Harvard grad student brings original ballet onstage
“Vanity Lane” was a personal journey for La’Toya Princess Jackson ’19. Jackson, a dramatic arts concentrator and A.L.M. candidate at the Extension School and vice chair for communications of the Harvard Graduate Council, showcased excerpts from her original ballet for DanceFest at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Harvard Arts First Festival in April. Working alongside seven other dancers, both students and up-and-coming local artists, Jackson premiered “Vanity Lane” at the Science Center Plaza. Jackson created “Vanity Lane” in collaboration with Boston musicians Jared Hettrick and Gordon Williams. The ballet features a blend of classical and contemporary movements, set to cutting-edge electronic music with retro, ’80s influence. Jackson worked closely with Boston dancer and educator Erin McNulty and one of Harvard College’s emerging choreographers, Margaret Canady ’20, to compose parts of the solo performance. “The artistic inspiration came from an emotional place that most everyone can relate to,” Canady said. “The piece starts off...