Shannon Gillen + Guests was the original platform for choreographic projects under Gillen's direction. The committed freelance structure of the group created an environment of research and experimentation in tandem with a constant influx of new information and practices. Each creation called upon a different group of artists endeavoring to enter and remain in the heart of the content being explored. This era, which lasted from 2006-2013 was an essential development period for Gillen's work with commissions at some of New York most prestigious venues and served to establish the support and demand for her choreographic voice. It was also a time when Gillen solidified her commitment to physical risk-taking, narrative exploration, and the importance of deepening the integrity between performer and audience member by introducing acting skill sets to the dancers she collaborated with on each project. 

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////