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Started by: gottadance
Mar 4, 2008 6:25am
251 views

 Pat Nanon is an inspiration to me. I can't say was. A petite dynamo , she believed in the power of dance and and of individuals. She  brought   artists and enthusiasts  together to create The Yard ,  a creative retreat and educational and cultural center that will benefit the dance world and in turn the world for a very long time.

 I admired her a great deal not only for this enormous contribution but for the times she would come to my open rehearsals,( she was there whenever I invited her)or write notes of support, or send donations to my company, or tease me for always showing off pictures of my kids. 

Posted by: gottadance
Mar 17, 2008 7:55am
Do any of you have stories about working at The Yard? Or working with Patricia? 
It would be great to hear what you have to say about your experiences? 

Posted by: janisbren
Mar 26, 2008 1:17pm
Reflections of Patricia:
Several dancers in my company had been encouraging me to get to The Yard for nearly 10 YEARS before we actually did. When my company and I finally arrived for our first residency in the late-90's, the first thing Patricia said to me as we walked around the property in wonderment was, "You're finally here!" I was so touched that she had apparently had us on her radar for some time; I felt embraced as part of The Yard family from that initial moment. I loved the day she came to watch an early rehearsal in the outdoor studio and how full of respect her critique was for my process and the dancers' intentions.
On March 2, and just two days after Patricia's passing, I sat and watched the dancer auditions for this coming summer's residencies. I imagined how proud she would have been to see the phenomenal level of performing and passion from these 30 or more young artists, all hoping for a chance to be a part of this Yard family that she built with the same passion and commitment. Patricia and The Yard were a gift to so many. She was a hero really, and deserving of greater recognition from our extended dance community.
Janis Brenner
Artistic Director, Janis Brenner & Dancers
The Yard Artists Advisory Board
www.janisbrenner.com