This is a film that dives into the depths of darkness. I created this during a time where I felt imprisoned in both my body and mind. Unknowing of how to navigate a long journey of addiction recovery and just beginning my transition. It was a darkness I had not known before. No light at the the end of the tunnel. I was just discovering the ways to break through barriers that had kept me from the world my entire life. This is a song that found its way into my orbit at a time when I needed it most, written and sung by one of my favorite artists, Sharon Van Etten. I found solace in this song. A shift in my nervous system when I would listen. Music is a language and I was hearing my experience echoed back to me. I don't always believe in the promise of happy endings or tying things up with pretty bows. But I do believe there is light to be found and witnessed when we can stop. When we can be still. When we can listen. It's there. I have learned to embrace the darkness inside of me and honor the parts of my life that it holds. There is no light without darkness. There is no recognition of great love without loss. It all makes me love. It all makes me love more. Love better, love kinder, love softer, love infinitely. Love is at the center of it all. Love is freedom.
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Hayden J Frederick (they/them) is a Trans choreographer, dancer, and educator based out of Los Angeles. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, they have lived in New York City for the last decade and have been a force in the arts community. They are an ever-evolving creator whose mission is to strengthen human connection using dance as a medium to heal and initiate change. Hayden has been a full-time faculty member at Broadway Dance Center since 2023 teaching weekly open classes, as well as BDC’s Children and Teen Program. They are currently full-time faculty at Movement Lifestyle and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles.
As a choreographer, Hayden has most recently had the privilege of working with Monika Felice Smith choreographing and co- choreographing for Angel Olsen’s album film “Big Time” directed by Kimberly Stuckwisch. They have recently worked on projects with incredible artists such as Sylvan Esso, Sharon Van Etten, Griffin Matthews, Sloppy Jane, and Zelma Stone. Their work has been presented in countless festivals and showcases on reputable stages in both New York and LA at venues such as the Highline Ballroom, Symphony Space, the Salvatore Peridance Capezio Theatre, and Manhattan Movement and Arts Center.
Hayden is a nationally and internationally recognized instructor and educator. They spent extended time in Israel at Nadine Bommer Animato Dance Theater in Rishon Le Zion, the 2017 Movement Dance Festival in Eilat, and MOVE(MEANT) JOURNEY in Krakow, Poland. They were also recently featured in Dance Spirit Magazine in an article entitled "8 Phenomenal Trans and GNC Dancers to Follow" and The New York Times article “Sequins and Soul-Searching...”
This is a film that dives into the depths of darkness. I created this during a time where I felt imprisoned in both my body and mind. Unknowing of how to navigate a long journey of addiction recovery and just beginning my transition. It was a darkness I had not known before. No light at the the end of the tunnel. I was just discovering the ways to break through barriers that had kept me from the world my entire life. This is a song that found its way into my orbit at a time when I needed it most, written and sung by one of my favorite artists, Sharon Van Etten. I found solace in this song. A shift in my nervous system when I would listen. Music is a language and I was hearing my experience echoed back to me. I don't always believe in the promise of happy endings or tying things up with pretty bows. But I do believe there is light to be found and witnessed when we can stop. When we can be still. When we can listen. It's there. I have learned to embrace the darkness inside of me and honor the parts of my life that it holds. There is no light without darkness. There is no recognition of great love without loss. It all makes me love. It all makes me love more. Love better, love kinder, love softer, love infinitely. Love is at the center of it all. Love is freedom.
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Hayden J Frederick (they/them) is a Trans choreographer, dancer, and educator based out of Los Angeles. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, they have lived in New York City for the last decade and have been a force in the arts community. They are an ever-evolving creator whose mission is to strengthen human connection using dance as a medium to heal and initiate change. Hayden has been a full-time faculty member at Broadway Dance Center since 2023 teaching weekly open classes, as well as BDC’s Children and Teen Program. They are currently full-time faculty at Movement Lifestyle and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles.
As a choreographer, Hayden has most recently had the privilege of working with Monika Felice Smith choreographing and co- choreographing for Angel Olsen’s album film “Big Time” directed by Kimberly Stuckwisch. They have recently worked on projects with incredible artists such as Sylvan Esso, Sharon Van Etten, Griffin Matthews, Sloppy Jane, and Zelma Stone. Their work has been presented in countless festivals and showcases on reputable stages in both New York and LA at venues such as the Highline Ballroom, Symphony Space, the Salvatore Peridance Capezio Theatre, and Manhattan Movement and Arts Center.
Hayden is a nationally and internationally recognized instructor and educator. They spent extended time in Israel at Nadine Bommer Animato Dance Theater in Rishon Le Zion, the 2017 Movement Dance Festival in Eilat, and MOVE(MEANT) JOURNEY in Krakow, Poland. They were also recently featured in Dance Spirit Magazine in an article entitled "8 Phenomenal Trans and GNC Dancers to Follow" and The New York Times article “Sequins and Soul-Searching...”