search BFS site

alumni/ae page alum events alum profiles
alumni/ae association alumni/ae e-mail directory update form

December 2002
Edisa Weeks ’83

BFS Helps Support Edisa Weeks’ Passion for Dance

by Jesse Soll ’95

Edisa Weeks ’83 has a passion for dance, and yet as a young child she initially rejected it. “At the time, we had just returned from Uganda (where her family was living) so I joined the class late, which was very uncomfortable for me. Also, my brother told me dancing was for sissies,” she remembers, laughing. Now an experienced dancer, choreographer and director, Weeks recently formed her own dance troupe, the DELiRiOUS Dance Co. in New York City.

It took Weeks a number of years to escape her brother’s influence. Her interest in dance returned at the age of 15, when her mother urged her to join the Marie Brooks Children’s Dance Company, with whom she traveled to Europe. Her experiences sparked an interest and passion that has yet to die.

This was also the year that Bonnie Weins joined the faculty at Brooklyn Friends as Upper School dance teacher. “Bonnie really revitalized the dance program at Brooklyn Friends,” Weeks says, “and she encouraged students to express themselves and create their own work. She nurtured creativity and never rejected our ideas.”

Weeks admits that during her four years in the Upper School she spent more time in the dance studio and art rooms than in the library. Nevertheless, she credits the many hours spent rehearsing and experimenting for sparking her creativity and giving her the confidence to express herself as a dancer. Weeks also cites former faculty members Martin Norregard, Jeanie Silkworth, and Marilyn Turtz for encouraging and nurturing her interests.

Upon graduating from Brown University with a degree in Non-Western Performance Studies, Weeks joined the renowned Alvin Ailey School. “Alvin Ailey was my first experience with technical instruction, and it was such a shock to my body but it definitely helped me become a stronger dancer,” she says.

Weeks’ career as a dancer faced a serious setback nearly two years later when she suffered a knee injury. During the long path through rehabilitation, Weeks often questioned dance as a career. Fortunately passion overcame doubt and she joined Dance Brazil, remaining a member for one and a half years.

“At the time, Dance Brazil was the perfect match for me. I could experiment with so many different dance forms. It really helped me realize that dance was my life,” she says. “Then, while I was dancing with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Co. in ‘Last Summer’ at Uncle Tom’s Cabin/The Promised Land, I met (fellow dancer) Homer Avila, and in 1992 we formed the Avila Weeks Dance Company.”

Her collaboration with Avila lasted nine years, until she decided to form DELiRiOUS, a venture that offered many rewards. “It is wonderful to have a group of people who know and trust me, who share my vision, and who are willing to take a journey with me,” Weeks explains. “Although it is a struggle to generate funding and exposure, I love having a company.”

And, despite her busy schedule, Weeks has found time to return to Brooklyn Friends. In 1998, she approached dance teacher Marna Herrity in hopes of opening a connection with her old school. The result? She choreographed a quartet to music by Patsy Cline and recently used the dance studio as a rehearsal space.

“Brooklyn Friends has been an incredible resource to have. Marna was great; she made time for us in September which was extremely helpful as commercial space is very expensive. It is special to be back here twice a week dancing in the same space where I began to find myself as a dancer.”

Back to alum profiles page