Movement of Mind and Body

Central Arkansas Dancers Combining Passion & Rhythm 

Savannah (left) and Ryann (right)

Ryann Dowlearn and Savannah Davis have over 24 years of experience in dance between them. With both of them holding a Bachelors of Fine Arts in dance and a Bachelors of Art in dance performance respectively, it’s obvious that the art form is not just a pastime but a way of life for these budding professionals. Both women are now Little Rock citizens who are hoping to open doors not only for themselves but for other dancers in the Central Arkansas area. For their involvement in the upcoming Loom event, they have both created and will be performing original pieces. Here’s some more about them:

Ryann

Born in Little Rock, Ryann has been moving her body to the beat of a different drum since she was 2 years old. She has always found inspiration in the weird, performances that twist the mind and encourage viewers to think critically about what they’ve just seen. When asked about what dance means to her, Ryann had this to say; “Dance is about having permission to take up space.” It is an outlet that allows her to feel a sense of belonging in a crowded room – so to speak. Her love for the artform has allowed her to grow as a person, reaching new heights with every performance. 

For her part in the upcoming Loom event, she has choreographed a dance titled Enmeshment. This piece intends to touch on subject that is all too familiar to many of us – that toxic relationship that you just can’t escape. The dance will be performed by fellow dancer Savannah Davis and her duet partner Addison Dowlearn. She hopes that viewers will  take away from this piece that it is okay to walk away from the broken pieces and start again. It promises to be a piece that will tug on heartstrings and hopefully change perspectives. 

Ryann currently works as a social worker and is hoping to complete her masters degree. With this newly earned degree, she wants to begin work as a dance therapist. “I think being in your body is a really big part of the therapeutic experience,” says Ryann. In addition to this, she has a goal of creating a dance film, similar to one she created in college. She encourages others to never lose their love and passion for the art form, even if it is hard work. 

Savannah

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Savannah began training as a dancer at 13. She shares Ryann’s passion for the weird and unusual but has a special place in her heart for hip-hop and modern dance. For her, dancing means a release of pent-up energy and pushing your body to limits you didn’t even know you could reach. She has always valued dance as a means of connection stating; “I loved the creating of a community together, building those relationships and helping each other grow.” 

She will be performing in Ryann’s piece as well as doing a solo performance entitled When the Weather isn’t Rain. In the topsy-turvy, media drenched world we live in currently, it can be hard to keep your head on straight – which is exactly what Savannah’s piece is about. Savannah hopes that people will see that though there are anxieties, bills, and work to be done – there is also love, life and moments of joy. When the Weather isn’t Rain is meant to show you that life is not always serious, and that we should be ready to embrace every part of the journey. 

Savannah hopes to continue finding spaces to express her exceptional mind in other creative spaces in the future. She also hopes to see other opportunities to support the dance community. She advises other dancers to continue connecting with each other and keep the community alive. “The art is there but the community is only as big as we let it be.”