Breathless
Conceptualized and choreographed by Diana Mighdoll Hoffmaster in collaboration with the artists.
Breathless traces the arc of feminist history, beginning in Greek antiquity with the Trojan princess Cassandra, whose desperate warnings went unheard. This ancient voice travels through time, arriving in the 1990s, to ignite a fire in all to ensure their feminine power is not silenced. Immersed in the sonic landscape of singer-songwriter Tori Amos, her music carries the journey in search of strength during a decade poised on the edge of the digital era, marked by raw honesty, rebellion, and the search for agency within patriarchal systems.
Drawing inspiration from Amos's uncompromising artistry, Breathless explores feminism as both an inheritance and an act of resistance across all gender identities. Through movement, music, and theatrical imagery, the work navigates generations of struggle, resilience, and awakening, gathering wisdom and strength from those who came before.
The journey culminates in the present day, where the fight for equity, autonomy, and voice remains unfinished. Yet unlike Cassandra, we do not stand alone. Carried by the power, courage, and collective efforts of generations, Breathless looks toward the future with determination and a fresh sip of air.
Creative Process
Development began with a Studio Subsidy Grant from the American Dance Festival, supported by the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation, and was followed by a self-directed residency in New York City.
D’Vorah Dance Arts has been graciously awarded a two-week creative residency at the American Dance Festival, summer of 2026, to continue the creation of Breathless, slated to premiere in 2027.
The company features 8 dancers with diverse backgrounds from prestigious companies and conservatories, including the Martha Graham Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the Metropolitan Opera, Boston Conservatory, and The Juilliard School.
Artist Jacqulyn Elder, will serve as a choreographic contributor and Rehearsal Director, bringing experience from the Ballet National de Marseille under (LA) HORDE as a choreographic assistant and collaborator. In 2023, she participated in the creative process of Madonna's Celebration Tour and Ivo Van Hove's I Want Absolute Beauty, featuring P.J. Harvey's music. Her experience is invaluable and will bring meaningful depth to the work.
Dramaturg Jehbreal Jackson, a Columbia PhD graduate and former company member of Dance Theatre of Harlem, has been conducting research to explore feminist movements through the Black trans feminist lens of Marquis Bey and examining how the evolution has resonated with and influenced each generation, while diving deep into the lyrics and compositions of Tori Amos to support the research.
Efforts are underway to secure the licensing rights to selected Tori Amos tracks, a Technical Theatre residency, and a 2027 preview of the work.
Meet the Artists
