LEANA GARDELLA
I'm a New York Based Fight Director and Intimacy Director. I've trained in multiple movement styles to round out my physical vocabulary - including Viewpoints, Lecoq, Filipino Martial Arts, Freestyle Staff Spinning, Action for Film. I hold certifications with the Society of American Fight Directors in all weapons offered and Theatrical Firearms Safety. Details on my Intimacy Training and Qualification are listed in my resume.
I am committed to constantly educating myself as an individual and facilitator. I believe in creating collaborative spaces that allow for discovery and growth. Regardless of the job, I maintain consent-forward practice, and work collaboratively with the actors and director to find story telling through movement that works within each individual's boundaries.
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My work's aim is to make actors feel confident - with choreography that supports and enhances the story - thoughtfully designed for each individual.
"It explores men’s violence against women, ...it does so in a way that feels both dangerous and appropriately safe, provocative without being exploitative. It returns agency to Marie..."
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— excerpt from NYTimes Critic's Pick review of Marie It's Time
Choreography
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TESTIMONIAL
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"Leana Gardella is approachable, knowledgeable, and a consummate professional. In one hour she was able to whip our new recruits into fighting shape - they left our rehearsal with Leana feeling empowered, safe, & highly capable. And the product was as good as the process: despite close quarters, audience members had no clue how the violence had been choreographed! The actors went from being terrified of their weapons to managing them with confidence & grace."
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— Caitlin Wells, Director of Year of the Monkey at The Tank
Contact for Collaboration
