(CHATHAM, N.Y.) – Parsons Dance Company previews EK90, a newly commissioned dance work celebrating artist Ellsworth Kelly’s 90th birthday, at PS21 on Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31, 2013, at 8pm. The program also includes Nascimento Novo, Brothers, Ebben, and Caught. These two special evening performances bring down the curtain on the PS21 2013 season under the tent at 2980 Route 66 in the town of Chatham.

“We always look forward to coming to Chatham and we are particularly looking forward to sharing our new piece,” said David Parsons. The new piece, EK90, was commissioned by Jack Shear to celebrate Ellsworth Kelly’s 90th birthday. “Our special friends in Chatham will be able to enjoy a preview performance before the piece tours in the fall and lands at the Joyce Theater as the highlight of our 2014 season.”

David Parsons has enjoyed a remarkable career as dance performer, choreographer, teacher, director and producer, and is considered one of modern dance’s great living dance-makers. He was a leading dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company from 1978–87, and in 1985 he founded Parsons Dance with lighting designer Howell Binkley. As artistic director, Parsons has created more than 80 works for the company, given more than 1,500 performances and participated in many educational and community outreach residency activities.

This is the eighth consecutive season that Parsons Dance will begin its season in PS21‘s bucolic Columbia County home. “It is such a wonderful place for us to start the season every year,” said Parsons. “To be able to rehearse and live together in this way for a week is a special thing. And of course, there is nothing like Blue Plate meatloaf!”

Parsons Dance will perform Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31 at 8:00 pm. Admission is $40 general admission, $35 members and $25 students. For information or to order tickets, call 518.392.6121 or visit PS21. Tickets will also be available at the door until the show sells out.

In addition to the two evening performances, Parsons Dance will hold a Master class for experienced dancers Saturday, August 31, from 11am to 12:30pm. This workshop will focus on the contemporary style and movement of Parsons Dance and will be taught by a company member. Tickets for the master class are $20 general admission and $15 members. For information or to order tickets, please call 518.392.6121 or visit PS21.