Joy is a Home with Many Rooms:
Sid Ryan Eilers and TRANScenDANCE create joy at Porch View Dances

14 Jul 2024 -
TRANScenDANCE photos by Richelle Kingsland
Porch View Dances 2023 photos by SV Photography
Porch View Dances 2023 butterfly photo by Karen Kaeja

Porch View Dances 2024 is billed as a "site-specific, outdoor dance event featuring a series of short, original performances danced by everyday people that explore the heart of play – choosing joy over fear, giving into laughter and silliness, and unashamedly embracing our truest selves." Dancer, choreographer and activist Sid Ryan Eilers and their troupe TRANScenDANCE, are bringing a new piece Joy is a Home with Many Rooms. "The piece explores the idea of embracing our truest selves and finding joy and play in the process," says Eiler. "It reflects the trans experience of navigating identity and expression in a world that often imposes strict norms. The performance aims to create a space where individuals can be unashamedly themselves, choosing joy and laughter over fear. This resonates deeply with the ideals of acceptance and self-expression that we strive to foster in TRANScenDANCE."

Eilers has been teaching dance for 23 years and is a faculty member at the National Ballet School, but TRANScenDANCE is their own creation. "The inspiration for TRANScenDANCE came from my personal frustration with the gender binary prevalent in traditional dance forms like ballet," says Eiler. "As an intersex, non-binary dancer and choreographer, I wanted to create a space where gender-diverse children could explore movement freely and authentically. Where gender-diverse children can explore movement without the constraints of gender assumptions and expectations. My own journey of understanding my gender identity highlighted the need for such spaces, especially for young children who might not fit into conventional gender categories. TRANScenDANCE aims to provide an affirming environment where these kids can be themselves and express their creativity without societal pressures."

TRANScenDANCE has been very successful. "There is a strong desire among trans kids to dance," says Eiler. "Dance is a universal form of expression and joy, and trans kids are no different in their desire to engage with it. The difference in perception often arises from societal biases and the rigid gender norms imposed in many dance environments. Trans kids face unique challenges, such as the lack of inclusive spaces and the fear of not being accepted. Programs like TRANScenDANCE aim to bridge this gap, providing a supportive and affirming space where they can explore their passion for dance without fear of judgment. Classical ballet has traditionally been entrenched in rigid gender binary roles, often leaving little room for gender diverse expressions including trans and non-binary individuals to find acceptance or representation. The gender binary is oppressive to all humans. While companies like Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo push boundaries, they often do so in a way that emphasizes parody rather than genuine inclusion. The modern dance world tends to be more progressive, embracing a broader range of expressions and being more open to challenging traditional gender norms. This openness is reflected in programs like TRANScenDANCE."

Though Eiler is an applauded and lauded artist, "Having a program like TRANScenDANCE available during my formative years would have profoundly impacted not only my career trajectory but my life trajectory.. It would have provided a supportive environment where I could explore my identity and creativity without the constraints of needing to fit into traditional gender roles. Such a program would have given me the language and confidence to express myself fully at an earlier age, potentially opening doors to more inclusive opportunities and collaborations in the dance world." They have been involved with Porch View Dances before and "the opportunity to collaborate on a project that emphasizes joy, play, and authenticity was incredibly appealing. It aligns with my life’s work, where we focus on creating performances that inspire reflection and dialogue on social and political issues. Porch View Dances provides a platform to bring these themes to a broader audience in an engaging and accessible way."

The official description of Joy is a Home with Many Rooms is "A group of courageous parents, with their children, as they wholeheartedly embrace their children’s gender fluid expressions, allowing space for their brightness and joy to shine." Eiler has more to say, "When audiences experience Joy is a Home with Many Rooms, I hope they feel a deep sense of connection, joy, and empathy. The performance aims to create a shared experience of celebration and self-expression, highlighting the beauty of embracing one's true self. I want audiences to leave with a renewed sense of acceptance and a greater understanding of the importance of inclusive spaces for all individuals, particularly gender-diverse children. Having parents dance with their children emphasizes the importance of family support in the journey of self-discovery and expression. It demonstrates that acceptance and love within the family unit can be powerful catalysts for a child's confidence and joy. Labeling them 'courageous' acknowledges the societal pressures and challenges they face in supporting their gender-diverse children. It celebrates their willingness to embrace their children’s identities and join them in this creative exploration, often in the face of significant external scrutiny." 

Not only is Porch View Dances fun for the audiences but "For the performers, participating in Porch View Dances, it offers an opportunity to express themselves authentically and connect with the community in a meaningful way. I hope they gain confidence in their abilities, experience the joy of collaboration, and feel a sense of accomplishment in sharing their stories through dance. This experience should empower them to continue exploring their creativity and to advocate for inclusive spaces within the arts." And is a great chance for artists to share their work and experiences. "I am particularly curious to see performances that explore themes of community, identity, and play in innovative ways," says Eiler. "I am always interested in how different artists interpret these concepts and bring them to life through movement. My dancers are eager to see works that resonate with their own experiences and that challenge traditional norms, offering fresh perspectives and inspiring new ideas for their own creative journeys."