Dance

Spring Photos: Reggie Wilson/Fist and Heel Performance Group: Citizen

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On Friday, February 9, 2018 Reggie Wilson/Fist and Heel Performance Group returned to Wesleyan with the Connecticut premiere of Citizen (2016), questioning what it means to belong and what it means to not want to belong. The work was inspired by the histories of iconic African-Americans who faced prevalent contradictions and irony connected to individuality, anonymity, freedom, and dignity in relation to their civic duties. A provocative dialogue emerged through a series of five intricately woven solos layered with haunting footage that suspended time and place.

Photos by Sandy Aldieri of Perceptions Photography. Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Fall Photos: Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion: Dearest Home

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On Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Wesleyan University CFA Theater, Abraham.In.Motion returned to Wesleyan for the Connecticut premiere of Dearest Home (2017), Kyle Abraham’s newest work. Comprised primarily of solos and duets, Dearest Home focuses on love, longing, and loss while showcasing six dancers’ most vulnerable and intimate states of movement. Presented in the round, the audience had the choice to watch the performance with the soundscape playing through headphones, or in silence. The company previously performed the sold-out Connecticut premiere of Pavement at Wesleyan in November 2013.

Photos by Sandy Aldieri of Perceptions Photography. Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Fall Photos: Le Patin Libre: Vertical Influences

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On Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Spurrier-Snyder Rink, Le Patin Libre made their Connecticut debut with Vertical Influences (2014), a double bill which examines themes of leadership, bullying, individualism, and rivalry with the audience seated on the ice during the second half of the performance, up close as the five skaters perform. The Montréal-based company challenges expectations about ice shows, combining the attitude of street dance with the athleticism of competitive skating, all while exploring the choreographic possibilities of the human body gliding on ice.

Photos by Sandy Aldieri of Perceptions Photography. Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Fall Photos: Darpana: Nataraja Vandanam – Love Songs to Shiva

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On Friday, September 29, 2017 as part of the 41st annual Navaratri Festival at Wesleyan, Mallika Sarabhai and three dancers from India’s Darpana Academy of Performing Arts performed Nataraja Vandanam: Love Songs to Shiva, choreographed by Ms. Sarabhai and her mother Mrinalini Sarabhai. In the work, the nayikas (heroines) journey through a wide range of emotions in their joyous, rhythmic celebration of Shiva, one of the principal Hindu deities. Associate Professor of Dance Hari Krishnan engaged in a post-performance discussion with Mallika Sarabhai and the dancers from Darpana.

Photos by Sandy Aldieri of Perceptions Photography. Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

 

 

 

Fall Photos: Main Street Stroll and MASH

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On Saturday, September 9, 2017 A family-friendly celebration of Middletown’s Main Street and the new Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, the Main Street Stroll featured music, street performers, specialty workshops, free admission at Kidcity Children’s Museum, and much more.
Inspired by Fete de la Musique (also known as World Music Day), the sixth annual The MASH festival highlights Wesleyan’s student music scene, with multiple stages on campus featuring everything from a cappella ensembles to student, faculty, and alumni bands.

Photos by Sandy Aldieri of Perceptions Photography. Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Spring Photos: Spring Faculty Dance Concert: Shake

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On Friday, May 5, 2017 at the CFA Theater, Wesleyan Artist in Residence Iddi Saaka and Bates College Associate Professor of Dance Rachel Boggia performed the world premiere of their first choreographed work featuring their shared love of vibratory movement, smooth breath, and cheesy humor; and influences including Ghanaian dance forms, American postmodern dance, fake tap dance, bad jokes, and life experiences.

Photos by Sandy Aldieri of Perceptions Photography. Click here to view the full album on Flickr.

Spring Photos: What Does Dance Know? Liberatory Moves for Social Justice

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On Friday, April 14, 2017 at Wesleyan University Cross Street Dance Studio, the Dance Department’s annual Cynthia Novack Lecture featured a roundtable conversation with Darrell Jones, Diyah Larasati, and Jawolle Willa Jo Zollar, followed by a reception.

Photos by Sandy Aldieri of Perceptions Photography. Click here to view the full album on Flickr.