Meet Danielle Agami of Ate 9 in East

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Agami.

Danielle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was only 26 when I arrived in New York City with a tremendous passion to create new work and challenge the culture of dance in the U.S. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a very busy personal and professional journey.

Soon after landing in NYC, I wanted to break free from the conservative grip that the east coast had on dance, and so in 2012, I moved to the Northwest where the dance community made me happier and gave me more space for experimentation. It was here where I formed my dance company, Ate9. In 2013, I made the move to Los Angeles and I committed to a consistent practice and performance routine. Over the next few years, I invited every venue, any collaborator, and students of all training backgrounds to add value to Ate9 as it continued to evolve.

Since then, I’ve created eight complete works and the company has performed at a variety of major theaters and arts institutions in town, including the LA Philharmonic, The Wallis, Beverly Hills, California Institute for the Arts, CAP UCLA, The Music Center, Loyola Marymount University, and The Industry Opera. I have also shared my work at amazing venues nationally and internationally including Jacob’s Pillow and The English National Opera. I remain passionate about what I do and I’m grateful to be able to invite a new generation of dancers and artists to flourish under the roof of Ate9. Our goal is to reach out to artists of all disciplines — actors, directors, musicians – and create campaigns that can educate a wide range of audiences about dance and how it can change your world perspective.

As a non-profit organization, our Board of Directors has always acted as a massive force in my journey. Today, with Catharine Soros as our Board Chair, we keep pushing the envelope — leading the company to greater visibility and making Ate9 a critical arts influencer in LA. In the next few years, we have exciting plans to expand the organization and open our doors to new influencers from the fashion industry and beyond, and activate a larger-scale outreach program with key community leaders. The reformed Ate9 – which will specialize in dance for camera, live performance, and site-specific work alike – hopes to bring the arts to more people everywhere.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have a saying that relationships are never shy from a storm. Humans are a hard nut to crack — some more than others. I have grown from the challenge of opening people up to new possibilities or learning when it’s time to let go. It’s truly a fascinating process and part of my ongoing education. The true challenge of living in a city that is addicted to comfort is convincing people to embrace their struggles and work through them. I am happy that for the most part, dancers have the gift of handling challenges very well… we can teach others about dedication, hard work, and commitment and human expression through movement.

Ate 9 – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We make raw performance art from special ingredients: love and discipline. We pursue the love for discipline and the discipline of love. Ate 9 is known for our high-quality original productions that capture the energy and passion of dance through unexpected movements that express universal emotions. Our powerful performances, often with world-class artistic collaborators, elicit emotional and intellectual responses from our audiences, allowing them to peer deep inside their soul and think about their place in the universe. We are memorable and the integrity of our work keeps audiences returning for more!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Seeing people around me experiencing a meaningful moment is success for me. Having students and audiences reconsider their ways is the feedback that helps me change as well. Change is the success I care for.

Contact Info:

• Website: ate9online.com
• Instagram: ate9_dance
• Facebook: @agami.Ate9

Image Credit:
Photos by Cheryl Mann

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