Kayla Farrish, an alumna of the University of Arizona School of Dance, is making waves in the world of interdisciplinary arts. As the founder and director of Kayla Farrish/Decent Structures Arts, she combines filmmaking, storytelling, dance theater performance, and sound score to create captivating works. Farrish’s talent has been recognized through commissions from renowned institutions such as Gibney Dance Inc, Louis Armstrong House Museum, and Danspace Project Inc.
Her creative residencies include prestigious programs like Gallim Women + Residency and Baryshnikov Arts Center. Farrish has produced groundbreaking pieces like “Black Bodies Sonata,” “The New Frontier (my dear America),” and “Spectacle,” which challenge traditional boundaries of form, voice, scene, and narrative. Her work has been showcased at acclaimed venues like Judson Church, Jacob’s Pillow, and New York Live Arts.
In addition to her dance and theater performances, Farrish has ventured into the world of film, directing and choreographing a range of projects. She has received grants and support from organizations such as Sundance Uprise Grant, Dance Films Association, and Brooklyn Filmmaker Collective. Farrish’s remarkable achievements have earned her a Bessie Performance Award and recognition from The New York Times and Dance Magazine.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Farrish has shared her expertise as an instructor and rehearsal director at esteemed institutions including NYU Tisch Dance and Juilliard. Currently serving as a rehearsal director at Sleep No More NYC, she continues to push boundaries and explore the intersection of race, identity, and power through her work.
Kayla Farrish’s contributions to the world of interdisciplinary arts have captivated audiences and critics alike. With her innovative approach, she has created a platform for meaningful storytelling and exploration of socio-political structures. Farrish’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.