EVELYN
GAINES
Bio
Evelyn (Evie) Gaines is a performer and choreographer currently based in Detroit.
She will graduate in 2022 from Wayne State University with a BFA in Dance and BA in Public Relations and is currently working towards her STOTT Pilates certification. During her time at WSU she has performed in works by Meg Paul, Shaina and Bryan Baira, Stephanie Troyak, Germaul Barnes, Shawn Bible, and other distinguished artists. As an interdisciplinary artist, Gaines has trained in ballet, pointe, partnering, modern, improvisation, African, and musical theater.
She also worked as an Administrative Assistant with BAIRA MVMNT
PHLOSPHY, primarily focused on grant writing and community outreach. Post-graduation she will be working with Eisenhower Dance Detroit as their Administrative Intern and plans to pursue a performance-based career.
Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, she began dancing at three years old and has never dreamed of stopping. With her small-town background, she is energized by experiencing new places and different cultures and incorporating them into her personal practice. She is passionate about creating and experiencing movement that merges artistry with humanity.
Artistic Statement
“Fantasy is what people want but reality is what they need.” - Lauryn Hill.
My art and movement dwell on reality, especially hard truths that are easily avoided.
I am drawn to themes of rawness and vulnerability, drawing inspiration from my life experiences that sit uncomfortably in my mind.
These experiences and feelings pain me to verbalize but flow from my limbs without second thought.
My work drips in drama and theatrics in a way that amplifies its honesty.
I long to invoke inquisition and self-reflection amongst those who witness.
I strive to make people think about what they might have buried in the crevices of their minds.
I want the audience to feel like they know a part of me, like we have something in common.
Everyone has different experiences, but the root emotions of those experiences are more often shared than we believe.
