The Chase Brock Experience, ‘Mission: Implausible’ (photo Rosalie O’Conner)
(CHATHAM, N.Y.) – The Chase Brock Experience, Dance Heginbotham, and Parsons Dance are featured artists in the third annual Chatham Dance Festival, a month-long celebration of American dance at PS21’s 100-acre outdoor venue. The festival, which kicks off with performances by RIOULT Dance on Friday and Saturday, August 12 and 13 at 8pm, includes evening dance performances, afternoon children’s programs, dance workshops and discussions.
Founded in 1994, RIOULT Dance NY is a 10-dancer company based in New York City and led by husband-and-wife team Pascal Rioult and Joyce Herring, both former Martha Graham Dance Company principal dancers. The company has a repertoire of over 40 dances and tours both nationally and abroad. In addition, in-school arts education and community outreach have been integral to the company since its inception, introducing students and families to the art of modern dance.
A former track-and-field athlete in France, Rioult came to the United States in 1981 on a fellowship to study modern dance. After performing with the companies of May O’Donnell and Paul Sanasardo, he was invited to join the Martha Graham Dance Company, where he interpreted many of the most prestigious roles in the Graham repertory as a principal dancer.
Since starting his own company in 1994, Rioult has dedicated his energies to developing his own style and nurturing dancers. His works have been commissioned by many prestigious festivals, ballet companies, orchestras, universities and foundations. He is a two-time recipient of the Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography.
The program at PS21 includes three dances.
“On Distant Shores” is based on Euripides’ “Helen.” In this work, Rioult sets out to redeem Helen, imagining she is brought to Troy against her will, where she encounters four god-like warriors and ultimately walks alone as it all fades into a dream.
“Views of the Fleeting World” was inspired by the woodcut prints of the Japanese master Hiroshige. Set to J.S. Bach’s “The Art of Fugue,” this work explores the ephemeral quality of all living things and the eternal cycle of life. Nine short vignettes capture a moment in time and nature, and reflect the depth of emotion that can be found in such elements.
“Bolero” is a bold interpretation of Ravel’s famous musical score. Eight dancers combine perpetual motion and ever-changing patterns to build to a climax.
“We’re delighted with the range and quality of this season’s dance offerings,” said PS21 President Judy Grunberg. “Over the years, it’s been rewarding to watch our audiences deepen their understanding and appreciation of so many forms of contemporary dance. We try to encourage them to stretch a little and go behind what they’re most comfortable with.”
PS21 is located at 2980 Route 66, one mile north of the village of Chatham. Visit ps21chatham.org or call (518) 392-6121 for more information. To order tickets, please visit the website or call (800) 838-3006.
DANCE PERFORMANCES
Riot Dance, ‘Views of the Fleeting World’ (photo Basil Childers)
RIOULT Dance
Friday, August 12, 8:00-10:00 pm
Saturday, August 13, 8:00-10:00 pm
For more than 20 years, RIOULT Dance NY has presented some of the most sensual and articulate modern dances in the world. The company is committed to supporting the creation of works by founder and choreographer Pascal Rioult, a one-time member of Martha Graham’s company. Rioult’s dances have been set to a variety of genres, from masterpieces of classical music to edgy works by contemporary composers to French cabaret.
The program at PS21 includes:
- “On Distant Shores” is based on Euripides’ “Helen” in which Helen of Troy’s reputation is redeemed. Score by Aaron Jay Kernis.
“Views of the Fleeting World” was inspired by the woodcut prints of the Japanese master Hiroshige and set to J.S. Bach’s exploration of fugal counterpoint, “The Art of Fugue.”
“Bolero “is a bold interpretation of Ravel’s musical score – a riveting tour de force.
“…there are few choreographers currently creating who can rival Pascal Rioult for musicality, structure and dramatic nuance.” – Philip Gardner, Oberon’s Grove
Tickets: $35/$30 PS21 members/$18 students
The Chase Brock Experience, ‘The Song That I Sing’ (photo Rosalie O’Conner)
The Chase Brock Experience
Friday, August 19, 8:00-10:00 pm
Saturday, August 20, 8:00-10:00 pm
The Chase Brock Experience is a young, high-energy, and upbeat Brooklyn-based contemporary dance company. Choreographer Chase Brock aims to create a body of work that melds dance performed by a multi-faceted collection of dancers with a strong focus on visual elements, using live music whenever possible.
The program at PS21 includes:
“Splendor We only partially Imagined” premiered in 2015. Broadwayworld.com describe it as “a zen, highly kinetic and colorful piece that shifted from a slower romantic pace to energetic tribal rhythms while finding joy and delight in every movement.”
“Whoa, Nellie!” “has a good time with the wide-ranging pastiche of Nellie McKay’s album ‘Obligatory Villagers’.” – The New Yorker
“Mission Implausible,” which is “set to a witty score by Joshua Rosenblum, suddenly displays Mr. Brock’s talent for stylized showbiz mayhem.” – The New York Times
“The Song That I Sing; or, Meow So Pretty” is a rippling dance to the songs of the New Christy Minstrels. Equal parts Blue Ridge and Brooklyn, this restless, sexy, strummy work employs a dance mash-up of tap, finger-tutting, clogging, hip-hop, square dance, step dance, jumpstyle and jazz.
Tickets: $35/$30 PS21 members/$18 students
Dance Heginbotham, ‘Easy Win’ (photo Amber Star Merkens)
Dance Heginbotham
Friday, August 26, 8:00-9:30 pm
Saturday, August 27, 8:00-9:30 pm
Dance Heginbotham is one of the most adventurous and exciting new companies on the American contemporary dance scene. Founded in 2011, Dance Heginbotham is celebrated for its vibrant athleticism, humor, and theatricality, as well as its commitment to collaboration. After a successful 14-year tenure as a dancer with Mark Morris Dance Group, Artistic Director John Heginbotham founded his own company creating work known for its “tight formal structure and inventive movement, bolstered by a disarming wit and strangeness” (The New Yorker).
The program at PS21 includes:
“Waltz Ending,” a guided tour of Scott Joplin’s beautiful, varied Harmony Club Waltz. A bittersweet solo featuring a chorus of six interrupters.
“Rockefellers,” a charmingly witty duet to music Raymond Scott, Manhattan Research, Inc.;
“Diamond,” a solo dance to music by Darius Milhaud performed live on stage
“Easy Win,” a collaboration between John Heginbotham and jazz pianist and composer Ethan Iverson, inspired by John and Ethan’s shared experiences with formal ballet class.
Tickets: $35/$30 PS21 members/$18 students
“Almah” ; Sarah Braverman, Ian Spring, Elena d’Amario, Geena Pacareu, Omar Roman De Jesus, Eoghan Dillon, Zoey Anderson, Ahmad Simmons / Parsons Dance
Parsons Dance
Friday, September 2, 8:00-10:00 pm
Saturday, September 3, 8:00-10:00 pm
Parsons Dance returns to PS21 with its stunning ensemble work and virtuosic technique. Last summer PS21’s audiences saw “Almah,” Kate Skarpetowksa’s new work, in development during open rehearsals. This year audiences have the opportunity to see the completed work, which has an original score by Ljova and premiered at the Joyce Theater in January 2016. “Almah” explores the connection of an eastern European childhood juxtaposed with the urban folklore of adolescence in NYC. Also on the program will be David Parsons’ “Union” and his stroboscopic masterwork “Caught.”
Students: $40/$35 PS21 members/$20 students
FREE DANCE PERFORMANCES FOR KIDS
Most Friday afternoons in July and August PS21 presents free 45 minute performances especially for kids and their families.
West African Dance & Drum Workshop Performance
Friday, July 29, 1:00-1:45 pm
Now an annual favorite! Choreographer/dancer Jamal Jackson, drummer Frank Malloy IV, and the kids from the dance and drum workshop sweep us up in a high energy display of West African dance from Mali.
RIOULT Dance Workshop Performance
Friday, August 5, 1:00-1:45 pm
RIOULT dancers and workshop participants perform a program of modern dance pieces inspired by the work and style of Pascal Rioult.
DANCE WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS
RIOULT Dance Workshop
Monday, August 1 – Friday, August 5, 8:30am-1:00 pm
For ages 8-14. Participants learn modern dance technique and choreography from the renowned RIOULT Dance Company of New York City. As part of the daily activities kids take a cooking class in which they make their own lunches using local food. The workshop culminates in a performance on the PS21 stage. This workshop is made possible in part with a grant from the Hudson Valley Foundation for Youth Health.
Fee: $200/PS21 member $180
Parsons Dance Classes with the Company
Tuesday, August 30, 1:00 pm-2:30pm
Wednesday, August 31, 10am-11:30am
Thursday, September 1, 10am-11:30am
An opportunity to take a series of classes with members of the acclaimed Parsons Dance Company! Workshops are designed for students of all levels ages 13 to 18. Participants learn the Parsons style of movement through fun combinations set to popular music.
Fee: 3 class package $30/1class $15
A WORKSHOP FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Everybody Dance! with Dance Heginbotham!
Saturday, August 27, 10:00 am-11:30 am
An inter-generational dance class for all ages and abilities in which students have the opportunity to learn Dance Heginbotham repertory led by members of the company. This is a fun chance for the whole family to dance and move together. The company is performing at PS21 August 26 and 27.
Suggested donation: $10
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Choreographer Chase Brock talks about making dance at the Chatham Public Library
Saturday, August 20, 3:30 pm
Chase Brock works in every genre from Broadway (Spiderman Turn Off the Dark; Picnic) to ballet to video games to modern dance. New York Magazine praised his ability to “mix a witty Broadway sensibility with rock-and-roll zest.” Admission is free.
Program co-sponsored by Chatham Public Library
Program held at Chatham Public Library, 11 Woodbridge Ave, Chatham, NY