Special thanks to Reggie "Regg Roc" Gray, Abena Floyd and The D.R.E.A.M. Ring Company (Carol and Shellz Felton pictured above)
Madd Pain was a photographic exhibition presented simultaneously with FLEXN EVOLUTION, May 18-21, 2017, at the Park Avenue Armory.
In March of 2015, the Park Avenue Armory presented the world premier of FLEXN which gave me the opportunity to meet this amazing group of dancers and storytellers. Since then I continue to work on an intensive, multi-layered photographic project about the work and lives of the Flexn community.
When I saw that first 2015 performance, I knew nothing about Flexn, but I was mesmerized. Watching the dancers' moves – bone breaks, glides, pausin’, connects, hat tricks and get low - I felt the power, honesty, and sheer raw force of their art and individuality. I passed through the looking glass, and there could be no turning back. I wanted to learn more about this dance form and understand why the personal stories they danced spoke to me so profoundly. I bought another ticket and returned to see FLEXN again the following week. This time I summoned the courage to speak to a few of the dancers after the performance. The only way I could learn more was to photograph and work with them.
Dance Rules Everything Around Me. That’s the creed and commitment of Regg Roc’s D.R.E.A.M. RING dancers. From my very first shoot with Scorp, I began to learn what this meant. I did more and more shoots, and the process between the dancers and me quickly evolved into a true collaboration.
Madd Pain is a series of photographs shot in the studio, on the street, at dance battles, or in homes. The dancers are in constant motion. They are always spinning tales. I race to capture these ephemeral moments of grace and the transmission of their energy outward.
Now dance rules everything around me too.
Without the help of special people who have shared my enthusiasm, none of this would have been possible. Thank you Natalia Vergara, Anja Kern, Betsy Weis and Rosalie Rowey for assisting and supporting the shoots.
Madd Pain is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement / Creative Learning, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. LMCC.net
Additional sponsors of the 2017 Park Avenue Armory Exhibition:
Sharon Brewster
Caryl Englander
Park Avenue Armory
Foto Care
All photography ©Carol Dragon
