"Spectrum" was created in December 2018 and continues to develop. Mikaela was inspired to create the work from her life events. She has a cousin on the Autism Spectrum, and in August 2017, she found out her aunt, who cares for her cousin, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. 

"I'll never forget my mom breaking down crying, telling me about the situation, and wondering what would happen to my cousin. After hearing and seeing that, I remember thinking that I could never imagine what my cousin was going through." 

 

The piece explores the idea of how people with Autism react to various situations and view the world around them. It is composed of three solos that depict each level on the Autism Spectrum. Level 1(the blue solo) is the least severe/high functioning level. This solo focuses on a lack of social interaction and eye contact. Level 2 (the yellow solo) is where repetitive behaviors become prominent, and there is noticeable distress when coping with change. Level 3 (the red solo) is the most severe/low functioning level. This solo focuses on sensory overload when dealing with social interaction, repetition, adapting to change, and communication. I chose to do this because after reading/watching many interviews of people living with Autism, they stated that they often get offended when others generalize the disorder when, in reality, its this vast spectrum of different traits. I  wanted to create a piece that did not put a negative outlook on Autism but instead produce a realization for the audience of what it is like to live with the disorder.

 

The music was composed specifically for the piece by Josh Stitt. He created an original melody for the beginning that we both agreed reminded us of an early morning where the birds are chirping, and your coffee is made just right. We wanted everything seems calm and peaceful. As the piece progresses, that original melody is altered and changes to reflect each severity.

 

The work as been performed at the following shows

 

"Fleeting Moments" - Hartford 2019 

KoDaFe Festival 2019 - Ailey Citigroup Theater - NYC 2019

Boston Contemporary Dance Festival - Huntington Theater - 2019

Versatility Dance Festival - Boulder, Colorado 2020

Rioult In-House Artist Concert - NYC - 2020

NUVU Festival - LPAC NYC - 2020