s incubator program was very helpful in my creative process. The studio is in a convenient and trendy location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The studio with a sprung floor and a beautiful ceiling window was like my dream rehearsal studio. The staff at LEIMAY was very friendly, supportive, efficient, and quick to respond to any of my questions. Thanks to LEIMAY’s Incubator program, I could develop my practice of body movement and Zen meditation relationships. Thank you.” – Anonymous, Incubator Artist, 2024

Testimonial – Beau Bree Rhee, Incubator 2023

“The LEIMAY Incubator Artist Residency program is a generous program that gave me the space & time to explore new choreographic ideas in a non-hurried & supportive way. The freedom to create without a specific deliverable is really special & radical. There’s a respect for the process of creation that feels spacious and respectful. The space is intimate, historic & worked really well for the suite of portrait-solos I was working on this spring. I enjoyed the sense of community developed with the LEIMAY team & the other resident artists”. – Beau Bree Rhee, Incubator Artist, 2023

Testimonial – Nicole von Arx, Incubator 2022

“I’m grateful for creative homes like LEIMAY that offer a stress-free, welcoming, and process-based residencies for artists like myself.” – Nicole von Arx, Incubator Artist, 2022

Testimonial – Ari LaMora

“I am so grateful to have been provided this time and space through LEIMAY. It allowed me to have a safe space to explore and create without physical limitations such as a couch or dining room table, as well as without mental limitations such as roommates interrupting. It was so nice to begin and end my days in a space to process, reflect and grow. The community created and provided through the Incubator Program is something that I will cherish moving forward.” – Ari LaMora, Incubator Artist, 2022

Testimonial – Kristel Baldoz

“LEIMAY’s Incubator Program was a great way for me to work on my artistic ideas without any pressure to create a piece, allowing me to wildly experiment!” – Kristel Baldoz, Incubator Artist, 2022

Testimonial – Melani De Guzman

“The LEIMAY Incubator program truly supports artists of all disciplines. They are extremely helpful, communicative, and giving. The space is so sacred and allows you to focus on your craft.” – Melani De Guzman, Incubator Artist, 2022

Testimonial – Selma Trevino

“The Incubator program gave me ground to start a project in the middle of the pandemic in a very uncertain time. I could not have done without it, because I had no money to pay for a studio to work. To be able to restart working in my artistic goals, gave me support and encouraged me to keep working and applying for more opportunities. I already had a work-in-progress showing and more opportunities coming my way because I have something solid, created during the residency. Thank you LEIMAY!” – Selma Trevino, Incubator Artist, 2022

Testimonial – Yoko Murakami

“The Incubator program by LEIMAY was very special – the space is cozy and feels totally detached from the hectic NYC energy. The skylight connects us to the sense of time and I enjoyed being in the space in both darkness and light. I benefited from the fact that it was a process-based program, yet the organizers were very supportive in sharing our works-in-process and any showings we may have. Very grateful for the summer I spent there and hope to find myself in the space again soon!” – Yoko Murakami, Incubator Artist, 2021

Testimonial – Dorchel Haqq

“This intimate incubation space allowed me to explore the rawness of my imagination. The program welcomed and respected my process by giving me time to explore in depth.” – Dorchel Haqq, Incubator Artist, 2021

Testimonial – Incubator Participant

“I really appreciate LEIMAY’s dedication to reaching out and offering support with no strings attached. It was a surprising gift to know I would be able to take time for myself each week this fall to build on specific works and to expand into my practice in general. This small team was immensely helpful and thoughtful in what they offered and I am excited for more artists to have a chance at this program in the future.” – Incubator Artist, 2021

Testimonial – Mar Orozco Arango

“The Incubator Program is exactly what an artist needs: space to make art. It is because of programs like this that underrepresented artists can emerge, and I am deeply grateful for having been a part of it.” – Mar Orozco Arango, Incubator Artist, 2021

Testimonial – Sandra F. Kaplan, At Home 2022

“I was so glad to be back at CAVE! I enjoyed the performance and was interested to see a 2022 performer modifying Butoh as time has gone by. I was also interested in the talk afterwards.” – Sandra F. Kaplan, Audience Member, 2022

Testimonial – Ogemdi Ude

“Having a consistent time/schedule in the space is really helpful for me to wrap my mind around the long-term development of a solo project. Thank you for this generous opportunity! I am so grateful.” – Ogemdi Ude, Incubator Artist, 2021

Testimonial – Peggy Gould

“The depth of knowledge and artistry, and the profound generosity of the LEIMAY community are among the many admirable aspects of this program. The commitment here to welcome all participants, to honor each individual’s presence and unique capacity to engage in this practice, while providing well-considered encouragement to go beyond what we are accustomed to doing as performers, makes possible a level of achievement for each and for all as a group. The growing vision of connecting and building artistry over great distances through the use of live-streaming media is especially inspiring.” – Peggy Gould, LEIMAY LUDUS Training Group Participant, … Continued

Testimonial – Xi Nan

“LEIMAY’s staff/teachers care about all bodies’ needs and made accommodations when I registered for the LUDUS training class— due to my physical disability, I wanted to give a try for the first class to see if it would be suitable for me. LEIMAY offered me a free first class and a discounted rate when I decided to register for the full course. And their teachers are responsible and make students feel so welcome as we are from all levels and diverse backgrounds. And they are also planning to install some facilities to assist people with disabilities practice in the studio.” … Continued

Testimonial – Anonymous

“The LEIMAY LUDUS Training group was an excellent dive back into movement after having taken some time off from dance classes. It pushed me creatively and physically, and gave me a lot to work with not only in the studio, but in my creative practices outside of it.” – Anonymous, LEIMAY LUDUS Training Group Participant, 2022

Testimonial – Cora Laszlo

“LEIMAY LUDUS Lab was not only a great opportunity to learn from the deep movement and creation research LEIMAY has developed, but also a space for community and reflection on how to keep moving today.” – Cora Laszlo, LEIMAY LUDUS Participant, 2022

Testimonial – Claire B

“The training opportunity is one of a kind. Interesting people with unique perspectives on art will take you for a wild ride. Your psyche emerges refreshed and your body properly challenged to surpass the everyday uses to which it is usually put.” – Claire B, LEIMAY LUDUS Training Group Participant, 2022

Testimonial – Jeremy Goren

“This workshop experience was truly a gift. I signed up because I was feeling a bit lonely and isolated artistically. I hadn’t done any dance training in a while and I was looking to meet new friends and collaborators. I got just that and much more. I had researched or experienced similar forms of movement practice while studying dance in New York and abroad, but I had never done anything over the span of multiple weeks. I know the LUDUS Lab barely scratched the surface of the work that is normally done at LEIMAY; however, I could tell by the … Continued

Testimonial – Akane Little

“LEIMAY really offers a special space of liberated movement exploration. LEIMAY cultivates a space unique from many other contemporary dance spaces in New York City – the environment is warm, welcoming, non-competitive, and allows for genuine space to explore movement and deepen into artistry.” – Akane Little, LEIMAY LUDUS Lab – Yukio Suzuki Participant, 2022

Testimonial – Claire B.

“This class is the highlight of my week, I love it! In a welcoming, non-judgmental setting, physical elements are carefully attended to while the mind and spirit are revitalized. It is an honor to explore with members of this amazing company their butoh-derived movement practice called LUDUS.” – Claire B., LEIMAY LUDUS Online Class Participant, 2021

Testimonial – Arielle Gonzalez

“I attend LEIMAY classes as a way to connect with fellow artists while simultaneously expanding my own personal creativity. Taking LEIMAY classes allowed me to explore my imagination in a profoundly deep and engaged way… something I don’t think I had done in YEARS. This informed my movement as a dancer and brought me immense joy as a person. I took part in the Becoming series of classes in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic and always left class feeling better than when I had come in. It was grounding, enlightening, and truly a delight to come to class every … Continued

Testimonial – Elyse Desmond

“LEIMAY Online classes offer me a sense of warmth and openness as soon as I join the Zoom room. When I take Latin Cardio I always feel like I have walked into a dance party with close friends and my body feels great after!” – Elyse Desmond, LEIMAY LUDUS Online Class Participant, 2020

Testimonial – Ruxandra Raffols

“My daughter and I participated in the online classes together. We were able to get a welcome relief from the Covid19 experience by escaping into the fun and silly world of dance that LEIMAY offered. She would look forward to the next class every week, and the lessons would often transfer into our everyday life, as I could see her considering the movement of everyday objects. My favorite part was hearing the class taught bilingually. We are a bilingual family and my children are very much used to hearing things expressed twice.” – Ruxandra Raffols, LEIMAY LUDUS Online Class Participant, … Continued

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