Red Silk Dance

In October, I photographed the Red Silk Dancers rehearsal and performance for this year’s Chinatown Art’s Week in New York City. Some in the 11-person troupe, which spans ages 28 to 85, are professional dancers, and some aren’t – but all participate for the joy of dancing with each other and with direction of the group’s leader, Margaret, who has been dancing her whole life. The troupe met often in a park nearby during the pandemic, welcoming new members and saying goodbye to those who left the city. Six out of ten joined only this past year. During breaks from rehearsal and while walking to Pier 35, where the performance was held, they told me they found power in practicing these types of Chinese dance, which incorporate tasseled swords and long scarves. In the day I shared with them, these women were warm, funny, and wonderfully generous with their love of dancing and being together.