Freeing feminine identity from fairy-tale trappings

Two Dorchester women are featured performers in a new production of the choreographer Kristin Wagner’s “For You, I Dream of Me,” a show that explores the darker side of fairy tales and feminine identity. Gabriela M. Amy-Moreno and Carmen Rizzo will take the stage alongside seven other dancers for two shows this weekend at the Jean McDonough Arts Center in Worcester.

Amy-Moreno, 26, comes from a family of dancers. Her father and two brothers are Flamenco dancers. “I was born and raised here in Dorchester,” she said. “I’ve been in the same house my whole life and I don’t plan on leaving it.”

She added, “I come from a Latino Hispanic heritage. Growing up, I’ve been surrounded by my neighbors, who are from Puerto Rico or Cape Verde, and we all understand each other.”

Amy-Moreno is most passionate about contemporary dance. She began her training at West Roxbury School of Dance and the Boston Arts Academy and continued with it in college, earned a bachelor in fine arts (contemporary dance) at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Since graduating, she has been a guest dancer for Rachel Linksy and has danced professionally with the Boston Dance Theatre. She is now a freelance looking to connect with the Boston dance community and get work in local events.

Rizzo, also 26, is originally from São Paulo, Brazil where she danced for eight years in a professional training program at Escola de Danca. She then went on to graduate from Manhattanville College with a double degree in dance and theatre. Currently a freelance dancer, She moved to Dorchester this fall. 

“I am in both ensembles and I’m doing a duet with Gabi,” said Rizzo. “We’re both representing both sides of the goddess Kali. She’s this goddess who represents loving and caring motherhood but is also this fierce warrior.” 

To prepare for their duet, as well as the ensembles inspired by Machado’s “The Husband Stitch” and “Real Women Have Bodies,” Amy-Moreno and Rizzo had to work their minds before their bodies.

“We would read the tale, reflect on it and improvise to explore what we had just read and then share with each other,” said Amy-Moreno. 
“After discussing the ideas and topics, we then go into movement,” added Rizzo. “Sometimes Kristin would come with movement ready and sometimes we would generate material ourselves. Today we finished everything, and it all comes together so nicely. It’s one big storyline, even though there are multiple stories within it.” 

Both women find joy in their performances. Even after experiencing Brazil and New York City, Rizzo thinks the dance community in Boston is special. “There’s so much potential in Boston and in the area in general; there are so many talented, smart, and extremely, extremely professional dancers out here.”

“For You, I Dream of Me” will be staged on Friday, Dec. 15, and Sat., Dec. 16. The performances start at 8 p.m. in Worcester in the Jean McDonough Arts Center’s BrickBox Theatre. Tickets range from $19 to $33 and are available online at  tickets.thehanovertheatre.org/brickbox  or by phone at 877-571-SHOW.