Reflections on "Through the Outside Room"

Dancing at Chesterwood evokes a nostalgia for a simpler, beautiful time of wonder and imagination. The various trails and gardens form “outside rooms,” as the sculptor and founder of Chesterwood Daniel Chester French, called them. These “outside rooms,” all tucked away in various corners of the grounds, each have a unique identity that today’s wanderer can experience through the lens of their own ideals.

Choreographed in 2023, “Through the Outside Room,” takes both the dancers and the audience members on a journey exactly as the title implies…through the outside room. “Through the Outside Room” was part of an evening of site-specific dance works inspired by historic photographs from Chesterwood and choreographed by various choreographers from Berkshire Pulse. Inspired by the historical photographs of two women in the Outside Room at Chesterwood, in one photo holding each other as they walk down the path and in another standing alone, this duet explores the intertwining of space created and held by two people. 

The site-specific nature of our location, with three benches and a trail connecting them was both a limiting boundary and generative force for artistic creation. The choreography utilized the benches and trails in various choreographic pathways to create depth in our outdoor stage. 

Costuming was a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of the 1920s-1930s with shortened hemlines, pleated skirts, and lace. The peach color of the dresses was a bright contrast to the lush green forest garden in which we danced.

Our music was a juxtaposition as it was Vivaldi’s “Winter II,” recomposed by Max Richter and “Dona Nobis Pacem 2,” also by Max Richter.

“Through the Outside Room” offers a glimpse into another time where we can imagine the intertwining of two individuals' stories and the spaces they created.

"Through the Outside Room" choreographed by Fiona Scruggs. Photography by Eric Limon.