Irene Watson is the artistic director and choreographer for Watson Dance and costume designer based in Orange County, Calif. She has performed internationally with the Disney company. Watson’s choreography has been set on every type of mover from professional to novice, including children, adults and the occasional puppet. Inspired by interactions she observes in the world around her, Watson’s choreography showcases a variety of human emotions whether it be through dramatic modern technique or comedic ballet variations.
Watson’s collection of dance works is vast and varied and has been featured in several venues in Southern California. Watson has showcased her company at the Muckenthaller Cultural Center in Fullerton, the Friends/Family/Dance/Festival in Pasadena, MixMatch Dance Festival in Santa Monica, the OC Market Place in Santa Ana, and Dance Bistro at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach, Spector Choreographer’s Showcase in Marina, the Re-Rite of Spring at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, HH11 Dance Festival in Santa Barbara. Watson’s choreographic goal is to make her pieces something the audience can relate to whether it be absurd or humbling. Without over-analyzing the meaning behind the movement, Watson hopes for the audience to simply respond to the dance they observe. Watson ventures to make the audience notice their initial reactions, whether the movement generates confusion, joy, terror or questions.
