“Wake” is a dance film project that serves as both a mourning and a celebration created by Rethink Dance & Chamber Six Media. This artistic story-telling dance film was designed to capture an extension of the subconscious by using movement and nature as the fundamental elements. The audience will experience beautiful duets between the dancers and the Earth and ultimately to find their own inner peace.

A mourning / a celebration


Shot in picturesque farmlands outside Ashby, Minnesota and wading into serene summer waters of Battle Lake, the film creates a back-and-forth conversation between dance and the natural world.

A collaboration between Haylee Thompson of Rethink Dance and choreographer David Triptow was captured by the Chamber Six Media crew, an independent film collective.

“The choreography at first was kind of almost free-form and we slowly created a rhythm to it. I had to listen to it and things just kind of fit in pockets and I kept on re-tweaking, tightening up little by little until it just kind of fit like a glove,” Triptow explains about the process.

“Throughout this dance piece, there’s a journey of trying to let go of the past and coming to a point of surrender,” Triptow says.

Our team continues to collaborate on projects and is actively sharing WAKE with the world through festival submissions and showings.

We hope this film ignites you to begin an open dialogue to societal issues and helps you discover your purpose. 

the Journey

Press

David Triptow (he/him) is a NYC based Performing Artist, Teacher, Yogi, and Entrepreneur. He has performed and travelled all around The United States, Canada and Europe. David began Performing at Trollwood Performing Arts School in Fargo, ND and went to Millikin University, majoring in Music Education and minoring in Dance. Triptow is highly influenced by the Modern and Contemporary Dance Techniques, Spirituality and Philosophy, and the musical styles ranging from Joni Mitchell to The 1975, Ella Fitzgerald to Yola, Haydn to Olafur Arnalds; just to name a few. His brother, Jason Spencer, was influential to his Creative Spirit and Individuality at an early years. Triptow is the youngest of 7 children.

David Triptow

Haylee Anne is a dance enthusiast from Willmar, Minnesota. Haylee studied Dance Education at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. This experience inspired her to bring back her knowledge in teaching dance to all ages and abilities to the Fargo-Moorhead area. 

 As a leader, Haylee encourages people around her to pursue their passions and be exactly who they were created to be. Her positivity and authenticity inspires others to reach their highest potential. Her portfolio includes experience in non-profit organizations, program development, choreography, dance education, and more. 

​In 2010, Haylee had a vision of creating "Rethink Dance" which would "change the direction of dance in our world" and later become known to help "challenge people to discover their shared humanity." She believes that through movement and motivation we can increase quality of life across the globe. In 2018, she launched "Rethink Dance Film Festival." It was then that she realized how her vision was so much more than she could have imagined. She is excited to continue to share her love for the art of dance with the world and continue to provide a platform for artist to share their work.

Haylee anne

Oscar De Leon is a Mexican-American filmmaker based out of Fargo, ND. He often operates under his artist name, “Guero,” which roughly translates to “white boy”, a nickname he grew up with. De Leon has been working independently since the age of 18, eschewing film school to pursue his passions. He has since gone on to write, direct, and edit award-winning short films and documentaries.

 As an artist, De Leon changes styles depending on the subject he’s working on. His portfolio includes a vast array of work ranging from personal music projects, podcasts, commercial writing, and screenplays.

 In 2014, he and Kevin Ackley created Chamber Six Media, a media group doing both commercial and artistic work that serves as a form of expression for both artists. Together they have had success as independent filmmakers with their work being accepted into international film festivals.

www.oscardeleonjr.com
chambersixmedia.com

Oscar De Leon

the Collaborators

David Triptow

It really allowed us to go with the flow especially since we filmed in an 8 hour day. Between the green foliage of the forest, the stunning golden hour and the sunset on the water this dance film will definitely make you feel one with nature, and how through the art of film we are able to capture some beautiful duets between the dancers and the Earth.

Being out in nature and surrendering to the elements and natural beauty really made this process one of kind. 

Kennedy Brown

In the midst of all of the crazy events going on in the world, shooting this film allowed all of us to get creative and use the resources we had to share a piece that i think we are all able to relate to. it was overall such a positive experience and i loved being able to convey a story through dancing!

There is something so magical about dancing outside, especially when you are surrounded by such passionate people. 

Ellia Dalzell

At each shoot location, there was a new aspect to discover and implement into the emotion and overall message of the piece. Having the ability to create with other artists in the external environment allows for a whole new experience in your work!

This was the first film I have ever been a part of as a dancer. Being able to dance in nature adds an entirely new element to the art of dance. 

Oscar DeLeon

Film is naturally an extension of the subconscious and dance is a fundamental element of our the way we, as creatures, express ourselves. When both meet, it’s a beautiful marriage. I’m not only excited to premiere a film there, I’m anxious to see how everyone else in the world is interpreting the dreams in their heads and the movement in their hearts.

As a filmmaker and visual artist, it’s my job to not only capture moving motion but to make sure it represents something unattainable, ephemeral, Dream-like. 

Ethan Mickelson

Dance transcends a single performer, pulling the audience in and lifting them in a wake of movement.

Step by step, choreography offers a road map out of a deep digital forest. 

Ana Claire Rue

I learned so much and loved working with these wonderful people in a beautiful place. Thank you to Haylee, David, and Chamber6Media for making it all happen.

I am so thankful that I got to be a part of this project.

Haylee Thompson

I am so proud of each and every person involved and am forever grateful for the support we have received.

From start to finish this project has come together in the most organic and natural way.