She is also a visionary dedicated and committed to bringing innovative, leading-edge artists to South Florida. Since the founding of Tigertail Productions, Executive Director Mary Luft has not wavered from this mission. Although the work she brings to Miami is not “commercial,” the artistic valuethis work generates for the community is massive.

Throughout the years, Luft and Tigertail have opened doors to work that mirrors the current political climate and challenges the status quo. From the current gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ) civil rights movement to opening doors for mixed-ability dancers, Luft uses the stage as a platform for dialogue and the possibility of social transformation. It is here that the marginalized are center stage, where they can be seen and heard.

Yes, Luft will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Miami Beach Arts Gala next month, an honor that will duly recognize her work throughout the years. However, Luft doesn’t intend to walk off into the sunset and disappear. Evidence: While I was conducting this interview, Luft was shuttling between shows in New York, where she was previewing possible work for the 2012—2013 season.

Neil de la Flor: “Expect the unexpected” is the motto for Tigertail’s 2012 season. So, what can we expect to be unexpected by?

Mary Luft: Almost all of the artists that Tigertail brings are “unexpected.” Our audience expects us to bring the unexpected. We challenge ourselves to do the same. In the area of blues, in recent years, Tigertail made a commitment to bringing blues artists who have contributed to the field — first voices. In general, Tigertail is not interested in re-interpretations by others. We are interested in “live” work by the legends who have formed the body of work. Many great blues artists come to South Florida, but not many are those who created the “sound” of the blues.

ND: What was it like getting the 2012 season together? Give us a sense of your selection process and aesthetic philosophy?

ML: I have a large mental grab bag of artists I want to bring and a hard copy file called “possible future artists.” I see work live and follow The New York Times avidly. Friends and fellow artists toss interesting work my way, as well. It is a balancing act each year. Who is available? Are they available for the dates I have contracted with theaters? How can Tigertail support their work? Is it possible? These are questions I ask each year. Because, in Miami, we have so few well-run, well-equipped theaters in the 300-750 size range that are affordable, it is often if the artist can make the date already contracted. It is crazy, but we usually book the theater before we contract the artist. I am interested in artists who are not commercial, not mainstream, who have done solid work, developed their own voice and are excellent within their discipline. An international focus is important, as well. Miami is a gateway to the world, so Tigertail feels we need to help keep the door open. We are interested in artists who are part of current thinking, and what we present reflects this.

ND: Choreographer/performer Wally Cardona will perform during Tigertail’s 2012 season on Jan. 21. What is it about his work that inspired you to bring him to South Florida?

ML: I loved what Wally Cardona presented for Florida Dance Association’s WinterFest in 2010. He is a charismatic thinker and beautiful mover, whose work challenges the norm. I just saw the rehearsal of “Tool Is Loot” in N.Y.C. last week. His work runs in the vein of Tere O’Connor, Donna Uchizono, Candoco, Quasar, Susan Marshall, Jess Curtis — all dance artists Tigertail presented in recent years.

ND: Lenelle Moïse, the poet, actress and playwright known for her work about gender and sexuality, will return for workshops and a performance for the “SpeakOut” series, Tigertail’s Gay & Lesbian Teen Spoken Word Project. What motivated you to develop this project to reach out to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth in South Florida?

ML: Lenelle Moïse is pure magic, a joyful powerful woman that we simply had to bring back. Tigertail sees both integrated/mixed-ability dance work (for the able and non-able) and the support of artists for SpeakOut and our LGBTQ teen project as supporting work we consider to be on the forefront of the current civil rights agenda. We believe the world stage belongs to all artists of excellence — period. We have made a commitment to bringing stimulating, challenging artists in integrated dance work and LGBTQ artists for our SpeakOut project. It is part of our “expected/unexpected” viewpoint.

ND: This year you’re being honored at the Miami Beach Arts Gala and will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. In your opinion, what is your proudest moment since starting Tigertail?

ML: I am honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. However, there is no “proudest moment” because I see the entire experience of presenting for 32 years as something I am proud of. I truly believe each of us stands on the shoulders of those who come before us. Tigertail would not exist without the multitude of those who have been a part of our history, present and past.

ND: Finally, what is in the future for you and Tigertail?

ML: For now, I am here and do not have an exit date. There are many incredible individuals who can lead Tigertail into the future beyond my time. It will be different, but that is part of what is the great “expected/unexpected.”

View Tigertail’s 32nd season event calendar for details on all future events at http://www.tigertail.org/events.html. Tigertail’s Executive Director Luft will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 Miami Beach Arts Gala, on Saturday, Oct. 22. Proceeds to the gala help the Miami Beach Arts Trust award grants to many deserving cultural arts organization. For tickets, visit http://www.miamibeachartsgala.com/. And don’t miss Tigertail’s season kick-off party Oct. 4th at the Wynwood Walls.