One spontaneous choice connects two seemingly contrasting moments in the production of Alice by Heart.
Emma-Rose (Choreographer) tells the story in her first Director's Commentary blog post (S1B1):
This intense and dark dance number had gone through many changes and tweaks in the two weeks leading up to opening night. There was always something missing. Sometimes the vision itself takes time to fully unfurl. During one of our very last rehearsals, I instructed one of our dancers to toss the crutch to Alice and for Alice to capture and hold it like she holds her dear and dying friend Alfred. This young actress delivered the moment beautifully. It was the perfect kiss of fear and horror that the piece needed. It wasn’t until later that Director, Chiya, watched the final version and pointed out, “Wow, that throw perfectly parallels the fall that Alfred does in the scene prior. Awesome.” “Oh yeah,” I said, “I totally meant to do that…” Sometimes you see the vision clearly, and sometimes the vision meets you where you are and helps you out a little bit.
Alice catching the crutch in “Brillig Braelig” ended up being one of my favorite moments, and turned out to be one of the best things that can happen for a choreographer - a happy accident!
— Emma-Rose Allen, Choreographer
Alfred falls, landing in the arms of the ensemble.
Producers Note
This is the creative journey I love watching our students be a part of, where trust, inspiration, and instinct come together for a young artist to explore their creative potential. Our directors lead the process, a student shapes and brings the work to life, and the collaboration continues to grow until an audience finally gets to take it all in. It’s thrilling!
— Daena
ALICE BY HEART (May, 2026)
Produced by Daena Santoyo
Directed by Chiya Newman
Choreographed by Emma-Rose Allen
