ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is driven by the stories that define our collective human experiences. I am drawn to engage with the narratives and labels given to us by society, along with the parts of our identities that emerge from our perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.

The work I create is intrinsically multicultural. As a Chinese American, I see myself as a bridge between two countries with rich and complicated histories. My work is rooted in my own ancestral history, our shared stories, and what connects us as a society.

As a cultural leader and Artistic Director of J CHEN PROJECT, I am committed to fighting injustice and promoting solidarity within society. I am motivated to stand up for our shared humanity and act as an agent of change.

Utilizing the body as a political vessel, I grapple with current realities that reflect histories of marginalized and underrepresented communities. How can a dance performance move beyond the stage to ignite change in society, spark conversation within a community, and generate action that disrupts and dismantles hierarchy? How can I use body and sound to connect society and challenge audiences to denounce oppressive systems and current injustices?

I stand against systemic racism and recognize the urgency for drastic change. I support BIPOC individuals across the gender spectrum through diverse, equitable, and inclusive opportunities and consciously practice anti-racism within my organization, J CHEN PROJECT.

Dance is a powerful medium to embrace numerous communities. I seek to engage with not only communities that I belong to but those outside of my current landscape. My deepest inspirations are the connections that bring humanity together and the ways we amplify voices from all sectors of society.

Through my work, I aim to inspire action and foster a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.

- Jessica Chen

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Jessica Chen is an Chinese American dancer, choreographer, and director based in New York City known for creating "visceral ...emotionally charged movements and choreography." - Sarah Draugelis, HuffPost.

Her work celebrates diverse narratives through dynamic contemporary movement. Her credits include choreographing Cabaret at CenterREP (Bay Area's Top 3 Best Dance Productions 2024/Broadway World), Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at GEVA and Syracuse Stage, Spring Awakening at Montclair State University, and Beautiful: A Carole King Musical at Weathervane, and performance works at New York Fashion Week, Lincoln Center, MACY's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the World Expo/Shanghai.

Her work has graced prestigious platforms like New York Fashion Week at MoMA, Lincoln Center, and MACY's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Internationally, she has been featured at the World Expo-USA Pavilion in Shanghai and in a special showcase by Google Arts & Culture. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of J CHEN PROJECT, a 501c3 nonprofit contemporary dance company with a mission to create dance works that emphasize identity, cultural diversity, and belonging. J CHEN PROJECT is thrilled to enjoy an open-ended run of AAPI HEROES in NYC beginning June 2024.

She was a 2023 Bessie Award nominee for Outstanding Choreographer/Creator and a Broadway World Regional Productions Best Choreography Nominee in 2024. She is a 2021 GALLIM Moving Women recipient. Her acclaimed show AAPI HEROES will perform at the Museum of Chinese in America for LNY25. She is thrilled to be the 2025 SDCF Director Fellow working on SUMO at The Public Theater. Jessica is a Proud Member of SDC.

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