Music in your work plays an important role. Your long-time collaboration with Jason Moran is a testament to it. How do you approach a new music score?

The music becomes part of the work. In the case of Empty Rooms, it was Jason’s contribution to the projected image. I work with the music, with its peculiarities, so it depends on the piece. It’s not about being in time with it. I will work on a new piece with Jason by responding to and improvising with what and how he plays, new visual material with the music. How it inspires my movements and use of imagery.

Your favorite place in New York?

Central Park, but also Washington Square. And the two rivers.

Would you agree that a dance floor is never simply a dance floor?

There are ideal dance floors for dancers. I really enjoy having an unusual floor like a stone, cobblestone, or grass floor. The different surfaces add to the context of the piece.

Will you ever leave NY? And if yes, where would you go?

Maybe Canada.

Joan Jonas and Domenica Bucalo in conversation April 2025, New York