We recently connected with Allison Orr and have shared our conversation below.
Allison, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Forklift Danceworks was born from a desire to bring people together through dance making, collaborating primarily with the people whose work sustains our daily lives. I have a background in social work and public health, and have always loved to dance and make shows. While getting my MFA in Choreography at Mills College, I was eating one day after rehearsals in the school cafe and looked up to see a man washing windows. His movements were both graceful and exact, and I thought, “Now this is the most interesting choreography I have seen in a long time!” I got permission to job shadow him, and from there directed a series of dances with him and a group of his fellow employees that highlighted the movement and rhythm inherent in their work. By working with these employees, I was able to collaborate to make beautiful dances AND help my fellow students understand more about their critical contributions to campus life. That initial project laid the foundation for Forklift’s mission: to activate communities through a collaborative creative process. Over the years, Forklift has expanded by building our team and collaborating with front line personnel like power lineman, firefighters, and sanitation workers along with community members and neighborhood residents.
Our purpose to center our collaborators’ movement expertise, stories and key needs guides us. The questions that we always ask at the beginning of the project are: “What do you love about your job or community? What is hard about it or a struggle you would like acknowledged? And, what is one thing you wish other people knew about you and your fellow employees or community members?” By authentically listening to our collaborators and centering their needs in our process, we ensure we remain accountable and our purpose is on track!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As Founder and Artistic Director of Forklift Danceworks, I am a business leader, budget maker, meeting organizer, board builder, artistic guide, chief visionary and errand runner. It takes all of it! I have learned that running a nonprofit is like a small business—it takes a lot of work and I need a lot of help. What is special about me is that I learned from my mom and dad how to listen well and how to talk people into helping . I come from a long time of big talkers! As the leader of Forklift, I have to practice making people feel at ease and comfortable while earning their trust to come on in and lend a head, either as a volunteer, donor, collaborator, artist or advisor. And I have to always practice tenacity and looking for the wins. Being in this role has taught me so much. I am grateful I have gotten to build a life like this.
In terms of the Forklift brand, it has evolved over time with lots of smart people lending a hand. I would love folks to know that I have a new-ish book out called “Dance Works—Stories of Creative Collaboration.” The book can be purchased via our website at www.forkliftdanceworks.org. It just took seven years to write but it will only take you a weekend to read! The book explores our process at Forklift, and I wrote it by interviewing dozens of our past collaborators (yes, I wrote it by talking!). I would really value hearing people’s thoughts after reading the book. Thank you!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been crucial in my journey as an artist and choreographer:
Curiosity: I have always been curious about people, their lives, and their stories. I get this from my family. My grandfather could make friends with a park bench! And so I watched as my family members made friends with all kinds of people. And that came from a place of being authentically curious and really caring about someone else’s story, experience and expertise.
Empathy: Collaborative work like ours requires a deep sense of empathy. To understand someone’s world, you have to put yourself in their shoes. I am always working to understand the other person’s story, and just how he/she/they got there. Practicing empathy shapes how we approach everything we do at Forklift. And practicing empathy and understanding with myself has taught me that it is ok to make mistakes, apologize, and try again.
Joy: Working in the arts, especially as a nonprofit organization, requires persistence. The work is always challenging, especially around money and fundraising. So I have to notice the joy in the work and what I love about what I do. Once I can’t find that, then it is going to be time to move on!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At Forklift Danceworks, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We look for people to collaborate with us who are curious, interested in looking at an issue in a new way, and understand the value of listening and story sharing. Right now, one key issue we are focusing on is water, through our global project entitled “The Way of Water.” We are eager to connect with water experts – scientists, policy makers, funders, researchers, storytellers and people who are water protectors. Reach out if you are interested in supporting Forklift as we follow The Way of Water! Also, check out my book, “Dance Works—Stories of Creative Collaboration.” You can purchase the book via our website (www.forkliftdanceworks.org). I would love to hear what you think!
Contact Forklift Danceworks via email (info@forkliftdaneworks.org) or on our social media channels. Check out our website (www.forkliftdanceworks.org) to learn more and watch our work. We would love to hear from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.forkliftdanceworks.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forkliftdanceworks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forkliftdanceworks/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forklift-danceworks/
Image Credits
Jonica Moore, Leon Alesi, and Corey Haynez
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
