Phoenix is brimming with creativity. And every other year, we put the spotlight on 100 of the city's creative forces. Leading up to the release of this year's Best of Phoenix issue, we're profiling 100 more. Welcome to the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today: 39. Gavin Sisson.
Being up in the air is one of Gavin Sisson's specialties.
The 35-year-old dancer is renowned for his work in aerial movement, dancing, spinning, and twisting while several feet off the ground and clinging to silks that hang from above, ropes, or the lyra, a suspended hoop. Sisson has been with Lisa Starry's Scorpius Dance Theatre since 2011. He serves as the troupe's aerial trainer and helps run its aerial arts studio, in addition to working as the company's assistant director.
And this fall, he's stepping into the spotlight.
See also: Melissa Dunmore of Phoenix's Mujeres del Sol: 100 Creatives
That's not to say the Illinois native hasn't been in the spotlight during past Scorpius performances; on the contrary, we thought he stole the show last year during 10th annual edition of A Vampire Tale. But come October, the dancer will take on the production's male lead role of Viktor (a.k.a. the vampire king), originated by David Starry.
"Now in its 11th season, we are changing things around a bit," Sisson says. "I will be taking over the role of 'The Watcher.' I have some big shoes to fill being given this role from its creator David Starry. I hope to be able to create a character that you love, but wouldn't want be alone in a dark place with."
To incorporate his aerial and acrobatic talents into the character's movement, Scoripus has acquired a custom Cyr wheel, which is a large metal hoop in which an acrobat spins onstage, that Sisson will debut during 2014's A Vampire Tale.
"I am so elated to be a part of this ever-evolving show," he says.
We're sure it won't be one to miss.
I came to Phoenix in 2011 with my little car loaded with clothes, which quickly became mostly tank tops and shorts.
I make art because I am not complete with out it. I have gone through periods of time when I concentrated on "real life"(a full time/well paying job), and I am definitely not the same person. When you work for something you are truly passionate about, your soul grows and continues to need more artistic nurturing.
I am most productive when I am in my studio. I clear my mind, play music, and let my body move freely.
My inspiration wall is full of pictures of my newlywed husband, family and friends, and lots of inspirational quotes.
I have learned so much from different teachers that have crossed my path, but I have learned most from studying anatomy. This body is the tool for my art, and taking the time to learn all about it is a great benefit.
Personally I feel that good work should always strive for better. Good is good, but your best is better.
The Phoenix creative scene could use more funding. To an artist any kind of donation is greatly appreciated. It lets them know they are being seen/heard, and respected. Nurture the artist and the art grows.
See the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives:
100. Bill Dambrova 99. Niki Blaker 98. Jeff Slim 97. Beth May 96. Doug Bell 95. Daniel Langhans 94. Nanibaa Beck 93. Nicole Royse 92. Ib Andersen 91. Casandra Hernandez 90. Chris Reed 89. Shelby Maticic 88. Olivia Timmons 87. Courtney Price 86. Travis Mills 85. Catrina Kahler 84. Angel Castro 83. Cole Reed 82. Lisa Albinger 81. Larry Madrigal 80. Julieta Felix 79. Lauren Strohacker 78. Levi Christiansen 77. Thomas Porter 76. Carrie Leigh Hobson 75. Cody Carpenter 74. Jon Jenkins 73. Aurelie Flores 72. Michelle Ponce 71. Devin Fleenor 70. Noelle Martinez 69. Bucky Miller 68. Liliana Gomez 67. Jake Friedman 66. Clarita Lulić 65. Randy Murray 64. Mo Neuharth 63. Jeremy Hamman 62. La Muñeca 61. Kevin Goldman 60. Emily Costello 59. Kerstin Dale 58. Vara Ayanna 57. Nathaniel Lewis 56. Ruben Gonzales 55. Lisa Poje 54. Bobby Zokaites 53. Frances Smith Cohen 52. Julie Rada 51. David Miller 50. Xanthia Walker 49. Kyllan Maney 48. Cary Truelick 47. Constance McBride 46. James D. Porter 45. Allyson Boggess 44. Abigail Lynch 43. Ashley Cooper 42. Jaclyn Roessel 41. Brandon Boetto 40. Melissa Dunmore
