NJPAC - Bravo Program Book

program
All works are world premieres. Program is subject to change.
In the Pocket
Choreographed and performed by Hillary-Marie
In the Pocket transforms the void of silence into a world brimming with music and
movement. Hillary-Marie, playing the role of a trickster with a secret in her pocket,
indelibly weaves together the languages of music and dance as she harnesses the
powerful pulse of rhythmic performance with tap dance, body percussion and other
surprises along the way. Will her tricks catch you? Or will you catch her tricks?
My Quadrennia
Choreography by Sameena Mitta with the performers
Concept and Direction by Sameena Mitta
Music: SlowPitchSound
Performed by Chelsea Hecht, Jasminn Johnson, Stephanie Terasaki,
Mark Willis, Chace Butler and Tessa Slyz (92NY Harkness Dance Center Students),
Raechelle Manalo (Understudy)
Monologue by Jasminn Johnson
Costume Design by Sarah Timberlake
Production Consultant: Haejin Han
With the COVID-19 pandemic raging, the uprisings for racial justice reverberating,
and the nation more politically divided than ever, the events from the week
preceding election day 2020 through inauguration day in 2021 had a profound
effect upon all Americans. Throughout this period, Recanati-Kaplan Scholarship
students at the 92NY Harkness Dance Center and company members from dance
company MeenMoves recorded their reactions to these intensely charged historic
events. These interviews were the source material for an intergenerational dance film
that highlights the excitement, anxiety, mourning, shock and hope this diverse set of
people experienced during one of the most divisive times in recent memory.
My Quadrennia brings this dance film to the stage as a dance-theater work,
intensified by a telling of one family’s historical and current relationship with voting
in the United States. It is a timely reminder of both the importance and fragility of
the most fundamental of democratic institutions.
Special thanks to the 92NY Harkness Dance Center:
Taryn Kaschock Russell, Alison Manning, and Kristina Dominick.
program
Dearest, Don’t
Choreography by Kiana Rosa Fischer
Music: “End of Summer Part 4” by Johan Johansson,
“Seiden Still” by Jacaszek, “Year of Our Lord” by Sufjan Stevens
Performed by Jannah Schwartz and Kiana Rosa Fischer
Visual Art by Leah Rosa
Dearest, Don’t explores the thoughts, desires and confusions of motherhood, as well
as the complexities entailed by such relationships. Utilizing both text and visual art,
Kiana Rosa Fischer seeks to blend a collage of images that can be seen, heard and
felt. Strained relationships, regrets and conflicted desires weigh on the dancers as
they navigate both the history and connectivity of their bodies, memories of the part
and questions of the future.
Being Here is What We are Doing
Choreographed and performed by Katelyn Halpern
This site-specific work is a contemporary performance/status report on the two
intervening years between the original Jersey New Moves performance date on
June 19, 2020 and the present moment. Soloist and choreographer Katelyn Halpern
presents at the growth edge of vulnerability with cupcakes, a raincoat and a
microphone for company. The inspiration is the mother of necessity — in spite of
all that has happened and continues to happen, commitments will be kept and
deliverables informed by what we have learned about presence, grief and the body.
LOVE
Choreographed by Kristilee Maiella
Music: “Rubber Head” by Cliff Martinez, “5115” by Michael Wall,
“Under Pressure” by David Bowie and Queen
Performed by Alexa Agesen, Elysia Carrasca, Kierstyn Edore,
Maddie McGovern, Isabella Porreca, Riley Rienert and Ellie Sharpe
LOVE is a contemporary work combining elements of both concert and commercial
dance — beginning in silence and ending with David Bowie and Queen’s “Under
Pressure.” Costumed in bold prints and bright colors, seven dancers demonstrate
strong technique and artistry as they work together to cultivate an overall emotional,
relatable and entertaining performance. Inspired by song lyrics as well as real life
experiences, LOVE follows a journey from a state of fear into love and questions: How
does choosing love over fear change who we are, how we see the world around us
and how we care about ourselves and others?
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