Week #5: MorrisonDance & Alpha (Double Bill)

June 01, 2017 - June 03, 2017

7:00pm, Thu/Fri/Sat, James Levin Theatre

$12-30

Each year, Cleveland Public Theatre welcomes the opportunity to showcase Northeast Ohio’s contemporary dance companies as they premiere new work and revive celebrated performances. Nine dance companies including guest artists take the stage in this acclaimed series. DanceWorks Week 5 features work created by MorrisonDance and Alpha.

Company bios and show descriptions are below.

The newly-renovated James Levin Theatre is fully ADA compliant featuring a patron elevator and an all gender, wheelchair accessible restroom.


DOUBLE BILL WEEKEND

 

MorrisonDance

In the Space of Dreams: Asleep and Awake

Using their signature mash-up of movement styles, MorrisonDance explores a powerful part of the human experience – dreams. Featuring live music composed by Braden Pontoli, the company examines the surreal visions, sensations and thoughts produced in R.E.M. sleep and the immeasurable aspirations we accomplish when we commit ourselves unwaveringly.

Choreographed & Directed by Sarah Morrison

Live music composition by Braden Pontoli

Performed by Amanda Clark, MaryPat Dorr, Jenni Hankey, David Lenahan, Marco Ruiz and Dana Wasielewski

Since 1997, MorrisonDance has integrated the art of movement within cross-disciplinary collaborations, continuously challenging the traditional understanding of dance. The small non-profit dance company gets its unique strength from performers trained in a variety of movement arts willing to stretch their abilities through presentations in alternative venues and through experimental presentations combining nature, technology and other artistic disciplines. MorrisonDance works to create viscerally aesthetic presentations, and has developed unique creative partnerships with organizations such as BrainMaster and NASA, allowing them to explore new marriages between art and science. Honored by the ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG foundation, MorrisonDance was granted 3 years of support through the anonymously nominated and unsolicited SEED grant in honor of their work with the community. This is no ordinary dance company.

The mission of MorrisonDance is to inspire and cultivate public awareness of the art of dance through performances and cross-disciplinary collaborations. To provide, promote and participate in educational and outreach programs that increase the awareness of dance and that encourage community cultural and artistic endeavors; to research and develop integrated and cross-disciplinary teaching and presentation methods for dance; and to create opportunities for artists and performers of various media, augmenting the accessibility of dance as a performing art. morrisondance.com

Vimeo | vimeo.com/MorrisonDance
Facebook | facebook.com/MorrisonDance
Sound Cloud | soundcloud.com/braden-joseph-3


                     

Alpha

Behind the Next Door

In this new work, Alpha journeys through the freshly opened doors of three individuals and their experience of peeking behind the ones left closed. Behind the Next Door investigates the “what if?,” the “what could have been or could be?” and how these musings can hinder us from taking that leap of faith in a new direction.

Choreographed & Performed by Gemma Freitas-Bender, Blake Krapels and Michael Marquez

The artists of Alpha were part of The Juilliard School Class of 2015. During their time together they collaborated on many independent projects, as well as performed works by world renowned choreographers. The intimate setting of the school allowed them to be involved in each other’s works, as well as support one another in various pursuits. Aside from being colleagues, the three are also great friends.

Independently and together, these three are professional dancers who have performed and are performing for companies such as GroundWorks Dance Theatre, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, The Metropolitan Opera and Emery Lecrone Dance. As alumni of The Juilliard School, Springboard Danse Montreal, Cedar Lake and Netherlands Dans Theatre summer intensives, they had the opportunity to dance in new works by Monica Bill Barnes, Emery Lecrone, Darrell Grand Moultrie and Larry Keigwin. Past performances have included repertoire by acclaimed choreographers of the modern dance world including Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and Jose Limon. As well as works by contemporary luminaries such as William Forsythe, Crystal Pite, Aszure Barton, Adonis Foniadakis and Barak Marshall.

Facebook | facebook.com/alphadance2017