Parsons Dance to Perform New Works at PS21

A scene from 'Swing Shift' by Parsons Dance

(CHATHAM, N.Y.) – Parsons Dance returns to PS21: Performance Spaces for the 21st Century for the seventh consecutive season on Friday and Saturday, August 31 and September 1, 2012, at 8pm, with performances to include two new works: Round My World and A Stray’s Lullaby, as well as several others. A Master Dance Class Workshop will be held on Saturday, August 31.

Both Round My World and A Stray’s Lullaby premiered in January of this year at the Joyce in New York City, one of the country’s premiere performance venues for dance.

Following the premiere of Round My World, company founder and choreographer David Parsons explained its meaning by saying, “It was really just about the shape of the circle and the world. It was really simple in its concept but I think it really touched people… There is really just something about the connectedness of the world now… Just two generations ago people would stay in their own situation, but now with the global communication, it’s all changed.”

A Stray’s Lullaby is a collaborative work of choreographer Katarzyna Skarpetowska and composer Kenji Bunch, whose working relationship dates back to their years at the Juilliard School. A Stray’s Lullaby is an intimate work set for four dancers who portray down and out characters on the margin of society. Their journey is a personal one and presented without comment, yet it is clear they are on a quest for salvation. Their stories are the rich and wise examples of our own vulnerable natures. The piece offers no clear solution; it only opens a window on the way we face our private demons and how we strive to improve our human condition.

A scene from 'Caught' by Parsons Dance (photo B. Docktor)

The program will also include an excerpt of Step Into My Dream, making its PS21 debut. The work is dedicated to the honor and memory of jazz educator and legend Dr. Billy Taylor, a great artist and friend of David Parsons. Rounding out the program will be Kind of Blue, Caught, and Swing Shift.

Parsons Dance Master Class will take place on Saturday, August 31 from 11am to 12:30 pm. This workshop, taught by a company member, is for experienced dancers and will focus on the contemporary style and movement of Parsons Dance.

Parsons Dance just completed its most successful season ever: two weeks at the Joyce Theater in New York City with six sold out performances, international touring to Brazil, Chile and Italy, and extensive national tours.

David Parsons has enjoyed a remarkable career as dance performer, choreographer, teacher, director and producer. Born in Chicago and raised in Kansas City, he was a leading dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company from 1978–87. In 1985, he founded Parsons Dance with lighting designer Howell Binkley. As artistic director, Parsons has created more than 70 works for the company, given more than 1,500 performances, and participated in many educational and community outreach residency activities.

Parsons Dance will perform Friday and Saturday, August 31 and September 1 at 8pm. Admission is $40 general admission, $35 members and $25 students. For information or to order tickets, please call 518.392.6121 or visit ps21chatham.org. Tickets will also be available at the door until the show sells out.

This project has been supported by a grant from the Fund for Columbia County, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, as well as a grant from the Hudson River Bank and Trust Company Foundation.

PS21 is a not-for-profit organization located at 2980 Route 66 in Chatham, N.Y. PS21 is dedicated to the performing arts and to serving a diverse community with concerts, programs and residencies by professional artists and ensembles, youth and children’s programming and cultural education opportunities for all ages.

 

 

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