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DanceNOW at Joe’s Pub

Wonderful evening seeing works by 10 choreographers at the DanceNOW festival at Joe’s Pub today.

Loooove the world premiere of “Glass” by Kate Ladenheim and the People Movers. I interpreted the piece as women breaking the glass ceiling in the corporate world. Four female dancers dressed in white blazers and pants. The choreography began with Bre Short at a desk pushing papers around. We followed her growth, perhaps internal and likely external, to find her voice and confidence. The piece built up to reveal an invigorated and emboldened woman, just as the background music ended with the final lyrics: “I did it my way.”

Also loooove “At This Point” by Christal Brown. Part autobiography but part a casual conversation that I could be having with a dear friend. We learnt about Christal’s life as a mother, a dancer, and mostly recently a professor. Through it all, we learnt about what’s precious in life, what she’s accomplished, what we should let go, and most importantly what really matters at this point in her life (or at any point in our lives)… is that we truly love ourselves.

We were also treated to a powerful solo by Dana Thomas (of Jamal Jackson and Dana Thomas Dance Company), comedy by Gregory Dolbashian/The DASH Ensemble, and many other creative works.

The DanceNOW festival continues tomorrow and Saturday at Joe’s Pub. Go and check out 10 different choreographers each night. Info and tickets at Joe’s Pub.

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… Still We Sit

Battery Dance Festival: Wednesday (Performance 5 of 7)

“It’s time to go, but still we sit, lingering in our summer”

Inspired by a poem by John Fuller, “… Still We Sit” is about the blossoming but intricate relationship between a couple. The choreography comprised mostly of simple movements. Among the synchronized steps, mirrored moves, the longing for each other, and the joy of spending time together, however, moments of dissonance would arise revealing ambivalent emotions in the couple. From initially walking past each other in opposite directions, the couple ended the performance sitting side-by-side, arm-in-arm, finding comfort in each other’s presence. What a lovely story.

“… Still We Sit” by Maxine Steinman & Dancers (2002)
Choreography: Maxine Steinman and Raymundo Costa
Dancers: Maxine Steinman, Columbine Macher
Photography: Jason Chuang

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Flying Days

Just flew for 34 hours with my adorable penguins. Work conference till the end of June. I’m bummed to miss at least six dance performances that I had wanted to see, but will try to write more about the events if I have time.

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CreateNYC

97% of the New Yorkers polled say that arts and culture is important to them.

New York City is developing its first-ever comprehensive cultural plan. CreateNYC is the roadmap on how the city will shape the future of arts and culture. The CreateNYC commission has already held 400+ events and engaged with 188,000 people. It’s soliciting additional public comments, before the plan is finalized in July.

New Yorkers — What does arts and culture mean to you? How does arts and culture impact you? What do you want to see in your city?

Dancers and Choreographers — What issues do you face? As dancers, we are often trained to work hard and persevere. We move through soreness and pain, and never complain. However, speak up about CreateNYC!!! This is our chance to ask for support. Let the city know what you need to create, to perform, to live here, to be paid fairly, and to stay healthy. Let’s ensure New York City, the dance capital of the world, remains an amazing place for dancers for years to come.

Review the current plan.

Take the polls.

Show up at an upcoming event.

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The Whitney

Self care week!

Because my average sleep is dropping below 4.5 hours per night. The High Line. The Whitney. Massage. Friends. Coffee. Desserts. Vegetables… And hopefully some rest soon.

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Dance/NYC Junior Committee

Town Hall with the Dance/NYC Junior Committee. Spent an exciting evening with like-minded young dancers, sharing our experiences and discussing issues in the dance community.

The JComm is currently seeking new members!

Applications are due on May 22. Details at Dance/NYC JComm. Consider applying if you are 21 to 30 years old, interested in professional development and leadership for young dancers, open to having a critical dialogue about the dance community in New York City, and/or want to meet peers who care about advocacy, equity and inclusion. Reach out to the JComm. They want to hear your voices!

p.s. Also met Kim Savarino (a.k.a. Alice of Then She Fell) in person because JComm members also put on the most incredible shows!

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Sunset

When your knees hurt, and so you end up working on the rooftop instead of going to dance classes on a Friday night. #atleastisawthesunset