& Other Stories jumps, leaps and bounds through spring with an energy that only comes from knowing the joy of expression through dance. They have teamed up with the L.A. City Municipal Dance Squad (LACMDS) to collaborate on a collection and to create spaces where women can break out of their shells and express themselves freely without fear of judgement or failing to meet the stifling and restrictive expectations of others.
Co-labs with & Other Stories launched in 2013 and the lifestyle label has since worked with many talented and diverse women. Previous collaborations, or co- labs, feature a wide range of inspiring creatives such as writer Lena Dunham, nonagenarian fashionista Iris Apfel, and stand-up comedians Jen Kirkman and Aparna Nancherla (see bazaar issue December 2018). LACMDS is simply the next dance step.
“Being silly is a great way to break out of your shell and stop worrying about being seen as ‘cool’,” says Angela Trimbur, Captain of the L.A. City Municipal Dance Squad. “You just have to give yourself permission to feel free and dance for yourself!” Finding that safe space is not always easy though so the partners found Bahia, a venue in Los Angeles, where they put on an interactive, freeing dance night. The venue is transformed into a non-judgmental space where women can play, break free and be as goofy as they like!
The LA dance squad makes the perfect Co- lab partner because they have a uniquely inclusive philosophy, not the first thing you think of when you think of dance which can be elitist and inaccessible. Collaborating with & Other Stories gave LACMDS the opportunity to tell the story of the squad, the members who refreshingly come in all shapes and sizes, and their movement.
Anna Nyrén, Head of Co- labs for & Other Stories explains, “This story is about encouraging women to let loose and be fearless.” You can see the results of these efforts this month with the release of the partnership’s co-created series of liberating documentary films and imagery, as well as the beautiful collection of clothes that has been borne from this inspirational collaboration between LACMDS and & Other Stories.
It is revealing to speak to the members of the dance squad and ask them how being in LACMDS with such an open and accepting attitude has affected their lives. Co-choreographer with Angela, Bonnie Hernandez states, “I have learned to let go of my fear of judgment as I’ve gotten older, and certainly as a result of being on the squad.”
Another member talks of how the squad has helped her to embrace her curves, creating a powerful shift in how she thinks of herself. Yet another says dancing helps to relieve the stress of her studying to be a mid-wife. It is not hard to see that dance fits into and enhances many women’s lives.
LACMDS and & Other Stories are challenging women all over to embrace this fearless attitude and dance philosophy. From now until International Women’s Day on March 8th, share your dancing stories through the hashtag #dancingstories and connect globally with this dance movement which is happening at home, on the streets, at work, school or wherever the women taking part are.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
bazaar had the chance to pose a few questions to Captain of the L.A. City Municipal Dance Squad Angela Trimbur and her love and respect for dance seems evident.
Why do you think the phrase, “Dance like nobody’s watching” has become so popular?
Dancing [as if you are] alone is an amazing feeling. Dancing should always be for yourself, whether you are by yourself or not. Our philosophy, “Be Bold! Get Weird! WHO CARES!” means that you don’t have to be an expert or even have any rhythm. You just have to give yourself permission to feel free and dance for yourself.
What makes having dance in all our lives so important?
Dance is a healthy way to check in with yourself and release endorphins. I honestly doubt anyone could ever truly say they didn’t feel better after dancing! That’s powerful!
What has dance given you?
My mom owned a dance studio when I was little, I was always there, it was like a second home to me. I always felt pressured to get all the routines correct, as the owner’s daughter, so I always worried about being perfect. I think it’s important to drop that worry, and so that’s a main focus for me with dance now as an adult. To not be perfect, to be wild and messy, and THAT will be its own kind of perfect. Your personal kind.
What do you hope the legacy of this co-lab with & Other Stories will be?
Stop comparing yourself to other dancers and telling yourself you “can’t dance”! Everyone has their own style and something to offer, so just dance for yourself, and let go of worrying how you look or what other people think. To us, dance is not about having rhythm or skills, it’s about allowing yourself to unleash however your body and brain want to move. Who cares! Have fun!
Using the hashtag #dancingstories share your dancing stories. & Other Stories is located in Grand Avenue – The Avenues. Follow @andotherstories and @lacitymunicipaldancesquad on Instagram to see more on the co-lab. Exclusive BTS polaroids courtesy of & Other Stories.
