“But to feel nothing so as not to feel anything-what a waste.”
Bio
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Abbey Raymond began her dance training in hip hop, contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre at a young age. She completed a Certification Program at Millennium Dance Complex Pittsburgh and was chosen to compete with them for World of Dance Chicago in 2016. Abbey was also the Dance Captain for 5 different musical productions including Singin’ in the Rain, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and All Shook Up. Working with choreographers and exploring their creative processes during these experiences illuminated Abbey’s passion to create movement. She wanted to impact people with her own work, like these choreographic mentors had. Immediately following high school, Abbey enrolled in the Dance Theatre program at AMDA College of the Performing Arts, New York City, and then completed her studies at the Los Angeles campus to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. While at AMDA, Abbey was given the opportunity to work under the direction of Tracy Silver, Cain DeVore, and Genevieve Carson and performed in original works created by Jason Gorman, Genevieve Carson, Kyle McHargh, and Jared Jenkins. Her talent was best displayed when she was a soloist in “Body Poem” and a soloist in “Shelter” in AMDA Dance Theatre Productions. From her experiences, Abbey recognizes that the creative process and all that goes into it is why she loves being an artist. She hopes that her future endeavors will allow her to choreograph for dance films, music videos, and live performances as well as being an artistic director for all styles of projects that come her way. A quote that drives Abbey in developing new ideas for movement and visual aspects is “But to feel nothing so as not to feel anything-what a waste!” (Call Me By Your Name).
Artist’s Statement
Abbey executes movement with the intention of manifesting the human experience in unexpected yet thought-provoking ways. She moves in a way that kindles emotions and holds authenticity, thus allowing for a deeper meaning of the human condition for her audience and for herself.